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Highland Weddings #2
Highland Vixen
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. Highland Spitfire (Book 1) Highland Vixen (Book 2) Highland Hellion (Book 3) Highland Flame (Book 4) Between a Highland and a Hard Place (Book 5) Wicked Highland Ways (Book 6)
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 7, 2017
222 people are currently reading
1114 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 From corsets and knickers to court dresses of Elizabeth I, the most expensive clothes she owns are hundreds of years out of date.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 From corsets and knickers to court dresses of Elizabeth I, the most expensive clothes she owns are hundreds of years out of date.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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February 6, 2017
GIVEAWAY: win a copy of Highland Spitfire and Highland Vixen!
I love this series! I hope there will be more novels to come. Marcus and Helen's story did not disappoint. =)
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Highland Vixen by Mary Wine
Book Two of the Highland Weddings series
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publication Date: February 7, 2017
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley
***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***
Summary (from Goodreads):
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...
What I Liked:
Highland Spitfire was one of my favorite adult romance novels of 2016. I read it around this time last year, and I loved it. At the time, there was no clear indication as to if there would be a book (or books) to follow, but one thing was clear: I really wanted Marcus and Helen's story. With those two always spoiling for a fight, I knew their romance would be great. I'm so thankful for the author and publisher for allowing Marcus and Helen's story to be told, because I was not disappointed!
In Highland Spitfire, we meet Marcus, the War Chief of the MacPherson clan, bastard son of the MacPherson chief, and brother of Bhaic MacPherson (hero of Highland Spitfire). A year ago, Marcus took Helen Grant from her home. She has been living at MacPherson castle, against her will, ever since. She hasn't been mistreated, and she doesn't even know the real reason Marcus took her. But one thing is for sure - she is no longer going to sit around and wait for the MacPherson chief to declare her marriage to a MacPherson man. She and Brenda Grant escape, and head to court... only to be followed by Marcus. A tricky situation leaves Helen no choice but to marry Marcus with haste, in order to save his life. Now wed, Helen is Marcus's bride. He has been smitten by her for many months, but he won't force her in any way. But the marriage must be consummated, or the Earl of Morton will exact his revenge on the MacPherson clan by marrying away Helen. But Helen has always proven to be a willful vixen, and she'll challenge Marcus at every turn.
Marcus and Helen are so perfect for each other. In Highland Spitfire, we get small snippets of scenes of them circling each other with tempers rising, but nothing more. Helen is a captive in the MacPherson castle, and while her life isn't terrible by any means, she definitely would like to leave. But Marcus won't have that. Not only is she is prize of war (though believe me, his reasons for taking her are really noble), he becomes smitten by her. The opening scene of this book is her leaving the MacPherson holdings - imagine Marcus's surprise!
I love their back-and-forth dynamic. Marcus is a hardened War Chief with a wicked and teasing side. No one every gets to see his softer, more personal side. Helen is spirited and fiery, and is not the biddable miss that the Scottish expect of their women. Together, between them, there are a lot of clashes and tug-of-war. There is so much banter in this book.
And a lot of sexual frustration too. Talk about tension! The pair are quite attracted to each other (though Helen does want to admit that). The physical chemistry practically rolls off these two. It's really too bad that the author only has two sex scenes in the book, and they are crammed in towards the end. There are plenty of interruptions and beginnings of something happening. But Marcus, being the good man that he is, would never force Helen, and that leads to basically only a few steamy scenes and those scenes only being at the end. Still, the author did a great job of cooking up the tension.
This book wasn't just about Marcus trying to win over Helen, and Helen trying to sort out her feelings for the man she once thought a cruel captor. The devious and awful Earl of Morton is furious over Marcus (and Helen) outwitting him, and he has disgusting and horrible plans for Brenda Grant. My heart broke for her... out of all of the characters in the Scottish story's world, she has it the worst.
We also get lots of snippets of Bhaic and Ailis! Ailis is very close to giving birth to their child, and there are a lot of cute moments between the two of them. I also loved seeing Bhaic's relationship with his brother - the two of them are such boys sometimes.
There are quite a few new characters, including a fourteen-year-old English girl, Katherine, who is very important in this story. There is Robbie, who becomes her friend, and Robert Gunn, who is one of the "villains" of the story. We also get a peek into the lives of two other clans, so I'm curious to see if those clans will be important in future books.
I like the author's portrayal of the Highlands! There is plenty of conflict between clans, as was evident in the previous book. This series seems to focus on the MacPhersons, but we become familiar with the Robertsons, the Grants, the McTavishes, and another clan that plays a small but significant role at the end of this book.
Anyway! I enjoyed this book overall. I have one complaint which I've already mentioned but will mention again, and it's the same complaint I had in Highland Spitfire. I imagine it'll be the same complaint I'll have in Highland Hellion.
What I Did Not Like:
Gah! More steamy scenes, please! And sooner in the book, please! I can't believe I had to read, like, 75% of this novel to reach the first one! And don't get me wrong, there is a lot of sexual tension throughout the book. And also, I totally get what the author is doing - making the consummation of the marriage a huge part of the plot of the book. But jeez! This was my complaint in Highland Spitfire, and it's my only complaint in this book.
Would I Recommend It:
Despite that (small?) complaint, I'd highly recommend this book (and its predecessor). I absolutely love Scottish Highlander romances, but this series is probably my favorite. It's not just a romance story - though the romance is very important and so well-written. I love how the Highlands and clan conflicts are an integral part of the story. I love how Wine fleshes out her characters - and in this book, especially Marcus.
Additionally... how about these covers?! Gorgeous. I would love to have these books on my shelf. I love the cover models, the outfits, and the bordering especially!
Rating:
4 stars. I might have liked Highland Spitfire just a smidgen more? I think I liked both books a great deal. I hope Highland Hellion is about Katherine (and maybe Robbie!). It hasn't been announced yet, but she's eighteen in the epilogue of this book, so I hope she is the next "MacPherson" (they're claiming she is Marcus's sister, for her safety) to be featured. I'm excited!
I love this series! I hope there will be more novels to come. Marcus and Helen's story did not disappoint. =)
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Highland Vixen by Mary Wine
Book Two of the Highland Weddings series
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publication Date: February 7, 2017
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley
***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***
Summary (from Goodreads):
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...
What I Liked:
Highland Spitfire was one of my favorite adult romance novels of 2016. I read it around this time last year, and I loved it. At the time, there was no clear indication as to if there would be a book (or books) to follow, but one thing was clear: I really wanted Marcus and Helen's story. With those two always spoiling for a fight, I knew their romance would be great. I'm so thankful for the author and publisher for allowing Marcus and Helen's story to be told, because I was not disappointed!
In Highland Spitfire, we meet Marcus, the War Chief of the MacPherson clan, bastard son of the MacPherson chief, and brother of Bhaic MacPherson (hero of Highland Spitfire). A year ago, Marcus took Helen Grant from her home. She has been living at MacPherson castle, against her will, ever since. She hasn't been mistreated, and she doesn't even know the real reason Marcus took her. But one thing is for sure - she is no longer going to sit around and wait for the MacPherson chief to declare her marriage to a MacPherson man. She and Brenda Grant escape, and head to court... only to be followed by Marcus. A tricky situation leaves Helen no choice but to marry Marcus with haste, in order to save his life. Now wed, Helen is Marcus's bride. He has been smitten by her for many months, but he won't force her in any way. But the marriage must be consummated, or the Earl of Morton will exact his revenge on the MacPherson clan by marrying away Helen. But Helen has always proven to be a willful vixen, and she'll challenge Marcus at every turn.
Marcus and Helen are so perfect for each other. In Highland Spitfire, we get small snippets of scenes of them circling each other with tempers rising, but nothing more. Helen is a captive in the MacPherson castle, and while her life isn't terrible by any means, she definitely would like to leave. But Marcus won't have that. Not only is she is prize of war (though believe me, his reasons for taking her are really noble), he becomes smitten by her. The opening scene of this book is her leaving the MacPherson holdings - imagine Marcus's surprise!
I love their back-and-forth dynamic. Marcus is a hardened War Chief with a wicked and teasing side. No one every gets to see his softer, more personal side. Helen is spirited and fiery, and is not the biddable miss that the Scottish expect of their women. Together, between them, there are a lot of clashes and tug-of-war. There is so much banter in this book.
And a lot of sexual frustration too. Talk about tension! The pair are quite attracted to each other (though Helen does want to admit that). The physical chemistry practically rolls off these two. It's really too bad that the author only has two sex scenes in the book, and they are crammed in towards the end. There are plenty of interruptions and beginnings of something happening. But Marcus, being the good man that he is, would never force Helen, and that leads to basically only a few steamy scenes and those scenes only being at the end. Still, the author did a great job of cooking up the tension.
This book wasn't just about Marcus trying to win over Helen, and Helen trying to sort out her feelings for the man she once thought a cruel captor. The devious and awful Earl of Morton is furious over Marcus (and Helen) outwitting him, and he has disgusting and horrible plans for Brenda Grant. My heart broke for her... out of all of the characters in the Scottish story's world, she has it the worst.
We also get lots of snippets of Bhaic and Ailis! Ailis is very close to giving birth to their child, and there are a lot of cute moments between the two of them. I also loved seeing Bhaic's relationship with his brother - the two of them are such boys sometimes.
There are quite a few new characters, including a fourteen-year-old English girl, Katherine, who is very important in this story. There is Robbie, who becomes her friend, and Robert Gunn, who is one of the "villains" of the story. We also get a peek into the lives of two other clans, so I'm curious to see if those clans will be important in future books.
I like the author's portrayal of the Highlands! There is plenty of conflict between clans, as was evident in the previous book. This series seems to focus on the MacPhersons, but we become familiar with the Robertsons, the Grants, the McTavishes, and another clan that plays a small but significant role at the end of this book.
Anyway! I enjoyed this book overall. I have one complaint which I've already mentioned but will mention again, and it's the same complaint I had in Highland Spitfire. I imagine it'll be the same complaint I'll have in Highland Hellion.
What I Did Not Like:
Gah! More steamy scenes, please! And sooner in the book, please! I can't believe I had to read, like, 75% of this novel to reach the first one! And don't get me wrong, there is a lot of sexual tension throughout the book. And also, I totally get what the author is doing - making the consummation of the marriage a huge part of the plot of the book. But jeez! This was my complaint in Highland Spitfire, and it's my only complaint in this book.
Would I Recommend It:
Despite that (small?) complaint, I'd highly recommend this book (and its predecessor). I absolutely love Scottish Highlander romances, but this series is probably my favorite. It's not just a romance story - though the romance is very important and so well-written. I love how the Highlands and clan conflicts are an integral part of the story. I love how Wine fleshes out her characters - and in this book, especially Marcus.
Additionally... how about these covers?! Gorgeous. I would love to have these books on my shelf. I love the cover models, the outfits, and the bordering especially!
Rating:
4 stars. I might have liked Highland Spitfire just a smidgen more? I think I liked both books a great deal. I hope Highland Hellion is about Katherine (and maybe Robbie!). It hasn't been announced yet, but she's eighteen in the epilogue of this book, so I hope she is the next "MacPherson" (they're claiming she is Marcus's sister, for her safety) to be featured. I'm excited!
September 17, 2018
Highland Vixen is book two in the Highland Weddings series by Mary Wine.
We meet Marcus and Helen in book one, Highland Spitfire, where we see how these two verbal spare with each other and clearly are denying their attraction to each other. I feel you should read the Highland Weddings series in order.
I really liked Helen Grant as a secondary character in Highland Spitfire and when I found out that Highland Vixen was Helen’s book I was thrilled. She is strong willed, hard headed, stubborn, and stands up to Marcus. Marcus is a brut. I didn’t care for him in Highland Spitfire. I was mad at what he did Ailis and upset at Bhaic for letting his brother act that way and treat Ailis poorly, so I new something would have to happen to change my opinion of him.
We meet up with James Douglas, the Earl of Morton and let me tell you that man is bad news. He is a well crafted villain and will stop at nothing to further his agenda and stop the clans from feuding.
Marcus and Helen run afoul with him and the circumstance forces Helen and Marcus to join together to prevent an atrocity from occurring.
I really like Helen; because she stands up to Marcus. I new Marcus needed a strong willed women at his side, someone capable of standing up to him and Helen did just that. As for Marcus well my opinion of him changed after he ran afoul with the Earl of Morton.
Marcus and Helen’s relationship is turbulent. They bicker, they verbally spare, and it works for these two. I enjoyed their sparing. It was also fun watching Marcus learn to woo a woman. He’s more a battering ram and I found his blunders humorous and endearing.
Last, a note on some of the secondary characters we meet; Brenda Gordon and Kathryn. Both women are/were captives of the Earl and I found them intriguing and intelligent. I hope we will see more of these two.
I had a delightful time reading a Highland Vixen and I’m looking forward to the next book in the Highland Weddings series. As an added note I really love the covers for this series. They are vibrant, full of color, and pull the eye in.
Rated: 4 Stars
We meet Marcus and Helen in book one, Highland Spitfire, where we see how these two verbal spare with each other and clearly are denying their attraction to each other. I feel you should read the Highland Weddings series in order.
I really liked Helen Grant as a secondary character in Highland Spitfire and when I found out that Highland Vixen was Helen’s book I was thrilled. She is strong willed, hard headed, stubborn, and stands up to Marcus. Marcus is a brut. I didn’t care for him in Highland Spitfire. I was mad at what he did Ailis and upset at Bhaic for letting his brother act that way and treat Ailis poorly, so I new something would have to happen to change my opinion of him.
We meet up with James Douglas, the Earl of Morton and let me tell you that man is bad news. He is a well crafted villain and will stop at nothing to further his agenda and stop the clans from feuding.
Marcus and Helen run afoul with him and the circumstance forces Helen and Marcus to join together to prevent an atrocity from occurring.
I really like Helen; because she stands up to Marcus. I new Marcus needed a strong willed women at his side, someone capable of standing up to him and Helen did just that. As for Marcus well my opinion of him changed after he ran afoul with the Earl of Morton.
Marcus and Helen’s relationship is turbulent. They bicker, they verbally spare, and it works for these two. I enjoyed their sparing. It was also fun watching Marcus learn to woo a woman. He’s more a battering ram and I found his blunders humorous and endearing.
Last, a note on some of the secondary characters we meet; Brenda Gordon and Kathryn. Both women are/were captives of the Earl and I found them intriguing and intelligent. I hope we will see more of these two.
I had a delightful time reading a Highland Vixen and I’m looking forward to the next book in the Highland Weddings series. As an added note I really love the covers for this series. They are vibrant, full of color, and pull the eye in.
Rated: 4 Stars
February 6, 2017
ARC provided by NetGalley and Publisher for an honest review.
Marcus MacPherson is the War Chief for the Macpherson clan, he's feared and respected. He is also the a bastard to the laird and assists in running of the clan.
Helen was taken from her clan by Marcus to keep some accord between their two clans. Helen was brought into the Macpherson clan and forgotten by Marcus. Marcus worked really hard at forgetting Helen and ignoring her, but found himself drawn to her at times. Helen found life at the Macpherson's to be challenging and tough at times. Helen found her raider for Marcus was always on and found him hard to forget or ignore.
Helen has learned the Marcus is trying to marry her off to anyone of his soldiers that would take her. She hurt, offended and wants none of that. She has an opportunity to run off with her friend Brenda. They head to court together and find a whole new set of problems. Marcus goes after Helen as he realizes that he's really has more feeling then he was willing to admit about her. Marcus arrives and finds himself in a predicament of marriage himself, marriage to a 14yearold that he refuses to marry and is thrown into the dungeon because he refused. Helen comes to Marcus's rescue and marriage for the two is in the cards (annulment after their escape is the plan). The two are allowed to leave but their adventure has just begins.
We experience more kidnappings, killings and Helen being returned to her clan and then taken again. Marcus and Helens marriage becomes real with enemies fighting against them. We learn some of Brenda's hard life and what she endures. Helen and Marcus do not really open up to each other and it takes most of the book and a lot of angst for it all to come out. Each not letting the other know what they are feeling or thinking.
The story line/plot fair but the execution was poor and a few too many plots/points to the story. The first two to three chapters was brutal, as in slow, muddled in the delivery and hard to follow. I found the characters to at times be too stubborn. The different plots and points became too much at times and overkill in my opinion. And Brenda's storyline seemed to almost be in conflict with Helens, as well as being so full of angst.
I have enjoyed this author in the past and lately read just a few of her books. I'm not sure if my tastes have changed or the authors books have changed in delivery. I will give her future books a couple more tires with a hope for a more positive rating.
Marcus MacPherson is the War Chief for the Macpherson clan, he's feared and respected. He is also the a bastard to the laird and assists in running of the clan.
Helen was taken from her clan by Marcus to keep some accord between their two clans. Helen was brought into the Macpherson clan and forgotten by Marcus. Marcus worked really hard at forgetting Helen and ignoring her, but found himself drawn to her at times. Helen found life at the Macpherson's to be challenging and tough at times. Helen found her raider for Marcus was always on and found him hard to forget or ignore.
Helen has learned the Marcus is trying to marry her off to anyone of his soldiers that would take her. She hurt, offended and wants none of that. She has an opportunity to run off with her friend Brenda. They head to court together and find a whole new set of problems. Marcus goes after Helen as he realizes that he's really has more feeling then he was willing to admit about her. Marcus arrives and finds himself in a predicament of marriage himself, marriage to a 14yearold that he refuses to marry and is thrown into the dungeon because he refused. Helen comes to Marcus's rescue and marriage for the two is in the cards (annulment after their escape is the plan). The two are allowed to leave but their adventure has just begins.
We experience more kidnappings, killings and Helen being returned to her clan and then taken again. Marcus and Helens marriage becomes real with enemies fighting against them. We learn some of Brenda's hard life and what she endures. Helen and Marcus do not really open up to each other and it takes most of the book and a lot of angst for it all to come out. Each not letting the other know what they are feeling or thinking.
The story line/plot fair but the execution was poor and a few too many plots/points to the story. The first two to three chapters was brutal, as in slow, muddled in the delivery and hard to follow. I found the characters to at times be too stubborn. The different plots and points became too much at times and overkill in my opinion. And Brenda's storyline seemed to almost be in conflict with Helens, as well as being so full of angst.
I have enjoyed this author in the past and lately read just a few of her books. I'm not sure if my tastes have changed or the authors books have changed in delivery. I will give her future books a couple more tires with a hope for a more positive rating.
January 9, 2021
I knew I was gonna love this so much.
The tension created in the first between Helen and Marcus left me in no doubt that this would be explosive.
Also, I don't always like when an author includes so many POVs of side characters but I like how she just slips them in here and there. This makes me really excited for future books so I like how she sets up certain characters beforehand.
The tension was so good and I loved seeing these two was so good and I loved when they give into temptation and just.... sparks fly.
5/5
The tension created in the first between Helen and Marcus left me in no doubt that this would be explosive.
Also, I don't always like when an author includes so many POVs of side characters but I like how she just slips them in here and there. This makes me really excited for future books so I like how she sets up certain characters beforehand.
The tension was so good and I loved seeing these two was so good and I loved when they give into temptation and just.... sparks fly.
5/5
February 7, 2017
'Highland Vixen' by Mary Wine is book two in the "Highland Weddings" series. This is the story of Marcus MacPherson and Helen Grant. This can be a standalone book but, I truly feel to enjoy this book to the fullest you should read the previous book "Highland Spitfire". In book One Helen and Marcus were secondary characters that I enjoyed reading about them in that book. Although their story doesn't really take off until this one, it help with the build up to getting into their story.
Helen was taken by Marcus as a way to keep her family from contracting against his clan. Helen has tried to make the best of living there but it hasn't been easy after Marcus 'dumped' her there and he went on his business. But things have changed and Helen has taken a chance to leave the Clan and did so without Marcus knowing. But now Marcus has found that he has grown some feelings for Helen and wants to go after her. But he is a Strong Tough Highlander that doesn't show his feelings much is finding it hard to find a reason to go after her. Marcus lack of showing her emotions was most of the issue with Helen thinking she isn't wanted there. So under his father's orders to go to Court for a mission for him....Marcus uses this chance to bring Helen back. But things are as cut and dried as you would think. Marcus and Helen run into a few bumps and misunderstanding along the way. I so loved how Marcus was trying to show his feelings when it was hard for him to do so. Helen was a strong character that fit him just right! This was another great book by Ms. Wine that showed me again why she is one of my favorite authors!
*A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team Selection*
https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H...
https://www.facebook.com/sally.mae.39...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/17091...
http://sissymaereads.blogspot.com/
https://romancebookreviewforyou.wordp...
http://booklikes.com/
http://romancebookreviewforyoublog.tu...
Helen was taken by Marcus as a way to keep her family from contracting against his clan. Helen has tried to make the best of living there but it hasn't been easy after Marcus 'dumped' her there and he went on his business. But things have changed and Helen has taken a chance to leave the Clan and did so without Marcus knowing. But now Marcus has found that he has grown some feelings for Helen and wants to go after her. But he is a Strong Tough Highlander that doesn't show his feelings much is finding it hard to find a reason to go after her. Marcus lack of showing her emotions was most of the issue with Helen thinking she isn't wanted there. So under his father's orders to go to Court for a mission for him....Marcus uses this chance to bring Helen back. But things are as cut and dried as you would think. Marcus and Helen run into a few bumps and misunderstanding along the way. I so loved how Marcus was trying to show his feelings when it was hard for him to do so. Helen was a strong character that fit him just right! This was another great book by Ms. Wine that showed me again why she is one of my favorite authors!
*A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team Selection*
https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H...
https://www.facebook.com/sally.mae.39...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/17091...
http://sissymaereads.blogspot.com/
https://romancebookreviewforyou.wordp...
http://booklikes.com/
http://romancebookreviewforyoublog.tu...
February 13, 2017
I didn't actually know what to expect from this book. I wanted something Highlander, and Mary Wine's book jumped out at me. I have not read her before, and she is a new to me author who has pleasantly surprised me.
Highland Vixen jumped into a story leading from book one, so if you haven't read book one, like me, I strongly suggest starting from there so you don't have to face the same confusion.
The book opens up with Helen and Brenda Grant escaping the MacPherson Castle and looking for shelter at Court. Helen was a captive in the MacPherson castle because Marcus took her as a prize, but her life wasn't bad by any means. The last thing Helen wants to do is sit around and wait for the Laird to marry her off.
Helen and Brenda end up at court, where they are immediately called to Earl of Morton's attention. Morton is a regent of Scotland, and seems to think he can wield power over the Highlanders. So when Marcus shows up at Court in order to bring Helen back, he is stuck under Morton's claws, who wants Marcus to marry a girl barely 14 to strengthen alliances. Disturbed by the prospect of sleeping with a 14 year old girl, Marcus refuses, ends up in chains and Helen comes to his rescue with the prospect of marriage to her in order to save them.
This was an interesting read. Once I was able to get used to the writing and the dialect, I found myself fully immersed in the story. It did take some time to put the pieces together, since I have not read the first book, but other reviews helped with that.
I really enjoyed the fact that it wasn't just a romance novel, there was a lot going on, there was a full storyline with the Earl of Morton trying to cause trouble for Helen and Marcus, bringing in other clans into the fold to try and get in their way.
I was confused about why Helen and Brenda went to look for safety in Court, mainly since the two seem to be aware of Earl of Morton and just how despicable and awful the man is. It seems to me the entire situation could have been avoided. I also still am not entirely sure who Brenda is to Helen and how Helen did not come to help her friend after the escape. Especially now that they know what Morton is capable off as he tried to derail Marcus and Helen at every turn.
The romance itself was actually pretty good. I loved that there was some resistance from Helen at first considering the rocky start the two had, but I loved Marcus and his patience. He wasn't really good at charming his new bride by any means, considering he is the War Chief of clan MacPherson and his wooing skills are zilch next to nothing. The bickering and the growing attraction were a major plus in this book amidst all the danger and excitement thrown their way.
I liked the secondary characters and their storylines and wonder how this series will progress. Well, now I am finding myself invested and hope to learn what will become of them in the future and how it will play out. Especially since the issues with the Earl of Morton have still been unresolved.This review was originally posted on Night Owl Book Cafe
Highland Vixen jumped into a story leading from book one, so if you haven't read book one, like me, I strongly suggest starting from there so you don't have to face the same confusion.
The book opens up with Helen and Brenda Grant escaping the MacPherson Castle and looking for shelter at Court. Helen was a captive in the MacPherson castle because Marcus took her as a prize, but her life wasn't bad by any means. The last thing Helen wants to do is sit around and wait for the Laird to marry her off.
Helen and Brenda end up at court, where they are immediately called to Earl of Morton's attention. Morton is a regent of Scotland, and seems to think he can wield power over the Highlanders. So when Marcus shows up at Court in order to bring Helen back, he is stuck under Morton's claws, who wants Marcus to marry a girl barely 14 to strengthen alliances. Disturbed by the prospect of sleeping with a 14 year old girl, Marcus refuses, ends up in chains and Helen comes to his rescue with the prospect of marriage to her in order to save them.
This was an interesting read. Once I was able to get used to the writing and the dialect, I found myself fully immersed in the story. It did take some time to put the pieces together, since I have not read the first book, but other reviews helped with that.
I really enjoyed the fact that it wasn't just a romance novel, there was a lot going on, there was a full storyline with the Earl of Morton trying to cause trouble for Helen and Marcus, bringing in other clans into the fold to try and get in their way.
I was confused about why Helen and Brenda went to look for safety in Court, mainly since the two seem to be aware of Earl of Morton and just how despicable and awful the man is. It seems to me the entire situation could have been avoided. I also still am not entirely sure who Brenda is to Helen and how Helen did not come to help her friend after the escape. Especially now that they know what Morton is capable off as he tried to derail Marcus and Helen at every turn.
The romance itself was actually pretty good. I loved that there was some resistance from Helen at first considering the rocky start the two had, but I loved Marcus and his patience. He wasn't really good at charming his new bride by any means, considering he is the War Chief of clan MacPherson and his wooing skills are zilch next to nothing. The bickering and the growing attraction were a major plus in this book amidst all the danger and excitement thrown their way.
I liked the secondary characters and their storylines and wonder how this series will progress. Well, now I am finding myself invested and hope to learn what will become of them in the future and how it will play out. Especially since the issues with the Earl of Morton have still been unresolved.This review was originally posted on Night Owl Book Cafe
February 7, 2017
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley for review. This review does contain spoilers!!
Mary Wine, I need to know if you've been kidnapped. Blink once for yes, and twice for no. Are you ok? It's ok. Just blink.
I have loved--l o v e d--every single Mary Wine book I've ever read. I think she is one of the BEST, if not the ACTUAL BEST, authors of Highlands-themed romance novels. Or, I thought.
Then I read Highland Vixen. And I just don't know what to think anymore.
In the past, it took me maybe two, at the most three, days to read a romance novel.
10 days I toiled. I sincerely considered casting it aside as a DNF. Did I just... lose the light for Highlanders? Is it over for me? Am I just bored with the theme?
I don't know. But a lot of it had to do with the story.
In full disclosure, this is the second in a series and I didn't read the first. But I've never had an issue before.
Also, this review does contain spoilers.
The book opens where we meet Brenda and Helen. It took me a full two chapters to tell the difference between them. We never find out what Brenda looks like (hair? body type? nothing) and we also never find out what Helen looks like (hair? body type? nothing). They have escaped the McPherson castle and head to court for... reasons? To avoid marriages? Because Helen was offended Marcus asked if any of the soldiers wanted to marry her?
Whatever, anyway.
They get to court and it's a bad vibe. Total bummer. Immediately, it's obvious it was a bad idea. Our hero Marcus shows up and promptly gets his ass thrown in the dungeon because he refuses to marry a girl named Katherine (who is 14, so like, props Marcus) as ordered by the regent Morton. Helen "rescues" him by rounding up a priest and a witness. They then proceed to LOUDLY discuss the fact that they will get an annulment AND the fact that Marcus is using a head wound to bloody her skirts. Like, can you two dumb dumbs maybe not talk so loudly about all this?
Anyway, Morton lets them leave (lol ok) and they only get as far as the next castle before Helen gets spirited away, where another laird is like "well, I'll just get this little ol' thingy dingy annulled, won't I? And send her off to her kin." So he does. And two guys from that clan take her off to her kin's land, but they stop on the way to die because duh. Marcus shows up, learns about all this, and kills them. It's chill.
He takes her back to the McPhersons where honestly, just a bunch of stuff happens? Just a lot of talking. Helen is near unbearable, but she does the do with Marcus so they're ~officially married~. However, ring a bell because guess what?
Morton ain't gonna take that lying down! He releases one of his prisoners (a dude named Robert Gunn) and annuls Marcus & Helen's marriage (cool) and then marries Helen to Robert by proxy. Remember Brenda? Brenda's the proxy. Brenda's life ain't so great at this point.
Robert heads to the McPherson's, gets there, and promptly kills the mean head of house and steals Helen. He ties her to a tree at one point, so she of course escapes and ends up passing out in a clearing, where she is found by Sutherlands. (Ok.) Marcus finds this and sneaks into the Sutherland castle. Robert tracks her and doesn't realize the Sutherlands pick her up, but instead goes in just because he's hungry (seriously).
Anyway, the Sutherlands kiiiinda consider hanging Marcus as a spy, but the laird is like "lol nah I wanna see a bro fight." So Robert and Marcus fight to the death. Guess who wins? Shut up, you know who wins.
Marcus then marries Helen AGAIN and they go home. Except Marcus doesn't go home because the next time we see Helen is FOUR MONTHS LATER and of course she's pregnant. Duh.
So they're doing their married thing and guess what? They get a note from Morton that he has ANNULLED THEIR MARRIAGE AGAIN. (Actually, so that annulment from the first laird? That went through and Morton was like "lol love it send it through." So it's not really him, but it's... it's him.)
Listen. One regent does not care this much about one dude shtupping one lady, both of whom are of no importance. Even if it reaaaallyyyyy grinds his gears, he does not care this much. It's not humanly possible. He has other shit to do.
So they handfast instead. Seriously. They get married AGAIN for the THIRD TIME.
Ok, and then they cut to Brenda. Who, like I said, Brenda is having a real bad time Brenda honestly better find Helen and ring her dumb little neck for not even THINKING about her for like five months. Seriously, Helen? Some friend you are.
Brenda is being used as a concubine by like anyone? I guess? So she wakes up after what sounds like a really horrific orgy and realizes everyone is asleep, so she sneaks off and goes home to her uncle's castle where he's like "oh shit, I am so sorry, but I am dying. But wait, I'll make my son promise to like leave you alone because you know what chickadee? You deserve it. Ok. Peace out."
We cut back to Helen, she's got a four-year-old and she's pregnant again. The end.
Was that enough plot twists for y'all? Was that enough "oh women have it so hard for y'all?
Here's my issue with this book. I've never had an issue with Mary Wine's books before; I've previously thought the characters were a little annoying with never following orders or doing what they're told. Like, there is a difference between strong willed and just plain stupid.
However, I have a lot of issues with this book. Here they are, numbered:
(1) There are just too. many. plot. points. PICK ONE THING. They get their marriage secretly annulled ONCE, not three or four times!! All this constant "someone stole Helen." They need to nail Helen down by her skirts 'cuz this girl gets kidnapped more than anyone else, swear.
(2) The book is so heavily sex-centric. All of the plot points swirl around a vortex of sex and gross sex-obsessed men. If people aren't heavy breathing about whether Marcus has done the do with Helen, then they're talking about Brenda being a sex slave, or Ailis being pregnant, or something else sex-focused. The end even has a scene where a little boy hears Marcus and Helen having sex and being like, "Oh my gosh! Something's happening!" (When I say "little boy," it's because Mary writes him like a 5-6 year old, but I just looked and he's like at least 13 or 14. So like, I'm sorry, but a 13-year-old kid in the highlands is gonna have seen a sheep or 500 doing the do, he knows what's up.) Like, Mary Wine, have a glass of wine and chill, ok? It's a romance novel, but this is a little much. I need some other focus besides all of this heavy breathing.
(3) Helen is essentially a piece of cardboard. What I've always like about Mary Wine characters is that, even if they are annoying and never do as their told which is so dumb, they all are really vibrant and true-to-life. I have no idea how to describe Helen. We never hear anything about her OR Marcus. I don't know what they look like. I don't really know what kind of people they are. I don't really get Helen's backstory or Marcus's motivations. None of it makes sense.
Here's the take away: I'm not 100% convinced Mary Wine wrote this book. If she did, she appears to be trying a new style and it is just not working for me!! Her other works are so good and this just so isn't. It's not descriptive. It's not cohesive. The plot jumps all over. I really wanted to love it because, girl! I love all of Mary Wine's books! But this was a no for me.
Mary Wine, I need to know if you've been kidnapped. Blink once for yes, and twice for no. Are you ok? It's ok. Just blink.
I have loved--l o v e d--every single Mary Wine book I've ever read. I think she is one of the BEST, if not the ACTUAL BEST, authors of Highlands-themed romance novels. Or, I thought.
Then I read Highland Vixen. And I just don't know what to think anymore.
In the past, it took me maybe two, at the most three, days to read a romance novel.
10 days I toiled. I sincerely considered casting it aside as a DNF. Did I just... lose the light for Highlanders? Is it over for me? Am I just bored with the theme?
I don't know. But a lot of it had to do with the story.
In full disclosure, this is the second in a series and I didn't read the first. But I've never had an issue before.
Also, this review does contain spoilers.
The book opens where we meet Brenda and Helen. It took me a full two chapters to tell the difference between them. We never find out what Brenda looks like (hair? body type? nothing) and we also never find out what Helen looks like (hair? body type? nothing). They have escaped the McPherson castle and head to court for... reasons? To avoid marriages? Because Helen was offended Marcus asked if any of the soldiers wanted to marry her?
Whatever, anyway.
They get to court and it's a bad vibe. Total bummer. Immediately, it's obvious it was a bad idea. Our hero Marcus shows up and promptly gets his ass thrown in the dungeon because he refuses to marry a girl named Katherine (who is 14, so like, props Marcus) as ordered by the regent Morton. Helen "rescues" him by rounding up a priest and a witness. They then proceed to LOUDLY discuss the fact that they will get an annulment AND the fact that Marcus is using a head wound to bloody her skirts. Like, can you two dumb dumbs maybe not talk so loudly about all this?
Anyway, Morton lets them leave (lol ok) and they only get as far as the next castle before Helen gets spirited away, where another laird is like "well, I'll just get this little ol' thingy dingy annulled, won't I? And send her off to her kin." So he does. And two guys from that clan take her off to her kin's land, but they stop on the way to die because duh. Marcus shows up, learns about all this, and kills them. It's chill.
He takes her back to the McPhersons where honestly, just a bunch of stuff happens? Just a lot of talking. Helen is near unbearable, but she does the do with Marcus so they're ~officially married~. However, ring a bell because guess what?
Morton ain't gonna take that lying down! He releases one of his prisoners (a dude named Robert Gunn) and annuls Marcus & Helen's marriage (cool) and then marries Helen to Robert by proxy. Remember Brenda? Brenda's the proxy. Brenda's life ain't so great at this point.
Robert heads to the McPherson's, gets there, and promptly kills the mean head of house and steals Helen. He ties her to a tree at one point, so she of course escapes and ends up passing out in a clearing, where she is found by Sutherlands. (Ok.) Marcus finds this and sneaks into the Sutherland castle. Robert tracks her and doesn't realize the Sutherlands pick her up, but instead goes in just because he's hungry (seriously).
Anyway, the Sutherlands kiiiinda consider hanging Marcus as a spy, but the laird is like "lol nah I wanna see a bro fight." So Robert and Marcus fight to the death. Guess who wins? Shut up, you know who wins.
Marcus then marries Helen AGAIN and they go home. Except Marcus doesn't go home because the next time we see Helen is FOUR MONTHS LATER and of course she's pregnant. Duh.
So they're doing their married thing and guess what? They get a note from Morton that he has ANNULLED THEIR MARRIAGE AGAIN. (Actually, so that annulment from the first laird? That went through and Morton was like "lol love it send it through." So it's not really him, but it's... it's him.)
Listen. One regent does not care this much about one dude shtupping one lady, both of whom are of no importance. Even if it reaaaallyyyyy grinds his gears, he does not care this much. It's not humanly possible. He has other shit to do.
So they handfast instead. Seriously. They get married AGAIN for the THIRD TIME.
Ok, and then they cut to Brenda. Who, like I said, Brenda is having a real bad time Brenda honestly better find Helen and ring her dumb little neck for not even THINKING about her for like five months. Seriously, Helen? Some friend you are.
Brenda is being used as a concubine by like anyone? I guess? So she wakes up after what sounds like a really horrific orgy and realizes everyone is asleep, so she sneaks off and goes home to her uncle's castle where he's like "oh shit, I am so sorry, but I am dying. But wait, I'll make my son promise to like leave you alone because you know what chickadee? You deserve it. Ok. Peace out."
We cut back to Helen, she's got a four-year-old and she's pregnant again. The end.
Was that enough plot twists for y'all? Was that enough "oh women have it so hard for y'all?
Here's my issue with this book. I've never had an issue with Mary Wine's books before; I've previously thought the characters were a little annoying with never following orders or doing what they're told. Like, there is a difference between strong willed and just plain stupid.
However, I have a lot of issues with this book. Here they are, numbered:
(1) There are just too. many. plot. points. PICK ONE THING. They get their marriage secretly annulled ONCE, not three or four times!! All this constant "someone stole Helen." They need to nail Helen down by her skirts 'cuz this girl gets kidnapped more than anyone else, swear.
(2) The book is so heavily sex-centric. All of the plot points swirl around a vortex of sex and gross sex-obsessed men. If people aren't heavy breathing about whether Marcus has done the do with Helen, then they're talking about Brenda being a sex slave, or Ailis being pregnant, or something else sex-focused. The end even has a scene where a little boy hears Marcus and Helen having sex and being like, "Oh my gosh! Something's happening!" (When I say "little boy," it's because Mary writes him like a 5-6 year old, but I just looked and he's like at least 13 or 14. So like, I'm sorry, but a 13-year-old kid in the highlands is gonna have seen a sheep or 500 doing the do, he knows what's up.) Like, Mary Wine, have a glass of wine and chill, ok? It's a romance novel, but this is a little much. I need some other focus besides all of this heavy breathing.
(3) Helen is essentially a piece of cardboard. What I've always like about Mary Wine characters is that, even if they are annoying and never do as their told which is so dumb, they all are really vibrant and true-to-life. I have no idea how to describe Helen. We never hear anything about her OR Marcus. I don't know what they look like. I don't really know what kind of people they are. I don't really get Helen's backstory or Marcus's motivations. None of it makes sense.
Here's the take away: I'm not 100% convinced Mary Wine wrote this book. If she did, she appears to be trying a new style and it is just not working for me!! Her other works are so good and this just so isn't. It's not descriptive. It's not cohesive. The plot jumps all over. I really wanted to love it because, girl! I love all of Mary Wine's books! But this was a no for me.
May 13, 2019
3 Relaxed Stars
I haven’t read book one in the series, and whilst it was apparent the two are interconnected, I didn’t feel lost reading this second book, first.
I enjoyed the back and forth between highlander and War Chief for the Macpherson clan, Marcus MacPherson (a man of few words) and feisty highland lass Helen Grant, the sizzle between the two was apparent, even as Helen resisted. I do wish Marcus had been more attentive (even indirectly) to Helen from the start, after all he’s the one who bloody kidnapped her.
The main villain in this is a power hunger despot, who I hope gets his just desserts soon, and if there is any justice it will be at, both, the hands of the women and highlander men he uses like pawns.
Things I had issues with in this book, to varying degrees:
1) Where was the description of the heroine, first I thought my brain had switched off but nope, we never get a real physical description of her (or did I really miss it)?
2) How many times can a person be kidnapped? I thought I was going to get mental whiplash.
3) Why did it feel like the heroine, hero and everyone else forgot about Brenda, who was still at court suffering?! This was one key thing that seriously irked me.
That being said despite the aforementioned issues, I didn’t find myself potently peeved or wanting to rant -why, why? Maybe it’s the mood I was in, I don’t know but this was a nice, easy, one time read through the weekend and start of the week. I think I’ll read book 1 and 3 in the series, but honestly, I’m in no rush. That being said I do enjoy the author’s writing style and the way in which the main characters banter, so I will be going to another book by the author, from a different series sometime in the coming week/weekend.
Triggers:
I haven’t read book one in the series, and whilst it was apparent the two are interconnected, I didn’t feel lost reading this second book, first.
I enjoyed the back and forth between highlander and War Chief for the Macpherson clan, Marcus MacPherson (a man of few words) and feisty highland lass Helen Grant, the sizzle between the two was apparent, even as Helen resisted. I do wish Marcus had been more attentive (even indirectly) to Helen from the start, after all he’s the one who bloody kidnapped her.
The main villain in this is a power hunger despot, who I hope gets his just desserts soon, and if there is any justice it will be at, both, the hands of the women and highlander men he uses like pawns.
Things I had issues with in this book, to varying degrees:
1) Where was the description of the heroine, first I thought my brain had switched off but nope, we never get a real physical description of her (or did I really miss it)?
2) How many times can a person be kidnapped? I thought I was going to get mental whiplash.
3) Why did it feel like the heroine, hero and everyone else forgot about Brenda, who was still at court suffering?! This was one key thing that seriously irked me.
That being said despite the aforementioned issues, I didn’t find myself potently peeved or wanting to rant -why, why? Maybe it’s the mood I was in, I don’t know but this was a nice, easy, one time read through the weekend and start of the week. I think I’ll read book 1 and 3 in the series, but honestly, I’m in no rush. That being said I do enjoy the author’s writing style and the way in which the main characters banter, so I will be going to another book by the author, from a different series sometime in the coming week/weekend.
Triggers:
December 20, 2016
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Summary
Marcus MacPherson is one of the most feared highlanders, and the chief and none defy him except for one feisty female who refuses to bend to his will. So taking her own fate in her hands she flees him after being capture and practically made a fool of but Helen Grant only runs into trouble by someone must worst than Marcus. Marcus has always wanted a passive woman to marry, someone that won't fight him but there is one woman that fires up his blood in ways that he never imagined. Even if she makes him crazy, he wants her for himself. But both Marcus and Helen are put in a bad position when Marcus comes looking for her and ends up imprisoned but Helen may not like Marcus most of the time, but she knows what needs to be done to save a teenage girl. And even though Marcus and Helen marry out of convenience, Marcus doesn't intend on letting her go and just needs to prove how great they are together...
Plot and Story Line
I can't tell you how super excited I was for Marcus and Helen's book especially after seeing how well they interacted with each other in the first book I couldn't wait to open this one up and boy these two give us a wild fun ride. It does follow up right after book 1, so I would recommend reading that one first or you might be confused on a few details. The story sets off with our heroine Helen, running away and heading toward Court. However when she arrives, it isn't pleasant. Marcus goes after her pretty quickly and I did like seeing how crazy she makes him even in the beginning. But what happens next is quite interesting. Because its not Marcus that saves the "damsel in distress" here....its the other way around. When Marcus finds himself imprisoned, Helen saves him by marrying him because the head of the court, hates Highlanders and wants to make an example out of Marcus by forcing him to wed and bed a fifteen year old girl which Marcus refuses. I like that Helen takes action even if the last thing she wants is to marry such an alpha male like Marcus. It was interesting to see how they deal with each other with these change of events. They are still snarky with each other for sure, but they slowly stop fighting the chemistry they feel for each other. Now my only complaint was how long the angst was in this book. Normally this author doesn't extend it for such a long period of time, and while I do like angst in my romances I felt like it went a bit longer than I normally prefer. And we get some barells of laughs with Marcus' family especially his father and brother. Yeah they definitely add some fun humor and play to the story.
The Cover
Oh what a cover....I really like that it matches the colors of the series here and I adore the use of the bright red. And isn't her dress so pretty.
Overall View
Highland Vixen is a dramatic and angst filled romance to curl your toes, give you laughs and pull all the stops with all the feels you expect from a romance....DELICIOUSLY FUN!!
Click To Buy On Amazon
[foogallery id="24889"]
Summary
Marcus MacPherson is one of the most feared highlanders, and the chief and none defy him except for one feisty female who refuses to bend to his will. So taking her own fate in her hands she flees him after being capture and practically made a fool of but Helen Grant only runs into trouble by someone must worst than Marcus. Marcus has always wanted a passive woman to marry, someone that won't fight him but there is one woman that fires up his blood in ways that he never imagined. Even if she makes him crazy, he wants her for himself. But both Marcus and Helen are put in a bad position when Marcus comes looking for her and ends up imprisoned but Helen may not like Marcus most of the time, but she knows what needs to be done to save a teenage girl. And even though Marcus and Helen marry out of convenience, Marcus doesn't intend on letting her go and just needs to prove how great they are together...
Plot and Story Line
I can't tell you how super excited I was for Marcus and Helen's book especially after seeing how well they interacted with each other in the first book I couldn't wait to open this one up and boy these two give us a wild fun ride. It does follow up right after book 1, so I would recommend reading that one first or you might be confused on a few details. The story sets off with our heroine Helen, running away and heading toward Court. However when she arrives, it isn't pleasant. Marcus goes after her pretty quickly and I did like seeing how crazy she makes him even in the beginning. But what happens next is quite interesting. Because its not Marcus that saves the "damsel in distress" here....its the other way around. When Marcus finds himself imprisoned, Helen saves him by marrying him because the head of the court, hates Highlanders and wants to make an example out of Marcus by forcing him to wed and bed a fifteen year old girl which Marcus refuses. I like that Helen takes action even if the last thing she wants is to marry such an alpha male like Marcus. It was interesting to see how they deal with each other with these change of events. They are still snarky with each other for sure, but they slowly stop fighting the chemistry they feel for each other. Now my only complaint was how long the angst was in this book. Normally this author doesn't extend it for such a long period of time, and while I do like angst in my romances I felt like it went a bit longer than I normally prefer. And we get some barells of laughs with Marcus' family especially his father and brother. Yeah they definitely add some fun humor and play to the story.
The Cover
Oh what a cover....I really like that it matches the colors of the series here and I adore the use of the bright red. And isn't her dress so pretty.
Overall View
Highland Vixen is a dramatic and angst filled romance to curl your toes, give you laughs and pull all the stops with all the feels you expect from a romance....DELICIOUSLY FUN!!
Click To Buy On Amazon
[foogallery id="24889"]
August 8, 2020
My love for the first book in this series, Highland Spitfire, gave me no other choice but to pick up the second book in the series immediately. Note that this is one of those romance series that you have to read in order, because there is an overarching plot that won’t make sense otherwise. I thought I’d flag that at the beginning, just so people won’t read this one first and then get hopelessly confused.
This novel features the brother of the hero in the last book, Marcus MacPherson, and the woman he kidnapped years ago to prevent war breaking out amongst rival clans, Helen Grant. I was skeptical about the whole kidnapping plot, but the injustice of it all was addressed quite well within the narrative. I was so excited to read this book because I adored their push and pull in the previous novel, and I wanted to see how their story progressed. At the beginning of this novel, Helen Grant runs away with the help of another woman in her clan, Brenda Grant. Marcus follows her to court, where Marcus is almost forced by the Earl of Morton to marry a fourteen-year-old English girl to secure peace with England. Helen ends up marrying him to prevent this union, but the Earl demands revenge for this betrayal.
I enjoyed the way the plot thickened in this story. We get introduced to other clans within the Highlands, and the political machinations become much more overt than in the previous novel. As mentioned, the plot of this novel does build on the first, creating new complications and providing new avenues for the story to progress. I liked the way that it was not a “straight” romance, there was a lot more going on within the story than just these two characters trying to figure out how to navigate their newfound relationship. At times, it did get a little confusing to follow and there seemed to be too many different threads going on at the same time, but I expect that everything will begin to come together in subsequent installments.
I did think, on the whole, that this novel was not as good as the first one. I wanted to see more of the journey of Helen and Marcus learning how to trust one another, although I did enjoy that each of them were so stubborn and gave as good as they received, never letting the other one exert too much dominance. It genuinely felt like a relationship of equals, despite the way that their relationship began. There weren’t that many explicit scenes in this novel, but when they did occur, they were done well. One minor drawback is that I felt like Helen and Marcus were more 2-D characters, and I would have liked to see more quirks and flaws that made them unique. Occasionally, they seemed too cookie-cutter for me, but I still enjoyed them.
Moving onto the larger plot: It did seem a bit repetitive at times. Every other chapter, it seemed like Helen was getting kidnapped or she was in danger of being kidnapped, and it got boring after a while. I also did not necessarily love where Brenda’s storyline went, although I am looking forward to seeing her reclaim some of her agency (hopefully) in later books. Katherine was a great addition. As always, I loved the little bits of Ailis and Bhaic we got in this novel, especially when they were teasing Marcus and Helen. Those were some of my favorite sections of the entire novel.
While this was a decent continuation, it did not grip me nearly as much as the first book. It still intrigued me enough to pick up the next book in the series very soon.
This novel features the brother of the hero in the last book, Marcus MacPherson, and the woman he kidnapped years ago to prevent war breaking out amongst rival clans, Helen Grant. I was skeptical about the whole kidnapping plot, but the injustice of it all was addressed quite well within the narrative. I was so excited to read this book because I adored their push and pull in the previous novel, and I wanted to see how their story progressed. At the beginning of this novel, Helen Grant runs away with the help of another woman in her clan, Brenda Grant. Marcus follows her to court, where Marcus is almost forced by the Earl of Morton to marry a fourteen-year-old English girl to secure peace with England. Helen ends up marrying him to prevent this union, but the Earl demands revenge for this betrayal.
I enjoyed the way the plot thickened in this story. We get introduced to other clans within the Highlands, and the political machinations become much more overt than in the previous novel. As mentioned, the plot of this novel does build on the first, creating new complications and providing new avenues for the story to progress. I liked the way that it was not a “straight” romance, there was a lot more going on within the story than just these two characters trying to figure out how to navigate their newfound relationship. At times, it did get a little confusing to follow and there seemed to be too many different threads going on at the same time, but I expect that everything will begin to come together in subsequent installments.
I did think, on the whole, that this novel was not as good as the first one. I wanted to see more of the journey of Helen and Marcus learning how to trust one another, although I did enjoy that each of them were so stubborn and gave as good as they received, never letting the other one exert too much dominance. It genuinely felt like a relationship of equals, despite the way that their relationship began. There weren’t that many explicit scenes in this novel, but when they did occur, they were done well. One minor drawback is that I felt like Helen and Marcus were more 2-D characters, and I would have liked to see more quirks and flaws that made them unique. Occasionally, they seemed too cookie-cutter for me, but I still enjoyed them.
Moving onto the larger plot: It did seem a bit repetitive at times. Every other chapter, it seemed like Helen was getting kidnapped or she was in danger of being kidnapped, and it got boring after a while. I also did not necessarily love where Brenda’s storyline went, although I am looking forward to seeing her reclaim some of her agency (hopefully) in later books. Katherine was a great addition. As always, I loved the little bits of Ailis and Bhaic we got in this novel, especially when they were teasing Marcus and Helen. Those were some of my favorite sections of the entire novel.
While this was a decent continuation, it did not grip me nearly as much as the first book. It still intrigued me enough to pick up the next book in the series very soon.
May 24, 2021
Wow this book was so much better than the first.
I absolutely love Helen and Marcus, they were made for each other.
My heart was absolutely aching for Brenda throughout this entire book, I could barely enjoy the romance between our main characters, in my mind I was like ‘ awwww Helen and Marcus are cute....oh my gosh what about Brenda!?!?’, I just kept waiting for her name😱
I am so tempted to skip all the other books and read about Brenda’s story ✌🏾
I absolutely love Helen and Marcus, they were made for each other.
My heart was absolutely aching for Brenda throughout this entire book, I could barely enjoy the romance between our main characters, in my mind I was like ‘ awwww Helen and Marcus are cute....oh my gosh what about Brenda!?!?’, I just kept waiting for her name😱
I am so tempted to skip all the other books and read about Brenda’s story ✌🏾
February 14, 2017
The rich colors in the covers of this series continually draw my eye and make it impossible for me to resist. I read the initial installment of this series, Highland Spitfire, last year and I remembered really liking Helen Grant as a secondary character. Unfortunately as soon as the book started, I found myself wishing for a prologue recapping what happened in that first book (at least with regards to Helen). It felt like the story was starting in the middle and I couldn't remember the back story for the life of me. So here's a little recap of how Helen came to be at the MacPherson keep. She was stolen! In recompense for her brothers thieving cattle from the clan, Helen was taken away and deposited at the keep as a hostage, where she was not made to feel welcome by the suspicious and sometimes haughty clan members.
Now that Ailis and Bhaic have married, Helen has decided it's time for her to move on, and she decides to escape the keep with Brenda Gordon. So the story starts off with the pair making their way to Court, which put them within the purview of the James Douglas, the Earl of Morton and Regent for the young King James IV. Helen is a stubborn and headstrong lass who wanted to leave MacPherson land not only to escape her perceived captivity, but also to distance herself from the clan's War Chief, Marcus MacPherson. Unfortunately, more often than not, Helen's foolhardy behavior leads to more trouble for everyone involved. I did not have a connection to Helen's character. She came across as reckless, sometimes cold, and oftentimes prickly.
Marcus MacPherson is the war chief for the clan, a huge and hard man that most women fear on site. As the war chief, Marcus is not accustomed to wooing women or using sweet words - he is more like a battering ram, pushing and pushing until he gets his way. Marcus is obviously drawn to Helen, but he continually goes about things all wrong... and I found his gaffes humorous and endearing. Though when he follows Helen to court and runs afoul of the Earl of Morton himself - the dire circumstances force Helen and Marcus to join together to prevent an atrocity from occurring. I liked Marcus - but the big braw monosyllabic Highlanders are a favorite of mine. Marcus' loyalty to his clan meant everything to him, but he also feels guilty for plunking Helen down in the keep then studiously ignoring her much of the time. I enjoyed the banter between Marcus and Bhaic, and there were a few chuckle-worthy moments when Marcus was being teased by his father.
The relationship between these two was tumultuous. It wasn't an enemies to lovers story - but the bickering and Helen's prickly nature gave that impression at times. I think Helen treated Marcus unfairly. He was making an obvious effort once he followed her to court and she found fault with him no matter what. I didn't have a great connection to either of their characters, but I was exceedingly intrigued by Brenda Gordon and Kathryn, a captive of the Earl of Morton.
What I enjoyed most about this story was the political intrigue. I feel like the Earl of Morton has been crafted well as a villain, which matches the historical account of his character. While he was attempting to stop the feuding between the clans, that was calculated to further his own agenda and he resorted to barbarous acts to see his will enforced. I suspect that we will see the machinations of the Regent through the rest of the series, and I am particularly interested to see if there will be any further battles between he and Brenda.
I recommend this book to fans of Highland romance, and those who enjoy political intrigue in their historical romance. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher, Sourcebooks Casablanca.
February 15, 2017
Tension and temptation!
It's 1572 in Scotland. Mary Stuart is imprisoned and the Earl of Morton is the Regent with his own agenda. The clash between Highlander Marcus MacPherson and English woman Helen Grant is a thing of beauty. Helen is not to be taken for granted as she soon shows the recalcitrant Marcus. The tension between the two, sparked by the chemistry they're both trying to deny is nicely wrought.
I was looking forward to War Chief's Marcus' story. It has some very unexpected elements. Marcus offering Helen Grant to his men as a bride. Helen escaping. Then Helen rescuing Marcus from the Regent, the Earl of Morton's diabolical plans by a necessary deceit, only leads to Helen find herself in further hot water and tied more firmly to this hulking highlander. An annoying man who sets her blood thrumming and her ire to boiling point, entangling the plot and producing an intriguing read.
A NetGalley ARC
It's 1572 in Scotland. Mary Stuart is imprisoned and the Earl of Morton is the Regent with his own agenda. The clash between Highlander Marcus MacPherson and English woman Helen Grant is a thing of beauty. Helen is not to be taken for granted as she soon shows the recalcitrant Marcus. The tension between the two, sparked by the chemistry they're both trying to deny is nicely wrought.
I was looking forward to War Chief's Marcus' story. It has some very unexpected elements. Marcus offering Helen Grant to his men as a bride. Helen escaping. Then Helen rescuing Marcus from the Regent, the Earl of Morton's diabolical plans by a necessary deceit, only leads to Helen find herself in further hot water and tied more firmly to this hulking highlander. An annoying man who sets her blood thrumming and her ire to boiling point, entangling the plot and producing an intriguing read.
A NetGalley ARC
November 1, 2024
Маркъс МакФерсън и Хелън Грант
Преди година Маркъс отвлича Хелън от дома й, държейки я като заложник, за да попречи на братята й да крадат добитък от МакФерсън. Или поне привидно е така. Извънбрачен син на леърда на МакФерсън Маркъс винаги поставя клана на първо място, и като военен лидер на клана им, той смята, че негова отговорност е да се грижи за всичко и всички. Когато обаче Хелън решава да напусне МакФерсън, заминавайки заедно с Бренда Грант за кралският двор, Маркъс знае, че трябва да замине и да я спаси. Оправдание за пътуването му дава факта, че кралският регент граф Мортън иска новини за брака между Бейк и Ейлиш, които нямат намерение да стъпват в кралския двор. Маркъс е този, който ще откликне на повика на Мортън.
Хелън знае, че не може да се прибере у дома. Отвлечена преди година от дома си тя знае, че никой няма да й повярва, че не е компрометирана и баща й би я омъжил набързо за да прикрие позора й. Освен това тя е наясно, че Маркъс никога няма да й позволи да се върне у дома. Когато племенницата на леърда й, Бренда Грант решава да избяга от поредният брак уреден от семейството й, и да се скрие в кралският двор Хелън отива с нея. Там обаче се случва немислимото. Маркъс се появява настоявайки Хелън да се върне у дома, и така попада в полезрението на граф Мортън, който има ужасяващи планове за Маркъс. Мортън иска Маркъс да се венчае за 14 годишно момиче, незаконна дъщеря на влиятелен английски лорд, която е отвлечена от дома. При отказа си, Маркъс е хвърлен в тъмница и се очаква на следващият ден момичето да бъде бито с камшик, докато Маркъс не се съгласи да се ожени за него и да консумира брака им, нещо, което го отвращава напълно.
Омъжена на същата възраст и то в кралският двор, Бренда знае на какво ще бъде подложено момичето и е готова да помогне. Планът й е гениален, Хелън ще се омъжи за Маркъс и така Мортън ще бъде принуден да ги освободи, след това Бренда ще заеме мястото на Катрин, 14 годишната англичанка, а тя ще замине за МакФерсън заедно с Хелън и Маркъс. След като планът е готов, остава да се приведе в действие, но дали ще успеят да измамят злият граф Мортън?
Книгата беше доста вълнуваща. Обожавам Маркъс, който беше толкова силен и интересен герой. Като в предишната книга той беше неуморим и действаше с размах. Хелън малко ме дразнеше с решението си да анулират брака... много е странно, в другите исторически книги анулирането на брака почти не се споменава и е нещо много сложно, а тук вече втора книга само за това се говори, за анулиране на брака. И все пак имаше някои много интересни моменти. Като срещата ни с главния герой от следващата книга Ралф МакТавиш.
Другото интересно беше, когато Хелън се изправи пред икономката в дома на МакФерсън.
И на края злите намерения на граф Мортън, който освободи от 2 годишен затвор член на клана Гън, Робърт Гън, при условие, че се съгласи да изпълнява нарежданията му.
В книгата имаше много интересни моменти, но това, което ми помрачи до голяма степен емоцията от книгата е, че не се стърпях и прелистих напред, за да прочета какво се случва с Бренда. Истината е, че тя остана в кралският двор, за да понесе последиците от бягството на Катрин, и покрай другите неща, никой не се сещаше да се запита какво става с нея. Ами прочетох и честно казано, сърцето ми е разбито, що се отнася до Бренда. След 1ва книга в която, я видяхме като палавата вдовица, домъкнала се в клана МакФерсън за да възобнови връзката си с бившият си любовник Беик Макферсън, след като разбира, че Ейлиш е бременна, мислех, че ще я намразя. А сега? Сега умирам тя да намери своят щастлив край, и факта, че имам да изчета още 3 книги докато стигна до нейната ме убива... За съжаление ще минат доста години в следващите 3 книги, преди Бренда да е готова да отвори сърцето си за истинската любов... и го казвам, защото минах и причетох всикчки сцени с Бренда в следващите 2 книги... в третата ги пропуснах, защото тя е за Саймън и имайки предвид, че Бренда му е братовчедка и живеят заедно, сигурно трябва да изчета цялата книга. Но... в 4та книга, Бренда се запознава с главният ни герой, и той изглежда е точно този, от който Бренда има отчаяна нужда. Тъй че продължаваме с книга 2, която се развива 6 години след тази и където ще се срещнем с 20 годишната Катрин, която ще намери любовта с Ралф МакТавиш.
Преди година Маркъс отвлича Хелън от дома й, държейки я като заложник, за да попречи на братята й да крадат добитък от МакФерсън. Или поне привидно е така. Извънбрачен син на леърда на МакФерсън Маркъс винаги поставя клана на първо място, и като военен лидер на клана им, той смята, че негова отговорност е да се грижи за всичко и всички. Когато обаче Хелън решава да напусне МакФерсън, заминавайки заедно с Бренда Грант за кралският двор, Маркъс знае, че трябва да замине и да я спаси. Оправдание за пътуването му дава факта, че кралският регент граф Мортън иска новини за брака между Бейк и Ейлиш, които нямат намерение да стъпват в кралския двор. Маркъс е този, който ще откликне на повика на Мортън.
Хелън знае, че не може да се прибере у дома. Отвлечена преди година от дома си тя знае, че никой няма да й повярва, че не е компрометирана и баща й би я омъжил набързо за да прикрие позора й. Освен това тя е наясно, че Маркъс никога няма да й позволи да се върне у дома. Когато племенницата на леърда й, Бренда Грант решава да избяга от поредният брак уреден от семейството й, и да се скрие в кралският двор Хелън отива с нея. Там обаче се случва немислимото. Маркъс се появява настоявайки Хелън да се върне у дома, и така попада в полезрението на граф Мортън, който има ужасяващи планове за Маркъс. Мортън иска Маркъс да се венчае за 14 годишно момиче, незаконна дъщеря на влиятелен английски лорд, която е отвлечена от дома. При отказа си, Маркъс е хвърлен в тъмница и се очаква на следващият ден момичето да бъде бито с камшик, докато Маркъс не се съгласи да се ожени за него и да консумира брака им, нещо, което го отвращава напълно.
Омъжена на същата възраст и то в кралският двор, Бренда знае на какво ще бъде подложено момичето и е готова да помогне. Планът й е гениален, Хелън ще се омъжи за Маркъс и така Мортън ще бъде принуден да ги освободи, след това Бренда ще заеме мястото на Катрин, 14 годишната англичанка, а тя ще замине за МакФерсън заедно с Хелън и Маркъс. След като планът е готов, остава да се приведе в действие, но дали ще успеят да измамят злият граф Мортън?
Книгата беше доста вълнуваща. Обожавам Маркъс, който беше толкова силен и интересен герой. Като в предишната книга той беше неуморим и действаше с размах. Хелън малко ме дразнеше с решението си да анулират брака... много е странно, в другите исторически книги анулирането на брака почти не се споменава и е нещо много сложно, а тук вече втора книга само за това се говори, за анулиране на брака. И все пак имаше някои много интересни моменти. Като срещата ни с главния герой от следващата книга Ралф МакТавиш.
Другото интересно беше, когато Хелън се изправи пред икономката в дома на МакФерсън.
И на края злите намерения на граф Мортън, който освободи от 2 годишен затвор член на клана Гън, Робърт Гън, при условие, че се съгласи да изпълнява нарежданията му.
В книгата имаше много интересни моменти, но това, което ми помрачи до голяма степен емоцията от книгата е, че не се стърпях и прелистих напред, за да прочета какво се случва с Бренда. Истината е, че тя остана в кралският двор, за да понесе последиците от бягството на Катрин, и покрай другите неща, никой не се сещаше да се запита какво става с нея. Ами прочетох и честно казано, сърцето ми е разбито, що се отнася до Бренда. След 1ва книга в която, я видяхме като палавата вдовица, домъкнала се в клана МакФерсън за да възобнови връзката си с бившият си любовник Беик Макферсън, след като разбира, че Ейлиш е бременна, мислех, че ще я намразя. А сега? Сега умирам тя да намери своят щастлив край, и факта, че имам да изчета още 3 книги докато стигна до нейната ме убива... За съжаление ще минат доста години в следващите 3 книги, преди Бренда да е готова да отвори сърцето си за истинската любов... и го казвам, защото минах и причетох всикчки сцени с Бренда в следващите 2 книги... в третата ги пропуснах, защото тя е за Саймън и имайки предвид, че Бренда му е братовчедка и живеят заедно, сигурно трябва да изчета цялата книга. Но... в 4та книга, Бренда се запознава с главният ни герой, и той изглежда е точно този, от който Бренда има отчаяна нужда. Тъй че продължаваме с книга 2, която се развива 6 години след тази и където ще се срещнем с 20 годишната Катрин, която ще намери любовта с Ралф МакТавиш.
February 9, 2017
Well this was interesting.
Firstly, the book was set in Scotland- hence the characters had a strong accent. But when that alternated with modern English- things got confusing.
Now I didnt know it was prerequisite to read book 1 before this (until midway) hence I didnt get the references- but from what I understood the hero parades the heroine infront of his soldier to try to get her to marry them? Dude be possessive!
Anyways, as the book progresses, we get that Marcus actually liked Helen and fought for her. Their marriage is sweet and how he wooes her is adorable. In the end, how he worships her when he falls for her is actually really satisfying!
I also enjoyed the sweet love of Bhaic and Ailis (since Im guessing they already got their story)
That being said, in parts of the books things get confusing. Like abandoned plots (like what happened to Brenda and the descriptive torture she went through) or changing POVs.
I was not a fan of the forced sex on secondary characters.
Safe (for primary couple)
3/5
Firstly, the book was set in Scotland- hence the characters had a strong accent. But when that alternated with modern English- things got confusing.
Now I didnt know it was prerequisite to read book 1 before this (until midway) hence I didnt get the references- but from what I understood the hero parades the heroine infront of his soldier to try to get her to marry them? Dude be possessive!
Anyways, as the book progresses, we get that Marcus actually liked Helen and fought for her. Their marriage is sweet and how he wooes her is adorable. In the end, how he worships her when he falls for her is actually really satisfying!
I also enjoyed the sweet love of Bhaic and Ailis (since Im guessing they already got their story)
That being said, in parts of the books things get confusing. Like abandoned plots (like what happened to Brenda and the descriptive torture she went through) or changing POVs.
I was not a fan of the forced sex on secondary characters.
Safe (for primary couple)
3/5
May 17, 2021
3 Beautiful Higland ☆☆☆
February 7, 2017
3.5/5
I was obsessively in love with Highland Spitfire last year. It was a feisty, sexy and funny historical romance that hooked me from the start. The wait for Highland Vixen was not an easy one given how much I was anticipating this couple in the previous book. Though I don’t think Highland Vixen was better than Highland Spitfire for me, I still had a blast reading this one.
Without a doubt, it’s the characters that make this series so strong. They are very likeable and just fun to be around. Helen, the heroine here, has been kidnapped by Marcus’ clan, and she was fearless, clever and just a breath of fresh air. She doesn’t mince her words, and even though she’s in a position of weakness, she never shows her vulnerabilities. Marcus, on the other hand, is very gruff and a total alpha male. He’s not very in tune with his emotions so he doesn’t always know how to express himself, and I actually found that quite endearing because he frustrates everyone around him.
Romances that are based on kidnapping usually make me uncomfortable, but I thought it was handled well here. Given the time period the book is set in and the politics of the era, it made sense. Even though Marcus did kidnap Helen, he treats her with nothing but respect, and he never forces her to do anything against her will. Their romance is filled with tons of delicious tension, banter and will-they-won’t-they chemistry. They were really fun to be around, even when they were bickering like little kids. I did wish that we could have seen them as a couple a little earlier than we did. At times I felt like the romance got diluted among the obstacles and politics, but when they were together, it was terrific. I also loved how at different points in the book Helen and Marcus save each other instead of just Marcus saving Helen. It was very refreshing!
There were also some great funny moments involving Marcus and his brother and his father. I love the bond that he shares with his family and it made me smile like a goof. We are also introduced to new characters, and I’m very intrigued and hoping, we’ll get to see more books in this series.
All in all, Highland Vixen was an entertaining book and I would most definitely recommend this one if you’re a fan of those swoony heroes in kilts!
I was obsessively in love with Highland Spitfire last year. It was a feisty, sexy and funny historical romance that hooked me from the start. The wait for Highland Vixen was not an easy one given how much I was anticipating this couple in the previous book. Though I don’t think Highland Vixen was better than Highland Spitfire for me, I still had a blast reading this one.
Without a doubt, it’s the characters that make this series so strong. They are very likeable and just fun to be around. Helen, the heroine here, has been kidnapped by Marcus’ clan, and she was fearless, clever and just a breath of fresh air. She doesn’t mince her words, and even though she’s in a position of weakness, she never shows her vulnerabilities. Marcus, on the other hand, is very gruff and a total alpha male. He’s not very in tune with his emotions so he doesn’t always know how to express himself, and I actually found that quite endearing because he frustrates everyone around him.
Romances that are based on kidnapping usually make me uncomfortable, but I thought it was handled well here. Given the time period the book is set in and the politics of the era, it made sense. Even though Marcus did kidnap Helen, he treats her with nothing but respect, and he never forces her to do anything against her will. Their romance is filled with tons of delicious tension, banter and will-they-won’t-they chemistry. They were really fun to be around, even when they were bickering like little kids. I did wish that we could have seen them as a couple a little earlier than we did. At times I felt like the romance got diluted among the obstacles and politics, but when they were together, it was terrific. I also loved how at different points in the book Helen and Marcus save each other instead of just Marcus saving Helen. It was very refreshing!
There were also some great funny moments involving Marcus and his brother and his father. I love the bond that he shares with his family and it made me smile like a goof. We are also introduced to new characters, and I’m very intrigued and hoping, we’ll get to see more books in this series.
All in all, Highland Vixen was an entertaining book and I would most definitely recommend this one if you’re a fan of those swoony heroes in kilts!
March 8, 2017
I just can't get enough of Mary Wine's Highlanders!! They're so fierce and protective and when they fall they fall hard.. This series just got better.. Marcus and Helen were perfect for each other, both stubborn and prideful but knew when to concede. Their story wasn't overly angsty and Helen wasn't over the top hard headed which I loved..she had her reasons when she tried to keep her distance and they were more than reasonable.. Absolutely loved the Epilogue!! Can't wait for the other's to meet their match!
February 10, 2017
I love books set in Scotland, but this one did not hold my interest. It's the first book I've read by this author and I probably won't read any more of hers. I did read it and I liked the hero and heroine, but for me, the story dragged. There was also a lot of jumping around between different characters. I'm sure some of you will enjoy it, but it's not for me. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read the ARC.
December 6, 2017
Marcus is unquestionably drool worthy and my favorite brother (sorry not sorry Bhaic), always liked me a brooding silent commanding man and he's exactly the type , Helen is absolutely hilarious and I love her for it , takes spine to stand up to such a hunk, and highlander no less , Mary woman you hooked me up , be reading all your books until I don't feel like reading about lairds and kilts and highlanders,you got me love and attention.
February 6, 2017
Mini review time
It is hard for me to really say anything was memorable about this highland romance. I didn't really feel like any of the characters were stand out, and I did not like what happened to Brenda at the hands of Morton. The romance between Marcus and Helen was lukewarm at best. I did like that she has quite a bit of spirit and stands up to him, but that wasn't enough to save this book. There was a lot I didnt understand, probably from book 1, like Duana, and why she was so angry and bitter. Or why Morton was so vile. Perhaps this book makes more sense reading the series in order. Which I would suggest if you are a fan of highland settings.
It is hard for me to really say anything was memorable about this highland romance. I didn't really feel like any of the characters were stand out, and I did not like what happened to Brenda at the hands of Morton. The romance between Marcus and Helen was lukewarm at best. I did like that she has quite a bit of spirit and stands up to him, but that wasn't enough to save this book. There was a lot I didnt understand, probably from book 1, like Duana, and why she was so angry and bitter. Or why Morton was so vile. Perhaps this book makes more sense reading the series in order. Which I would suggest if you are a fan of highland settings.
August 12, 2022
This might be my favorite of the series so far simply because of the strength of the heroine. However, there is way too much kidnapping/stealing of women in this series. It's the fallback when the plotline gets stale, I think. Still a good, quick read to fill the time. I am enjoying listening to these books on audiobook as the accents help bring the story to life.
April 12, 2023
Not gonna write a long one; it's the same as the earlier installment; flat with no angst whatsoever.
Warning: it would be much better if you'd read Book No. 1 as the story picked up from there (although you could read it on its own). Loved the Hero and the heroine. Did not love their chemistry - or lack there of. Story was flat throughout.
Warning: it would be much better if you'd read Book No. 1 as the story picked up from there (although you could read it on its own). Loved the Hero and the heroine. Did not love their chemistry - or lack there of. Story was flat throughout.
February 11, 2024
3 stars
Immersive highland experience but repetitious plot lines. She must be a cat with nine lives, how many times is she going to be in danger, the tension and the drama felt forced after awhile. No spoilers but the treatment and resolution for a secondary character also left me unsympathetic in any conflict involving the MCs
Immersive highland experience but repetitious plot lines. She must be a cat with nine lives, how many times is she going to be in danger, the tension and the drama felt forced after awhile. No spoilers but the treatment and resolution for a secondary character also left me unsympathetic in any conflict involving the MCs
February 13, 2024
I really like this series and I really like Mary Wine. I didn't want this to end. Tough guy Marcus finds his happily ever after with the wonderful sassy Helen. Steamy love scenes, abductions, adventures, a truly diabolical villain - this has it all. Wine introduces characters from future books in the series in a way the makes me want to read them immediately.
September 17, 2017
Helen Grant didn't know when she was well off living with the MacPherson Clan and War Chief Marcus MacPherson. She had to saved him. He in turn has to save her over and over from men only wanted to use her for gain. Marcus is the one man who will always come for her.
October 16, 2023
There is good chemistry/hatred/passion between Marcus and Helen. Enjoyed seeing them argue with one another, with Helen not standing down despite men ruling in the medieval era they were in. Alas, I could not give a higher rating as I thought the romance needed more focus. Nevertheless, it did a good job to kill time.
March 11, 2017
Helen goes from being Marcus' captive to tricking the Regent in order to save Marcus to being kidnapped a couple times. She never loses her spirit. Each time she is rescued by Marcus, her feelings become stronger. Marcus is a War Chieftain and is not good at expressing himself. His lack of communication has Helen turning from him. As they spend time together between disasters, Marcus shows his personal side. Together, they finally give into the feelings. There are many characters in this story, lead ups to future stories, and I want to read more to see how their stories go.
I received a copy of this story through Netgalley, and it is a Book Obsessed Chicks Star Review selection. This is my unsolicited review.
I received a copy of this story through Netgalley, and it is a Book Obsessed Chicks Star Review selection. This is my unsolicited review.
March 4, 2017
Book: Highland Vixen by Mary Wine
Series: Highland Weddings #2
Reviewer: Barb Massabrook of
Tartan Book Reviews, Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog
Purple Tulip Book Reviews
Heat Setting: Sizzling Hot
Overall Setting: 5/5 Stars
1572
Marcus MacPherson is the highland war chief of Clan MacPherson
Nancy Grant will definitely be a challenged. She was taken by Marcus as a way to avoid a clan war or going against his clan as he feared. As it Is an arranged marriage which does not make Nancy happy. She also does not plan on making things easy on Marcus.
As most of his Warriors fear him and the women of his clan can't even look at him without getting the shakes. Everyone fears Marcus MacPherson well everyone except his wife Nancy Grant. She plans on showing him what she is made of.
As Nancy is gutsy, fearless,stubborn and intelligent. It definitely is not fear as actually they are a couple made for each other. They just don't realize it yet!
I love Mary Wine books and how she puts true history in her fictional historical romance tales. It has all the elements Scottish romance readers are looking for misunderstandings, betrayal, riveting adventure, endangerment, risk taking, fast paced page turner, betrayal, drama, passion,
Clan protection, passion and love!
You will remember this couple as secondary characters, in “Highland Spitfire”, the first book in this series.
Once Marcus realizes Nancy left due to the mistreatment from his own Clan. Plus Marcus is understanding his true feelings for Nancy, but doesn't know how to woo her. As he has ever wooed any woman in his life.
Love is definitely a battlefield in this novel! Who will win is anyone's guess. Both are so stubborn and strong willed. Whose heart will be captured first? Though he knows he wants his wife backs and now understands why she left. He isn't accustomed to wooing. So this powerful war chief must put this puzzle together! That is before he loses the pieces and his wife forever. Can it be done? You will have to read this fabulous book and find out.
It is fast paced page turner, riveting adventure filled with suspense, mystery, betrayal, forgiveness, hope, passion and love. Beautiful breathtaking setting, plots that make you wonder with anticipation what could possibly happen next. Is it doom and gloom for this couple, or ecstasy and bliss? You will have to read this spectacular book and tale to find out the conclusion.
I highly
Series: Highland Weddings #2
Reviewer: Barb Massabrook of
Tartan Book Reviews, Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog
Purple Tulip Book Reviews
Heat Setting: Sizzling Hot
Overall Setting: 5/5 Stars
1572
Marcus MacPherson is the highland war chief of Clan MacPherson
Nancy Grant will definitely be a challenged. She was taken by Marcus as a way to avoid a clan war or going against his clan as he feared. As it Is an arranged marriage which does not make Nancy happy. She also does not plan on making things easy on Marcus.
As most of his Warriors fear him and the women of his clan can't even look at him without getting the shakes. Everyone fears Marcus MacPherson well everyone except his wife Nancy Grant. She plans on showing him what she is made of.
As Nancy is gutsy, fearless,stubborn and intelligent. It definitely is not fear as actually they are a couple made for each other. They just don't realize it yet!
I love Mary Wine books and how she puts true history in her fictional historical romance tales. It has all the elements Scottish romance readers are looking for misunderstandings, betrayal, riveting adventure, endangerment, risk taking, fast paced page turner, betrayal, drama, passion,
Clan protection, passion and love!
You will remember this couple as secondary characters, in “Highland Spitfire”, the first book in this series.
Once Marcus realizes Nancy left due to the mistreatment from his own Clan. Plus Marcus is understanding his true feelings for Nancy, but doesn't know how to woo her. As he has ever wooed any woman in his life.
Love is definitely a battlefield in this novel! Who will win is anyone's guess. Both are so stubborn and strong willed. Whose heart will be captured first? Though he knows he wants his wife backs and now understands why she left. He isn't accustomed to wooing. So this powerful war chief must put this puzzle together! That is before he loses the pieces and his wife forever. Can it be done? You will have to read this fabulous book and find out.
It is fast paced page turner, riveting adventure filled with suspense, mystery, betrayal, forgiveness, hope, passion and love. Beautiful breathtaking setting, plots that make you wonder with anticipation what could possibly happen next. Is it doom and gloom for this couple, or ecstasy and bliss? You will have to read this spectacular book and tale to find out the conclusion.
I highly
March 1, 2017
I really wanted Helen and Marcus's story and it didn't disappoint! I loved their head-butting, their chemistry and their banter was simply awesome!
Excited for the stories to come in the series!
Excited for the stories to come in the series!
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