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McJames #3
Bedding the Enemy
The McJames clan's nemesis battles to overcome deceit while surrendering to desire in a sweeping Scottish romance from the author of In the Warrior's Bed.Laird Keir McQuade is a newcomer to his title and has much work before him to restore the McQuade honor. Finding a wife is an excellent start. He's duty-bound to go to court and swear homage to his king anyway, a perfect opportunity—were not court women trussed in stupid fashions and corrupted with false mannerisms. Of course, not every lady hides behind a powdered face . . .Helena Knyvett may be a daughter of the aristocracy, but in truth she is little but a pawn in her brother's ploys for power. Her smallest acts of defiance carry a heavy price. But one honorable man among a crowd of dandies could give her all she needs to change her fortunes—and set her free . . .Among the ruthless ambitions of England's powerful, love at first sight is a dangerous game. But the treachery, scandal, and treason that follow can unleash as much passion as it does adventure . . .Praise for Mary Wine and her novels“Deeply romantic, scintillating, and absolutely delicious.” —Sylvia Day, New York Times bestsellingauthor“My kind of historical! . . . sweeps you into the time period without taking a thing away from delightful characters and a charming romance . . . definitely a must-read.” —Heather Graham, New York Times bestselling author“Dramatic and vivid . . . Scorching love scenes threaten to set the sheets aflame.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
138 people are currently reading
875 people want to read
About the author
Mary Wine
83 books817 followersMary Wine has written over twenty novels that take her readers from the pages of history to the far reaches of space. Recent winner of a 2008 EPPIE Award for erotic western romance, her book LET ME LOVE YOU was quoted “Not to be missed…” by Lora Leigh, New York Times best-selling author.
When she’s not abusing a laptop, she spends time with her sewing machines…all of them! Making historical garments is her second passion. From corsets and knickers to court dresses of Elizabeth I, the most expensive clothes she owns are hundreds of years out of date. She’s also an active student of martial arts, having earned the rank of second degree black belt.
When she’s not abusing a laptop, she spends time with her sewing machines…all of them! Making historical garments is her second passion. From corsets and knickers to court dresses of Elizabeth I, the most expensive clothes she owns are hundreds of years out of date. She’s also an active student of martial arts, having earned the rank of second degree black belt.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
March 15, 2011
Bedding the Enemy, the best book so far of a top notch McJames series by Mary Wine (hopefully more to come in the series). There is nothing better than a highlander story except maybe turning it into to a highlander erotica story, well that is how I would classify Bedding the Enemy. Loaded with chivalrous alphas and plenty of sensual love scenes.
Keir has inherited his newly Laird title because his father and two older brothers were killed in book 2 - bad, bad men. Keir is everything his father and brothers weren't, respectable, moral, and noble and Keir is going to bring honor back to his family name. First, he needs to find a bride with connections so he travels from his lands in Scotland to the English court to pledge his allegiance to the new king (who is half Scottish) and hopefully find a wife. Keir is so delicious, he is real man, not some sissy boy wearing pastels like the English flops, but he is disgusted by the ladies of the court. They are shallow, and painted with no substance. Then he spots her, Helena, and she captivates him immediately. Helena has wonderful character and is Keir's perfect match, she is not fake or high maintenance, but genuine. I loved them together, they were both so strong and when they touched the pages sizzled.
The problem is; Helena is a blue blood, daughter of an Earl and she has a nasty brother that beats her and feels he can use her for his selfish purposes. Her brother Edmund refuses Keir's bid to court her because he thinks Keir is too common for her and their family's title, plus Keir is a "savage" Scot. Edmund is a mean, repulsive twit and I cheered when Keir got in a few good punches when Edmund said and did bad things to Helena. Keir seemed to anticipate Edmund's traitorous plots and was always there to save her from her brother's cruelty. Even though Keir was a strong alpha with such a protective nature towards Helena he loved her so tenderly. Every woman needs one of those!
Although I have seen similar plots in the highlander stories before I was just so drawn in by the H/h relationship and that is why I gave it 5 stars- hot sex scenes earned big points too!!!
February 19, 2024
4 STARS!
Really enjoyed the whole series and I'm sad to see it end. Will definitely read more by this author!
"Ye taught me what love is. That is worth every struggle that has landed in me path."So good, especially the 'twist' at the end that easily could have gone so wrong. Instead of making Helena look TSTL, I appreciated the author showing her in such an intelligent and positive light. Keir was pretty delicious too.
Really enjoyed the whole series and I'm sad to see it end. Will definitely read more by this author!
August 6, 2010
This book was a HOT, Easy read for me and I REALLY Liked it a lot. I almost gave it 5 stars because this is the type of book that I love to read most.
The hero was what every woman would dream of a hero being. I liked the heroine too because she had courage. The story line was good and kept me interested.
I do look forwards to the next book in this series.
The hero was what every woman would dream of a hero being. I liked the heroine too because she had courage. The story line was good and kept me interested.
I do look forwards to the next book in this series.
January 25, 2025
My Review:
Bedding the Enemy was a brilliant story and I really enjoyed this one. I so WISH I could have found it in audio though, I am not sure why it wasn't possible to find when the other books in the series are. So I did have to physically read this book. I really loved the setting though. I feel like its more rare to read this era and have it in a court setting. This is where we see King James Stewart in the beginning of his reign before he lost his family, we see him with his wife Anne and loved how well Mary Wine wrote this aspect, you could see them so in love and their story historically is heartbreaking. But I loved seeing this story set before all the bad things happen and they are still in the glow of their reign. Our hero is a child of a man who betrayed the king and has come to London to commit himself to the King and he runs into a beauty, who is soft and feminine....Helena Knyvett. She is being abused and manipulated by her brother, and fairly early on its evident in the story. The king encourages Keir to pursue Helena. I loved the historical aspects in this one. Mary Wine is queen and I really need to get through her backlist and see what her newer books are like. Hopefully they are just as good as her trad works are. (if you have read her newer stuff let me know what you think)!!!!
Bedding the Enemy is NOT what the title implies. There is very minimal angst in the relationship itself, its actually outer angst. The brother is against the relationship, he doesn't want her happy at all. We see how evil her brother really is and I felt so heartbroken for Helena and how abusive he is. I did enjoy the romance that develops between Keir and Helena. I love how protective Keir is of Helena and really of women in general. He is honestly such a good guy hero and we need more of these. I loved the way we see the conflict arise in the second half of the book though. We see the King being put in a bad position politically. The courtly politics was done so so well here. This book is set in the era shortly after the tudor era and we are see what King Henry 8th really did to the court and how it affected it afterwards.
Overall I had a solid time with this one here, and their relationship was fascinating. I loved the historical setting and era that this book takes place in, and how invested Keir and Helena are in the relationship. Super superb in every way. If you love historical romance and want to dig deeper in medieval, this author is a must read.
Bedding the Enemy was a brilliant story and I really enjoyed this one. I so WISH I could have found it in audio though, I am not sure why it wasn't possible to find when the other books in the series are. So I did have to physically read this book. I really loved the setting though. I feel like its more rare to read this era and have it in a court setting. This is where we see King James Stewart in the beginning of his reign before he lost his family, we see him with his wife Anne and loved how well Mary Wine wrote this aspect, you could see them so in love and their story historically is heartbreaking. But I loved seeing this story set before all the bad things happen and they are still in the glow of their reign. Our hero is a child of a man who betrayed the king and has come to London to commit himself to the King and he runs into a beauty, who is soft and feminine....Helena Knyvett. She is being abused and manipulated by her brother, and fairly early on its evident in the story. The king encourages Keir to pursue Helena. I loved the historical aspects in this one. Mary Wine is queen and I really need to get through her backlist and see what her newer books are like. Hopefully they are just as good as her trad works are. (if you have read her newer stuff let me know what you think)!!!!
Bedding the Enemy is NOT what the title implies. There is very minimal angst in the relationship itself, its actually outer angst. The brother is against the relationship, he doesn't want her happy at all. We see how evil her brother really is and I felt so heartbroken for Helena and how abusive he is. I did enjoy the romance that develops between Keir and Helena. I love how protective Keir is of Helena and really of women in general. He is honestly such a good guy hero and we need more of these. I loved the way we see the conflict arise in the second half of the book though. We see the King being put in a bad position politically. The courtly politics was done so so well here. This book is set in the era shortly after the tudor era and we are see what King Henry 8th really did to the court and how it affected it afterwards.
Overall I had a solid time with this one here, and their relationship was fascinating. I loved the historical setting and era that this book takes place in, and how invested Keir and Helena are in the relationship. Super superb in every way. If you love historical romance and want to dig deeper in medieval, this author is a must read.
February 22, 2022
2.7 stars
February 20, 2023
L'histoire et les personnages sont sympathiques. L'historie d'amour va très vite mais ça ne m'a pas dérangée. Dommage que l'autrice se soit arrêtée à ce tome. L'ébauche d'histoire entre Raelin et Demetrius est prometteuse.
December 13, 2013
I am seriously going to miss reading this series and hope Mary Wine continues to write more with these characters in mind.
What I really find appealing about The McJames series is the way she moves quickly through the story. She manages to keep the flow moving without losing any of the periods historical information. It remains in the foreground as much a part of the character as the protagonists and others.
I also love the conversations between the hero and heroine. It is humorous and entertaining.
The love scenes are sexy and hot. Just what you would expect from a lusty Scot. There was nothing gratuitous about it either. It was a necessary part of the story adding to it rather than detracting as some scenes seem to be.
Again, I hope she continues with the McJames series it has been fun to read as well as familiar after just three books.
What I really find appealing about The McJames series is the way she moves quickly through the story. She manages to keep the flow moving without losing any of the periods historical information. It remains in the foreground as much a part of the character as the protagonists and others.
I also love the conversations between the hero and heroine. It is humorous and entertaining.
The love scenes are sexy and hot. Just what you would expect from a lusty Scot. There was nothing gratuitous about it either. It was a necessary part of the story adding to it rather than detracting as some scenes seem to be.
Again, I hope she continues with the McJames series it has been fun to read as well as familiar after just three books.
February 22, 2015
Keir McQuade's story that starts with his mission to restore the family name to its former glory and get back in the good graces of the king.
Helena is struggling to find a place in court, where she is supposed to help improve her family's standing. She hates the intrigue and duplicity and Keir McQuade is refreshingly honest and direct.
They make a nice couple that has to overcome its share of obstacles before their eventual happy ending.
The series seems to have ended so there probably won't be a book about Raelin McKorey's story, which I would have enjoyed reading...
Helena is struggling to find a place in court, where she is supposed to help improve her family's standing. She hates the intrigue and duplicity and Keir McQuade is refreshingly honest and direct.
They make a nice couple that has to overcome its share of obstacles before their eventual happy ending.
The series seems to have ended so there probably won't be a book about Raelin McKorey's story, which I would have enjoyed reading...
June 13, 2010
well written snappy historical plot with delightful characters and a bit of mystery thrown in. Keir and Helena brutal honesty (even when it puts their own lives at risk) fascinate me - and I have to admit, I couldn't wait to read about her brother getting what's coming to him. Wonderful sex scenes, spunky characters and emotionally charged. Loved it!
October 3, 2017
Laird Keir McQuade has newly come into his title and has much work to restore honor to the McQuade Clan name. Seeking a wife at the Court of Scotland would be a good start, if the women were trussed up in stupid fashions and false manners, along with face powder. Helena Knyven is the daughter of aristocracy, with a cruel brother, who would use her as a pawn for power, where the smallest act of her defiance carry a heavy price. Laird McQuade is the first honorable man that Helena has met at Court. Can he free her? Can they come to love and trust each other. With treachery, scandal, and treason standing in the way.
March 28, 2015
GOOD ROMANCE AND LOVE STORY!!
I am giving Bedding the Enemy 4 stars instead of 5. I didn't like what poor Helena endured at the hands of her crazed brother Edmond Knyvett, future Earl of Kenton. Him beating and hitting on her and the attack on her by his crazed friend Lord Ronchford was a bit much. The bases of this story is Helena being munipulated by her brother to use at the Royal Court to obtain and advantage. He is a English Lord and he hate Scots. But this is the Royal Court of King James Stuart, who is a Scot. The English Lords look down on the Scots and think they are stupid and under them. So when Edmond loses his money and his sister Helena an her dowry to the newly minted Baron Hurst, Laird Keir McQuade in a card game he doesn't take it well. Edmond is always plotting. In this book his scheming has caught up with him.
We meet Keir in bk2 In The Warriors Bed. His father and older brothers raid and steal from the other clans. There evil ways catch up with them in bk 2and in bk3 Keir is the new Laird. Keir McQuade. Keir was always likable and he proves he is honorable and not like his father and brothers. Keir decides to bring respectability to the McQuade name and Clan. He an his retainers head for London to swear his fealty to King James and to find a respectable bride from a good noble family; that will help bring respectability to the McQuade Clan.
Keir meets Helena at court and immediately they are attracted to each other. Her brother plots an scheme not to honor his wager to Keir. This plot point results in a pager turner to find out how they get there HEA!! Keir and Helena are a wonderful couple and compliment each other. They have quite a few erotic scenes in the book. I really enjoyed reading Bedding the Enemy!!
I am giving Bedding the Enemy 4 stars instead of 5. I didn't like what poor Helena endured at the hands of her crazed brother Edmond Knyvett, future Earl of Kenton. Him beating and hitting on her and the attack on her by his crazed friend Lord Ronchford was a bit much. The bases of this story is Helena being munipulated by her brother to use at the Royal Court to obtain and advantage. He is a English Lord and he hate Scots. But this is the Royal Court of King James Stuart, who is a Scot. The English Lords look down on the Scots and think they are stupid and under them. So when Edmond loses his money and his sister Helena an her dowry to the newly minted Baron Hurst, Laird Keir McQuade in a card game he doesn't take it well. Edmond is always plotting. In this book his scheming has caught up with him.
We meet Keir in bk2 In The Warriors Bed. His father and older brothers raid and steal from the other clans. There evil ways catch up with them in bk 2and in bk3 Keir is the new Laird. Keir McQuade. Keir was always likable and he proves he is honorable and not like his father and brothers. Keir decides to bring respectability to the McQuade name and Clan. He an his retainers head for London to swear his fealty to King James and to find a respectable bride from a good noble family; that will help bring respectability to the McQuade Clan.
Keir meets Helena at court and immediately they are attracted to each other. Her brother plots an scheme not to honor his wager to Keir. This plot point results in a pager turner to find out how they get there HEA!! Keir and Helena are a wonderful couple and compliment each other. They have quite a few erotic scenes in the book. I really enjoyed reading Bedding the Enemy!!
April 16, 2011
Overall Rating: 3.75 // Action: 3 / Emotion: 3.75 / Romance: 3 / Sensuous: 4 / Intrigue: 3.5 / Medieval Flavor: 3 // Humor: 2 / Tears: 0
Bedding The Enemy is a story of "love at first." The McQuade Clan's new laird, (third-born son) Keir, must go to London to swear fealty to King James Stuart in an effort to restore the clan's honor and promote peace. Keir spots the tall, modest Helena Knyvett across the crowded room and decides he has found the woman who will be his wife. Helena's evil, power-hungry brother, Edmund, is opposed to allowing a common Scot to wed his blue-blooded sister.
Bedding The Enemy is an enjoyable read. The book is packed with {1} gorgeous, hunky Scots (who outshine English pretty-boys); {2} a huge, muscled, determined, generous hero; {3} an honorable, mistreated heroine (who comes to the hero's rescue after he rescues her); {4} hot, steamy, graphically-vivid, numerous love scenes; {5} interesting supporting characters; {6} plenty of action to speed the story along; {5} copious amounts of suspense concerning Keir and Helena's ability to overcome Edmund's plots and schemes to find their happily ever after.
A more detailed review of Bedding The Enemy can be found at my blog Wolf Bear Does Books.
Bedding The Enemy is a story of "love at first." The McQuade Clan's new laird, (third-born son) Keir, must go to London to swear fealty to King James Stuart in an effort to restore the clan's honor and promote peace. Keir spots the tall, modest Helena Knyvett across the crowded room and decides he has found the woman who will be his wife. Helena's evil, power-hungry brother, Edmund, is opposed to allowing a common Scot to wed his blue-blooded sister.
Bedding The Enemy is an enjoyable read. The book is packed with {1} gorgeous, hunky Scots (who outshine English pretty-boys); {2} a huge, muscled, determined, generous hero; {3} an honorable, mistreated heroine (who comes to the hero's rescue after he rescues her); {4} hot, steamy, graphically-vivid, numerous love scenes; {5} interesting supporting characters; {6} plenty of action to speed the story along; {5} copious amounts of suspense concerning Keir and Helena's ability to overcome Edmund's plots and schemes to find their happily ever after.
A more detailed review of Bedding The Enemy can be found at my blog Wolf Bear Does Books.
October 17, 2012
The story starts out with two people who felt attraction immediately from across a room. Keir is more comfortable with his attraction to Helena than she is to her attraction to him. Both of them like that the other is not pretentious as the courtiers that surround King James in London. Keir is confident and arrogant with an honorable rather than bullying presence. Keir and Helena were a good match. She deserved him and he deserved her. Imagine spending a month on a honeymoon locked together in the Tower of London.
Helena is a pawn of her arrogant, but cruel, older brother, Edmund. He is heir to an earldom and is just waiting for his father to die. He does not want his sister married to the Scot, Keir, as he wants her married to someone who will bring him more power and riches. Edmund is borderline sadistic and I was uncomfortable with his character and actions. I skipped over some of the detail of his cruelty. However, he was an integral part of the storyline not just there to add tension.
There are strong side characters, too. I'm hoping for a story about Raelin and another of her brother, Alarik McKorey.
Helena is a pawn of her arrogant, but cruel, older brother, Edmund. He is heir to an earldom and is just waiting for his father to die. He does not want his sister married to the Scot, Keir, as he wants her married to someone who will bring him more power and riches. Edmund is borderline sadistic and I was uncomfortable with his character and actions. I skipped over some of the detail of his cruelty. However, he was an integral part of the storyline not just there to add tension.
There are strong side characters, too. I'm hoping for a story about Raelin and another of her brother, Alarik McKorey.
October 4, 2015
Bedding the Enemy
3 Stars
Attempting to restore his family’s honor after his father’s treacherous actions, Keir McQuade travels to London to swear fealty to the newly crowned King James. Once there, Keir is astounded by the deceitful intrigues of court and the garishness of the women. One girl who does catch his eye is Helena Knyvett, the daughter of an English nobleman caught up in the vicious machinations of her ruthless brother. Can Keir and Helena find love amidst the amidst the treachery and scandal that surrounds them?
Unlike the previous books in the series, this installment is set entirely in London with all of its attendant political and social trickery and plotting. Keir and Helena are a sweet couple with good chemistry and their scenes together are hot and steamy.
The villain is exceedingly nasty and puts up numerous obstacles to Keir and Helena’s happiness. There are some intense moments toward the end where the lovers' HEA is in question, but everything is resolved satisfactorily.
All in all, a light and not too taxing read although it is disappointing that the series has come to an end without Raelin McKorey’s story.
3 Stars
Attempting to restore his family’s honor after his father’s treacherous actions, Keir McQuade travels to London to swear fealty to the newly crowned King James. Once there, Keir is astounded by the deceitful intrigues of court and the garishness of the women. One girl who does catch his eye is Helena Knyvett, the daughter of an English nobleman caught up in the vicious machinations of her ruthless brother. Can Keir and Helena find love amidst the amidst the treachery and scandal that surrounds them?
Unlike the previous books in the series, this installment is set entirely in London with all of its attendant political and social trickery and plotting. Keir and Helena are a sweet couple with good chemistry and their scenes together are hot and steamy.
The villain is exceedingly nasty and puts up numerous obstacles to Keir and Helena’s happiness. There are some intense moments toward the end where the lovers' HEA is in question, but everything is resolved satisfactorily.
All in all, a light and not too taxing read although it is disappointing that the series has come to an end without Raelin McKorey’s story.
February 11, 2018
Why did I buy this book!
First of all, I have read many fantastic books by Mary Wine and have never been disappointed. This author had to have stolen Mary's identity!!
From chapter one I became confused. The story is good however, but there are no breaks between scenes. What I'm trying to say is....
Scene 1: She stares into the Scot 's eyes, blah-blah-blah (that's the storyline by the way) then BAM... The story scene immediately changes to ...
Scene 2: The brother was so angry Bla-Blah-Blah.....(another story line)
Basically what I'm trying to say is the format of this book is horrible! Normally when scene changes you have about 7 empty spaces then a new paragraph or even a new chapter. This book had me so confused. They were in the woods together then suddenly it's the next day then suddenly he kissed her then suddenly the Queen is present then suddenly her brother hits her...I'm confusing myself now.
Waste of my day. Very disappointed....
Heat Level: Blah-Blah-Blah
First of all, I have read many fantastic books by Mary Wine and have never been disappointed. This author had to have stolen Mary's identity!!
From chapter one I became confused. The story is good however, but there are no breaks between scenes. What I'm trying to say is....
Scene 1: She stares into the Scot 's eyes, blah-blah-blah (that's the storyline by the way) then BAM... The story scene immediately changes to ...
Scene 2: The brother was so angry Bla-Blah-Blah.....(another story line)
Basically what I'm trying to say is the format of this book is horrible! Normally when scene changes you have about 7 empty spaces then a new paragraph or even a new chapter. This book had me so confused. They were in the woods together then suddenly it's the next day then suddenly he kissed her then suddenly the Queen is present then suddenly her brother hits her...I'm confusing myself now.
Waste of my day. Very disappointed....
Heat Level: Blah-Blah-Blah
December 1, 2015
:) 3.5*
gostei! esta historia para mim teve mais emoção, que as anteriores.
isto porque os personagens, têm uma maior quantidade de "drama" a envolve-los.
dramas familiares, familiares com alguma dose de "loucura" e ambição; e que sujeitam negativamente a personagem principal da historia (aquele irmão dela, é horrivel) :)
com partes da historia que nos deixam com a respiração em suspenso, o que torna o virar de páginas compulsivo.
de resto é uma historia tipica de "Highlanders" onde a velha quezilia de escoçês vs inglês está muito visivel.
a parte romantica obviamente tem peso, e consegue-se "acreditar" nos sentimentos revelados pelos personagens.
para quem aprecia este tipo de historias, aqui está uma trilogia a considerar, sendo para mim uma boa descoberta desta autora.
gostei! esta historia para mim teve mais emoção, que as anteriores.
isto porque os personagens, têm uma maior quantidade de "drama" a envolve-los.
dramas familiares, familiares com alguma dose de "loucura" e ambição; e que sujeitam negativamente a personagem principal da historia (aquele irmão dela, é horrivel) :)
com partes da historia que nos deixam com a respiração em suspenso, o que torna o virar de páginas compulsivo.
de resto é uma historia tipica de "Highlanders" onde a velha quezilia de escoçês vs inglês está muito visivel.
a parte romantica obviamente tem peso, e consegue-se "acreditar" nos sentimentos revelados pelos personagens.
para quem aprecia este tipo de historias, aqui está uma trilogia a considerar, sendo para mim uma boa descoberta desta autora.
August 4, 2010
I just love reading a romance involving a gorgeous Scottish Laird and the latest from Mary Wine does not disappoint. Mary Wine has become one of my all time favourite authors. If you have read Mary's novel "In the Warrior's Bed" then you will recall Keir McQuade, the only honourable brother amongst the McQuades. "Bedding the Enemy" tells the tale of Keir and Helena Knyvett, daughter of English aristocracy. I don't know what it is about Mary Wine's style of writing but it always makes me feel a little warm and fuzzy. A great read.
April 14, 2021
Being at court seems so stressful. Will I curry favor with the Queen? Will I find a love match? Will I make a choice that leads to my horrifying death?
Helena and Keir have one thing in common: a terrible family. Keir's the last of the McQuade sons, a clan that's been brought to shame by his father and brothers' devious behavior. Meanwhile, Helena's brother is a true court schemer, wiling to sacrifice anything save himself in order to get ahead. Both Helena and Keir are not made for this life, and thus they see each other as kindred spirits. I was absolutely rooting for them.
Helena and Keir have one thing in common: a terrible family. Keir's the last of the McQuade sons, a clan that's been brought to shame by his father and brothers' devious behavior. Meanwhile, Helena's brother is a true court schemer, wiling to sacrifice anything save himself in order to get ahead. Both Helena and Keir are not made for this life, and thus they see each other as kindred spirits. I was absolutely rooting for them.
January 23, 2016
3rd time was definetly the charm, totally loved this from start to finish.
Keir and Helena are both easy to like and well suited as they both have a sense of humor that helps them through some rough spots in their relationship.
The way in which the two meet is breathtakingly romantic and the passion they share is sexy and raw.
This was such a fast moving read that could not believe turned final page when it ended!
Keir and Helena are both easy to like and well suited as they both have a sense of humor that helps them through some rough spots in their relationship.
The way in which the two meet is breathtakingly romantic and the passion they share is sexy and raw.
This was such a fast moving read that could not believe turned final page when it ended!
March 14, 2015
***** My Ratings *****
Hero rating: 4
Heroine rating: 3
Steam/Action Factor: 4
Plot/Storyline: 3
Writing Style: 4
***********************
Overall rating: 3
Hero rating: 4
Heroine rating: 3
Steam/Action Factor: 4
Plot/Storyline: 3
Writing Style: 4
***********************
Overall rating: 3
January 30, 2015
It was good, just not as good as I hoped. both characters are very likeable but somehow it just did not really catch me
Nevertheless I am looking forward to other books in this series
Nevertheless I am looking forward to other books in this series
May 15, 2015
3,5/5
Histoire originale, bons personnages
Histoire originale, bons personnages
July 23, 2015
À little bit disappointing, not so much passion, but waiting for catriona and Raelin!
April 6, 2025
Okay the title makes no sense. They are not enemies at all. Maybe because he is Scottish and she is English? But that seems more like a difference than being enemies.
Kerr McQuaid is a new laird who has come to England to pledge his loyalty to King James VI and I and to look for a wife. Helena Knyvett is the daughter of an ailing earl who is under the guardianship of her foul brother and who is a member of the court. Her brother, Edmund, is a terrible person with no redeeming qualities and he plans to use Helena for his own gain. He plans to disgrace one of the queen's ladies so that Helena will be moved into the queen's inner court and he wants Helena to help him. Being that the girl is her only friend, she refuses.
However, Edmund is determined. He tries ripping the bodice and kissing the girl, but Keir sees and intervenes. Going against her brother, Helena refuses to back his story. Up to then, Keir and Helena had been exchanging glances and a few words, but Keir feels a pull towards her. When he learns that Helena has been a victim of her brother's violence, he decides to rescue her and gain her hand in marriage. Edmund is incensed when Keir tricks him into gaining Helena, but Keir has the backing of the king. Still, Edmund continues to scheme to get Helena away from Keir and to ruin Keir.
So I did not really like this one at all. The MCs seemed flat and not fleshed out. There was nothing to them except for the plot. There was a lot of sex in this one, but it was tedious. I did not feel the chemistry between them. Basically, they seemed to only have sex and not really have too much in the way of conversations or getting to know one another. Also, the writing seemed amateurish.
I found the descriptions to be kind of cringy, like how Helena gasped every time Keir looked at her, touched her, breathed on her.. Also, I did not like how she continually referred to her "passage". Like no. Also, Edmund was unhinged in such a weird way, especially his nude scene when he called for the maid. I do not think this author is for me.
Kerr McQuaid is a new laird who has come to England to pledge his loyalty to King James VI and I and to look for a wife. Helena Knyvett is the daughter of an ailing earl who is under the guardianship of her foul brother and who is a member of the court. Her brother, Edmund, is a terrible person with no redeeming qualities and he plans to use Helena for his own gain. He plans to disgrace one of the queen's ladies so that Helena will be moved into the queen's inner court and he wants Helena to help him. Being that the girl is her only friend, she refuses.
However, Edmund is determined. He tries ripping the bodice and kissing the girl, but Keir sees and intervenes. Going against her brother, Helena refuses to back his story. Up to then, Keir and Helena had been exchanging glances and a few words, but Keir feels a pull towards her. When he learns that Helena has been a victim of her brother's violence, he decides to rescue her and gain her hand in marriage. Edmund is incensed when Keir tricks him into gaining Helena, but Keir has the backing of the king. Still, Edmund continues to scheme to get Helena away from Keir and to ruin Keir.
So I did not really like this one at all. The MCs seemed flat and not fleshed out. There was nothing to them except for the plot. There was a lot of sex in this one, but it was tedious. I did not feel the chemistry between them. Basically, they seemed to only have sex and not really have too much in the way of conversations or getting to know one another. Also, the writing seemed amateurish.
I found the descriptions to be kind of cringy, like how Helena gasped every time Keir looked at her, touched her, breathed on her.. Also, I did not like how she continually referred to her "passage". Like no. Also, Edmund was unhinged in such a weird way, especially his nude scene when he called for the maid. I do not think this author is for me.
August 27, 2021
Bedding the Enemy
By Mary Wine
3.5 out of 5 stars
Synopsis
Lady Helena is a pawn in her brother's cruel ambition to gain even more power and money. He uses every means he can to keep her in her place, including his fists.
Enter Keir McQuade, a man so full of honour that Helena can't bring herself to defend her brother and lie for him, even knowing what it'll mean for her later. Keir will defend Lady Helena from her brother, even if it means he has to steal her right from under her beastly brother's nose and face the King's turmoil.
I fell in love with Keir McQuade's character, his storyline and how he progressed throughout the story. How could I not? Who doesn't love a burly Scotsman, defending their honour, while at the same time doing some wickedly wonderful things? A man the stands up for what he believes in and tells the truth. His character is pure fiction, but a fiction of love.
I loved Helena's character significantly less. She starts out as a simpering miss but turns bold and unabashed. I loved the bold version of her, but I found the unravelling of her character too quick, and very unlikely.
I took away a couple of points because I would have enjoyed a little bit more of a back story to both of the characters, and I would have like to see more depth to Helena's character.
I really enjoyed the read and Mary Wine is a fantastic author, I have read and will continue to read her stories.
By Mary Wine
3.5 out of 5 stars
Synopsis
Lady Helena is a pawn in her brother's cruel ambition to gain even more power and money. He uses every means he can to keep her in her place, including his fists.
Enter Keir McQuade, a man so full of honour that Helena can't bring herself to defend her brother and lie for him, even knowing what it'll mean for her later. Keir will defend Lady Helena from her brother, even if it means he has to steal her right from under her beastly brother's nose and face the King's turmoil.
I fell in love with Keir McQuade's character, his storyline and how he progressed throughout the story. How could I not? Who doesn't love a burly Scotsman, defending their honour, while at the same time doing some wickedly wonderful things? A man the stands up for what he believes in and tells the truth. His character is pure fiction, but a fiction of love.
I loved Helena's character significantly less. She starts out as a simpering miss but turns bold and unabashed. I loved the bold version of her, but I found the unravelling of her character too quick, and very unlikely.
I took away a couple of points because I would have enjoyed a little bit more of a back story to both of the characters, and I would have like to see more depth to Helena's character.
I really enjoyed the read and Mary Wine is a fantastic author, I have read and will continue to read her stories.
February 4, 2022
Cette fois, l'action ne se passe pas en Ecosse. Non, ne soyez pas triste tout de suite, nous ne sommes pas sur leur terrain, mais partout où ils vont, une part de leur pays vient avec eux. A quel point c'est emmiellé ce que je dis ?
Nous suivons une gentille Anglaise du nom d'Helena Knyvett et le frère de nos anciens ennemies, Keir Mcquade. Pour ceulles qui ne s'en souviennent pas, il est le gentil frère de la fratrie de Bronwyn.
Je ne vous spoil pas si je vous dit qu'ils finissent ensemble, c'est évident. Mais à l'inverse des tomes précédents, Helena à eu le droit de se faire courtiser légèrement. Quelle évolution !
Dans le même schéma qu'avant, la famille de la mariée vient mettre quelques bâtons dans les roues du carrosse de lune de miel. Pourtant, cette fois cela n'empiète pas sur leur révélation à l'autre et c'est un peu rafraîchissant.
Honneur, Courage, mesquinerie, rivalité anglaise/écossaise, cour, royauté et complot sont des mots à lier aux livres. S'ajoute aussi gros nounours romantique et sexe. Beaucoup de sexe. Mais pas trop envahissant et lassant à passer les pages pour continuer l'histoire.
J'aurais aimé avoir un peu de nouvelles de nos anciens amoureux du tome 1 et 2, mais à autant de kilomètres, cela semble compliqué.
Maintenant je pense qu'on est toustes d'accord pour dire qu'on veut un quatrième tome sur Raelin Mckorey.
Bonne journée.
Nous suivons une gentille Anglaise du nom d'Helena Knyvett et le frère de nos anciens ennemies, Keir Mcquade. Pour ceulles qui ne s'en souviennent pas, il est le gentil frère de la fratrie de Bronwyn.
Je ne vous spoil pas si je vous dit qu'ils finissent ensemble, c'est évident. Mais à l'inverse des tomes précédents, Helena à eu le droit de se faire courtiser légèrement. Quelle évolution !
Dans le même schéma qu'avant, la famille de la mariée vient mettre quelques bâtons dans les roues du carrosse de lune de miel. Pourtant, cette fois cela n'empiète pas sur leur révélation à l'autre et c'est un peu rafraîchissant.
Honneur, Courage, mesquinerie, rivalité anglaise/écossaise, cour, royauté et complot sont des mots à lier aux livres. S'ajoute aussi gros nounours romantique et sexe. Beaucoup de sexe. Mais pas trop envahissant et lassant à passer les pages pour continuer l'histoire.
J'aurais aimé avoir un peu de nouvelles de nos anciens amoureux du tome 1 et 2, mais à autant de kilomètres, cela semble compliqué.
Maintenant je pense qu'on est toustes d'accord pour dire qu'on veut un quatrième tome sur Raelin Mckorey.
Bonne journée.
February 8, 2020
The abuse of women is this book was disturbing. The heroine was slapped around quite a bit by her evil brother. I understand that for the time period, women were property and ruled by men(who made all the major decisions in a woman's life) Be it her father, brother, king or laird. She could be mistreated by any man.
As a modern woman, it is hard to read sometimes. I need for the heroine to have resourcefulness and strength to navigate her way in that world. Helena was too submissive and wimpy for me. She had all this internalized anger about what was happening to her but still went along with it. Raelin was more interesting than Helena and I wished for a book for her and the Marquess of Wyse. I wanted to see what happened to her after her ordeal.
I also thought that the ending was rushed and left the reader hangng. What happened to Ronchford? I also wanted to see how Helena and Keir faired at Red Stone Castle. One less sex scene may have tied up those loose ends.
As a modern woman, it is hard to read sometimes. I need for the heroine to have resourcefulness and strength to navigate her way in that world. Helena was too submissive and wimpy for me. She had all this internalized anger about what was happening to her but still went along with it. Raelin was more interesting than Helena and I wished for a book for her and the Marquess of Wyse. I wanted to see what happened to her after her ordeal.
I also thought that the ending was rushed and left the reader hangng. What happened to Ronchford? I also wanted to see how Helena and Keir faired at Red Stone Castle. One less sex scene may have tied up those loose ends.
May 6, 2017
Um.....this was one of those unfortunate ones that had all those weird names and euphemisms for body parts. It was all "quivering passages" and "that spot on the top of her passage"....Just.....oy.
And the only historic reference she had for royalty was apparently Henry VIII, so I can't tell you how many times she mentioned Henry or Anne Bolyn. It wasn't a horrible read, but it was a little teeth grinding at points. This type of historical romance novel is why everybody thinks they're stupid. Definitely one of my least fav, right up there with the Scottish ones that use so much "burr" that the book is impossible to read. We know he has a Scottish accent. The occasional "Och lassie" and "Doona fash yerself" is no biggie, but thankfully this one wasn't all "ACK! Wist, lassie, do' ye' no' think that I hae' no' thought of tha'" OOOOOOOH those burn my butt.
And the only historic reference she had for royalty was apparently Henry VIII, so I can't tell you how many times she mentioned Henry or Anne Bolyn. It wasn't a horrible read, but it was a little teeth grinding at points. This type of historical romance novel is why everybody thinks they're stupid. Definitely one of my least fav, right up there with the Scottish ones that use so much "burr" that the book is impossible to read. We know he has a Scottish accent. The occasional "Och lassie" and "Doona fash yerself" is no biggie, but thankfully this one wasn't all "ACK! Wist, lassie, do' ye' no' think that I hae' no' thought of tha'" OOOOOOOH those burn my butt.
August 4, 2017
Questa autrice mi piace. Ha lo storico nel sangue. I suoi personaggi sono credibili, i loro discorsi e le ambientazioni sono attendibili e ogni volta che mi addentro in una di queste letture mi sembra davvero di poter toccare con mano gli altipiani scozzesi.
In questo terzo libro conosciamo Keir che avevamo già avuto modo di valutare nei libri precedenti, ed Helena, una giovane Lady dell'aristocrazia inglese.
Ritroveremo con gioia i personaggi che avevamo amato nei precedenti libri e ci infileremo negli intrighi della corte.
Una lettura molto piacevole, come sempre questa autrice sa creare.
Consigliato.
In questo terzo libro conosciamo Keir che avevamo già avuto modo di valutare nei libri precedenti, ed Helena, una giovane Lady dell'aristocrazia inglese.
Ritroveremo con gioia i personaggi che avevamo amato nei precedenti libri e ci infileremo negli intrighi della corte.
Una lettura molto piacevole, come sempre questa autrice sa creare.
Consigliato.
September 14, 2024
3 1/2 stars. Rich in period detail, the story did drag at times. The h has been at court for about a year. Her brother is heir and evil. Their father is never a factor in the story. The H's father brought dishonor to the clan and their name. The H is the new Laird and has come to court to pledge allegiance to the king. He rescues a friend of the h from the h's brother and his attempt to dishonor her. He wins the hand of the h from her brother in a card game. He rescues the h from the clutches of her brother's friend. He is accused of hiring an assassin to murder the brother. The relationship between the H and H becomes subordinate to the atmosphere of intrigue and politics at court.
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