NEWLY MINTED LAIRD SEEKS WIFE, PREFERABLY HANDY AND RESOURCEFULLaird Diocail Gordon has just inherited his uncle’s run down castle and rag-tag clan. He knows the sorry sight of the castle would send any woman running, but is determined to find a wife to help return his home to its former glory. Widowed lady Jane Stanley is determined to return to England, even if she has to tromp through the … she has to tromp through the Scottish Highlands on foot to get there. Her travels lead her straight into the midst of a troop of dangerous Highland warriors. The mysterious, brawny laird forbids his men to harm her, and the spark between them is immediate. The only way Diocail can keep her safe is to take her home with him, but will the miserable state of his clan douse her newly ignited Highland flame?
Highland Weddings Series:
Highland Spitfire (Book 1)
Highland Vixen (Book 2)
Highland Hellion (Book 3)
Highland Flame (Book 4)
Praise for Highland Spitfire:
“The Highlands come alive… An extremely realistic historical that will keep you glued to each page.” —Night Owl Reviews Top Pick, 5 stars
“Wine delights readers with… the heart of the history, atmosphere and traditions of the Highlands.” —RT Book Reviews, 4 stars
more
I really enjoyed this book – Mary Wine is such a great author, she is able to draw me in from the first page and hold me captive until the last.
The story opens with Jane being cast out of the inn she was staying in with her husband in just her shift. Her husband was killed and the innkeeper took all her possessions as payment due, he cast her out when she refused to sleep with him to cancel the debt. She is determined to return to her father’s house in England, so she sets out walking, but unbeknownst to her – she is going the wrong way.
Diocail is the new laird of the Gordon clan, he was the nephew of the former laird – a stingy, mean man who was murdered – but his clan is torn, many would be happy to overthrow Diocail and his household is a mess. To escape the strife, he leaves to go with his men to collect the rents. His men have encouraged him to take a wife who can set the household to rights. They figure if the men are feed and keep is in order, Diocail will have an easier time winning over the clan.
These two meet when Diocail save Jane from some ruffians bent on raping her. As grateful as she is, Jane does not want to stay with Diocail – a fact that she repeatedly tells him. When the opportunity arises, Jane makes a run for it – only to be captured and taken to be hung as a spy! When Diocail intervenes to save her (again) the crowd demands that he marry her.
They marry but Jane is still determined to go home to England and plans to have the marriage annulled. Diocail recognizes Jane’s worth and will not let her go easily. She is appalled by the state of the keep when she arrives and immediately begins to set things right. Diocail is more convinced than ever that Jane belongs with him. Slowly Jane begins to admit that she is happy with Diocail and just when it seems like these two are headed for a HEA, Ms. Wine throws the reader a curveball.
Not everyone is happy with Jane or with Diocail for that matter. So when Jane disappears, Diocail assumes the worst and refuses to believe that Jane did not leave him. Both Jane and Diocail are stubborn and when they engage in a battle of the wills – I was hard pressed to decide who will be the victor.
This book was well written, flowed nicely, has steamy love scenes, nasty villains, great secondary characters, amusing dialogue and a great ending.
I would highly recommend this book, it is the fourth in the series, but it could easily be read as a stand alone title.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher*
Delightfully exciting read with one of the strongest heroines I’ve read in a while. The hero is just as strong as the heroine and both are too stubborn for their own good.
Diocail Gordon has just become Laird of the Gordon clan. His uncle, the last Laird was a selfish, miserly man who grossly mistreated his clan and his home. Diocail plans to change all of that, but there are a few in his clan who do not welcome his leadership. His uncle had let the keep fall into such disrepair that the roof, chimneys, etc. in the kitchens are hardly workable and he’d reduced the staff and the amount of food to be served until his clansmen are practically starving. The clan expects Diocail to marry a good Scottish lass to straighten out and manage the keep. Boy, are they in for a surprise!
Lady Jane Stanley was just widowed. Her gambling, wastrel of a husband was killed after losing all of their money and possessions in a card game. He even wagered her in the game and brought the ‘gentlemen’ to their bedchamber to tell her she had to fulfill his wager. Naturally, she refused. Later, he was found beaten to death. The landlord confiscated all of their remaining belongings – even the clothes Jane was wearing. The landlord demanded she repay the remaining debt by ‘entertaining’ him. Again, she refused. So, he turned her out into the cold in only her shift. She headed out, on her own, to get back to her father’s house in England.
Jane went through a lot – only to find out she was headed in the wrong direction. That didn’t deter her though, she just headed in the other direction – only to find herself in dire trouble. Then, she is rescued by Diocail and his men. They plan to take her home with them because of the weather, but, after a while, she ran away from them again. This time, a clan group finds her and decides to hang her because she is English. Luckily, Diocail rescues her – again – but this time it basically forces a marriage.
Jane is determined NOT to be married again. She will not be owned by anyone ever again. She WILL leave and get back to England where she isn’t hated and reviled. Stubborn, stubborn, stubborn!
Diocail needs a wife to straighten out his home – and Jane has all of the qualifications – but he wants her to ‘choose’ him rather than be forced to have him. So, he sets out to woo her – and seems to be managing to do that, when she disappears again. He believes the worst (stubborn, stubborn, stubborn) and goes after her. He won’t believe that she was taken against her will and treats her coldly.
They are passionately drawn to each other, but there is no trust – and trust is everything. How can they learn to trust each other? What will happen when a clan traitor threatens again?
I highly recommend this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. This book also delightfully sets up the next book in the series and I can’t wait to read that one!
“I requested and received this book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.”
Highland Flame by Mary Wine is another fabulous Highland Romance. #4 in her exciting “Highland Weddings” series, but it can be read as a stand alone.
Laird Diocail Gordon just inherited uncle’s run down castle and the rag-tag Gordon clan. He is anot impressive warrior but, can he prove himself capable of being a good laird, not just a good warrior, and will he be able help his clan prosper and re-build. Lady Jane Stanley, a widow, who is determined to return to England, at all cost, including tromping, on foot, in the cold, wild Scottish Highlands. Nearly , frozen and hungry, she comes into the midst of a troop of dangerous Highland warriors. And thus this captivating tale begins…..well there is more to it than that, but I don’t wish to give anything away….
Well written Scottish Romance with captivating, interesting and entertaining characters. The plot flows seamlessly and is well excuted. I loved “Highland Flame”! Put the feisty, determined,red-haired, beauty, Jane with the myterious, no non-sense, handsome, Diocail and sparks fly off the pages.
Ms. Wine definitely brings forth a story rich in history, Highland traditions, and one that captives as well as, keeps you glued to the pages of a fast paced tale of love, passion, treachery and determination. Mesmerizing! ! Another well done, Highland Romance by Mary Wine. Never a dull moment for sure!
I received a complimentary copy, however, all opinions are my own.
Highland Weddings Series:
Highland Spitfire (Book 1)
Highland Vixen (Book 2)
Highland Hellion (Book 3)
Highland Flame (Book 4)
Rating: 5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR