A fierce Englishwoman on the runA Highland Laird who needs a proper wifeAnd a desire neither can resistAthena Trappes thinks she’s in love…until she discovers the scoundrel only wanted her as his bit on the side. Enraged, she does what any spirited Englishwoman would do: set fire to his belongings, incur his dangerous wrath, and flee—immediately. With nowhere else to turn, she seeks freedom in … else to turn, she seeks freedom in the wilds of Scotland.
Highland Laird Symon Grant lost his wife years ago, and it’s his duty to find another. Athena is not exactly what the clan has in mind for him, but Symon’s heart burns with unexpected passion for the woman who would risk everything to be free.
Highland Weddings Series:
Highland Spitfire (Book 1)
Highland Vixen (Book 2)
Highland Hellion (Book 3)
Highland Flame (Book 4)
Between a Highlander and a Hard Place (Book 5)
What Readers Are Saying About Mary Wine:
“Impossible to put down…one of the genre’s finest writers.”—RT Book Reviews, Top Pick for Highland Vixen
“Spellbinding…this is one book you have to pick up.”—Night Owl Reviews Top Pick, 5 Stars for Highland Flame
“Sizzles with passion and romance…a notch above other Highlands historicals.”—Publishers Weekly for Highland Vixen
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Mary Wine never fails to satisfy the need for Alpha Scottish men and the feisty women who love them! This book was great and I could not put it down. The bantering between these two is such fun times and boy can this boy KISS!! You will just want to swoon alongside the heroine because these two put together some fireworks that are EXPLOSIVE!!
“I’m no’ interested in fucking ye for the release it grants me. I want more, and I’ll no’ have ye unless ye swear ye are me wife because ye consider yerself bound to me as surely as I know I am bound to the very bottom of me soul to ye.”
*siiiigh* I just love the way that Mary Wine develops the romance here. It’s written in such a way that endears you immediately. Athena has been hurt badly. So she is wary of Symon, but she soon realizes that he is nothing like her ex-fiancee. He has honor and wants to see her safe even if he wants the time to court her and convince her to marry him. She is endeared to the clan pretty quickly, and many can see the chemistry between the two even if they are a bit resistant to others. But they see the way that Symon and Athena defend and protect each other in the small ways that make the big difference.
Ms. Wine does a great job of setting up the next story without detracting from Symon and Athena’s hard-earned HEA. This is the 5th book in the Highland Weddings series, but it can definitely be read as a stand-alone title.
4.5 STARS. Between a Highlander and a Hard Place by Mary Wine is a delicious historical highlander romance. I loved the fast pace storyline and witty writing bringing the characters to life during England’s Queen Elizabeth and Scotland’s King James time. Time’s were hard for women during this period in history with women being bargaining chips to make alliances, wealth from dowries, advantageous marriages, or to be stolen and abused. But, these powerful highland warriors showed that some men were decent and would rather woo a woman to become a willing partner and wife than to have to sleep with one eye open! I recommend this delightful 4 flame spicy romance for anyone who is looking for a good read!
Symon Grant needs to marry, he and his cousin Brenda are the last of their line and both childless and widowed. Symon cared for his wife and has mourned her for four long years, but the time to move on has come – he owes his clan an heir.
Athena Trappes is the on the brink of marrying Galwell, the son of Baron Scrope. He has asked for her hand and promises to see to the contracts soon. But when Galwell betrays her, Athena has to flee or see her family destroyed. Her uncle has her dress as a boy and travel with a friend of his to Scotland, he promises to gain support against Galwell so that she might return home.
Athena travels for weeks with Myles and when they stop in a village, she abandons her disguise and joins the May Day revels. She catches the eye of Symon, she is the first woman in years to elicit a response from him and there is no way he is going to let her get away. They share a kiss and she disappears. He looks for her and is more determined than ever to find her. Athena sees him looking for her, but knows nothing can come of it, no matter how attractive he is, or tall, or handsome – no, nothing can come of it. But what she doesn’t know is her impromptu dance didn’t just catch Symon’s attention – it also revealed her true identity to a very unscrupulous man, Will Tinker, who is traveling with Myles. Will takes one look at Athena’s beauty and decides that she will make him rich.
He abducts her and plans to sell her to a brothel – but she outsmarts him and escapes – right into Symon’s waiting arms. Symon learned that Will had nefarious plans for Athena and is going to save her – he isn’t sure if she is the woman he wants to marry, but he knows he can’t leave her to the fate Will has in store for her.
When he finds her outside the brothel, he insists that she go with him – he says it is not safe for her to be alone and promises to notify her uncle. She goes, but has no plans on staying. When they arrive, the clan thinks she is his bride – they both deny it and there are quite a few amusing scenes based on the assumption he will marry Athena.
For their part, they can’t keep their hands off each other and Brenda appoints herself the guardian of Athena’s virtue. They grow closer and Athena decides that she will marry Symon, but before she can let him know, Will Tinker turns up again, with a new plan!
Athena is saved yet again by Symon, but the rescue is not without casualties and their celebration is cut short by the king’s men. They are forced to attend King James and he throws a wrench into their happiness by revealing the truth of Athena’s parentage and threatens to tear them apart.
Another abduction, escape and rescue are thrown into the mix as well as the arrival of Brenda’s annoyingly persistent suitor Bothan Gunn and a decision by the king that sends everyone reeling.
This was a fun story, a bit wordy and repetitive at times, but overall a well written, fast paced, steamy, exciting story with great leads, secondary characters and multiple villains. Ms. Wine does a great job of setting up the next story without detracting from Symon and Athena’s hard earned HEA. This is the 5th book in the Highland Weddings series, but it can definitely 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.*
If the title alone does not draw you in, the storyline will. This is the first book I have read by Mary Wine and now I only want to read more!! The heroine Athena Trappes is a very high spirited lady who, when angry can be wrath itself! She is in love (or imagines she is) and is thinking she will marry Galwell, but he only wants her in his bed. She sets fire to his things and runs as fast as she can to the wilds of Scotland. She dresses as a boy to dodge Galwell if he tries to find her and evades capture. Taking a chance she dresses as herself at a festival and is spotted by Laird Symon Grant. Symon has felt loss but needs to secure a wife to carry on his name and he is totally enchanted by Athena. This is when the adventure begins and she is abducted. But Symon follows and rescues her and takes her to his clan.
Loved these two characters and their dance to capture each other. This story had a little of it all with humor, intrigue and of course strong emotions that pull these two together. Take the journey in the highlands and find yourself enchanted and wanting to read this entire series!
Athena Trappes is an abandoned orphan of a rebellious noble father and respectable working class mother. She was taken in my her maternal uncle Henry after he mother died in childbirth and shunned by her father’s noble family when she was a girl and not a male heir. Her uncle is a successful gold-smith to rich nobles. Galwell Scrope is the second son of a Baron is her fiance she thinks is in love with. He refuses to marry her and wants to make her is mistress as his father is aiming to arrange an advantageous marriage for him. Galwell threatens her and her uncle when Athena refuses. Henry sends her into hiding as the lad “Alex” with Myles Basset, a merchant trading with the Scottish to give him time to line up protection from allies. This is how she finds herself on a Scottish adventure of rescue and love with Laird Symon Grant. Symon is a widower who is the last of his line with his widowed cousin Brenda. Wow and what an adventure full of danger, rescue, rebellion, spirit and heated chemistry between strong willed people. Oh how I love strong, determined, adventurous, fiery highlanders and the strong women they fall for. This adventure takes you from marketplaces all the way to the court of King James VI of Scotland and Queen Elizabeth Tudor of England. I loved every moment. Thank you Sourcebooks and Mary Wine for the excellent story for me to review for you.
Athena is a young woman in love. Little does she know that the object of her affection sees her as his mistress rather than his future wife. When she becomes aware of his true intentions she has a bit of a meltdown, and flees the country to go to Scotland and hide.
While incognito, dressed as a young, male, merchant’s assistant, Athena comes upon a local celebration at a village. Tired of the drudgery of her assumed identity, she throws caution to the wind, and joins in the dancing with the townspeople.
It’s there that Laird Symon sees Athena and is struck by not only her beauty but the freedom of her dancing. Symon has decided she will be his wife.
Along with a clan of colorful characters, quite a bit of action and intrigue, and plenty of heated romance,the plot takes the reader on an entertaining adventure.
A fun story, and I look forward to another in this series.
Mary Wine is one of the best historical romance writers out there. To date I’ve read 18 of her books and all rate a 4.5 or 5 stars. Her latest Between a Highlander and a Hard Place ranks right up there. Great historical detail, interesting story line, a spunky heroine with just the right amount of sass and of course an alpha Scotsman. Throw in a whole lot of steam and you have a great book.
I just loved this story! It had wonderfully sexy Highlanders and really awesome and interesting characters. The story was very well-written with some suspense, murder, kidnapping and villains who you will come to hate very quickly. Wonderful romance, some steamy sexy scenes, a feisty heroine along with a stubborn and determined hero made this a story that I found hard to put down and sad when it ended. This is an author that I will definitely want to read more from as she knows how to blend romance, suspense and humor into a story that will pull you in and keep you there. Well done!
This was an enjoyable read, but some of the writing just fell flat for me and a lot of the phrasing became quite repetitive and a bit too saturated in religious fervor. The plot, however, was fairly engrossing and full of intrigue. The love scenes for me were a bit stilted and there is definitely instalove/lust here. That said, I would recommend this one, but I doubt I’ll reread it myself.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received Between a Highlander and a Hard Place written by Mary Wine from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. This is the fifth book in her Highland Weddings, but can be read as a stand-alone since it is the first time I have read anything written by Mary Wine.
Athena Trappes discovers the man claiming to want to marry her only wants to make her his mistress. In a bid to protect herself, she sets his items on fire and flees London into Scotland dressed as a boy. Laird Symon Grant lost his wife during child birth years ago and now knows he must marry. During a May Day celebration, he spy Athena dancing and is smitten. Following her, he realizes what she is about and takes her to his land and introduces her to his clan. With the passion burning between them, Athena struggles with wanting Symon and wanting to be free.
This was a great book! I am not normally into Tudor/ Medieval romance but this swept me up. The characters were excellent and well rounded. No one was perfect!! Athena and Symon work through their differences and struggle to come to an understanding. And, Symon’s cousin was a spitfire and I look forward to her story! #BetweenaHighlanderandaHardPlace #NetGalley
What a page turner this read was! Full of action a fiery heroine -Athena who had a tad bit of a temper when she realized the man she thought would be her forever was just trying to get her in his bed as his mistress. In retaliation she sets his things on fire- go girl! On the run she disguises her self as a boy. Tired of pretending she takes a chance at the village fair and goes as herself. When Symon sees her, he cant take his eyes away from her @nd the attraction is palpable. But her act of defiance will bring her in danger , keeping her safe is his priority.
This is a wonderful historical story with fiesty characters that get their happily ever after.
I recieved a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest unbiased opinion.
A quick, yet highly entertaining marriage of necessity romantic adventure filled with danger, excitement and passion…. enjoyed this visit to the highlands.
Athena Trappes is high spirited and enraged when the man she believes she loves only wants her for a bit of side play (burning his things might have been a bit rash)…. now she is seeking safety in the wilds of Scotland. Highland Laird Symon Grant lost his wife long ago and is being pressured by the clan to find another. Loved the witty banter and thrilling action.
Between a Highlander and a Hard Place is book 5 in the Highland Weddings series. This is the story of Symon Grant and Athena Trappes. I have read the other books in this series but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Athena thought herself in love and on the edge of getting married but then that man turned mean and said he was going to make her his mistress. Athena ran away from him which lead her to Symon. Symon was a widower who needs to marry for his clan and to build his family. Symon is attracted to Athena from the start. Things don’t go easy in their romance but it kept me turning the pages.
Love Ms. Wine’s writing and was excited to read their story!
This is a historical romance with wonderful characters. Athena is misled by a suitor and finds herself on the run. When Symon sees her, he is drawn to her like a moth to a flame. Although he is attracted to her , keeping her safe is his priority. This is a wonderful historical story with loveable characters.
I’ve read some of Ms. Wine’s books in the past and found them to be quite enjoyable. This one was no exception. Delightful characters and entertaining dialogue kept me glued to the pages. The steamy intimate encounters were nothing to sneeze at, either. Though this isn’t the first book in this series, if you’re like me and haven’t read the first four, you won’t be lost at all. Also like me, you’ll probably want to go back and read all you’ve missed.
Athena was about to be engaged to be married and thought she was in love. However, she was soon disabused of that notion. Apparently she was just meant to be his mistress. Well, Athena had other ideas. When he attempted to “persuade” her, she accidentally set a fire in her desperation to get away. Oops! She dressed as a boy and traveled with a merchant to Scotland to keep away until her uncle could straighten out the mess. It was on the road that she met Symon, Laird of Clan Grant, who was a widower.
Here is where the story gets really interesting. I don’t want to ruin it for anyone. In a nutshell, they meet and sparks fly. Athena is no wilting flower, and Symon is a strong man who knows what he wants. Throw in some seduction, Court intrigue and dastardly villains, and you’ve got an exciting and steamy read. The ending sets up what I hope will be the next book. I can’t wait!
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
Athena is in love. Until she finds out the man she intends to marry is really a creep! He doesn’t feel that she had the right pedigree for him to marry, but he intends to “keep” her as his mistress! Infuriated, Athena has words, sets his house aflame, and escapes! After getting away, her uncle helps her flee to Scotland until he can sort through the situation and call her back home.
Laird Symon Grant is alone, having lost his wife and child during childbirth. Being Laird requires he have children. He must start looking for a wife. Nothing has been catching his eye until one night during a fall festival, a sprite catches his attention. He knows he has to find her and make her his.
Mary Wine gave us an interesting and intriguing story in the Highlands! All the books in the Highland Weddings series can be enjoyed by itself. I have enjoyed them all, so I recommend the entire lot! I liked Athena in this one. Such a strong force, but placed in a truly bad circumstances-again and again! She deals with the curve balls the best that she can. I also liked Symon! Besides being sexy and rugged, he has a soft side that I embraced. He finds that although he loved his wife, he is in love with Athena No one quite stirs his blood like she does!
What happens when unforeseen secrets are revealed?? In this book, there wasn’t a full resolution of the secret, and now the Laird’s cousin, Brenda has been taken. We also got no communication with Athena’s uncle. This is the basis for the next book! I believe we will get full outcome as these dilemmas have far reaching implications.
Overall, a good story within the series! I definitely look forward to reading Brenda’s story as it relates to Symon’s, as well as how the secret impacts them all!
4.5 Stars
Athena Trappes thinks she’s in love until she discovers the scoundrel only wanted her as his mistress. Enraged, she does what any spirited Englishwoman would do: set fire to his belongings, incur his dangerous wrath, and flee immediately. With nowhere else to turn, she seeks freedom in the wilds of Scotland. Highland Laird Symon Grant lost his wife years ago in childbirth, and it’s his duty to find another. Athena is not exactly what the clan has in mind for him, but Symon’s heart burns with unexpected passion for the woman who would risk everything to be free.
This is the fifth in the series but is the first I’ve read by the author. I didn’t feel lost starting with this book. The Elizabethan era isn’t my favourite era but I loved this book & I’ve now the earlier books on my to be read list. I was drawn in from the start & hooked until the final pages. The pace flows effortlessly & at times tit’s breath taking. The characters are very well fleshed. Symon is everything you want for a hero & Athena is a strong courageous woman, they were perfect for each other. The secondary characters were all well portrayed, my only quibble is that I didn’t want it to end & so much want to find out what happens to Brenda
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Filled with numerous twists and turns, this story takes you on an adventure from London through the Highlands of Scotland and back. Symon and Athena make a fierce-some couple with their uphill battle to becoming husband and wife. The author does a beautiful job of captivating the reader with witty banter, and snappy comebacks between the characters. The secondary characters are just as interesting as the main ones and everyone is introduced for a distinctly particular reason.
I really enjoyed this entertaining, well-written book. Athena is on the run from a supposed suitor who turned out to be a scoundrel. Symon’s wife passed away years ago and he has a duty to find another. Athena and Symon cross paths and they are surprised by the passion that blooms between them. I would recommend this book to others and will look for more books by this author.
This book was filled with excitement and suspense. I really loved our hero, Laird Symon Grant. He was so sweet and so honorable – not to mention handsome and strong. As for the heroine, Athena, I just never warmed up to her. I did like her better toward the end, but for most of the book, I just wanted to knock her on her noggin and ask her what was wrong with her. I also have to wonder when, where and how doing absolutely stupid things became equated with being ‘spirited’. I believe spirited should be more equated with intelligence. This heroine kept running away and landing in big, hurtful, dangerous trouble. Our hero kept rescuing her from the messes she got herself into, but she still was determined to run away – and – of all things – head back to England where a really bad fate awaited her. So, in my opinion, this heroine was one of those TSTL heroines.
Symon is a widower whose wife died in childbirth several years earlier. It was an arranged marriage, but he had come to have affection for his wife. He and his cousin Brenda are the last of the line, so one of them needs to marry and produce an heir. Symon knows he needs to marry again, but he just can’t work up any enthusiasm to accept any of the offers he has on his desk. Then, he and his men stop into a spring festival and he catches sight of a gorgeous wood nymph. She ran away and he had to find her again — and he did – and she ran away again – then, she was abducted and he rescued her, and again and again and again.
Athena was in love with Galwell. He was rich, handsome and doting and they were going to marry. Then, he abducts her while she’s on her way home from church services and informs her that they will not marry and that she will become his mistress instead. He manhandles her a bit, but she manages to escape by setting his townhouse on fire. She gets back to her Uncle Henry and he arranges for her to travel to Scotland dressed as a male. He had to get her away because Galwell’s family is very rich and powerful and has the ear of the Queen – plus – now Galwell could also bring charges against her for setting fire to his townhouse. In Scotland, at a spring festival, she could hardly stand being all alone and dressed as a male, so she decides it can’t hurt anything to shed her boy’s clothing and partake of some of the traditional activities. She sees the most handsome man with beautiful topaz eyes watching her and she is immediately drawn to him. Then, one of the men she’s traveling with discovers she’s a female and decides he’ll sell her to a brothel. Luckily for her, Symon rescues her.
Symon and Athena have to travel a long bumpy road before they finally reach their HEA. Mostly because Athena keeps getting herself into trouble, but also because of someone at court who has great influence over the young King. That someone wants something Athena has – and she doesn’t even know she has it.
I loved Brenda, Symon’s cousin. Their relationship was great. There is also a good set-up for the next book (I assume) featuring Brenda and Laird Gunn. I like Brenda’s wisdom, strength, and courage and I just really hope that she isn’t made into just another TSTL heroine in her book.
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“I requested and received this e-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.”