Between a Highlander and a Hard Place (Highland Weddings, #5)
by Mary Wine

A definite buy buy buy book. It really is beyond this author to write a bad book. Instead she writes them that maybe I do not like one or two elements...In this one... The heroine needed a good slap on the head for the first part of the book. Though admittedly she did get better! Which was the absolute only reason I went to four stars! I love the writing and the way the story unfolded. I liked her hero with his gentle sides. I like each plot of the story unfolding into another making the reader want to be there in person. All in all this read was precisely what I needed to escape the world and go to another place and time. I was given this ARC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed here are my own! So buy the book and sit and take a wonderful journey! Regards, Anna

I really liked Simon, the hero, as well as his cousin, Brenda. I didn't like the heroine. She struck a few too many too-stupid-to-live (TSTL) notes for me.
Many thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

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."

Athena Trappes an English woman thinks she's in love that is until she discovers the scoundrel who she wants to marry, Galwell, only intends to bed her and not wed her. When she refuses and just about burns his house down he then threatens everything she holds dear so Athena had no alternative but to flee England as quickly as possible. Her Uncle encourages her to dress as a boy and travel with his friend a traveling cloth merchant traveling through Scotland to put her beyond Galwell’s reach until he can prove her innocence. After weeks of impersonating a boy Athena decides to take advantage of the Mayfair festival to let her hair down and sneak a dance by the bonfire.
Laird Symon Grant’s wife and son died four years ago. He knows it time to secure his bloodline and produce an heir for his Clan. He’s received several letters from the surrounding Clan’s with bride offers. Symon and his men attend the May Day celebration when he’s stunned to see a beautiful woman moving among the flames, and he knows he needs to find her.
Symon discovers she’s in danger from of the men she’s been traveling with and goes to her rescue, but she doesn’t want the sexy Highlander’s help and ends up mostly being kidnapping her to keep her safe and give them time to know each other and he can convince her to marry him. What a great adventure this book was so much fun to read. The author created an excellent story of Highland magic with a feisty heroine who a strong match for the Highland warrior and Clan Chief. This is my honest opinions after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.

I received this e-book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.

Athena, raised by her Uncle after her mother died, is a happy woman. She found a man she loves and loves her, her Uncle approves and she can't wait for her wedding. Her fiancé has not committed to a date though. Then her world falls apart when her fiancé informs her that his only plans for her is for her to be his Mistress because she wasn't good enough to be his wife and then attempts to blackmail her. To save her Uncles reputation, Athena leaves, traveling on the road with a merchant, posing as a boy.

Symon has been getting pressure to re-marry after his wife's death. Other Laird's send prospective brides frequently but Symon sees no possibilities in them. Then one night while attending market and a fair with his cousin, he sees her...dancing free in front of the bonfire, her hair trailing. Later he sees her again and he must meet her.

Athena is in danger once again when a man working with her discovers she is not a boy and decides to take advantage of it. He wants to sell her to a bordello. She escapes but basically lands in Symon's arms. All she wants to do is go back to England but Symon doesn't want to let her go and turns in the opposite direction, toward his home. Athena is still in danger because someone else is looking for her...

Can Symon keep her safe? Can he convince her to trust him?

I loved this story! Symon and Athena really were made for one another. When Symon brings her to his home, no matter what either of them say will convince others that she will not be the next wife of the Laird. Athena is denying her attraction to Symon at first but he makes her have feelings she has never had before...even with her "fiancé". I would like to read more about Brenda also, Symon's cousin.

Mary Wine's Highland Wedding series has been a consistently entertaining historical romance series for me. I've been enjoying these books, these characters, and the setting tremendously. I'm always eager to pick up a new book with these books. Between a Highlander and a Hard Place was one I certainly could not miss, especially with that stunning cover. While I enjoyed my time with this 5th book, I have to admit that the books are starting to all blend together for me as they all have a very similar premise.

When a broken-hearted Athena is forced to flee her uncle's home to escape the scoundrel who pretended to be in love with her, she runs into the arms of a Highlander, Symon. Symon helps her by providing her safety from the wilds of Scotland. While both were instantly drawn to each other, Athena was adamant about wanting to give in to her attractions. As with the other heroines in this series, she was fiery and feisty. It took a lot of courage for her to run away from the safety of her home to Scotland and I admired that about her. Symon was also a good caring man who wanted the best for his people. He had lost his wife recently and was on the look-out for a wife. Though he was fiercely attracted to Athena, he never forced himself on her. He was constantly there to save her from dangerous situations. The romance between the two was great as usual. There was a lot of passion between the two that only seemed to grow as the book progressed. What I really enjoy about this series that there are secondary storylines that delve into clan politics and historical issues that keep the books engaging.

All in all, while Between a Highlander and a Hard Place did not offer anything particularly fresh in terms of characterizations and romance, it was still an enjoyable story that I think fans of the series will enjoy.

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.

I have read all of the books in this series by Mary Wine and this one, unfortunately, does not quite live up to the others. The plot is that a young English woman (Athena) discovers that the nobleman she expected a marriage proposal from, treats her badly and tries to make her his mistress instead. Athena fights him off when he attacks her and accidentally sets off a fire. She has to evade capture and her uncle helps her run away dressed as a boy. She makes it to Scotland, where she meets Scottish laird Symon Grant (who appeared in previous books in the series).

I wanted to like this book because I did like the others in the series, but it was both too similar to the others and, at the same time, less interesting. It was really unrealistic (even given a suspension of what is actually realistic that is necessary to enjoy a historical romance) that the heroine would have been so immediately receptive to the hero's advances after she was so recently attacked by another man. I found the speed at which she went from being attacked by someone to getting pretty intimate with a total stranger to be really abrupt and odd.

I also just thought that the chemistry between the main characters wasn't that strong... Overall, I'd recommend the others over this one (especially Highland Hellion).

I really enjoyed Athena and Symon's story.

When the man that was courting Athena lets her know that he only wants her as his mistress, she sets his home on fire to get away. Having done this, she must go into hiding. She ends up disguised as a man and traveling to Scotland with a salesman. She meets Symon and is instantly attracted, but after what happened to her, she trusts no man. When she learns she is in danger, she has no one she can trust, but ends up letting Symon protect her until her uncle can be notified.

I really enjoyed watching these two find their HEA. Both were afraid of opening their hearts again, but they were what they other needed.

I'm really hoping that Brenda's story is next!!

Poor Brenda and Symon both.

Can you say dandy? Why is she bending over backwards for this bossy man?

Bothan sounds like a worthy husband, Brenda.

Hel-lo! She shouldn't have gotten into the carriage.

Honey, I don't think you will be returning to England any time soon.

The May Day traditions are so interesting.

Saved by a brawl...

It's lucky for her that that serving girl is a blabber.

I can't wait for Cormac to fall in love.

Hahaha! Lyall and Tamhas are hilarious! I'm glad she knows how to brush her hair.

Thank goodness we don't do that virgin-testing thing anymore.

For the love of Pete, stop having sex and notice that your cousin is gone!

I am not liking the king.

Be safe, Brenda.

This series is just not what I'm use to by this author. I felt each story was the same just the names changed. every h was fighting staying with H or returning home with her family. I kept thinking it would get better and it just never did. I think I need to take a break from author because I'm totally disappointed.

Book: Between a Highlander and a Hard Place by Mary Wine

Series: Highland Weddings Book #5

Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook (of)
1)Tartan Book Reviews
2)Purple Tulip Book Reviews
3)Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog

Heat Rating: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Book Rating: 5/5 Stars/Kilts
Symon Grant
Athena Trappes

Galwell finance villain

Grant Tower, 1579
English

English woman Athena Trappes is betrayed by her former finance Galwell. A man she trusted and loved now she must escape to get out of his clutches and revenge. As Galwell plans on destroying Athena since she did burn his home to the ground! Luckily her Uncle helps her escape to Scotland, dressed in the disguise of a lad to keep hidden among the merchants.

As a merchants helper at a local May Day celebrations she gets rid of her lads clothing and dances in total freedom and recklessness. This catches the eye of widow Laird Symon Grant who is looking another wife. As he lost his wife in childbirth and need heirs to carry on his family name. Though he misses his deceased wife but must move forward for his clan. Of course he didn’t realize the beautiful spitfire dancing so freely was an English woman!

Of course Athena move to Scotland is only to be temporary. As they are waiting until every calms down in England so she can return. As Athena and Symon fall more in love not everyone in his clan agrees. Will this star crossed couple stay together and or split apart? You must read this to find out!

Another fabulous Mary Wine novel that readers will love. This is the fifth novel in Mary Wine’s “Highland Weddings” series. Another beautiful novel that reader won’t be able to put down!

This has all the elements Scottish historical romance readers love! Filled with riveting adventure, history, fictional romance, betrayal, treachery, Clan issues, prejudice, revenge, suspense, chemistry, attraction, passion and love.

The setting, dialogue, characters and plotting are absolutely exhilarating. I highly recommend!

I received this book from Sourcebooks Casablanca for a fair and honest review. I voluntarily agreed to read, review, blog and promote through netgalley. All words, ideas and thoughts are my own.


Amazon Buy Link:

https://www.amazon.com/Between-Highlander-Place-Highland-Weddings/dp/1492655546/ref=nodl_

Fans of Highland romances will enjoy the latest book by Mary Wine. Athena, an English woman, is on the run from her former fiancé who wishes to ruin her. Her uncle helps her dress as a boy and hide among merchants traveling the Scottish countryside.

While casting aside to her disguise to enjoy a country festival, Athena catches the eye of Symon Grant, a powerful Scottish laird. Symon is a widower who knows he must remarry for the sake of the clan but no woman has caught his eye. Until he sees Athena and is immediately taken with her.

Mary Wine brings the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands to life. She has created complex characters that reel the reader in. You can’t help but like Symon and Athena and root for their happily ever after.

Another great Scottish romance by Mary Wine! I have read and thoroughly enjoyed all of her Scottish Romances. Her style of writing is very descriptive and provides clear visual images of the characters, castle-life, and the beauty of the Scottish countryside. She manages to weave together historical facts with romance, resulting in exciting adventures! Between a Highlander and a Hard Place is no exception.

Athena, a strong willed woman, meets Symon, a powerful Scottish Laird. Athena, who is English, absconds to Scotland to elude her former fiancé. Symon is a widower laird who needs to remarry for the sake of his clan. Although they are from very different backgrounds, the two of them find that their attraction to each other (as well as having to get out of some dangerous situations together) helps them get past those differences.

We also see more of Brenda Grant, a character who has appeared in each of the books in this Highland Weddings series. While Athena and Symon finally find their HEA, Between a Highlander and a Hard Place ends with a cliffhanger regarding Brenda. It looks as if the next book in this series (which is scheduled to be released on May 28, 2019) will finally afford Brenda her own chance at love.

I always look forward to Mary Wine’s novels and I’m eagerly awaiting the next book in this series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for receipt of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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.

Bring on the Highlanders! I love Highlander romance and I love when its done with humor and a fun and flirty plot. . I got all that in spades with this beautiful Highland tale!

This is the first book I've read by Mary Wine. I found that I liked her style of writing. Between a Highlander and a Hard Place, is a full length novel, but short enough to read over a weekend.

This was an easy fun quick read with plenty of romance. Would recommend! I received a free copy for my review and here it is! Get it, read it, love it!

Enjoyed the story. I don't think it is as good as other books of this author . Thr story doesn't seem to develop and the chemistry between the characters feels not too strong.