Guest Review by Christine W
Helen goes from being Marcus' captive to tricking the Regent in order to save Marcus to being kidnapped a couple times. She never loses her spirit. Each time she is rescued by Marcus, her feelings become stronger. Marcus is a War Chieftain and is not good at expressing himself. His lack of communication has Helen turning from him. As they spend time together between disasters, Marcus shows his personal side. Together, they finally give into the feelings. There are many characters in this story, lead ups to future stories, and I want to read more to see how their stories go.

I received a copy of this story through Netgalley, and it is a Book Obsessed Chicks Star Review selection. This is my unsolicited review

This is the first book I have read by Ms Wine and I will definitly be reading more, I thought her writing to be fast paced and articulate. The story is a wonderful Highland romance, great character's that develop wonderfully, the bantering between the two leads is fun and witty. A very romantic and slightly darker romance and one that I very much enjoyed.

Marcus had lined up his men and offered her as a bride to them. To settle Helen into life so Marcus said. Then Marcus’s men decided to fight over Helen. Then Helen dressed as Brenda’s serving lady left MacPherson Castle with Brenda. Marcus’s pride would prevent him from going after Helen but Brenda was the niece of the current laird of the Grants and a beauty besides. So Helen worried they would come for Brenda. Helen’s simple life had been shattered after she met Marcus. Marcus plucked Helen from her home one year ago and she had been living in Castle MacPherson against her will and Helen didn’t even know why she had been taken. But Helen was going to find a way to regain control of her fate. Brenda and Helen are going to court to seek shelter from Brenda’s kin. Marcus was smitten with Helen according to her brother even if Marcus didn’t declare himself. Then Marcus’s father said he was to go to court as the Earl of Morton requested his brother Bhaic at court but his brother’s wife was pregnant and frail and he didn’t want to leave his wife so it now fell to Marcus. Which Marcus was happy about as he knew that was where helen was. Marcus was the War Chief of Clan Macpherson , a position Marcus took knowing he had to be suspicious of else he would fail his clan. With a King on the throne who was only eight years old, it was best to look after his own kin because the very same king’s mother was intent on taking back the child and country she felt was hers. Earl of Morton- James- was regent for the young king. . Marcus is very attracted to helen and even though helen won’t admit it she is attracted to him and because Marcus ran afoul of the Earl of Norton Marcus and Helen had wed and must consummate the marriage or the Earl of Morton would marry helen off to someone else.
This was kinda hard for me to rate as I did enjoy some things about this book but for the most part I didn’t really enjoy it. I did however enjoy the way the author portrayed the Highlands as I have actually been there. I also really liked Marcus and Helen together. However I don’t believe it should have been easy for Brenda and helen to leave the castle. Also even though I liked helen and marcus together I just really didn’t connect with them. I also loved the loyalty Marcus felt for his clan and the closeness between him and Bhaic. It was hard for me to understand the language in this book. A lot of the time I felt there was too much going on in this book. I also felt at other times it dragged there didn’t seem to be a happy medium as far as i am concerned in this book. Also there seemed to be a lot of jumping around between the characters. So I really didn’t enjoy this book but I am sure there are others who will love it.

If you love stories set in the Scottish Highlands with clans, battles and men in kilts then be sure to one-click Mary Wine’s latest historical romance release.

Helen goes from being Marcus' captive to tricking the Regent in order to save Marcus to being kidnapped a couple times. She never loses her spirit. Each time she is rescued by Marcus, her feelings become stronger. Marcus is a War Chieftain and is not good at expressing himself. His lack of communication has Helen turning from him. As they spend time together between disasters, Marcus shows his personal side. Together, they finally give into the feelings. There are many characters in this story, lead ups to future stories, and I want to read more to see how their stories go.

I received a copy of this story through Netgalley, and it is a Book Obsessed Chicks Star Review selection. This is my unsolicited review.

I just can't get enough of Mary Wine's Highlanders!! They're so fierce and protective and when they fall they fall hard.. This series just got better.. Marcus and Helen were perfect for each other, both stubborn and prideful but knew when to concede. Their story wasn't overly angsty and Helen wasn't over the top hard headed which I loved.. she had her reasons when she tried to keep her distance and they were more than reasonable.. Absolutely loved the Epilogue!! Can't wait for the other's to meet their match!

There’s stubborn and then there’s Helen stubborn. Marcus thinks he’s large and in charge and then he meets his match. It was enjoyable to watch them fight and fall in love.

Highland Vixen has two main characters but many other important secondary characters. It was not just a story about Marcus and Helen. The side stories were just as engaging as the main plot. The way the author weaves them into the main story, though, made them important and not just page filler.

Highland Vixen can be read as a stand-alone. But since I read it, I do know that I want to read more of this series. One thing that I learned over the years is that Mary Wine is a must-read author.

After reading this book, I have an idea of who the main characters in the next book may be. I do know for sure that the book will be great and worth it for any reader who enjoys historical romance.

Book: Highland Vixen by Mary Wine

Series: Highland Weddings #2

Reviewer: Barb Massabrook of
Tartan Book Reviews, Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog
Purple Tulip Book Reviews

Heat Setting: Sizzling Hot

Overall Setting: 5/5 Stars


1572
Marcus MacPherson is the highland war chief of Clan MacPherson
Nancy Grant will definitely be a challenged. She was taken by Marcus as a way to avoid a clan war or going against his clan as he feared. As it Is an arranged marriage which does not make Nancy happy. She also does not plan on making things easy on Marcus.

As most of his Warriors fear him and the women of his clan can't even look at him without getting the shakes. Everyone fears Marcus MacPherson well everyone except his wife Nancy Grant. She plans on showing him what she is made of.

As Nancy is gutsy, fearless,stubborn and intelligent. It definitely is not fear as actually they are a couple made for each other. They just don't realize it yet!

I love Mary Wine books and how she puts true history in her fictional historical romance tales. It has all the elements Scottish romance readers are looking for misunderstandings, betrayal, riveting adventure, endangerment, risk taking, fast paced page turner, betrayal, drama, passion,
Clan protection, passion and love!

You will remember this couple as secondary characters, in “Highland Spitfire”, the first book in this series.

Once Marcus realizes Nancy left due to the mistreatment from his own Clan. Plus Marcus is understanding his true feelings for Nancy, but doesn't know how to woo her. As he has ever wooed any woman in his life.

Love is definitely a battlefield in this novel! Who will win is anyone's guess. Both are so stubborn and strong willed. Whose heart will be captured first? Though he knows he wants his wife backs and now understands why she left. He isn't accustomed to wooing. So this powerful war chief must put this puzzle together! That is before he loses the pieces and his wife forever. Can it be done? You will have to read this fabulous book and find out.

It is fast paced page turner, riveting adventure filled with suspense, mystery, betrayal, forgiveness, hope, passion and love. Beautiful breathtaking setting, plots that make you wonder with anticipation what could possibly happen next. Is it doom and gloom for this couple, or ecstasy and bliss? You will have to read this spectacular book and tale to find out the conclusion.

I highly recommend and voluntarily reviewed this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. All the words, thoughts and ideas are my own.

~ARC was given via NetGalley.~

This is the second book of the series, and this time it is the War Lord's story. I actually like this. However, the number of events during the whole book was too much. It was a bit too overwhelming. They were insightful, but man, I wanted to kill some people in the book myself.

The events, the thoughts of the aristocrats were too much for me. Yes, I am used to it, but the depravity of the people in this book was too much. Especially, Brenda's side of the story. That was too much, and i find myself crying on how she was treated. I wanted to gut those men. It was noble of her, but what of the price?

The ending was really good, I am looking forward to read the next book. I love Katherine, the way her thoughts were made is really good.

I rate this 4 stars, well, its Marcus.

I’ve only read a couple of this author’s books a while ago, and I thoroughly enjoyed this one! Mary Wine brings a fierce heroine who isn't afraid to take control of her destiny and point it towards where her heart and mind leads it to. This book is a continuation from Highland Spitfire, which I haven't read, but it was easy to immerse myself into the story and understand what was going on (even though there are key events in the previous book leading up to this one). But my enjoyment with this book has convinced me to pick up book 1 and continue on with the series, following other couples! With a fun historical setting and smoking hot romance, Highland Vixen was a satisfying romance read that let me with all the fuzzy feels.

We start the book seeing Helen, the heroine, being held captive by Marcus, the War Chief of the MacPherson clan. She's been living with the clan for about a year, but she doesn't really see a reason in staying there. Seeing as the title has "vixen" in it, readers won't be surprised to see that Helen has a flame in her that won't let her be a passive captive. Instead, she takes it in her hands to escape to the court... and possibly her burgeoning feelings for Marcus.

“But she would not be broken, would not wither. No, she was going to find a way to regain control of her fate.”

Marcus chases after her towards court and they end up married through a series of events. Ensue the wicked banter and lots of sexual tension and chemistry! I adored the romance in this one. There was nothing too serious or heavy - it's all very light and cute and sweet. While Helen is fierce and full of energy, Marcus tends to hide his feelings a bit better. He can come out as curt, but he's more like a guy who cuts to the chase and doesn't allow for nonsense. These spirited personalities clash into sparks of chemistry as they go back-and-forth with their feelings for each other. Helen is hesitant of putting her fate in another person - especially the person who kidnapped her! - while Marcus continues to devotedly pursue her. They're absolutely adorable and super easy to like and read about.

“‘Stop fretting, Helen.’ Marcus stroked her cheek with the backs of his fingers. ‘We’re wed. It’s no’ a sin.’
‘It’s surrender,’ she whispered without meaning to.”

If you're looking for a light romance with tons of witty dialogue and characters that you'll grow to love, then don't miss out on Highland Vixen. Add in the exciting politics of a historical Scotland, and we get much more of a plot than just the romance. The end result, ultimately, is a bunch of fuzzy feelings as you see Marcus and Helen fall in love and learn to trust the other.

Unusual story line is the thing that came to mind as I read this book. But it was very intriguing to me how the author works on the situation between Marcus and Helen and creates a very enthralling story with the additional characters of Brenda, young Katherine and the not so nice Morton.

While reading this book I saw how easy it would be to have a misunderstanding based on a person’s actions, words and their individual clan standards. In fact, I was intrigued with the differences between the clans and their beliefs regarding women and ownership as well as integrity.

Author Mary Wine shows with her research and writing skills her love for this era and Scotland by creating vivid images that drew me further into the plot of this story. Her descriptions allowed the reader to feel like they had fallen back into time and was an active participant.

There were times that I was upset with Helen and wished she opened herself more to what Marcus was really trying to show her and well Marcus is just a hard-headed man who couldn’t see what she was asking from him. Despite Marcus’s faux pas, I still was drawn to him and found him perfect for Helen. How the author works out this part of their relationship was handled with finesse creating moments that made me laugh out loud.

Even after finishing the book the character of Brenda keeps coming to mind and I feel a need to have a book on her with a happy resolution for this powerful woman.

I give this 4 STARS and recommend others read this book.

Tension and temptation!


It's 1572 in Scotland. Mary Stuart is imprisoned and the Earl of Morton is the Regent with his own agenda. The clash between Highlander Marcus MacPherson and English woman Helen Grant is a thing of beauty. Helen is not to be taken for granted as she soon shows the recalcitrant Marcus. The tension between the two, sparked by the chemistry they're both trying to deny is nicely wrought.

I was looking forward to War Chief's Marcus' story. It has some very unexpected elements. Marcus offering Helen Grant to his men as a bride. Helen escaping. Then Helen rescuing Marcus from the Regent, the Earl of Morton's diabolical plans by a necessary deceit, only leads to Helen find herself in further hot water and tied more firmly to this hulking highlander. An annoying man who sets her blood thrumming and her ire to boiling point, entangling the plot and producing an intriguing read.

A NetGalley ARC

The rich colors in the covers of this series continually draw my eye and make it impossible for me to resist. I read the initial installment of this series, Highland Spitfire, last year and I remembered really liking Helen Grant as a secondary character. Unfortunately as soon as the book started, I found myself wishing for a prologue recapping what happened in that first book (at least with regards to Helen). It felt like the story was starting in the middle and I couldn't remember the back story for the life of me. So here's a little recap of how Helen came to be at the MacPherson keep. She was stolen! In recompense for her brothers thieving cattle from the clan, Helen was taken away and deposited at the keep as a hostage, where she was not made to feel welcome by the suspicious and sometimes haughty clan members.

Now that Ailis and Bhaic have married, Helen has decided it's time for her to move on, and she decides to escape the keep with Brenda Gordon. So the story starts off with the pair making their way to Court, which put them within the purview of the James Douglas, the Earl of Morton and Regent for the young King James IV. Helen is a stubborn and headstrong lass who wanted to leave MacPherson land not only to escape her perceived captivity, but also to distance herself from the clan's War Chief, Marcus MacPherson. Unfortunately, more often than not, Helen's foolhardy behavior leads to more trouble for everyone involved. I did not have a connection to Helen's character. She came across as reckless, sometimes cold, and oftentimes prickly.

Marcus MacPherson is the war chief for the clan, a huge and hard man that most women fear on site. As the war chief, Marcus is not accustomed to wooing women or using sweet words - he is more like a battering ram, pushing and pushing until he gets his way. Marcus is obviously drawn to Helen, but he continually goes about things all wrong... and I found his gaffes humorous and endearing. Though when he follows Helen to court and runs afoul of the Earl of Morton himself - the dire circumstances force Helen and Marcus to join together to prevent an atrocity from occurring. I liked Marcus - but the big braw monosyllabic Highlanders are a favorite of mine. Marcus' loyalty to his clan meant everything to him, but he also feels guilty for plunking Helen down in the keep then studiously ignoring her much of the time. I enjoyed the banter between Marcus and Bhaic, and there were a few chuckle-worthy moments when Marcus was being teased by his father.

The relationship between these two was tumultuous. It wasn't an enemies to lovers story - but the bickering and Helen's prickly nature gave that impression at times. I think Helen treated Marcus unfairly. He was making an obvious effort once he followed her to court and she found fault with him no matter what. I didn't have a great connection to either of their characters, but I was exceedingly intrigued by Brenda Gordon and Kathryn, a captive of the Earl of Morton.

What I enjoyed most about this story was the political intrigue. I feel like the Earl of Morton has been crafted well as a villain, which matches the historical account of his character. While he was attempting to stop the feuding between the clans, that was calculated to further his own agenda and he resorted to barbarous acts to see his will enforced. I suspect that we will see the machinations of the Regent through the rest of the series, and I am particularly interested to see if there will be any further battles between he and Brenda.

I recommend this book to fans of Highland romance, and those who enjoy political intrigue in their historical romance. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher, Sourcebooks Casablanca.

I didn’t actually know what to expect from this book. I wanted something Highlander, and Mary Wine’s book jumped out at me. I have not read her before, and she is a new to me author who has pleasantly surprised me.

Highland Vixen jumped into a story leading from book one, so if you haven’t read book one, like me, I strongly suggest starting from there so you don’t have to face the same confusion.

The book opens up with Helen and Brenda Grant escaping the MacPherson Castle and looking for shelter at Court. Helen was a captive in the MacPherson castle because Marcus took her as a prize, but her life wasn’t bad by any means. The last thing Helen wants to do is sit around and wait for the Laird to marry her off.

Helen and Brenda end up at court, where they are immediately called to Earl of Morton’s attention. Morton is a regent of Scotland, and seems to think he can wield power over the Highlanders. So when Marcus shows up at Court in order to bring Helen back, he is stuck under Morton’s claws, who wants Marcus to marry a girl barely 14 to strengthen alliances. Disturbed by the prospect of sleeping with a 14 year old girl, Marcus refuses, ends up in chains and Helen comes to his rescue with the prospect of marriage to her in order to save them.

This was an interesting read. Once I was able to get used to the writing and the dialect, I found myself fully immersed in the story. It did take some time to put the pieces together, since I have not read the first book, but other reviews helped with that.

I really enjoyed the fact that it wasn’t just a romance novel, there was a lot going on, there was a full storyline with the Earl of Morton trying to cause trouble for Helen and Marcus, bringing in other clans into the fold to try and get in their way.

I was confused about why Helen and Brenda went to look for safety in Court, mainly since the two seem to be aware of Earl of Morton and just how despicable and awful the man is. It seems to me the entire situation could have been avoided. I also still am not entirely sure who Brenda is to Helen and how Helen did not come to help her friend after the escape. Especially now that they know what Morton is capable off as he tried to derail Marcus and Helen at every turn.

The romance itself was actually pretty good. I loved that there was some resistance from Helen at first considering the rocky start the two had, but I loved Marcus and his patience. He wasn’t really good at charming his new bride by any means, considering he is the War Chief of clan MacPherson and his wooing skills are zilch next to nothing. The bickering and the growing attraction were a major plus in this book amidst all the danger and excitement thrown their way.

I liked the secondary characters and their storylines and wonder how this series will progress. Well, now I am finding myself invested and hope to learn what will become of them in the future and how it will play out. Especially since the issues with the Earl of Morton have still been unresolved.

Highland Vixen is the 2nd book in Mary Wine Highland Weddings series. This book can be read as a stand-alone which was good since I never read the first book in this series.

In Highland Vixen we are introduced to a strong will woman. A woman who knows what she wants and is tired of waiting for the man that she loves to finally realize that she is the woman that he wants. So, with her friend that she became close with at the MacPherson they ran off to court.

Marcus realizing that Helen has escaped the protection of his clan, headed to court to reclaim his lady love. But instead of rescuing Helen, it was Helen who had to come to Marcus rescuing when the Earl of Morton was going to force Marcus to wed and child. Now they have made an enemy that is willing to do anything to make Helen a widow.

Highland Vixen was different than your other historical romance. Where other authors will try to overload a reader with historical facts. Mary Wine has put sexual tension back into historical romance that it was a real treat to read.

Ms. Wine paints a rich tapestry of life in medieval Scotland where the clan chiefs or lairds rule over their clan like a fiefdom demanding and expecting absolute loyalty.  The Earl of Morton as regent of Scotland wants to break the autonomy of the clans and bring them under the rule of the court.
When Marcus MacPherson ends up at court, the Earl is determined to try once again to control Clan Macpherson through marriage. Can Marcus outwit the earl's nefarious plans and win the bride he wants for himself?
Helen was kidnapped and brought to the MacPherson keep where she has spent most of her life being treated like a servant.  Despite all attempts Marcus refuses to release her, even following her to court when she escapes the MacPherson stronghold.  When the Earl of Morton, Scotland's regent turns his attention to Marcus, Helen with her friend Brenda are able to outwit his plans.  While Helen marries Marcus and is returned to the MacPherson keep her friend is left behind in the cruel hands of the Earl of Morton who sorely misuses her.
Marcus loves Helen. Unfortunately he is unable to express his feelings having lived a rough tumble life as war chief of the clan. Even as he marries her at court and defies the regent he's determined to woo her into his bed.  The shoe is definitely on the other foot as his brother Bhaic now asks him the traditional question that Marcus has once asked his brother every morning regarding the consummation of his marriage.
Marcus is a war chief who has been brought up a clans man because his mother refused to wed his father.  As he attempts to woo Helen with his rough ways, its fun to watch his father and brother give him a hard time. It's also sweet to see a rough and crude man like the laird welcome Helen as his daughter in law and give her due status in the clan.  Of course the path of true love is not destined to go smoothly, as the regent and the neighboring clans try to get a bit of revenge and drive their own agendas. Poor Marcus is forced to marry his bride time after time as one or more of his enemies keep annulling his marriage to Helen.
The story is beautiful and yet hard and gritty as was life in those times.  Scottish women are feisty and cherished by their men as Ailis, Helen, Brenda all take a stand for what they believe in and make it happen even to the unhappiness of their husbands and family at times.
This is a superb series. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

Highland Vixen by Mary Wine is a memorable and intriguing story. Book 2 in her amazing "Highland Weddings" series, however, can be read as a stand alone. See, Book 1. "Highland Spitfire".
What an intriguing and fast paced tale!

Meet, Marcus MacPherson, a fierce Highland war chief and Helen Grant, stubborn, feisty lass, who causes all kinds of unexpected trouble. Will Marcus and Helen be able to tame each other or lose all, without finding their HEA?
I absolutely love Mary Wine's detail to history, her rich dialog, her characterization brings the characters to life, her descriptions and the atmosphere of Scottish Highlands, makes the story particularly, fly off the pages. I was addicted from the first sentence to the last, "Highland Vixen", lingers long after the last sentence.

Filled with danger, intrigue, suspense, mystery, adventure, action, a feisty heroine, a brawn Highlander, the passion between them is off the charts, while, they butt horns often, their attraction and chemistry is apparent from the beginning. This story is magnificently written! I love how Ms. Wine blends fact with fiction, and the magic of the Highlands with the love of a beautiful, indepentent and head-strong lass, a seductive, but fierce Highlander with a kind heart, together to give readers a captivating and seductive read. WOW, what a wondrous story, to be sure! A not to miss Scottish Historical Romance.

"Highland Vixen" is one of those stay up all night reads. Marcus and Helen are a perfect match! Mary Wine is one of my favorite Scottish-set Romance authors! Another great read! Simply fantastic! ! Well done, Ms. Wine!
I received a complimentary copy.

Rating: 5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR

Marcus MacPherson is the War Chief for the Macpherson clan, he's feared and respected. He is also the a bastard to the laird and assists in running of the clan.

Helen was taken from her clan by Marcus to keep some accord between their two clans. Helen was brought into the Macpherson clan and forgotten by Marcus. Marcus worked really hard at forgetting Helen and ignoring her, but found himself drawn to her at times. Helen found life at the Macpherson's to be challenging and tough at times. Helen found her raider for Marcus was always on and found him hard to forget or ignore.

Helen has learned the Marcus is trying to marry her off to anyone of his soldiers that would take her. She hurt, offended and wants none of that. She has an opportunity to run off with her friend Brenda. They head to court together and find a whole new set of problems. Marcus goes after Helen as he realizes that he's really has more feeling then he was willing to admit about her. Marcus arrives and finds himself in a predicament of marriage himself, marriage to a 14yearold that he refuses to marry and is thrown into the dungeon because he refused. Helen comes to Marcus's rescue and marriage for the two is in the cards (annulment after their escape is the plan). The two are allowed to leave but their adventure has just begins.

We experience more kidnappings, killings and Helen being returned to her clan and then taken again. Marcus and Helens marriage becomes real with enemies fighting against them. We learn some of Brenda's hard life and what she endures. Helen and Marcus do not really open up to each other and it takes most of the book and a lot of angst for it all to come out. Each not letting the other know what they are feeling or thinking.

The story line/plot fair but the execution was poor and a few too many plots/points to the story. The first two to three chapters was brutal, as in slow, muddled in the delivery and hard to follow. I found the characters to at times be too stubborn. The different plots and points became too much at times and overkill in my opinion. And Brenda's storyline seemed to almost be in conflict with Helens, as well as being so full of angst.

I have enjoyed this author in the past and lately read just a few of her books. I'm not sure if my tastes have changed or the authors books have changed in delivery. I will give her future books a couple more tires with a hope for a more positive rating.

Publisher's Description:
Fierce Highland war chief seeks comely lass for fun, frolic, and marriage

Marcus MacPherson is every inch the fearsome Highlander. He's used to men averting their eyes and women cowering before him. He thinks he'll eventually settle down with a nice, obedient bride. Instead, he gets Helen Grant... Stubborn as the day is long, fearless and dedicated to raising as much hell as possible, Helen is definitely going to challenge Marcus. And challenge him some more. And then some.

It's anyone's guess who'll win this battle of the heart...

My Thoughts:

This is a book that starts out as humorous and totally delightful then turns on it's ear and becomes violent.
This book was reminiscent of Hannah Howell's Highlander Romance series. I was totally taken with the first half of this book because although there was some violent moments it was more humorous than violent. It did have a great deal more violence toward the ending though so it took me a bit longer to finish than I thought when I started it.
I felt the storyline was a good one and the characters were well developed.
I gave it 4 of 5 stars for storyline and characterization and 2.5 of 5 flames for heat. The sex in this book exists but is not overt in nature.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley to read and review.
This in no way affected my opinion of this title.

***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***

Highland Vixen by Mary Wine
Book Two of the Highland Weddings series
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publication Date: February 7, 2017
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley

***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***

Summary (from Goodreads):

Fierce Highland war chief seeks comely lass for fun, frolic, and marriage

Marcus MacPherson is every inch the fearsome Highlander. He's used to men averting their eyes and women cowering before him. He thinks he'll eventually settle down with a nice, obedient bride. Instead, he gets Helen Grant... Stubborn as the day is long, fearless and dedicated to raising as much hell as possible, Helen is definitely going to challenge Marcus. And challenge him some more. And then some.

It's anyone's guess who'll win this battle of the heart...

What I Liked:

Highland Spitfire was one of my favorite adult romance novels of 2016. I read it around this time last year, and I loved it. At the time, there was no clear indication as to if there would be a book (or books) to follow, but one thing was clear: I really wanted Marcus and Helen's story. With those two always spoiling for a fight, I knew their romance would be great. I'm so thankful for the author and publisher for allowing Marcus and Helen's story to be told, because I was not disappointed!

In Highland Spitfire, we meet Marcus, the War Chief of the MacPherson clan, bastard son of the MacPherson chief, and brother of Bhaic MacPherson (hero of Highland Spitfire). A year ago, Marcus took Helen Grant from her home. She has been living at MacPherson castle, against her will, ever since. She hasn't been mistreated, and she doesn't even know the real reason Marcus took her. But one thing is for sure - she is no longer going to sit around and wait for the MacPherson chief to declare her marriage to a MacPherson man. She and Brenda Grant escape, and head to court... only to be followed by Marcus. A tricky situation leaves Helen no choice but to marry Marcus with haste, in order to save his life. Now wed, Helen is Marcus's bride. He has been smitten by her for many months, but he won't force her in any way. But the marriage must be consummated, or the Earl of Morton will exact his revenge on the MacPherson clan by marrying away Helen. But Helen has always proven to be a willful vixen, and she'll challenge Marcus at every turn.

Marcus and Helen are so perfect for each other. In Highland Spitfire, we get small snippets of scenes of them circling each other with tempers rising, but nothing more. Helen is a captive in the MacPherson castle, and while her life isn't terrible by any means, she definitely would like to leave. But Marcus won't have that. Not only is she is prize of war (though believe me, his reasons for taking her are really noble), he becomes smitten by her. The opening scene of this book is her leaving the MacPherson holdings - imagine Marcus's surprise!

I love their back-and-forth dynamic. Marcus is a hardened War Chief with a wicked and teasing side. No one every gets to see his softer, more personal side. Helen is spirited and fiery, and is not the biddable miss that the Scottish expect of their women. Together, between them, there are a lot of clashes and tug-of-war. There is so much banter in this book.

And a lot of sexual frustration too. Talk about tension! The pair are quite attracted to each other (though Helen does want to admit that). The physical chemistry practically rolls off these two. It's really too bad that the author only has two sex scenes in the book, and they are crammed in towards the end. There are plenty of interruptions and beginnings of something happening. But Marcus, being the good man that he is, would never force Helen, and that leads to basically only a few steamy scenes and those scenes only being at the end. Still, the author did a great job of cooking up the tension.

This book wasn't just about Marcus trying to win over Helen, and Helen trying to sort out her feelings for the man she once thought a cruel captor. The devious and awful Earl of Morton is furious over Marcus (and Helen) outwitting him, and he has disgusting and horrible plans for Brenda Grant. My heart broke for her... out of all of the characters in the Scottish story's world, she has it the worst.

We also get lots of snippets of Bhaic and Ailis! Ailis is very close to giving birth to their child, and there are a lot of cute moments between the two of them. I also loved seeing Bhaic's relationship with his brother - the two of them are such boys sometimes.

There are quite a few new characters, including a fourteen-year-old English girl, Katherine, who is very important in this story. There is Robbie, who becomes her friend, and Robert Gunn, who is one of the "villains" of the story. We also get a peek into the lives of two other clans, so I'm curious to see if those clans will be important in future books.

I like the author's portrayal of the Highlands! There is plenty of conflict between clans, as was evident in the previous book. This series seems to focus on the MacPhersons, but we become familiar with the Robertsons, the Grants, the McTavishes, and another clan that plays a small but significant role at the end of this book.

Anyway! I enjoyed this book overall. I have one complaint which I've already mentioned but will mention again, and it's the same complaint I had in Highland Spitfire. I imagine it'll be the same complaint I'll have in Highland Hellion.

What I Did Not Like:

Gah! More steamy scenes, please! And sooner in the book, please! I can't believe I had to read, like, 75% of this novel to reach the first one! And don't get me wrong, there is a lot of sexual tension throughout the book. And also, I totally get what the author is doing - making the consummation of the marriage a huge part of the plot of the book. But jeez! This was my complaint in Highland Spitfire, and it's my only complaint in this book.

Would I Recommend It:

Despite that (small?) complaint, I'd highly recommend this book (and its predecessor). I absolutely love Scottish Highlander romances, but this series is probably my favorite. It's not just a romance story - though the romance is very important and so well-written. I love how the Highlands and clan conflicts are an integral part of the story. I love how Wine fleshes out her characters - and in this book, especially Marcus.

Additionally... how about these covers?! Gorgeous. I would love to have these books on my shelf. I love the cover models, the outfits, and the bordering especially!

Rating:

4 stars. I might have liked Highland Spitfire just a smidgen more? I think I liked both books a great deal. I hope Highland Hellion is about Katherine (and maybe Robbie!). It hasn't been announced yet, but she's eighteen in the epilogue of this book, so I hope she is the next "MacPherson" (they're claiming she is Marcus's sister, for her safety) to be featured. I'm excited!