I haven't read much of this author, but I have read a couple, so I was hoping this would be a fun read, and I found I really liked it for the most part. It took a little while to get into, but once I did, I started to enjoyed the story. I liked the way the author takes the plot with the interesting variety of unique twists to the plot that gave it a certain dramatic flair. There is a bit of a paranormal aspect, that wasn't overly done, and it felt like it flowed smoothly along with the story line. The characters were lively and fun to see them interact. It takes places back in the early 1500's, so we see a side of a culture that proved evident that the author did some good research (which is a vital factor when writing historical's). There was such a witty and sensual side to Greiman's writing that made the story become alive. I enjoyed seeing the way this story is put together in such a way that it can appeal to any romantic heart. I lively read that can be enjoyed for the summer time. Definitely looking forward to reading more from this author.

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

Highland Flame is a story that I have been highly anticipating for quite some time. Ever since I read book three of the series "Highland Hellion" and we saw the courage and strength of this one man, Diocail. I just knew that his book would be great and you know what it WAS!! This book worked for me in so many ways probably even more so than the previous two books. I don't think that I could pin point one certain aspect that just made this book as a whole work, but I believe it was various things that made Highland Flame a stunning romance that tugged at my heart strings.

This story begins with with Diocail, who has recently taken over the Gordon clan as their laird. For too long, this clan has gone into despair, their people suffering, children starving ,even his soldiers willing to do anything for a scrap of food. Diocail had the courage to take over the clan that needed someone worthy and strong but now he has a bigger task, bring the clan together and making sure they prosper once again. But he knows that more than anything he is in strong need of a wife, who can aid him. He just never expected the woman he would marry might not be the woman any highlander would want but would definitely prove herself and be the best cure for the clan.

Highland Flame is a story that brings two people that are complete opposites from each other. Our heroine, is a woman that has gone through quite a bit of struggle. She is an Englishwoman, who found herself without a husband, determined to not become a prostitute, and along in Scotland with no friend or aid to speak of. When Jane first runs into Diocail, she realizes that she is in trouble. Because she wants him, but knows it could never be possible. However, Diocail, refuses to leave a woman like Jane alone, knowing there are many Highlander wolves that would rape and abuse her. So he keeps her with his men while they trek back to his home. The attraction between Diocail and Jane is so hot it practically steams off the pages, but we also see so much depth to their relationship. The beginning especially, we see that even though they argue and fight, there is also something deeper growing between them. Their relationship starts out a bit angsty, but boy it's the kind of angst I really like to see happen in a romance. It flowed just right for these two. And once they accept each other here, than this is where their relationship turns more intimate and I couldn't get enough of these two learning each other slowly.

He wanted her to choose him. Seducing a woman with less experience wasn't very difficult. He'd already have claimed her if that was what he wanted. No he craved something different from her. Something very personal. Nothing less would satisfy him.

The full dynamics of the story that adds all the variety and spice that I have come to expect from Mary Wine, was just the right flavor. We see a intrigue/danger side to the plot. Not everyone in the clan is happy with Jane as the Laird's wife and wants to take her out. Then we have the antics of Diocail's men, who want to make sure that they fall in love and boy what they come up with is hilarious. I loved the closeness and bantering between them and most especially how loyal they are to Diocail. You see how much they would do anything for him. Especially in making sure he falls in love with his wife. hehe, Then we one of my favorite characters, a little boy that Jane discovers in the beginning of the story, who becomes their adopted "son" of sorts. And he just added a right touch to the story, he was simply adorable but he also breaks your heart because of how sad his situation is. I did love seeing the way Diocail, Jane and their entourage of men close ranks and protect this little boy who has just lost his mother to disease.

Highland Flame brings together a various array of elements to a heartbreaking but heart winning romance....a story full of strife, struggle, and pain but also healing, fulfillment and the power of love. A story that gives you all the feels----captures the heart of the reader!! WELL DONE MARY WINE!

What do you think about Mary Wine? Have you read her books? What do you like most about her stories?

What do you love most about Highland clan dynamics?

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I received a ARC in return for a honest review.
I was really excited to get a chance to read this one, since in the past I have loved reading this author. I set up of the story was intriguing, and I liked the idea of it. I wasn’t sure how I felt about the heroine, with the permission of her husband, sharing another man’s bed to get a child. I am not a huge fan of that particular setting, but somehow as the story unfolded, it worked for me. This story is set in medieval Scotland, and deals with the ramifications of a mans greed and the lengths he will go to just for a castle and some land. The villain is pretty horrid, and I wanted to kill him myself. The lengths he goes to is a bit extreme, but it really added a level of suspense to the story. The romance itself between Annyse and Harcourt was overall very tender and charming, but I had a somewhat challenging time connecting to them fully. But the story overall was well established, and had quite a few entertaining scenes that kept me hooked on the story. Not my favorite book from this author, but I really enjoyed the way that these two came together in the end and I do hope we get another book in this series.

This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceHighland Hellion was a fast paced and super charged historical romance that was feisty, fun and thrilling and boy this book reminded me why I admire this author so much, and she can write highlander romances like no other. I was swept away by Highland Hellion, and even though its not my favorite book of the series (book one still holds that title) this book was still a book I fell in love with pretty quickly. Highland Hellion takes places in the early seventeen hundreds in the Highlands. Kate was born English, but she was brought to Scotland against her will when she was only 14 years old, she was trained to fight and ride like regular men. And now she is asked to suddenly do all the "right" things the most women do, which to Kate is downright boring. She can ride and hunt better than most. Kate was quite the most amusing character. I like that she is proud of who she is, and even though she can be a bit too arrogant at times, she also is spirited, passionate and determined. She admits to her own mistakes and suffers the consequences willingly. This is a aspect of her personality that I gravitated towards. Yes the whole high spirited heroine was a fun aspect. But its seeing her become humble and viewing a different side to her. The more emotional side, this portion of her character that grows in this book. We see her realize that every action has a consequence and she learns some valuable life lessons here. Then we have our hero, Rolfe. He is the son of the Laird, and has many responsbilities. But when Kate saves the lives of himself and his men, he is indebted to her. He refuses to leave her in the hands of a enemy clan, and through a chain of events, they end up married through convenience but also affection and desire which slowly builds to love.

There is quite a bit in this story that you learn to admire and even have some fun with too. There is some historical aspects here, but Mary Wine balances it out very well. So that if you don't like to have too much historical details in a romance, than I highly recommend this one, or any other book by this author. She writes these highlander romances that are so well balanced, and don't overshadow other aspects. Every part of the story here seemed to flow together just right. We do get to see some more of our villain of the series, and boy he is downright mean and evil. But does bring some adversity that this couple has to face. The romance that builds between these two is quick and fun, their bantering is contagious and this couple gave me plenty of laughs. But they are a wonderful match together, and even though there is some angst between them at first, it definitely gives way quickly. I do think there could have been a bit more emphasis on the love story, the plot tended to overtake the romance at times, and that is the only thing I would have liked to see different.

Overall Highland Hellion was a thrilling ride of adventure, danger, growth of characters and some fun sexy times in the highlands!!!

 

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In Highland Hellcat, our story sets off with our heroine Brina Chattan is the youngest of three daughters, and her duty is to go to the Convent and be a bride of the Church. She has always known that this is her duty and honor. She never had the opportunities that her sisters did, not even to be touched by family. She has never known physical affection, or a loving embrace from her sisters or father. When her older sister breaks a betrothal contract by sleeping with another man, Connor Lindsey, the highlander her sister was promised to comes for her, kidnaps her and takes her back to his clan. Brina knows that with her plans for the convent gone, she isn’t going to be tame and sedate like she has been trained for all her life. She is a fighter and has always had a free spirit, and Connor will soon learn that she isn’t easy prey.

What a story this turned out to be!!! I have avoided reading this one for a while ever since I bought it at my library store for $1 (and the best dollar I have ever spent money on for sure!!) What I really adored about this story was seeing these two go at it like cats and dogs and the chemistry!! Oh man, can Mary Wine write some sensual encounters and the kissing scenes is phenomenal. Anyone who has read this author before, knows exactly what I am talking about. The more I read Mary Wine, the more I fall in love with her writing and her love stories. In this book, we have a heroine that is spirited and independent and a hard worker. Our hero is your typical highlander, but I loved how amused he was by Brina’s antics and temper she lets out whenever he is around. It was interesting to see the aspects of history that this author puts in. I love the Stewart Era, and Mary Wine’s talent for writing only intrigues you more with this setting.

In Highland Heat, we have a continuation of book two. The heroine of our story is Deirde, the older sister that thought she was loved, but her lover was only using her with broken promises and left her with a broken heart. Deirde was sent to service to the Church. Even though she is not content like her other sister is at the Nunnery, she is satisfied with hard work and spending time with her sister. Deirde is a woman who is ashamed of her past and wants to bring honor to her family’s name to make up for the scandal she has brought down upon it. When the Queen, asks for her aid to pose as a double so she can escape those hunting her. Deirde is more than willing, knowing it will bring her security in the future. But while on the road, she is captured and brought to Quinton Cameron clan. Quinton and Deirde have always had chemistry, but with them so close….they are likely to fog up the windows and discover a love they never expected to find.

Now this book was pretty entertaining and such lively fun and quite a page turner. I read this while on the go within one day!! I love Mary Wine’s style of writing these Highland romances, and she did good with this one. The heat in this book is way steamier than I was expecting from her but it does fit the situation. These two are off the charts when it comes to a sexual relationship. They become lovers about 1/3 of the way in the story. At first, it’s just some fun times in the bedroom. But Deirde wants more when she realizes how much she is beginning to care for Quinton. But Quinton was burned very badly when he was younger, so he has closed himself off from romantic entanglements. But Deirde is a woman he can’t forget or just let go of. We see how Deirde runs Quinton ragged with some quirky scenarios. What was quite interesting about this book, was seeing the politics take precedence. I was quite fascinated with the historic details here and seeing the balance of power between clans. The only downside to this story was the angst between these two was more prolonged than I would have liked but what was unique about the angst in this story was how lighthearted and fun it could be at times which balanced it out in the end.

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

Summary 

Lady Grace Carrington, is in France to be her sister's companion while she tries to reconcile with her husband. Grace after a big battle goes out in search of British soldiers who are alive and need aid. She stumbles across Duncan Mackenzie, a highlander fighting the French. Sparks fly between them, and there is a instant chemistry they feel for each other. But once Duncan is recovered, they travel with the Major, back to England and to receive his orders. Grace and Duncan know that there can never be a relationship between them. Grace is a daughter of a titled lord, and Duncan is a mere Scot's farmers son, serving in the military. Both feel a connection to each other they crave to have, but know its impossible. But soon Duncan and Grace end up interacting with each other, rekindling what they feel for each other, and soon they will have to make a choice: if their love is worth the sacrifice to be together?

The Hero 

Duncan Mackenzie is a man who is loyal and true to what he believes in. He is a warrior and a Scot and is dedicated to fighting for the crown if need be. Duncan even though he is close to his family, hasn't seen his parents or his lovely six sisters for a few years and he craves his Scottish homeland. But his duties take precedence. When he meets the lovely Grace, he knows he can never be good enough for her but loves her despite their class differences. What I admired about Duncan is how he embraced life to the fullest. He is loyal to his men and to the Carrington family, and the vows he makes. But he also likes to live life in the moment, and not waste energy on circumstances he can't change.

The Heroine 

Grace Carrington, is a woman that has always done her duty and did what was necessary. Even though her father is strict, she does what she can to prove herself to him. Grace is a loyal sister, and I loved how true she is to Claire and helping her when she can. Grace has rarely acted on her inner emotions until she meets Duncan. We see her character open up to her needs and desires, and fighting for what is right for her and not what others expect. I truly liked Grace, and she seemed to be a good match for Duncan. She stretches herself and learns certain aspects of herself that she has never experienced. I grew to respect her quite a bit especially when she learns to fight for her own happiness.

Plot and Story Line 

Highland Heat was a fun and satisfying read and I had a good time with this pair!! I am glad that I had read the first book since they go hand in hand. They take place around the same time, so I do recommend reading the first book first, it will make more sense. I can never get enough of Jennifer Haymore, and she does great with writing in this era, I did enjoy the forbidden romance theme the author used. I don't read them too often, so its a real delight to see a couple fight the circumstances to find a way to be together. I loved their class differences, and it worked out in a way I wasn't really expecting, I knew that they would find a way but boy Haymore took me on a ride of adventure before we got there. At the beginning of the story, we see some powerful chemistry and what a first kiss!!! Whew, that really blew me away and I easily got caught up in the moment where these two are concerned. We see once they return to England, that they learn how to fight against what is expected of them and embrace what they have in a almost freeing way. The conflict that they face was just the right amount, not too powerful for the story but not too light either. We also see more of the Highland Knights and I can't wait to read more of these sexy Scots!!!

The Cover 

What a delightful cover...I really love the pose. The upside down effect is quite stimulating!! And man look at all that muscle...YUM!!

Overall View 

Highland Heat is a powerful romance about defeating the odds and living in the moment!!! Its about passion, zeal and being true to yourself.

Click On Cover For Buy Link To Amazon

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Elizabeth Campbell has a sweet tempered nature, but has a inner obligation to her family: duty which she lives every day and every night of her life. She dedicated her life to her family, even though most of the time they don't take notice much of all that she does for them. She has had three past engagements, but neither pulled through to a marriage, of course the blame was not on her side. Both men thought her not up to their standards and so they left her high and dry. Lizzie has felt that she is less, that maybe there is some things that are wrong with her. She then hears word of her cousin that has land for her, but she knows that there is another man that her cousin desires for her to marry. So she goes to travel to visit him, on the way however they are severely attacked by outlaws, the MacGregors. Admist the attack, they are rescued by a band of fierce warriors, their leader claims to be Patrick Murray. Patrick, is the Laird of the MacGregors that are constantly hunted down and his people outcasts, barely able to survive. He desires his people's land that have been taken from them, so he comes up with a plan, to fall into Lizzie's good graces, to woo her, marry her so that he can obtain the land. He knows that it is necessary for both him and all that is left of his clan to survive. What he didn't plan on was the enchanting woman that he finds his cold heart softening for. He knows that if he doesn't succeed soon, that he is bound to fall in love with his worst enemy's daughter.

I found this to be such a captivating love story, and its filled with such delicate matters that at times it just breaks your heart. I just fell in love with Patrick and his duty to his people. Having watched his parents be murdered and the rest of his people driven out of their lands at threat of extinction, he has found a way to make sure that they will survive, but it will take sacrificing the happiness of the one woman he loves more than life itself. Lizzie is a charming yet sweet willed woman, who is innocent really in every way you can imagine. She doesn't believe that she is really attractive or desirable, but Patrick is the one man that makes her feel that one and the one man she finds herself falling in love with him.I think the one problem that I had, is that when the truth is revealed, Lizzie has a hard time accepting it. But one would think she would be more understanding of his situation, so that was really my only problem with the way she treats him after she finds out the whole truth, when its obvious that he truly loves her. I also found, especially toward the end, this to be a very emotional tale that had my heart spinning with exhaustion wondering how this would turn into a happy ending. It is a very satisfying read, one that if you like a good historical romance with handsome men in kilts with swordplay, wooing and a bit of danger and romance involved, then this one you will be captivated by.