Highland Vixen by Mary Wine

Jan 08, 2017 Alyssa rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2017-releases

GIVEAWAY: win a copy of Highland Spitfire and Highland Vixen!

I love this series! I hope there will be more novels to come. Marcus and Helen's story did not disappoint. =)

***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 Hig ...more

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Aug 24, 2018 Angela (Angel's Guilty Pleasures) rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: library-love, 4-stars, favorites, fav-historical-books

Highland Vixen is book two in the Highland Weddings series by Mary Wine.

We meet Marcus and Helen in book one, Highland Spitfire, where we see how these two verbal spare with each other and clearly are denying their attraction to each other. I feel you should read the Highland Weddings series in order.

I really liked Helen Grant as a secondary character in Highland Spitfire and when I found out that Highland Vixen was Helen’s book I was thrilled. She is strong willed, hard headed, stubborn, and ...more

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Jan 30, 2017 Esther rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, family, action-packed, netgalley

ARC provided by NetGalley and Publisher for an honest review.

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 ARC provided by NetGalley and Publisher for an honest review.

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. ...more

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Nov 27, 2016 Sissy's Romance Book Review rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 5-star, series, boc-selection, hot-steamy, arc-netgalley, highlander

'Highland Vixen' by Mary Wine is book two in the "Highland Weddings" series. This is the story of Marcus MacPherson and Helen Grant. This can be a standalone book but, I truly feel to enjoy this book to the fullest you should read the previous book "Highland Spitfire". In book One Helen and Marcus were secondary characters that I enjoyed reading about them in that book. Although their story doesn't really take off until this one, it help with the build up to getting into their story.
Helen was t ...more

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Feb 13, 2017 Lily (Night Owl Book Cafe) rated it really liked it · review of another edition

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 a 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.This review was originally posted on Night Owl Book Cafe ...more

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May 13, 2019 Somia rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance

3 Relaxed Stars

I haven’t read book one in the series, and whilst it was apparent the two are interconnected, I didn’t feel lost reading this second book, first.

I enjoyed the back and forth between highlander and War Chief for the Macpherson clan, Marcus MacPherson (a man of few words) and feisty highland lass Helen Grant, the sizzle between the two was apparent, even as Helen resisted. I do wish Marcus had been more attentive (even indirectly) to Helen from the start, after all he’s the one who 3 Relaxed Stars

I haven’t read book one in the series, and whilst it was apparent the two are interconnected, I didn’t feel lost reading this second book, first.

I enjoyed the back and forth between highlander and War Chief for the Macpherson clan, Marcus MacPherson (a man of few words) and feisty highland lass Helen Grant, the sizzle between the two was apparent, even as Helen resisted. I do wish Marcus had been more attentive (even indirectly) to Helen from the start, after all he’s the one who bloody kidnapped her.

The main villain in this is a power hunger despot, who I hope gets his just desserts soon, and if there is any justice it will be at, both, the hands of the women and highlander men he uses like pawns.

Things I had issues with in this book, to varying degrees:

1) Where was the description of the heroine, first I thought my brain had switched off but nope, we never get a real physical description of her (or did I really miss it)?

2) How many times can a person be kidnapped? I thought I was going to get mental whiplash.

3) Why did it feel like the heroine, hero and everyone else forgot about Brenda, who was still at court suffering?! This was one key thing that seriously irked me.

That being said despite the aforementioned issues, I didn’t find myself potently peeved or wanting to rant -why, why? Maybe it’s the mood I was in, I don’t know but this was a nice, easy, one time read through the weekend and start of the week. I think I’ll read book 1 and 3 in the series, but honestly, I’m in no rush. That being said I do enjoy the author’s writing style and the way in which the main characters banter, so I will be going to another book by the author, from a different series sometime in the coming week/weekend.

Triggers: (view spoiler) ...more

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Dec 19, 2016 Lover of Romance rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: setting-scotland, genre-historical-romance, time-scotland-stewart-era, trope-kidnapping, trope-arranged-marriage, topic-alpha-male, characters-highlander, topic-laughs-and-giggles, topic-kick-ass-heroine

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

Summary
Marcus MacPherson is one of the most feared highlanders, and the chief and none defy him except for one feisty female who refuses to bend to his will. So taking her own fate in her hands she flees him after being capture and practically made a fool of but Helen Grant only runs into trouble by someone must worst than Marcus. Marcus has always wanted a passive woman to marry, someone that won't fight him but t This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

Summary
Marcus MacPherson is one of the most feared highlanders, and the chief and none defy him except for one feisty female who refuses to bend to his will. So taking her own fate in her hands she flees him after being capture and practically made a fool of but Helen Grant only runs into trouble by someone must worst than Marcus. Marcus has always wanted a passive woman to marry, someone that won't fight him but there is one woman that fires up his blood in ways that he never imagined. Even if she makes him crazy, he wants her for himself. But both Marcus and Helen are put in a bad position when Marcus comes looking for her and ends up imprisoned but Helen may not like Marcus most of the time, but she knows what needs to be done to save a teenage girl. And even though Marcus and Helen marry out of convenience, Marcus doesn't intend on letting her go and just needs to prove how great they are together...
Plot and Story Line
I can't tell you how super excited I was for Marcus and Helen's book especially after seeing how well they interacted with each other in the first book I couldn't wait to open this one up and boy these two give us a wild fun ride. It does follow up right after book 1, so I would recommend reading that one first or you might be confused on a few details. The story sets off with our heroine Helen, running away and heading toward Court. However when she arrives, it isn't pleasant. Marcus goes after her pretty quickly and I did like seeing how crazy she makes him even in the beginning. But what happens next is quite interesting. Because its not Marcus that saves the "damsel in distress" here....its the other way around. When Marcus finds himself imprisoned, Helen saves him by marrying him because the head of the court, hates Highlanders and wants to make an example out of Marcus by forcing him to wed and bed a fifteen year old girl which Marcus refuses. I like that Helen takes action even if the last thing she wants is to marry such an alpha male like Marcus. It was interesting to see how they deal with each other with these change of events. They are still snarky with each other for sure, but they slowly stop fighting the chemistry they feel for each other. Now my only complaint was how long the angst was in this book. Normally this author doesn't extend it for such a long period of time, and while I do like angst in my romances I felt like it went a bit longer than I normally prefer. And we get some barells of laughs with Marcus' family especially his father and brother. Yeah they definitely add some fun humor and play to the story.
The Cover
Oh what a cover....I really like that it matches the colors of the series here and I adore the use of the bright red. And isn't her dress so pretty.
Overall View
Highland Vixen is a dramatic and angst filled romance to curl your toes, give you laughs and pull all the stops with all the feels you expect from a romance....DELICIOUSLY FUN!!

Click To Buy On Amazon
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...more

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Aug 06, 2020 Heidi rated it liked it

Shelves: historical-romance, fiction

My love for the first book in this series, Highland Spitfire, gave me no other choice but to pick up the second book in the series immediately. Note that this is one of those romance series that you have to read in order, because there is an overarching plot that won’t make sense otherwise. I thought I’d flag that at the beginning, just so people won’t read this one first and then get hopelessly confused.

This novel features the brother of the hero in the last book, Marcus MacPherson, and the wo My love for the first book in this series, Highland Spitfire, gave me no other choice but to pick up the second book in the series immediately. Note that this is one of those romance series that you have to read in order, because there is an overarching plot that won’t make sense otherwise. I thought I’d flag that at the beginning, just so people won’t read this one first and then get hopelessly confused.

This novel features the brother of the hero in the last book, Marcus MacPherson, and the woman he kidnapped years ago to prevent war breaking out amongst rival clans, Helen Grant. I was skeptical about the whole kidnapping plot, but the injustice of it all was addressed quite well within the narrative. I was so excited to read this book because I adored their push and pull in the previous novel, and I wanted to see how their story progressed. At the beginning of this novel, Helen Grant runs away with the help of another woman in her clan, Brenda Grant. Marcus follows her to court, where Marcus is almost forced by the Earl of Morton to marry a fourteen-year-old English girl to secure peace with England. Helen ends up marrying him to prevent this union, but the Earl demands revenge for this betrayal.

I enjoyed the way the plot thickened in this story. We get introduced to other clans within the Highlands, and the political machinations become much more overt than in the previous novel. As mentioned, the plot of this novel does build on the first, creating new complications and providing new avenues for the story to progress. I liked the way that it was not a “straight” romance, there was a lot more going on within the story than just these two characters trying to figure out how to navigate their newfound relationship. At times, it did get a little confusing to follow and there seemed to be too many different threads going on at the same time, but I expect that everything will begin to come together in subsequent installments.

I did think, on the whole, that this novel was not as good as the first one. I wanted to see more of the journey of Helen and Marcus learning how to trust one another, although I did enjoy that each of them were so stubborn and gave as good as they received, never letting the other one exert too much dominance. It genuinely felt like a relationship of equals, despite the way that their relationship began. There weren’t that many explicit scenes in this novel, but when they did occur, they were done well. One minor drawback is that I felt like Helen and Marcus were more 2-D characters, and I would have liked to see more quirks and flaws that made them unique. Occasionally, they seemed too cookie-cutter for me, but I still enjoyed them.

Moving onto the larger plot: It did seem a bit repetitive at times. Every other chapter, it seemed like Helen was getting kidnapped or she was in danger of being kidnapped, and it got boring after a while. I also did not necessarily love where Brenda’s storyline went, although I am looking forward to seeing her reclaim some of her agency (hopefully) in later books. Katherine was a great addition. As always, I loved the little bits of Ailis and Bhaic we got in this novel, especially when they were teasing Marcus and Helen. Those were some of my favorite sections of the entire novel.

While this was a decent continuation, it did not grip me nearly as much as the first book. It still intrigued me enough to pick up the next book in the series very soon. ...more

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Jan 19, 2017 Michelle Lynn rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: romance-novels

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley for review. This review does contain spoilers!!

Mary Wine, I need to know if you've been kidnapped. Blink once for yes, and twice for no. Are you ok? It's ok. Just blink.

I have loved--l o v e d--every single Mary Wine book I've ever read. I think she is one of the BEST, if not the ACTUAL BEST, authors of Highlands-themed romance novels. Or, I thought.

Then I read Highland Vixen. And I just don't know what to think anymore.

In the past, i ...more

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Feb 10, 2017 Bambi Unbridled rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: romance-historical, read-2017, arc-netgalley, million-page-challenge

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 sto description

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. ...more

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Feb 15, 2017 eyes.2c rated it liked it

Shelves: netgalley, highlands-historical-romance

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. M ...more

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Feb 09, 2017 Chitra *CJ* rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: v-card, safety-first

Well this was interesting.
Firstly, the book was set in Scotland- hence the characters had a strong accent. But when that alternated with modern English- things got confusing.
Now I didnt know it was prerequisite to read book 1 before this (until midway) hence I didnt get the references- but from what I understood the hero parades the heroine infront of his soldier to try to get her to marry them? Dude be possessive!
Anyways, as the book progresses, we get that Marcus actually liked Helen and fough ...more

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Jan 03, 2017 nick (the infinite limits of love) rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, historical, adult

3.5/5

I was obsessively in love with Highland Spitfire last year. It was a feisty, sexy and funny historical romance that hooked me from the start. The wait for Highland Vixen was not an easy one given how much I was anticipating this couple in the previous book. Though I don’t think Highland Vixen was better than Highland Spitfire for me, I still had a blast reading this one.

Without a doubt, it’s the characters that make this series so strong. They are very likeable and just fun to be around. H 3.5/5

I was obsessively in love with Highland Spitfire last year. It was a feisty, sexy and funny historical romance that hooked me from the start. The wait for Highland Vixen was not an easy one given how much I was anticipating this couple in the previous book. Though I don’t think Highland Vixen was better than Highland Spitfire for me, I still had a blast reading this one.

Without a doubt, it’s the characters that make this series so strong. They are very likeable and just fun to be around. Helen, the heroine here, has been kidnapped by Marcus’ clan, and she was fearless, clever and just a breath of fresh air. She doesn’t mince her words, and even though she’s in a position of weakness, she never shows her vulnerabilities. Marcus, on the other hand, is very gruff and a total alpha male. He’s not very in tune with his emotions so he doesn’t always know how to express himself, and I actually found that quite endearing because he frustrates everyone around him.

Romances that are based on kidnapping usually make me uncomfortable, but I thought it was handled well here. Given the time period the book is set in and the politics of the era, it made sense. Even though Marcus did kidnap Helen, he treats her with nothing but respect, and he never forces her to do anything against her will. Their romance is filled with tons of delicious tension, banter and will-they-won’t-they chemistry. They were really fun to be around, even when they were bickering like little kids. I did wish that we could have seen them as a couple a little earlier than we did. At times I felt like the romance got diluted among the obstacles and politics, but when they were together, it was terrific. I also loved how at different points in the book Helen and Marcus save each other instead of just Marcus saving Helen. It was very refreshing!

There were also some great funny moments involving Marcus and his brother and his father. I love the bond that he shares with his family and it made me smile like a goof. We are also introduced to new characters, and I’m very intrigued and hoping, we’ll get to see more books in this series.

All in all, Highland Vixen was an entertaining book and I would most definitely recommend this one if you’re a fan of those swoony heroes in kilts! ...more

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Mar 07, 2017 Diana's rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley, arc

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 ...more

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Dec 17, 2016 Donna rated it it was ok · review of another edition

I love books set in Scotland, but this one did not hold my interest. It's the first book I've read by this author and I probably won't read any more of hers. I did read it and I liked the hero and heroine, but for me, the story dragged. There was also a lot of jumping around between different characters. I'm sure some of you will enjoy it, but it's not for me. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read the ARC. ...more

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Feb 06, 2017 Jennifer rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Mini review time
It is hard for me to really say anything was memorable about this highland romance. I didn't really feel like any of the characters were stand out, and I did not like what happened to Brenda at the hands of Morton. The romance between Marcus and Helen was lukewarm at best. I did like that she has quite a bit of spirit and stands up to him, but that wasn't enough to save this book. There was a lot I didnt understand, probably from book 1, like Duana, and why she was so angry and b ...more

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Dec 06, 2017 Ouadi Imane rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Marcus is unquestionably drool worthy and my favorite brother (sorry not sorry Bhaic), always liked me a brooding silent commanding man and he's exactly the type , Helen is absolutely hilarious and I love her for it , takes spine to stand up to such a hunk, and highlander no less , Mary woman you hooked me up , be reading all your books until I don't feel like reading about lairds and kilts and highlanders,you got me love and attention. ...more

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Sep 17, 2017 Clarice rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Helen Grant didn't know when she was well off living with the MacPherson Clan and War Chief Marcus MacPherson. She had to saved him. He in turn has to save her over and over from men only wanted to use her for gain. Marcus is the one man who will always come for her. ...more

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Mar 10, 2017 Christine Woinich rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley-book, book-obsessed-chicks-review

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, ...more

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Jan 25, 2017 Barbee rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle-edition, ebook, favorite, scottish-clans, scottish-myrhs-folklore, scotland, tartan-book-reviews, celtic-barb-s-kilted-tartan-book-re, the-scottish-relic-trilogy, enemy-clans

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 al ...more

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Mar 01, 2017 Pili rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I really wanted Helen and Marcus's story and it didn't disappoint! I loved their head-butting, their chemistry and their banter was simply awesome!
Excited for the stories to come in the series! ...more

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Jan 30, 2017 Brenda rated it really liked it

Shelves: reviewed

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 ...more

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Dec 02, 2016 Stephanie rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Oh my gosh what a great Scottish historical read. The language was extremely heavy in the highland brogue so that was a little tough at times but damn it was a great read.
Helen Grant is a strong women who is through being a hostage to the men who took her from her home. So she heads off to the "main city" where she and her friend can get new lives. Only to realize to late that this new life may be worse and all because of a controlling earl who has zero mercy for anyone and will force you to do ...more

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Feb 15, 2017 Carolyn rated it liked it

Shelves: wine-mary

Not at all like the earlier Mary Wine highlander books.

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Feb 05, 2017 Questian rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2017-to-read, for-review, kindle

~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. Tha ...more

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Sep 07, 2017 Angel Hatfield rated it it was ok · review of another edition

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 fr 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.
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Jun 15, 2018 Olivia rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: giveaways-other

"Highland Vixen" was a pretty clean (until about 70% of the way through) romance that takes place in the 1500s Scottish Highlands. Helen was removed from her family's modest house by Marcus MacPherson and threatened that it would be burned down if she returned. In a roundabout way, Marcus was trying to protect her from her brothers' misdeeds by stealing cows from the clans. Although designed to protect her, Helen has felt trapped in the MacPherson castle- not only because of the cruel head of ho "Highland Vixen" was a pretty clean (until about 70% of the way through) romance that takes place in the 1500s Scottish Highlands. Helen was removed from her family's modest house by Marcus MacPherson and threatened that it would be burned down if she returned. In a roundabout way, Marcus was trying to protect her from her brothers' misdeeds by stealing cows from the clans. Although designed to protect her, Helen has felt trapped in the MacPherson castle- not only because of the cruel head of house, Duana, who treats her like a slave, but because of an embarrassing event where Marcus offered her to his men.

Marcus is the War Chief for the MacPhersons, and most people are afraid of him. He is intrigued by the woman (Helen) who is not, but he has no experience with women and so fouls up his courting of her. He is surprised when she escapes and heads to the evil Earl of Morton, who is currently "ruling" Scotland- if only he could keep the Highlanders in check. Following after her, he finds himself in a new bind which Helen is willing to help him out of through marriage- with the guarantee that it would be annulled later. As the plot thickens and through multiple kidnappings, the two begin to learn more about the other that endears them to each other.

Overall, it was a pretty solid, slow-build romance. The dialogue is entirely in the Highlander speak (e.g. ye instead of you), which is hard to read if you aren't used to it, but I found it got easier about 25% of the way into the book. There are also some terms/expressions used that are modern, but hey, it's fiction, so you can let them slide (this is not a historical recounting). Helen was a pretty strong woman, and thank goodness! I don't know how often people were actually kidnapped in the day, but the poor woman seems to be a constant target. Marcus was a strong, patient, and kind man and a great hero for our heroine.

I enjoyed the book overall and would be curious to read more in this series. Poor Brenda though- I felt like she was somewhat forgotten in all the activities by our characters, and the poor woman has suffered after suffering after suffering. Thank goodness for the wrap-up for her at the end of the book, but I hope we'll hear more about her and how her life turns out (hopefully much better than it has been) in the future. Katherine, a young English teen, was another great character, who I am excited to see has her own book coming up! I easily got involved/invested in the characters in this book, and I think it's a great read!

Please note that I received this book through a giveaway. All opinions are my own. ...more

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May 07, 2017 Blodeuedd Finland rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance, audiobook

This is book 2, and sure it works as a stand alone. But the couple from book 1 is still around since it's his brother and wife. And we met Helen and Marcus in book 1 and got a bit of their story.

Marcus stole her to teach her family to behave. And she is pissed at him. She wants to go home and he, oh he totally fancies her but is too man to admit it. Silly man!

I am not saying what happens, but these two end up married. And it will not be an easy marriage. Not by any means at all.

But first. Brenda ...more

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Aug 31, 2018 Ren rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: dont-own-read

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Oct 16, 2017 Margo rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Marcus McPherson stole Helen Grant from her home because her brothers had been stealing from him. For a year she is treated like a lowly servant in the McPherson castle and abused by the woman that is head of the house. One day she manages to escape and travels to court with another woman on the run. Marcus follows her because he wants her for himself. But he becomes entangled in the schemes of the Regent and ends up in the dungeon. Helen and her companion Brenda must free him and a young Englis ...more

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