Veena’s review of Highland Vixen (Highland Weddings, Book 2) by Mary Wine
Historical Romance published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 07 Feb 17
Mary 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 turns his attention to Marcus, Helen and 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 and 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 had once asked his brother every morning regarding the consummation of his marriage.
Marcus is a war chief who has been brought up a clan’s man, because his mother refused to wed his father. As he attempts to woo Helen with his rough ways, it’s 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.
Grade: A
Summary:
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…
Other books in this series:
