Sandy M’s review of Highland Heat (Highlander Series, Book 3) by Mary Wine
Historical Romance published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 1 Mar 11

Finally Quinton and Deirdre’s book. I’ve wanted their story since that first spark – and snarl – in Highland Hellcat. Deirdre is shamed and banished, Quinton is laird and arrogant, both so different from Connor and Brina in their book. Still full of spirit, bravado, and adventure, Deirdre is determined to make things right with her father, while Quinton is equally determined to have her, even though he’s not quite sure why. He’s about to find out.

Having come to terms with her penance – long, backbreaking hours of hard work with the church – all for falling for the wrong man, giving him all of herself when he utters just a few charming words and a promise to wed, Deirdre strides through opportunity’s wide-open door when Queen Joan Beaufort arrives at the convent looking for sanctuary. The queen garners sympathy from Deirdre, who knows what it’s like to be controlled by and feel pain at the hands of men. Agreeing to be a decoy, she rides off with English retainers and eventually runs into those seeking Her Majesty, letting them believe they’ve found their woman, despite the fact it’s Quinton’s men and they’re taking her to Drumdeer and the man himself.

And this is where the fun begins. Deirdre is not afraid of Quinton and his title one iota. She’s strong Highland stock, just like him, and has nothing to lose by standing up to the laird. Of course, one touch and she’s a goner, giving in to his kisses and taking all the pleasure he has to give. But Deirdre can’t lose focus of her plan to make her father proud of her once more. She gives Quinton’s men the slip one day, only to be captured by a neighboring laird, who also wants peace to continue in the Highlands, so he will return her to Quinton. Instead she finds herself taken by a relative of the bastard who deceived her before. She’d been better off just staying with Quinton than at the mercy of such a man.

It’s during this time Deirdre realizes she loves Quinton, and when she’s back with him after her ordeal, she declares that love to him, but he maintains his heart is dead and all he can give her is a home, duty and respect from his people, some happiness, and, of course, a lot of mind-blowing sex during their nights. Refusing to accept this, Deirdre tosses out her own ultimatum. It’s not until a woman from Quinton’s past barges into their lives that Quinton knows he’s been fooling himself for much too long, but will he be too late to save Deirdre and their love?

While I still like Highland Hellcat the best of the series so far – a tortured hero will always claim my heart – I do like the relationship between this couple. Ms. Wine mixes it up and keeps everything interesting throughout, never losing sight of her characters and their personalities, flaws, and duties. We also get more about Deirdre’s half sister, her father’s illegitimate daughter, and the man who’d take her on, despite the stigma of her birth. Another intriguing story in the hands of Ms. Wine, I’m sure, when the time comes.

Grade: B+

Summary:

Ruined, betrayed, and banished…

As brave as she is impulsive, Deidre Chattan’s tendency to follow her heart and not her head has finally tarnished her reputation beyond repair. But when powerful Highland Laird Quinton Cameron finds her, he could care less about her past—it’s her future he’s about to change forever…

But it’s never too late for redemption…

From the moment Quinton sets eyes on Deidre Chattan, rational thought vanishes, for in her eyes he sees a fiery spirit that matches his own and he’ll be damned if he’ll let such a wild Scottish rose wither under the weight of a nun’s habit…

With nothing left to lose, Deidre and Quinton band together to protect king and crown. But what they can accomplish alone is nothing compared to what they can build with their passion for each other.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series: