Veena’s review of Highland Flame (Highland Weddings, Book 4) by Mary Wine
Historical Romance published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 05 Sep 17
Mary Wine delivers another delightful romance in this series that I am enjoying so very much. Jane Stanley is an engaging heroine, feisty as they come. Diocail had impressed himself on me in the last book when he demonstrated his honor against all odds. The two together strike the right sparks making for a great story.
Marriage isn’t at all what Jane had imagined, so when her gambling husband keels over dead, she definitely does not want to stay in the wilds of Scotland to pay his debts, even if the price is to be turned out penniless and barefoot and clad in her shift into the cold. A few days later her situation becomes a tad bit more complicated, when she encounters the newly minted Gordon laird on a journey to collect rents from his crofters.
The honorable laird can hardly abandon a young, beautiful, and scantily clad woman, even if she definitely does not want his protection. So begins a delightful duel of wills when Diocail, in the name of protection, makes Jane a prisoner as he continues his progression through his lands. Jane, for all her feistiness, manages to tame his troop though simple kindness and her mending skills. The troop, who want Gordon to marry a rich bride and settle down, take to Jane, and before long the two find themselves wedded and bedded, even if not blissful.
When Jane arrives at the neglected rag-tag castle, she soon makes friends with the women, as she brings the castle to order. The shenanigans between the clansmen and the two protagonists will keep the reader engaged in the story, despite the trouble that creeps into paradise. I love Jane and the other women’s revenge on the men for doubting Jane – that is definitely one for the history books.
All together an entertaining addition to the series. In fact, it might be the best yet.
Grade: A
Summary:
NEWLY MINTED LAIRD SEEKS WIFE, PREFERABLY RICH
Laird Diocail Gordon has just inherited his uncle’s run down castle and rag-tag clan. He knows the sorry sight of the castle would send any woman running, but is determined to find a wife to help return his home to its former glory.
Widowed lady Jane Stanley is determined to return to England, even if she has to tromp through the Scottish Highlands on foot to get there. Her travels lead her straight into the midst of a troop of dangerous Highland warriors. The mysterious, brawny laird forbids his men to harm her, and the spark between them is immediate. The only way Diocail can keep her safe is to take her home with him, but will the miserable state of his clan douse her newly ignited Highland flame?
