Review: Highland Heat

Highland Heat (The Highlander series - Book 3) by Mary Wine

Publication Date: March 2011
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Genre: Historical Romance
ISBN-13: 9781402237393
ISBN: 1402237391

(Received for review from Sourcebooks)

Purchase: Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, IndieBound

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Excerpt from Highland Heat

Synopsis (Book Blurb):

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...

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 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...

Thoughts:

The third book in Mary Wine's Highlander series, Highland Heat is full of the vivid imagery of Scotland and complex, captivating characters. Readers will fall in love with fiery heroine, Deidre Chattan and powerful, hero Quinton Cameron. Highland Heat as the name implies is full of passion and romance that will leave readers panting for more. Wine's ability to get into the minds and hearts of her Highland characters sets the bar high for other historical romance novelists.

Deidre Chattan is a ruined woman. A misguided love affair with a man from a rival clan nearly destroyed her life. Now, banished to a convent Deidre's passionate spirit is hard to hold down. When the Queen of Scotland comes to convent in desperation, Deidre embarks on a mission to save the queen and draw her pursuers in another direction. What she doesn't expect is Highland Laird Quinton Cameron. Quinton has spent much of his time trying to keep the rival clans from warring with each other. His loyalty to king and country runs deep as he plans to help the queen escape. Then he encounters Deidre and his plans are totally derailed. Will the two be able to conquer the passion they have for life and each other? Or will they be consumed by the flames of desire and war?

Deirdre Chattan is a character we have seen before in the series. But, only as a minor character. Highland Heat brings her into sharp focus with her uncanny wit and stubborn attitude. She is determined to regain her honor despite her letting her heart rule her head in the past. Wine's character development in this book is very well done. Deidre is portrayed in the vein of most Highland women. She is a warrior in heart and mind. She is loyal to her family, her clan and her king. She has a very passionate nature which is what tends to get her into trouble.

I loved the way that the author gets away from the cliche' "Opposites attract!," with this one. These two main characters could not have been more alike. Quinton Cameron is a Highland Laird. He is fierce and rugged and full of spirit and raw power. His own passionate nature rivals that of Deidre in every way. He is used to getting what he wants and he wants her. But, she isn't about to give over that easily. The tension that simmers between these characters is only second to the absolutely searing passion they share. They fight about as much as they love, which makes for a great story. Wine gives us the perfect hero in Quinton. He is gruff and sharp in some ways and very gentle and vulnerable in others.

This book really packs a romantic punch. If you are looking for a tame romance, this probably isn't it! I loved the romantic scenes in the book and thought they were tastefully done. But, they are not for the faint of heart or for younger readers. This book is for passionate women who love to read about scorching love that takes the characters by surprise and fills the reader with longing. I loved the heat in this one and almost had to fan myself a couple of times LOL...

Wine has a great affinity for showing the reader what Scotland is like. Being of Scottish ancestry I am always looking to see how a writer is able to convey what Scotland is all about. Wine does an excellent job of portraying Scotland in the 1400's. The men and women were fierce and determined, warriors. The places they lived were not the easiest and the situations they faced were difficult. Wine's descriptions of the scenery and the people are very well written giving the reader a sense of being a part of the story, seeing it through the eyes of the character.

I would recommend this one to historical romance lovers and those who love Highland characters. Wine does such a wonderful job of bringing them to life. This is a book filled with loyalty and love and lots of passion. Not one you want to miss!

Highland Heat is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I'm giving this one 4 out of 5 apples from my book bag!





Mary Wine is multi-published author in romantic suspense, fantasy, and western romance; now her interest in historical reenactment and costuming has inspired her to turn her pen to historical romance. She lives with her husband and sons in Southern California, where the whole family enjoys participating in historical reenactments.