Highland Heat

by Mary Wine

[Ing Cruz]

My Synopis:

Deidre Chattan has been banished from her home. Deidre's father had contracted a marriage between Laird Lindsey and Deidre. The match would have strengthen her clans place in the highlands. Since Deidre broke the contract by giving her innocence to Melor Douglas her father has given her dowry to the convent and has banish her to said convent to punish her. Deidre is angry that she gave her innocence to Melor since he was using her and angry that she let her father and clan down. She wants to bring pride back to her clan so when she is given an opportunity to help the mother of the future King of Scotland she jumps right on the opportunity. The ladies have similar build so they do a switch-a-roo. Those that are trying to stop the queen from marrying again will follow Deidre while the queen dressed in nunnery clothes will proceed towards her betrothed. She has been promised a position as one of the ladies in waiting for the queen for her help.

Deidre hasn't gone too far before she and the guards with her are captured by clan Cameron soldiers. Deidre is taken to the clan Cameron's stronghold where she is presented to the Chieftain, Quinton. Quinton and Deidre have met before. Their previous meeting ended with Quinton stealing a kiss from Deidre. Quinton was previously betrothed and in love with his betrothed. She broke their betrothal to marry an older higher ranking Laird. Quinton has never felt any emotional stirring since then for another woman nor does he trusts them much. With Deidre she makes him feel more then he's felt in awhile.

Quinton won't let her go nor does he offer anything more then being his lover. Deidre wants nothing more than to serve the queen so that she can bring honor back to her clan and father. At the same time she finds Quinton's offer very tempting since the attraction and connection between them is very strong.

My Thoughts:

I love reading books that feature a sexy man in kilt. Those Scottish men just get my juices flowing I tell you! Anywhoo any chance I can get to read a book featuring men in kilts I'm all over it. Mary Wine is a new to me author and I wasn't sure what to expect from Highland Heat. Mary, I want you to know that you now have a new fan. This is the 3rd book in the Highlander series and stood well by itself. I was able to follow and keep up well without having read the two previous books.

Deidre Chattan is a spitfire. The girl has some balls and does not cower to any man. She speaks her mind and tends to jump first and then think later. She's been told by her family and the nuns that her very nature is sinful and that she needs to change. Deidre is conflicted because she feels this strong attraction towards Quinton and doesn't want to be his lover. She wants to be a lady in waiting for the queen or at least that's what she keeps telling herself. I really liked Deidre. You always knew where she stood and what was on her mind. She is stubborn, strong, loyal and a fighter. She was betrayed by a man she thought worthy but never once did she hold that man's action against Quinton or paint him with the same brush. I liked that about her. She was pretty level headed. She wasn't perfect by any means but the good thing about her is she's aware and acknowledges her weaknesses.

Quinton is large and in charge. He takes his duty to his clan and Scotland seriously. He does all he can to make sure that those in his clan are provided and well taken care of. He doesn't trust easily and after his betrothal left him for greener pastures he's never been able to trust another woman. He is attracted to Deidre because of her stubbornness and strong will but doesn't trust her. I adored Quinton. He's confused and tries to fight what he feels til the very end when it's almost too late.

As a couple these two simply sizzled off the pages. The banter between them kept me entertained and turning the pages. The smexing...was hot. This was the only time these two ever agreed on anything so those moment of passion was my favorite. Quinton is a very manly man. He wants and he takes. He wants Deidre so he decides to keep her without the benefit of marriage. Since the attraction between them is so strong he plays on this aspect of their relationship a lot to try to convince Deidre to his way of thinking. His character comes off a bit selfish but I couldn't stay mad at him because in the end I knew he was falling for her each moment but his stubborn butt just didn't want to admit it.

There were some great secondary characters in this book I'm interested about and hope that they'll get their own book. The clan Cameron and the servant girl, Amber and Coalan added the laughter to this book. Their remarks to Quinton's about his possessiveness gave me a few chuckles. The action was fast paced with spies, kidnapping and backstabbing thrown in to keep me turning the pages. I enjoyed this book and will definitely go back and check out the two previous books. I think fans of highlander books would enjoy giving this book a shot.