Highland Spitfire
-
-
4.3 • 514 Ratings
-
-
- $8.99
Publisher Description
When passion flares between two enemies from fighting clans…the Highlands ignite!
Two hotheaded Highlanders, the offspring of feuding lairds, are tricked by the King's Regent into a desperate choice: marry or die. Bhaic MacPherson is more disposed to lead his clan into battle than stay married to the daughter of his enemy. But perhaps the intensity of his feelings has more to do with desire than hostility.
Ailis Robertson wanted a husband, not a savage—but when her family was faced with a deadly ultimatum, she had no choice. How can she fight her fate when the union of a MacPherson and a Robertson could end three generations of hostilities between the two families? Perhaps bitter rivals can become something more when they start to recognize that they're not so different after all…
"It's breathtaking."
It surely was. The moon was full and looked like a glowing ball across the lake. All of the stars were in view, but without the harshness of biting wind.
"Aye, a truly stunning sight."
Bhaic wasn't looking at the view. He was watching her. She turned her face toward his, drawn to the husky promise in his voice…
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Two enemies unite in marriage to prevent more bloodshed in Wine's first Highland Spitfire novel, set in late 16th-century Scotland. The Robertsons and the MacPhersons have been at odds for years. Finally, Ailis Robertson accedes to the wishes of the Earl of Morton and marries Bhaic MacPherson. Despite the bad blood between their families, Bhaic and Ailis are undeniably attracted to each other. When pride keeps them apart and Ailis moves back in with her father, Bhaic swoops in and takes her to his home as his bride. But the residents of MacPherson Castle are not friendly toward a former Robertson, and they constantly challenge Ailis's authority as lady of the house. Ailis is an admirable protagonist whose desire to exercise her independence is at odds with the submissive role required of many women in her time period. She insists that Bhaic woo her until she willingly consummates their marriage, adding sensual tension to the story. Wine's attention to historical detail breathes life into this captivating tale.
Customer Reviews
Good Highland Book.
Book was very good. I grew up on books by Kathleen Woodiwiss and loved the classy romantic language, no F-bombs! I did love Ailis’ strength, resolve, and problem solving, no weakling at all. Even though she was more gracious to the ex-mistress than I would have been, believe me! Bhaic reminds me of my husband; except in allowing everyone in their marriage bed business! Very entertaining! Overall Looking forward to Marcus’ and Helen’s story. PUNYIAM62
A wonderful start to a new series, I’m ready for the next!
Feuds in the highlands can make the Hatfields and McCoys look like playground spats. And the MacPhersons and Robertsons have been feuding for generations with no apparent end in sight. With threats to Scotland coming from all sides, the last thing the Queen needs or wants is bitter infighting. Dispatching her regent with a simple order: bring the clans together with a wedding… and we are off.
Ailis Robertson is feisty, loyal and fierce, determined to have a life that both suits the clan and perhaps brings her some personal happiness. She wants to marry and find love, but with a man, not a savage being from a clan she’s been taught to hate and fear all of her life.
Bhaic MacPherson is a feared warrior in battle, a loyal clansman and at heart, truly kind. Not loving the idea of a forced marriage, he finds Ailis admirable and courageous. He’s going to make the best of the situation to respect his clan’s decree, he just didn’t expect to fall in love with the enemy.
Mary Wine uses emotions we can all relate to: a desire for acceptance, a fear of the unknown, a determination to make the best of a situation you aren’t particularly thrilled with because the choice is untenable. Combine this with a tentative getting to know you phase that is spurred onward by an obvious physical attraction, finding these two slowly unveiling themselves and allowing their attraction to grow. Both Bhaic and Ailis are determined, honest and courageous: understanding that the future of Scotland relies on the cooperation of the clans and they are willing, eventually, to do their part.
The characters are the highlight in this story: moving us through an obviously difficult and tense situation for both of them, while displaying their own personalities as the story progresses. With so many issues playing into their relationship, it does take a while for them to come to realize that despite being thrown together rather ungraciously and without choice, they are wonderfully well suited and truly do enjoy one another: disproving years of untruths and distrust that fueled the strife between the clans. A wonderful start to a new series, I’m ready for the next!
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Meh
The ending of the book was disappointing. The book was good otherwise.