Highland Hellcat
3.5 Stars

Intent on forming alliances to protect his clan, Laird Connor Lindsey has entered into a betrothal contract with Deidre Chattan. But when Deidre breaks her vow, Connor kidnaps her sister, Brina, in her place. Promised to the church from birth, Brina Chattan, has been trained to be self-sufficient and has no intention of being docile or subservient. Connor will have his hands full with a wildcat for a wife . . .

Series note: Although this is book #2 in the trilogy, the only connection is the setting in the aftermath of the assassination of King James I of Scotland. Only the hero, Connor, and his friend, Quenton Cameron, make brief appearances in book #1, but these are unrelated to the plot here. As such, this installment can be read as a standalone.

Connor and Brina's romance follows the same formula as the couple in book #1. Connor abducts Brina and takes her to his fortress in the highlands of Scotland where he seduces her and attempts to convince her to marry him.

While their interactions are sexy and sensual, the pacing is slow in the first half and the emotional connection is lacking. Moreover, although Brina is not pliant or obedient, she is far from the shrewish hellcat implied in the title, and the fact that she is "a consolation prize" is glossed over very easily. The action picks up in the second-half and the climax and resolution are intense and exciting.

The final installment focuses on the third Laird, Quenton Cameron, who is more of a diplomat than the other two, and there are already hints of his romance with Deidre Chattan in this book. ( )

This is the first book by Mary Wine that I have read. I will tell you I will be reading more. Even thought I had not read the first book in the series I had no problem following the story. This is a well written romance with Drama, Intrigue, Spirit and Love.

He wants a wife he can control...

Connor Lindsey is a Highland laird, but his clan's loyalty is hard won and he takes nothing for granted. He'll do whatever it takes to find a virtuous wife, even if he has to kidnap her...

She has a spirit that can't be tamed...

Brina Chattan has always defied convention. She sees no reason to be docile now that she's been captured by a powerful laird and taken to his storm-tossed castle in the Highlands, far from her home.

When a rival laird's interference nearly tears them apart, Connor discovers that a woman with a wild streak suits him much better than he'd ever imagined... ( )

The second book in the Highlander series. Strong-willed Brina Chattan has spent her entire life being prepared for life as a nun, whilst her two older sisters are to be wed to neighboring clans. Her sister Dierdre upsets their father's plans when she is seduced by a member of the Douglas clan. Her betrothed, the laird Connor Lindsey, discovers her betrayal and steals Brina away from her father whilst they are on their way to the abbey. He wants to be sure of a 'virgin bride' allowing no room for doubt as to his children's parentage. He also needs the alliance with Chattan to strengthen his case for the release of his young sister, who was stolen away years before by the Douglas clan. Brina finds herself attracted to Connor against her will as she strives to honor her father and his word to the church.

Interesting to learn about Scottish politics of the time. A constant irritation was the 'Scottish accent' with ye, nae, and no' I felt being unnecessary and detracting from the story. A light and entertaining read. ( )

HIGHLAND HELLCAT by Mary Wine is a delightful historical romance set in early Scotland. It is well written with depth,details, twists and turns. The characters are enchanting and engaging. It has Scottish lairds, loyalty, passion, romance, sweet sensuality, wit, family loyalty,betrayal, adventure,keeping the peace between rival Scottish clans, friendships and love conquers all. The hero, Connor, is tough, the laird of the Lindsey's clan, a Highlander,,honorable, promised to the eldest Chattan clan's daughter, who he learns has lost her virginity to his enemy, the Douglas clan. He set out to claim one of the Chattan's clan's daughter, which he kidnaps while her father is taking her to the abbey. The heroine, Brina, is sassy, smart, devoted, loyal and promised to the church as the Chattan's youngest and third daughter. Connor kidnaps her while her father is taking her to the abbey. He feels he is owned a daughter, Brina is a virtuous women, a hellcat, for she was raised to obey God only and not man. She is raised not to become a wife, but the bride of Christ. Her eldest sister, betrayed her father by giving in to her sinuous desires,than tossed aside by the man, a Douglas, who only wanted to take her from Connor. Therefore, Connor, does not wish to wed her. Sparks fly become Connor and Brina from the moment they meet until they finally wed. The secondary characters are a story unto themselves for they are also enchanting and engaging. Just let me say I enjoy this author's books and this one is not a disappointment. I would highly recommend this book especially if you enjoy Highlanders, their women,their lust,honor, fast paced, page turning, love of romance and castles. This book was received for review from the publisher and details can be found at Sourcebooks and My Book Addiction and More. ( )

Intriguing book about a stolen bride. The heroine has planned to become a nun while her older sisters will marry. When one of the marriages will not happen, the hero steals the heroine as his bride. An enjoyable story that did have a little more drama than necessary at the end. The drama at the end is part of the overarching plot about the crown of Scotland that seems like it will be present in the whole series. Although its only at the end of the book, I think someone could be a little confused if they have not read the first (or at least may not enjoy it as much). ( )