The Highlander's Demand

Highlander Rogues Series, Book 1

By: Mary Wine

Narrated by: Tim Campbell

Length: 7 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's Summary

Buchanan Mackenzie is a new laird, and he's about to be tested. When his half-brother is killed, he must seek vengeance or face the rage of his clansmen. Beyond spilling blood, fate offers him another solution. Taking the daughter of his enemy will appease his angry men, but it leaves him struggling to find peace over making a hostage of a woman. What sort of man settles his disputes with a helpless woman? 

Rhedyn Lindsey has been raised to shoulder her duty. For her kin and clan, she will make the best of a future that will be decided based on alliances. But she never expects it to come in the form of being taken as a hostage. In an instant, her life is turned inside out. Perhaps for the best, though, for the alternative would have been to see her father's blood spilled. Now she's at the mercy of a man who has every reason to hate her. Regardless of what fate throws her way, she won't crumble. She'll stand up to Buchanan Mackenzie. Just because she's a woman, doesn't mean she lacks courage.

Will Buchanan Mackenzie give in to the demands of his men who seek revenge for the death of his half-brother, or will he rely on the wisdom his beloved father taught him, and take his time in deciding what will happen to his beautiful captive - Rhedyn Lindsey - a woman who has captured his attention, respect, and quite possibly his heart?

©2019 Mary Wine (P)2020 Tantor

Started out so well...

I usually love Mary Wine’s books, but this one isn’t up to her usual standard. The first half of the book was great- with fully formed characters and parallel storylines that were weaving together nicely. Then, the story started to feel rushed. Here are a couple of examples:

One of the secondary characters just happened to be an excellent tracker (even though she didn’t exhibit such tendencies beforehand) and though she just regained consciousness after being hit over the head, and though it was nighttime, she jumped on a horse to track the heroine. And, wouldn’t you know, she successfully found our heroine and freed her. Then, by the end of the story, the villainess is recast as a victim, and gets her own happy ending!

Mary Wine has set a high standard with her other books, but this one didn’t make the mark. It had some great parts in the beginning half, but the second half didn’t maintain the quality product I know she is capable of. Even so, I’m not ready to give up on her yet.

Oh- And Tim Campbell was excellent as per usual.