This story was a quick cute historical read. You meet Athena who is traveling through Scotland disguised as a young boy, after having to leave England when the man she thought she was going to marry tourned out to be a scoundrel. She takes off her disguise to go dancing and she meets Symon who is a widowed highland chief. They are drawn to each other right away. Athena slips away leaving Symon wanting to know more about the mysterious beauty he found that night. Fate would have it that they run into each other again. You have clansman and medaling kings that try to keep them apart. I really liked the whitty banter between Symon and Athena. Symon was an absolute dream, I loved loved loved him. Man oh man can that man kiss, Ms Wine wrote some pretty hot kissing scenes between these two. But the thing I liked out Symon was what a gentleman he was. Took his time with Athena and didn’t push her. You also meet Symon’s cousin Brenda who I really hope is going to get a book, because she totally needs a HEA.

So we finally get Symon Grant's story and she's every bit as feisty and challenging as he deserves. Athena Trappe's is on he run disguised as a boy working in a merchant's caravan. On Mayday she can't resist dancing around the maypole with the other women from the village when she catches the eye of laird Symon Grant. Despite the fact that she once set fire to the home of the nobleman who wanted to make her his mistress she succumbs to her attraction for Symon and they celebrate may day in true lusty fashion. But Symon wants her for wife despite her Englishness and lack of dowry. I knew I liked this progressive laird from the first time I met him in the earlier books.
Of course in true Scottish fashion, there's intrigue and the kings court in Edinburg gets involved. It appears that Athena has a distant relationship to the royal family and owns some land that is strategically important to the crown. Another woman held hostage in the kings court and again the highland lairds have to negotiate for the right to wed their true love.
Ms. Wine writes a realistic tale of life in the highlands, as well as glimpse of the royal court. I really enjoy Ms. Wine's stories but this one is not my most favorite. I however am eagerly looking forward for the next book in the series where we left off at the border of England with one of my favorite female characters in the series and her laird in hot pursuit.

Between a Highlander and a Hard Place is an entertaining read. The heroine, Athena Trappes is hiding out in Scotland dressed as a boy after she impulsively set fire to the house of the scoundrel who promised marriage then compromised her to force her into the role of his mistress. Laird Symon Grant lost his wife in childbirth several years ago, and as he and his cousin Brenda are the last living Grants, he needs to find another wife. Seeing Athena dancing in her shirt on May Day, he's smitten with her and seeks her out. While there's a merry chase involved, the two eventually come together.

I love the way Mary Wine writes, and this book was no exception. It took a bit for me to warm up to the heroine - it is a bit of a stretch to believe that Athena was so naive as to be fooled by the very villainous Galwell. Scrope., but she learned quickly once she was on the road as the servant of a merchant traveling to Scotland. Symon was endearing - patient with his cousin Brenda and Athena, protective and always aware of his duty. They eventually get to their happy ending, and I enjoyed the journey.

Athena is on the run after taking revenge on the man who wanted to make her his mistress and not his wife. She escapes to Scotland to where she needs rescuing again this time by Symon. Sparks fly between the two but can he can convince her to marry? Great read! Amazing characters and a story that keeps you entertaining throughout. I loved it!

A quick, yet highly entertaining marriage of necessity romantic adventure filled with danger, excitement and passion.... enjoyed this visit to the highlands.

Athena Trappes is high spirited and enraged when the man she believes she loves only wants her for a bit of side play (burning his things might have been a bit rash).... now she is seeking safety in the wilds of Scotland. Highland Laird Symon Grant lost his wife long ago and is being pressured by the clan to find another. Loved the witty banter and thrilling action.

Between a Highlander and a Hard Place is book 5 in the Highland Weddings series. This is the story of Symon Grant and Athena Trappes. I have read the other books in this series but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Athena thought herself in love and on the edge of getting married but then that man turned mean and said he was going to make her his mistress. Athena ran away from him which lead her to Symon. Symon was a widower who needs to marry for his clan and to build his family. Symon is attracted to Athena from the start. Things don't go easy in their romance but it kept me turning the pages.
Love Ms. Wine's writing and was excited to read their story!

I loved the feisty, sassy heroine and Symon both. After a chance meeting during a MayDay festival, he searches for her, but she knows nothing can come of it because she's in disguise to save her family.
There's so much in this book, betrayal and chemistry and of course our highlander. Definitely would recommend this book to anyone who likes historical romance.

Highland Wedding #5, A quick fun read that can be read as a standalone. The ending does have a bit of a teaser for the next book but everything involving Athena and Symon story is concluded. This is only my second Mary Wine book but I enjoyed this one much more than the other. The story was good, the characters were likable and I liked how they interacted with each other. You could tell this is part of a series but the previous characters didn't play an active role in the story.

Athena was a typical young lady, well not quite typical her parents married for love; her mother's family was from trade and her father from a titled family. They disowned him for it and when Athena's mother died in childbirth he abandoned her and went back to his family leaving her to be raised by her uncle. Athena thought she was in love but it turned out Galwell just planned to make her his mistress. With her uncle's help she flees Galwell and the terrible fate that that awaits her if he catches her. Dressing as a boy she joins a traveling merchant to make her escape to Scotland vowing never to be submissive to a man again.

Symon Grant is a widower, his wife died in childbirth with the child. As the Laird and the last of his line he must get married again and have children but all of the daughters presented to him are too affable, for him. His first wife was bidable and genteel and this time around he wants more. On May Day when the young girls of Scotland would run around in the morning dew Symon spied a golden haired beauty. Athena was happy to run around as a girl for a change but Symon wasn't the one to notice her and now she's not only running from Galwell but now also the blackguard who is set on selling her to the highest bidder. Symon is determined to protect her and maybe convince her that their chemistry is a unique and powerful thing and that marriage to him can protect her. Only now the young King James may have something to say about that.

Overall, this was a good read. I really enjoyed the banter between Symon and Athena. I love just how completely devoted to he was almost from the moment he saw her. I definitely want to catch the next book seeing how the teaser at the end is about Brenda and Bothan, I really want to know what's going to happen.

Between a Highlander and a Hard Place by Mary Wine is an entertaining historical read. It took me quite a bit before I really got into the story. But once I was in, I could not stop reading. I am a huge fan of Highlander romance tales. This book did not disappoint me. It held all the elements I was expecting. Action-packed, hot lustful scenes, and a romance that blossomed despite the dangers they faced. The characters were bold, demanding, and funny to follow. I loved getting to know the Laird Grant and his pretty lass, Athena. Athena is an English woman seeking refuge from a dangerous London man. While escaping, Athena manages to set foot in Scotland where she quickly finds new enemies and a sexy man who tempts her soul. Laird Grant wasn't for settling down, yet Athena beckons him like a moth to a flame. I quite enjoyed their chase and seduction games. Overall, Mary Wine's latest novel was indeed worthy of reading.

This was my 1st book by this author I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading more. I think the story ended too abrupt and left out major details but I still enjoyed it.

I have read Mary Wine books before and I recognized her style but I was a bit confused in the beginning of this book with the switching back and forth of the story.
It took a couple of chapters to get into the story since I wasn't sure where it was going, but once I realized what was happening I couldn't put it down and completed it in one day.

Athena was certain that she was in love with the man she was about to be engaged to. When she discovered she was just meant to be his mistress she accidentally turns over a candle and sets the man's home on fire.
Now she is on the run disguised as a boy she meets Symon while on the run.
Sparks fly between these two and it really becomes interesting but enter Brenda's story which leaves us with a cliffhanger ending of sorts. Now we have to wait for her story and to see what happens with Athena and Symon.

I do detest cliff hangers and because of it I only gave this title 4.25 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book to read from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

Athena is in love. Until she finds out the man she intends to marry is really a creep! He doesn't feel that she had the right pedigree for him to marry, but he intends to "keep" her as his mistress! Infuriated, Athena has words, sets his house aflame, and escapes! After getting away, her uncle helps her flee to Scotland until he can sort through the situation and call her back home.

Laird Symon Grant is alone, having lost his wife and child during childbirth. Being Laird requires he have children. He must start looking for a wife. Nothing has been catching his eye until one night during a fall festival, a sprite catches his attention. He knows he has to find her and make her his.

Mary Wine gave us an interesting and intriguing story in the Highlands! All the books in the Highland Weddings series can be enjoyed by itself. I have enjoyed them all, so I recommend the entire lot! I liked Athena in this one. Such a strong force, but placed in a truly bad circumstances-again and again! She deals with the curve balls the best that she can. I also liked Symon! Besides being sexy and rugged, he has a soft side that I embraced. He finds that although he loved his wife, he is in love with Athena No one quite stirs his blood like she does!

What happens when unforeseen secrets are revealed?? In this book, there wasn't a full resolution of the secret, and now the Laird's cousin, Brenda has been taken. We also got no communication with Athena's uncle. This is the basis for the next book! I believe we will get full outcome as these dilemmas have far reaching implications.

Overall, a good story within the series! I definitely look forward to reading Brenda's story as it relates to Symon's, as well as how the secret impacts them all!

reviewed by Deb

I am giving a fair and honest review in return for being allowed this ARC. Perfectly readable tale....but, it didn't fully capture me. I love to be fully immersed in the story and characters and this one just did not hit that target for me. There is nothing wrong with the book but, I just wanted something more.

Symon Grant needs to marry, he and his cousin Brenda are the last of their line and both childless and widowed. Symon cared for his wife and has mourned her for four long years, but the time to move on has come - he owes his clan an heir.

Athena Trappes is the on the brink of marrying Galwell, the son of Baron Scrope. He has asked for her hand and promises to see to the contracts soon. But when Galwell betrays her, Athena has to flee or see her family destroyed. Her uncle has her dress as a boy and travel with a friend of his to Scotland, he promises to gain support against Galwell so that she might return home.

Athena travels for weeks with Myles and when they stop in a village, she abandons her disguise and joins the May Day revels. She catches the eye of Symon, she is the first woman in years to elicit a response from him and there is no way he is going to let her get away. They share a kiss and she disappears. He looks for her and is more determined than ever to find her. Athena sees him looking for her, but knows nothing can come of it, no matter how attractive he is, or tall, or handsome - no, nothing can come of it. But what she doesn't know is her impromptu dance didn't just catch Symon's attention - it also revealed her true identity to a very unscrupulous man, Will Tinker, who is traveling with Myles. Will takes one look at Athena's beauty and decides that she will make him rich.

He abducts her and plans to sell her to a brothel - but she outsmarts him and escapes - right into Symon's waiting arms. Symon learned that Will had nefarious plans for Athena and is going to save her - he isn't sure if she is the woman he wants to marry, but he knows he can't leave her to the fate Will has in store for her.

When he finds her outside the brothel, he insists that she go with him - he says it is not safe for her to be alone and promises to notify her uncle. She goes, but has no plans on staying. When they arrive, the clan thinks she is his bride - they both deny it and there are quite a few amusing scenes based on the assumption he will marry Athena.

For their part, they can't keep their hands off each other and Brenda appoints herself the guardian of Athena's virtue. They grow closer and Athena decides that she will marry Symon, but before she can let him know, Will Tinker turns up again, with a new plan!

Athena is saved yet again by Symon, but the rescue is not without casualties and their celebration is cut short by the king's men. They are forced to attend King James and he throws a wrench into their happiness by revealing the truth of Athena's parentage and threatens to tear them apart.

Another abduction, escape and rescue are thrown into the mix as well as the arrival of Brenda's annoyingly persistent suitor Bothan Gunn and a decision by the king that sends everyone reeling.

This was a fun story, a bit wordy and repetitive at times, but overall a well written, fast paced, steamy, exciting story with great leads, secondary characters and multiple villains. Ms. Wine does a great job of setting up the next story without detracting from Symon and Athena's hard earned HEA. This is the 5th book in the Highland Weddings series, but it can definitely be read as a stand alone title.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*

I've read some of Ms. Wine's books in the past and found them to be quite enjoyable. This one was no exception. Delightful characters and entertaining dialogue kept me glued to the pages. The steamy intimate encounters were nothing to sneeze at, either. Though this isn't the first book in this series, if you're like me and haven't read the first four, you won't be lost at all. Also like me, you'll probably want to go back and read all you've missed.

Athena was about to be engaged to be married and thought she was in love. However, she was soon disabused of that notion. Apparently she was just meant to be his mistress. Well, Athena had other ideas. When he attempted to "persuade" her, she accidentally set a fire in her desperation to get away. Oops! She dressed as a boy and traveled with a merchant to Scotland to keep away until her uncle could straighten out the mess. It was on the road that she met Symon, Laird of Clan Grant, who was a widower.

Here is where the story gets really interesting. I don't want to ruin it for anyone. In a nutshell, they meet and sparks fly. Athena is no wilting flower, and Symon is a strong man who knows what he wants. Throw in some seduction, Court intrigue and dastardly villains, and you've got an exciting and steamy read. The ending sets up what I hope will be the next book. I can't wait!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

Between A Highlander and a Hard Place is the next book in the Highland Weddings series. Each book has added some depth of courtly intrigue and we definitely get some delightful and mysteries that come into play into this book. We have an edge of your seat, laugh your booty off fun that will keep you flipping those pages as fast as you can get them read. This might just be my favorite book of the series, it was SUPER DUPER FABULOUS!! Mary Wine has done wonders with this book and it had that old classic Highlander feel that I have missed lately but Mary Wine has revitalized this type of Highlander we see that occurs in this book.

In Between A Highlander and a Hard Place it begins with our heroine who is English. She is living in London, with her uncle. She has been courted by a lord with high hopes of marriage soon and thinking that his affections were genuine. However, her fiancee is not who she believes him to be. He has no plans to marry her, he makes a plan to make sure she is ruined in society's eyes, and will have no choice but to be his mistress or her uncle with be left destitute. But Athena, has no plans to be a mistress for anyone...she wants and knows that she deserves better. So she runs away and her uncle hides her with a good friend of his, who is traveling north to Scotland where she will pose as a boy.

Laird Symon Grant is a widower after his wife dies struggling to give birth. And now he is alone and knows that he will need to marry again, but this time he is determined for it to be his own choice. What Symon didn't plan on is sighting a beautiful lass at a may day dance and a woman who will turn his world upside down. Athena while traveling sees the festivity of the may day dance and she wants to participate and feel like a woman again. So she lets her hair down, and buys a dress and starts participating in some frivolity. Only she never expected to run into Laird Symon who kisses her breathless and she knows the chemistry between them is fiery hot. But she has no place with her life in shambles to even think about entertaining the idea of being with Symon. But Symon has his own plans for Athena and he refuses to let her get away from him ....even if it means a bit of kidnapping to make sure she is safe.

What a delightful jewel Between a Highlander and a Hard Place turned out to be. I wish I could give this book the type of review this book deserves. Now I do want to say that this book won't be for everyone, and you just can't take certain things seriously. Like Symon putting Athena over his shoulder at times...I found it hilarious because of the way its written but I know some might take it too seriously. The bantering between these two is such fun times and boy can this boy KISS!! You will just want to swoon alongside the heroine because these two put together some fireworks that are EXPLOSIVE!!

I love the way that Mary Wine developed the romance here. Its written in such a way that endears you immediately. Athena has been burned very badly, obviously. So she is wary of Symon, but she soon realizes that he is nothing like her ex fiancee. He does have honor and wants to see her safe even if he wants the time to court her and convince her to marry him. She is endeared to the clan pretty quickly, and many can see the chemistry between the two even if they are a bit resistant to others. But they see the way that Symon and Athena defend and protect each other in the small ways that make the big difference.

Now we have another aspect to the story that I really enjoyed....the bigger plot of the book that is outside of the romance. Now the primary focus of the book is the romance, but we also see some other elements that really make this story sparkle and shine. We have some side plot lines that come together. We have the ex fiancee, who is furious that Athena has some lands she didn't know about since she has Stewart blood in her. We have the leery and horrible man who tried to sell Athena into prostitution who was traveling with her and he wants money and is trying to entrap her. We have some plots among the court of King James who is merely a teenager and a Frenchman who tries to manipulate him.

Then we have something happen in the end with Symon's cousin who I have a feeling is going to be the heroine for the next book. Now she and another clan chief have some sizzles between them but its going to be a forbidden romance and I really want this book NOW because the plot in Between a Highlander and a Hard Place doesn't get fully resolved and I need to know what happens with all the other key players apart from our main couple. Gosh darn it Mary Wine....you are pushing my limits of patience hehe (love you though).

Overall I found Between A Highlander and a Hard Place to be a love story of adventure, laughs, steamy kisses and sensual overtones that keep your toes curls and a plot that keeps you on the edge....watch out for a story that will stun and delight you in the small and momentous ways!!

4.5 Stars
Athena Trappes thinks she's in love until she discovers the scoundrel only wanted her as his mistress. Enraged, she does what any spirited Englishwoman would do: set fire to his belongings, incur his dangerous wrath, and flee immediately. With nowhere else to turn, she seeks freedom in the wilds of Scotland. Highland Laird Symon Grant lost his wife years ago in childbirth, and it's his duty to find another. Athena is not exactly what the clan has in mind for him, but Symon's heart burns with unexpected passion for the woman who would risk everything to be free.
This is the fifth in the series but is the first I’ve read by the author. I didn’t feel lost starting with this book. The Elizabethan era isn’t my favourite era but I loved this book & I’ve now the earlier books on my to be read list. I was drawn in from the start & hooked until the final pages. The pace flows effortlessly & at times tit’s breath taking. The characters are very well fleshed. Symon is everything you want for a hero & Athena is a strong courageous woman, they were perfect for each other. The secondary characters were all well portrayed, my only quibble is that I didn’t want it to end & so much want to find out what happens to Brenda

My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

This is a historical romance with wonderful characters. Athena is misled by a suitor and finds herself on the run. When Symon sees her, he is drawn to her like a moth to a flame. Although he is attracted to her , keeping her safe is his priority. This is a wonderful historical story with loveable characters.

Filled with numerous twists and turns, this story takes you on an adventure from London through the Highlands of Scotland and back. Symon and Athena make a fierce-some couple with their uphill battle to becoming husband and wife. The author does a beautiful job of captivating the reader with witty banter, and snappy comebacks between the characters. The secondary characters are just as interesting as the main ones and everyone is introduced for a distinctly particular reason.

Between a Highlander and a Hard Place (Highland Weddings, #5)
by Mary Wine

A definite buy buy buy book. It really is beyond this author to write a bad book. Instead she writes them that maybe I do not like one or two elements...In this one... The heroine needed a good slap on the head for the first part of the book. Though admittedly she did get better! Which was the absolute only reason I went to four stars! I love the writing and the way the story unfolded. I liked her hero with his gentle sides. I like each plot of the story unfolding into another making the reader want to be there in person. All in all this read was precisely what I needed to escape the world and go to another place and time. I was given this ARC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed here are my own! So buy the book and sit and take a wonderful journey! Regards, Anna