So the Ending has finally arrived for this series that we have all enjoyed so immensely and it will end with a bang and the long-awaited love for Brenda and Bothan. Mary Wine has a particular skill with getting her heroine’s into and out of trouble again and again as they find their way to an HEA and none more so than Brenda Grant. I have been dying for Brenda’s story since the very beginning and once Bothan set his sights on her I knew they would be a perfect match, once she gave up running from him. Bothan is the quintessential Highland chief and I loved watching him chasing and stealing just what he wanted, Brenda, from under the noses of his enemies. He is strangely sweet when they are in their private moments, despite the heat that burns between them and the alpha nature of this highlander. Bothan has a clan to lead, but he sets it aside again and again in order to get Brenda and them to make her safe and happy which was surprising and beautiful to see. While I have loved Brenda in previous books, there were moments in her own story where I wanted to slap her for being ridiculous and sometimes just a bit selfish. I can certainly understand where she is coming from with her past, but fighting her own feelings and desires for Bothan over principal makes no sense to me. Once she finally gave into what her own heart wanted and she allowed herself to love, I liked her character a lot more and she returned to the woman I had come to know and love. While I was sad to see this series ending, Brenda and Bothan’s story brought back together many of the previous characters and seemed much like a reunion, which was nice and we got to see into the future that these friends and love ones would be sticking together a long time forming a powerful and long-lasting alliance for Highland greatness. I am looking forward to the next serious Mary send our way and the next set of lovers that will grab my heart.

I had a hard time with this story, it really dragged for me. I liked Brenda and Bothan when they met in an earlier book, but this story just didn't have the umph that it should have for being the end of a series.

Gotta love these two characters. Bothan is strong and kind. Brenda is suffering from the effects of an abusive husband, closing herself off from life. Their story has sad moments, dangerous encounters and enlightment. Live the way Mary Wine made me really care about their HEA.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Erica – ☆☆☆☆☆
Wicked Highland Ways is the sixth and final installment of the Highland Weddings series. All the books do connect via the same character set and world-building, I do believe it would be a richer experience, with a deeper connection to the characters, if the series is read in order.

A political betrothal, Brenda sacrificed herself to marry an Englishman for her family's benefit (events shown in the previous installment). With a strong connection to her cousin, Brenda is fiercely loyal with her commitments. Mature, she is no wilting flower nor a damsel in distress.

Bothan Gunn is wily, cunning, and he must flex these personality traits in his quest to refuse to let Brenda go. The delicious angst is delivered by Bothan being madly in love with Brenda, while she fights her instinctive need to protect her family and keep to her word. Brenda believes her feelings don't matter, but she didn't bargain for her betrothed's behavior, nor what fealty causes those without true autonomy to suffer.

I'm trying to do better without releasing spoilers in my reviews, so I struggle with what to release and what to keep silent to avoid this. I'll talk 'around' the plot.

Mary Wine makes Brenda and Bothan earn their happily ever after. It's a difficult journey, rife with a full gamut of emotions. Alongside our hero and heroine, the reader also earns a fulfilling happily ever after. They have to be strong, not get in their own way, challenging themselves to fight for what they deserve together.

In the beginning of the series, the novels were more romance-centric, but as the series evolved, it became more political, where autonomy was threatened due to fealty. Deeper, richer, with tightly woven plots threads that weren't necessarily easy to read.

This is the final in the series, and it did the story proud. With that being said, there were characters left without a voice who could have easily captivated readers. Threads left open, left up to the imagination, which I can respect.

I am thankful that I found Mary Wine a few books ago. While I am sad to let this series go, in which I will no doubt reread at a later date, I can't wait to see what the author gives us next. Highly recommend to historical romance fans, especially with Wine's eye for historical details and realistic characterizations.

Mary Wine is an author I don't hesitate in one-clicking her books. Wicked Highland Ways is her latest and its a doozy! Being book 6 in the Highland Weddings series, it can be read as a standalone. Mary does a great job in making the reader feel caught up with prior happenings. I have read the series, but was grateful for the reminder.

Brenda Grant was previously in a horrible marriage. Women were viewed as possessions and used any way their husband's commanded. It's a good thing he was killed in battle, setting Brenda free. She has since fashioned herself as a hellion to keep men away. Now her former family wants her back and making a new match for Brenda. A match she is sure would have her days on this Earth numbered.

Bothan Gunn is smitten with Brenda. His position as a Highland Chief holds some power to help Brenda from her current predicament. Brenda could cetainly use the help, but at what cost? She is finding it hard to resist Bothan's charms, but she can't be viewed as a possession again. Bothan strives to win her over by wooing her. He gives her his time and attention-something Brenda has never had.

I thoroughly enjoyed Wicked Highland Ways and the Highland Weddings series! Mary writes historical fiction with such a knack that you can't help but be drawn in! I like Brenda and Bothan together. Bothan could easily chose anyone, but Brenda made his heart pound, so he felt she was worth the hardships he endured. Brenda felt their connection as well, but she didn't trust her feelings.

All in all, it was a story I relished reading!

Brenda Grant's story has played out in many of the previous books in the series. Married for her property she has been used and abused until she finally finds sanctuary with her cousin Symon. Once again she's a pawn of the crown and her freedom is threatened. Can Brenda overcome her dislike of all things male to find happiness? Escorted to England to become wife to a man who only wants her for her property, Brenda is resigned to her future until Chief Botham Gunn petitions Queen Elizabeth on her behalf. Now she's on her way back to Scotland and the Gunn lands wife in name to a man who desires her deeply. Poor Brenda, bogged down by the baggage of her past, she refuses to accept possible happiness with Botham and the Gunns.
Botham is determined to win Brenda's love and finally seems to be making some inroads when she's snatched away again. Can Botham prove his steadfastness and rescue her from this newest test life has thrown Brenda's way? A great read for readers who love Scottish romances.
I am sorry to see this series end with it's share of feisty women who stand for what they believe in and find love on their own terms.

I’ve read the other books in the series and I’ve been wanting for Brenda Grant to get her HEA.
Bothan Gunn and Brenda Grant make the perfect pair. They are very well suited and and want to live life as they see fit.
I want to say I loved this book but in truth I was disappointed. It dragged and just as it began to get exciting it would slow to a snakes pace again.
The other books in the series are great books and I highly recommend them.

Brenda Grant had a horrible first marriage and she never planned to marry again. She’s become quite the hellion to deter men from wanting her, but now her cousin’s happiness depends on her doing the King James’s bidding and marry again. Bothan Gunn, Chief of the Gunn Clan has wanted Brenda Grant since the moment he met her. She has rebuffed him at every turn, he’s tried forgetting her and marry one of the many young women whose fathers have offered the Chieftain. Bothan follows Brenda to King James’s court to rescue her. Brenda is not happy about her marriage, but she’s even unhappy at the thought of Botham being her only options of escaping the King’s decree. She does not willingly marry Bothan, but she obeys the queen and marries him. Brenda’s plan is simple to have the marriage annulled if she can control her desire for her new husband Botham. A passionate story of Botham who goes after the hellion Brenda intent on making her his wife and Brenda who’s just cantankerous enough give him a merry chase as they journey across the Highlands denning her desires and passions and not realizing how lucky she is he does want her. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

I received an ARC for this book in exchange for an honest review. I had been in a historical slump and this book pulled me out. This is the ending of a series but I did not feel lost in the story. Brenda has been thru a lot and I admire her strength.

Mary Wine is an excellent story teller. Highland Weddings has been an enjoyable series of which I have anticipated each book in the series. Having said that, Wicked Highland Ways did not meet my expectations. We have known for some time through the previous books that Brenda was treated horribly by her now deceased husband. She has an extremely giving spirit and generous heart, but she is as determined to stay an unwed widow as Bothan is determined to wed her. And, in a way his insistence that she call him ‘husband’ irritated me. He has decreed it and is going to keep kissing her, having sex with her and just plain grabbing her skirts until she capitulates. He was not in any way cruel to her, but why the insistence on being called husband?

Once they are wed, there are some difficulties, but some of that is of Brenda’s own making. At what point do you admit you may actually like your husband?

This is still a good book, but just does not meet Ms. Wine’s previous standard. So, please read this and make your own decision. Any writer should receive the benefit of the doubt if one book seems a bit off by this humble reviewer. There is still a huge amount of history, scenery descriptions and historical value in Wicked Highland Ways.

Mary Wine as always doesn't disappoint.
Brenda Grant is a widow with land for a dowry coveted by many men, Scottish and English alike. Forced by King James to marry an English Lord, there is only one man determined that it won't happen. Following her to English soil, Bothan Gunn, Clan Chief, is able to convince the English queen to marry them, but fate is against them, when the Scottish Earl of Sutherland gives her in marriage to a Scotsman from another clan. Brenda once again becomes a pawn in the game of politics. A tangled web of outside forces trying to take away the one thing Bothan wants, makes him even more determined to keep it.
An excellent read, fast paced and engaging.
A free copy from Netgalley for an honest review.

Wicked Highland Ways (Highland Weddings Book 6) by Mary Wine is an awesome Scottish Romance. While, it is Book 6 in this series, it can be read as a stand alone. I would suggest the entire series, it's a great series. Set in 1570, Scotland and England.

"Highland Weddings Series:
Highland Spitfire (Book 1)
Highland Vixen (Book 2)
Highland Hellion (Book 3)
Highland Flame (Book 4)
Between a Highlander and a Hard Place (Book 5)
Wicked Highland Ways (Book 6)"

Be swept away into a mesmerizing, quick paced adventurous escapade, with lively dialogue, and simmering sensuality.
Come along with Brenda Grant, who has been abused and used by men her whole adulthood and Bothan Gunn, ChiefLaird of the Gunn clan, powerful and determined to protect and save Brenda from another arranged marriage to another abusive husband.
Danger, mistrust, deceit, betrayal, suspense, mystery, hatred, treachery, Royal edicts, a marriage arrangement, with heartwarming passion, joy, trust, love, and a HEA. Passionate and compelling! I loved Brenda throughout this entire series, always doing her duty and sacrificing her happiness for her family. Can she finally find her happiness with Laird Gunn?
Bothan, would do anything to have Brenda at his side, including going against a Queen. Readers will be taken back to a tumultuous time between Scotland and England. Ms. Wine brings readers into the lives of her characters, with her breathtaking scenery and her characterization of all within the story. I hate to see this mesmerizing and compelling series come to an end, but can't wait for her next epic series to began. Well done!!
A must read Scottish Romance by the talented Mary Wine.

"I voluntarily received a complimentary copy, however,  these are my honest opinions. I was in no way required nor compensated to write a review."
#WickedHighlandWays,#NetGalley, #MaryWine

Rating: 5
Heat rating: steamy
Reviewer: AprilR

This is book six of the Highland Wedding series but it can be read as a stand-alone. Brenda’s first husband was mean and cruel and when he dies, she plans to never marry again. Bothan knows that Brenda is the woman for him but can he convince her of that fact, even after he rescues her? Fast-paced read with plenty of drama and suspense. The story is fast-paced with loads of drama and great chemistry. An entertaining Highlander read.

What a great story. The action was nonstop. Our heroine Brenda Grant is a fiery highland lass. Living happily as a widow with her cousin, she left behind a life of abuse, distrust, lack of respect, humiliation and was treated like chattel. She vowed to never marry again and become the property of another. When the young king decrees her to be wed again to another deceitful, defrauding poseur, a charlatan Galwell Scrope. He was only after her dowry which was land. Brenda had no choice but to acquiesce to save her family name from being called traitors to the crown. A year ago, Chief Bothan Gunn vied for her hand in marriage but she refused. On her journey from Scotland to England to meet her fiancé, Bothan and his men follow her. He tries to rescue her but she refuses to renege her duty. Bothan has a plan unbeknownst to Brenda, he is going for a hail mary to free her from this sham of a wedding. I will not spoil it for you but it is really exhilarating how it comes about. The result of it has her wed to Bothan. The rest of the story is about her determination to exert her independent spirit that she will not be tamed or owned. She fights and fights and fights against Bothan calm and gentle advances. He knows her background and has vowed to never treat her like she had been. He wants her to learn to trust him. He wants her to want him as much as he wants her. Bothan is Chief among his clan. It is a higher honor than Laird. He is a warrior, just, full of respect for his men and others, he rules with concern and care for what is best for the clan and the individuals who may need more help. He has earned the trust of his men, the elders, the people and earned their undying loyalty. Brenda still does not understand the type of man Bothan is. But he is patient with her as he earns her trust. A truly moving story. Brenda gets a second chance at happiness. But it does not come easy for her and she definitely does not make it easy for Bothan to get close to her. An excellent story and I highly recommend it. I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Wicked Highland Ways
by Mary Wine

This was an amazing fast paced read, this is the final book in the series. I am so in love with this story and especially Bothan Gunn, he really had to be an exceptional man to win the love and trust of Brenda Grant. After the life she lead from the tender age of sixteen, a pawn to the whims of men from her father to her husbands and now the king! Bothan knew she was the woman for him, he took a chance to save her by making her his woman, but will Brenda see him as the man to heal her wounded heart?

I loooooved this story and I’m definitely going to get the previous books! I highly recommend this was wickedly good!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest unbiased opinion.

Adventure, highland brawn and plots, highland romance at its best. Highland Chief Bothan Gunn manages to end run both the Scot King James, English Queen Elizabeth, two Earls, and two potential grooms proving to Brenda he's worthy of her trust and love. This is a delicious and sensual story that seduced me all the way through.

Duty drives so many in the past. That is all Brenda Grant has experienced as she was forced into horrible marriages for duty to her family. She just seeks to be loved and be allowed to make her own choices in life. At 16 her father married her into the Campbell clan as an alliance to protect her clan. The abuse and embarrassment she experienced from her husband was inexcusable. Once he died she had a period of peace under the protection of her cousin Symon. Then the Campbells arranged with King James of Scotland for her to marry Baron Galwell Scrope so they could keep their hands on her valuable dowry of land. Scrope was no better being a greedy weasel of a man trying to gain Queen of England Elizabeth Tudor's favoritism.

Chief Bothan Gunn has been drawn to Brenda since he first met her. She possesses spark, passion and strength of will he craves. He rescued her once and he's set to do it again following her to England. He wants her for his woman. Bothan is a clever, smart and tactical man, well suited to be elected Chief of his clan. He outwits everyone in this story and I enjoyed it immensely.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

📚⚔️📚BOOK🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿REVIEW📚⚔️📚

Book: Wicked Highland Ways
by Mary Wine

Series: Highland Weddings Book #6

Release Date: Today 5/28/2019

Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook (of)
1)Tartan Book Reviews
2)Purple Tulip Book Reviews
3)Celtic World of Historical Book Reviews
4)Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog

Heat Rating: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Book Rating: 5/5 Stars/Kilts


1579

Brenda Grant had a horrible abusive first marriage. Now her husband is dead and she is determined to make no man want her. Except there is one man: a highland lairds who wants her badly, as he is both her savior and hero. If only she would open her eyes and realize there are some good men in this world! Now her husband’s family is forcing her to English court to accept another abusive husband. She hasn’t a choice or her Grant family will lose their home, titles, lands etc. and live in poverty and possibly even be exiled!

Laird Brothan have been in love with Brenda Grant for a very long time. He does not want a boring biddable wife no matter how bonnie she might be. Yet that is what is being paraded in front of him. He has wanted Brenda Grant from the moment he set his eyes on her. She challenges him at every turn which only whets his appetite to conquer her, though he doubts she will ever be tamed nor does he want her tamed! This wild cat is just the type of woman he wants as a partner and life mate forever.

Now he hears the young boy Scottish King just wants to please his best friend and favorite. This is the ambitious Esmé Stewart! He wants Brenda’s dowry returned to his cruel English cousin her new fiancé.

Brenda is miserable, being forced to wed the cruel man, her cousins new bride ran away from. Since the King settled land on Brenda, her cousin Symon could keep his new bride. Brenda was grateful for that, as they were both so much in love. She is also depressed, she has to deal with another evil,soulless, man! After all this is how royalty works, they all stick together, yet Brenda is caught in the middle. Being sold to the highest bidder like a piece of gm horse flesh, only being wed for her family’s wealth. In this case for her dowry land! She just felt men did nothing but use and abuse her! She being a lairds niece is after all she was a tough as nails highland lass who supported her family. What Brenda doesn’t realize is a certain Scottish Laird who hates everything English has followed Brenda to England to bring her back home and make her his!

Yet now alliances change as well as grooms with royal permission from Queen Elizabeth, the Virgin Queen. Will Brenda accept this challenge, accept the defeat, and will she ever allow her closed heart to ever open again? Can Brothan Gunn prove their life together will never be dull but magical full of surprises, love and joy. He will be the husband that adores her, yet let her keep her independence and be an equal partner as she used to fantasize and wish for.

Sadly this is the sixth last novel of Mary Wine’s phenomenal Highland Weddings series. I have read, devoured and loved every single one. Although you can read any of them as stand alone books. I personally just love connecting the dots with these multi-dimensional fascinating characters. Another fast paced, action packed, romantic, riveting adventure that I could not put down. It has all the elements highland historical romance readers love. Filled with danger, mistrust, deceit, betrayal, suspense, mystery, hatred, treachery Royal commands, arranged marriage business arrangements, heartwarming passion, joy, trust, partnerships, wedded bliss and love.

This extraordinary novel also includes beautiful settings that will leave you breathless, awe-inspiring dialogue, and unforgettable characters. The brilliant nail biting plots are full of surprises, making readers heart race holding their breath with anticipation not knowing what will occur next!

If this were a painting or piece of artwork I would call it a masterpiece as that is exactly what this book is! I absolutely and unequivocally highly recommend this brilliant novel as it is a total masterpiece!

I sincerely hope and desire for more of my favorite genre, Scottish historical novels by Mary Wine in the near future.

Highland Weddings Series
By Mary Wine
Highland Spitfire (Book 1)
Highland Vixen (Book 2)
Highland Hellion (Book 3)
Highland Flame (Book 4)
Between a Highlander and a Hard Place (Book 5)
Wicked Highland Ways(Book 6)

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1579 Brenda was on the way to meet her new bethrothed. The daughter of the laird, her life was just a way to gain an alliance of other clans for gain. Her first husband had shown that it could be the worst of times and to have no illusions. "Yet there had been a time...when ye'd listened to songs of love and dreamed..." Well no more!
Little did she know her knight was about to rescue her. Well... she did not feel that way about Chief Bothan Gunn, but he was determined to gain her back because he knew she was the woman for him. Yes, a little sigh worthy, but of course emotions were not that easy and Brenda was very jaded about men. He tries to take her but Brenda is determined in her duty to marry the man slated for her and help save her kin. But Bothan is determined and petitions the Queen for her and is given her hand to marry.
Wow, can I just say that Brenda is so stubborn! Bothan is a wonderful man and only wants to make her his wife, but the journey to happiness is a long road! Hang on to your seat because this story goes quickly with a lot happening unexpectedly. Can these two, who seem really meant for each other and ignite the pages as you turn them be together?
This is the first story by this author I have read and truly I cannot wait to read more!

I am a very independent woman and I can't even imagine having my life planned out for me by men but back then, women had no say and that's how the heroine of this story, Brenda Grant, finds herself in the predicament she's in. She's quite enjoying being a widow after an unhappy forced marriage but is now being forced again into another marriage to a man she detests. All she wants is to be left alone and live her life the way SHE wants!!

Along comes Highland Chief Bothan Gunn who has been smitten with Brenda since the first time he met her and proves his worth by coming to save her and ends up being married to her! She, in turn, is incensed at the thought of another man having control over her and even though their passion is strong, she keeps telling him she will be no man's chattel.

Although I enjoyed the story, I thought it went on a bit too long with Brenda saying she didn't want a man, then having passionate sex with Bothan and then pushing him away, over and over again. Good thing Bothan had patience!!

I was given a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Wicked Highland Ways by Mary Wine is book 6 in the Highland Wedding Series. This is the story of Bothan Gunn and Brenda Grant. I have read the previous books, but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Brenda has been married before and doesn't wish to do so again but when she can help save her family she does what she has too. Bothan is the Highland Chief of Gunn but more than that he has wanted Brenda from the start, but she rebuffs him. When he learns she is being sacrificed to an English man in marriage he goes forward to stop this wedding and take her as his own.
Loved their story...big fan of Ms. Wine's writing.