Tag: Madeline Martin

Catriona’s Secret by Madeline Martin

On By TracyIn Middle Ages / Medieval (476-1454), Top Pick - Highly Recommended, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Catriona's Secret (Borderland Ladies #4)Catriona’s Secret by Madeline Martin
Tracy’s rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: Borderland Ladies, #4

Release Date: August 27, 2019

Lady Catriona Barrington reveled in her time at court, as a younger sister in a family of beautiful women, Cat often felt overlooked and gloried in the attention she received from the courtiers, but when one flirtation goes too far, Cat is eager to return to Werrick Castle and try to keep that awful night a secret.

But now that she is home, she soon learns her secret is even bigger than she thought and will not remain that way for long. But in the midst of her despair, her dearest friend Geordie returns after four long years away on campaign with the King. But the man who has returned is no long the young boy she has always loved as a friend, no this is a man who inspires deeper feeling, feelings that she has no right to feel for him. So when he is called to court by the king, she thinks may have found a solution to her woes, by returning to court with him, under the pretense of meeting a suitor.

Geordie has loved Cat for as long as he can remember and that love prodded him to “prove” himself worthy of her, first by earning his knighthood and hopefully soon, by being awarded a holding of his own, then he will declare himself and ask for her hand, but his dreams are crushed when she makes it clear that she hopes to marry the son of a Baron and asks Geordie to take her to court when he goes.

As they travel, Cat knows that her feeling for Geordie are true love, but deems herself unworthy, especially after Geordie’s contempt for unvirtuous women is made known. And when he learns her secret, she is sure she has lost him forever. But when they reach court, she realizes she underestimated Geordie’s love for her and just when it seems like HEA is within reach – the unthinkable happens and Cat only has a matter of days to save the man she loves from death and dishonor.

This was my favorite book in the series (so far), and as much as I loved James (and still do) Sir Geordie Strafford embodies everything a hero should be and he is exactly what you would picture a knight in shining armor to be – handsome, heroic, honorable, brave, self-sacrificing and steadfast – my heart broke for him so many times in this book and while it is technically Cat’s story, Geordie has been such a vital part of the series, that I felt like it became “their” story. The book has a bit of everything, some action, some heartache, some steamy love scenes, bad guys getting their due, wonderful secondary characters, both old and new, a heroine who saves the day and a hero who’s love has no equal and finally a HEA. This story touches on some sensitive/trigger issues and I think Ms. Martin handled them with both empathy and compassion, none of the traumatic events actually take place on page and when they are recounted it is done mildly and without overly graphic detail.

I just loved this story and can’t recommend it highly enough. This is the fourth book in the series and while I suggest reading the books in order, this book could easily be read as a stand-alone.

Ella’s Desire by Madeline Martin

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Middle Ages / Medieval (476-1454)3 Comments

Ella's Desire (Borderland Ladies #3)Barbara’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Borderland Ladies #3
Publication Date: 7/30/19
Number of Pages: 293
** 3.75 Stars Rounded Up

This author is one of my favorites and is one whose books I always buy – without even thinking about it. This series is one of her best – the premise is unique, the main characters are robust and interesting and the supporting characters are just as interesting and unique as the main characters. The first book, Marin’s Promise, set a very high bar for the other books in the series to meet. Then, Anice’s Bargain came along at definitely met that high bar. Now, Ella’s Desire is here and I think maybe it didn’t quite reach that bar. It is still a great read, just not at the same level as the first two books. Maybe it is that series-middle-book-slump thing. Ella just wasn’t who I thought she was based on the first two books. I thought she was pretty selfish through most of this book and she was definitely spoiled. I really didn’t manage to connect with either of the main characters, but I identified more with Bronson than with Ella. I believe the author was trying to go in a different direction with this book and it just wasn’t as exciting, can’t-catch-my-breath, and un-put-downable as the first two books. Bronson is definitely NOT a Highlander. Still, as I said, a great read.

Lady Ella Barrington is called to the solar where she finds her father along with her two older sisters, Marin and Anise, awaiting her. That alone tells her it is a very serious matter. When she asks what is happening, she is told that the King is questioning their father’s loyalty because both Marin and Anise have married Scots. Therefore, the King has ordered that Ella (as the oldest unmarried daughter) marry Bronson Berkley, the Earl of Calville. Ella is aghast – she has always wanted to marry for love – and her father promised her that she could. ** This is the part where Ella’s selfishness starts to show itself. She had to actually think about whether to follow the King’s command knowing that if she did not, her father would lose either his life or his freedom.

Bronson Berkley, Earl of Calville, has just had the biggest shock of his life. His father died and Bronson found out that there is no money, he and his father have been living on credit, his stepmother and stepsister are near to starving, and the estate is in near ruins. The King has told him that if he will marry the Earl of Werrick’s oldest unmarried daughter, Bronson’s back taxes will be forgiven and he will receive a stipend for a year in order to put his estate back in order. That is an offer Bronson can’t refuse because he had no idea of the conditions his stepmother and stepsister had been living in and he has to do whatever it takes to make life better for them.

The better part of the book is taken up with the back and forth between Bronson and Ella. Bronson is fully committed to the betrothal/marriage, but Ella isn’t. She tries various ways to dissuade Bronson from marrying her – and at the same time keeps dragging him into intimate situations. The final twenty-five to thirty percent gets more exciting and Bronson finally shows himself to be the hero he has really been all along.

This is a well-written book that I think you will enjoy.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.