Tag: Madeline Martin

Kinsey’s Defiance by Madeline Martin

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Medieval (1066-1540), Scottish/HighlanderLeave a comment

Kinsey's Defiance (Borderland Rebels, #2)Barbara’s rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: Borderland Rebels #2
Publication Date: 9/15/20
Number of Pages: 248

OMGoodness – what an exciting, fast-paced, romantic read! We first learned of the Fletcher family in this author’s wonderful series, Borderland Ladies, where the brother, Drake is the Captain of the Guard at the English Werrick Castle. The first book in this series, Faye’s Sacrifice, introduced us to all of the sisters and we could already tell that Kinsey was going to be a hand full. Well, we have certainly found out that she definitely is!

Of all of the Fletcher children, Kinsey holds the strongest grudge against the English for her family’s treatment after the death of their father – who was English. She wants nothing more than to exact revenge against all of them – and when the opportunity presents itself, well – it is an opportunity she just cannot refuse. Little does she know the many ways that one quick decision will change her life.

Kinsey is fiery (not only in her red hair), strong, defiant, feisty, devastatingly beautiful, and totally disinterested in anything other than revenge. When a soldier who is off to fight the English offers her the opportunity to be his army’s archer, she jumps at it. They leave at dawn the following morning to attack Mabrick Castle and return its ownership back to the soldier’s family. Kinsey doesn’t understand the odd feelings this soldier invokes in her, but she knows she needs to steer clear of him.

William MacLeod, the only son of the MacLeod Laird, has to prove himself to his father in order to retain his right to inherit the Lairdship of the clan. William decides that he and his army will re-take Mabrick Castle from the English who took it from them. As he is traveling through the small village of Castleton, Scotland, he sees a vibrant, beautiful, fiery-haired woman who can wield a bow better than any man he’s ever seen. He approaches her and offers her a spot as an archer in his army. I mean goodness she’s beautiful AND skilled, so maybe he can have a great addition to his army and someone to warm his bed as well. After all, he is charming and handsome with a lovely smile. All of the wenches love him, why wouldn’t this one?

With Kinsey bound and determined to resist the flirtatious, and handsome William, it doesn’t take long for the tensions to mount between them. I love how Kinsey stood up for herself and how William respected her desires – until they found out that love had grown between them. When decisions have to be made, will love be the deciding factor? You’ll just have to read this exciting and romantic book to find out.

There is a nice excerpt for the next book, Clara’s Vow, and it looks to be just as exciting as this book. Can’t wait for it either.

Another great read from this consistently great author.

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

How To Start A Scandal by Madeline Martin

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Regency Era (1811-1820)2 Comments

How to Start a Scandal (The London School for Ladies, #2)Barbara’s rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: The London School for Ladies #2
Publication Date: 7/21/20
Number of Pages: 288

This story was a beautiful example of love and acceptance – with an equally lovely epilogue. Both the hero and heroine had self-esteem issues and I love how each learned to accept themselves and each other for who they are. This was, as always with this author, a wonderfully written, perfectly paced story with compelling characters and situations. You just can’t help but love Violet and Seth. Of course, when you throw in a precocious seven-year-old along with a bonnet wearing cat, you just absolutely cannot go wrong.

Lady Violet Lavelle has a secret – a big secret – well, honestly, she has more than one secret and any of them could and would cause a scandal and ruin her reputation. She definitely can not/will not marry because the man would then become privy to those secrets. Besides, according to her mother and sisters, no man would ever want her because she has a larger Rubenesque body rather than the thin waiflike body currently in mode. But then, the unthinkable happens – her father gives her an ultimatum – marry before the end of the season – just weeks away – or be sent to her older sister to act as governess to her four very unruly children. Oh! My!

Seth Sinclair, newly minted Earl of Dalton, didn’t want to leave the battlefield to return home and take up his family duties. As the second son, he wasn’t supposed to be the earl. His parents never appreciated him at home. No matter how hard he tried, he was ignored and his brother got all the praise even though his performances were only mediocre. Why would any man want to live with that at home? But here he is and he’ll do his best to care for his mother and sister – he’ll even find a bride.

Seth and Violet were childhood friends who lived next door to each other in London. When Seth broke her heart at her come-out ball, it seemed her fate was sealed. Seth didn’t mean to break her heart – didn’t even know he’d done it – but broke it, and her, he surely did. When they renewed their acquaintance, she was skittish of him, but a stolen kiss or two later – well …

When Seth left for war the day after Violet’s come-out ball, he never expected to return home nor did he ever expect to see her again. He even dragged his feet about coming home after he learned of his brother’s death, but finally knew he had to return.

I loved Seth and Violet finding each other again and each learning what that last parting meant to each of them. When you throw a villain into the mix – one determined to cause harm to Seth’s family, you end up with a romantic and suspenseful tale. This is the second book in the series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. I definitely recommend it and a fun, romantic, and exciting read.

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