Celtic Barb's Tartan Book Review Blog: Highland Ruse by Madeline Martin. The Mercenary Maidens, Book #2. TBR 11/14/2017. 5 KILTS! Celtic Barb says this book was an absolute delight to read from start to finish!

Book: Highland Ruse

by Madeline Martin

Release Date: 11/14/17

Series: (The Mercenary Maidens #2)

Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook (of)

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Heat Rating:🔥

Overall Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Starting March 1602

Delilah has a night of passion giving up her maidenhead to King James. Then after a night of passion he drops her like a sack of potatoes. After all she comes from a poor family of 15 children. She thought she would finally be a woman of status as means coming to Court. Then after the royal dumping thinking her life is over she meets a mysterious woman. There she finds out her life is just beginning, but not as the King's mistress or courier, but that of a spy! After a couple of years of training and perfecting her skills with weapons. For this is Delilah’s first mission alone: she switches places with Lady Elizabeth Seymour, playing decoy. As they are very similar in looks and physical appearance. This woman is the evil and vicious Laird MacKenzie’s betrothed.
Of course this is an arranged nuptial.

Kaid MacLeod life has been filled with misery, death and disappointments. The MacKenzie Clan is an enemy who will continue attacking his clan and his people with his violence, murder and treachery. He wants a peace treaty, though his clan wants revenge. All Kaid needs is to find a crack in his armor per say, a weakness.

He finally finds one in the name of Lady Elizabeth Seymour. This English lady and her entourage should be enroute to visit her betrothed. He who happens to be his evil nemesis, Laird MacKenzie. Kaid MacLeod has one option and that is to kidnap Laird MacKenzIes betrothed. Kaid only wants to live in peace and harmony with his people. He needs Lady Elizabeth to help him achieve this goal. If not there is going to be more treachery, destruction, mass murder, and mayhem. Kaid does not think his clan could survive another annihilation.

Yet what will Kaid do when he finds out he has been lied and betrayed once again. Plus right on the cusp of love. Can a love even survive this type of betrayal? Will he accept Delilah’s lies and ultimate betrayal? So many lives are on the line. Will Kaid even be able to convince her to help him save his clan? These are two very different types of people who just want to feel safe, protected and loved.
Both have been severely hurt, and suffered much disappointment, and heartbreak to last them a lifetime. Yet can they mend the their broken hearts, protect his clan and keep the lass who has his heart? You will have to read this spectacular book to find out.

This book is action packed filled with an emotional, quick page turning, adventure, with mystery, suspense, treachery, deceit, lies, betrayal,trickery, fraud, heartbreak, and love.

This is book #2 in Margaret Martin’s magnificent series: “The Mercenary Maidens. I just loved this clever tale! As I think any reader of Scottish historical romance will absolutely agree. I have read each and every book she has written since her debut. They are always beautifully written, exhilarating reads that I can never put down. Always leaving me breathless, a nail biter. Never knowing with anticipation what is going to happen next!

Have the Kleenex ready as “Highland Ruse” by Madeline Martin definitely was a definite heart puller! This story had me sobbing! When I get that emotional I know I am reading an extraordinary novel. I definitely can’t recommend this remarkable novel enough. A total delight and joy to read!

I received this book from the publisher that I voluntarily agreed to read, review and blog through netgalley. All words, ideas, thoughts and opinions are my own.