She wants to save her honor Lady Isolde Maxwell‘s brother is more inclined to marry her off rather than defend her honor, leaving her to take matters into her own gauntlets. After stealing his armor, she heads to the Rose Citadel tournament to fight for her freedom from a man she never agreed to wed. Yet, even as Isolde is trying to escape one man, another has set his sights on her, one who is determined to catch her attention and one she cannot help but crave.
He wants to save his people When yet another failed harvest threatens the welfare of his clan, Cormac Sutherland, Chieftain of the Sutherland clan needs a solution to save his people. When his twin brother proposes they attend a tournament in England and steal the betrothed noblewomen from men of their rival clan, Cormac is skeptical, especially given his lacking skills at wooing. However, once he gets to know Lady Isolde, he finds she not only earns his respect, but also stokes his passion.
Can their love do both? When intrigue and betrayal come into play and a challenge threatens one’s greatest love, can Cormac and Isolde survive the tournament with their hearts and lives intact?
Madeline Martin is a New York Times, USA Today, Publisher's Weekly, and international bestselling author of historical fiction and historical romance with books that have been translated into over twenty-five different languages.
She lives in sunny Florida with her two daughters (known collectively as the minions), two incredibly spoiled cats and a man so wonderful he's been dubbed Mr. Awesome. She is a die-hard history lover who will happily lose herself in research any day. When she's not writing, researching or 'moming', you can find her spending time with her family at Disney or sneaking a couple spoonfuls of Nutella while laughing over cat videos. She also loves research and travel, attributing her fascination with history to having spent most of her childhood as an Army brat in Germany.
Check out her website for book club visits, reader guides for her historical fiction, upcoming events, book news and more: https://madelinemartin.com
Lady Isolde Maxwell's brother is perfectly happy to see her wed to a scoundrel and since he won't defend her honor she must do so herself. Determined, Isolde steals her brothers armor and travels to the tournament being held at the Rose Citadel so she can have her chance at freedom from a betrothal she never agreed to. As she attempts to extricate herself from one man's unwanted attentions, she finds herself the subject of another, though her reaction to him is far different.
Cormac Sutherland, Chieftain of Clan Sutherland, needs to save his starving people after multiple crop failures have laid them low. He is skeptical but reluctantly agrees to his brother's plan to attend an English tournament and steal the wealthy noblewomen promised to members of another clan. Cormac is not great at talking to women but finds himself drawn to Isolde, and not just for her dowry. But intrigue and politics are at play just beneath the surface and the challenge upon which Isolde's freedom depends becomes more risky than she'd ever anticipated, putting both her life and Cormac's in danger, not to mention their hearts.
As is typical of Madeline's books, I loved this one. Cormac was adorably awkward, especially for such a strong and handsome hero. He was delightful, willing to step back and let Isolde be herself, but not hesitating to step up and protect her when necessary. We all know I'm a sucker for protective heroes and Cormac was fabulous. I also loved Isolde; she was strong and independent, never shrewish and always thinking before reacting. She was a lovely match for Cormac and this was another hit for me.
Series: Midsummer Knights #2/Borderland Rebels #0.5 Publication Date: 4/28/20 Number of Pages: 184
If you want an outstanding heroine who is strong and refuses to bend to anyone’s will, this book is for you. Isolde is an exceptional heroine who refuses to allow any man to use her and if that means fighting for her own honor, then that is what she’ll do. This exciting, non-stop action story has something for everyone – there is passion, romance, betrayal, and secrets – big secrets. You will absolutely love Cormac and Isolde as they work their way through the perilous events and find their way to their HEA. It also includes a lovely Epilogue that will make you swoon.
Lady Isolde Maxwell, sister to the Earl of Easton, has never had a man who loved her – not her father and not her brother. To them, she was just chattel to be bargained away to whoever could/would provide the earldom with whatever the Earl wanted. Many men had paid attention to her over the years, but they were only interested in her dowry. None of them saw her – the real her – and none of them wanted to. Now, her cur of a brother has betrothed her to the odious man who deliberately compromised her, AND he won’t challenge the man to defend her honor. Well, she’ll have none of that – if her brother won’t defend her honor, she’ll just do it herself – after all, she is an excellent warrior herself.
Highland Chieftain Cormac Sutherland’s clan is starving. Many have already died, and many more will die if he doesn’t find the money to buy food for the winter. Their crops have failed year after year, and this year isn’t any better. The only solution is to marry someone with a dowry hefty enough to save them. What better heiress to pursue than the one betrothed to one of the Ross clan? There are two ladies who are betrothed to Rosses and both of them will be at the tournament at the Rose Citadel. Cormac and his twin brother Graham head for the tournament with each planning to court one of two women betrothed to the Ross brothers. Surely one of them will win over a lady.
Cormac sees how lovely Isolde is and then he meets her and likes her. As he learns more of her, he feels guilty for wanting her dowry. Then, he learns her secret and comes to admire her even more. What will happen when this fierce, brave woman learns that Cormac pursued her for her dowry? Will she believe the worst of him? Can he convince her that he loves her and would give up her dowry to keep her safe?
I hope you will read and enjoy this fast-paced and well-told tale. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down until I had finished the last page. Happy reading!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Lady Isolde Maxwell has been wronged and her brother Gilbert, the Earl of Easton refuses to fight for her honor, instead he has betrothed her to the cur! Isolde decides that if Gilbert will not defend her honor, she will have no choice but to do it herself! She ensures her brother is not able to attend the tournament at the Rose Citadel, steals his armor and sets out, once there she plans to impersonate her brother and challenge Brodie Ross, fight him, restore her honor and dissolve the betrothal – what could possibly go wrong?
Chieftain Cormac Sutherland is out of options, his crops have failed again and his people are starving, he petitioned the Ross clan for help, but learned that they made a deal with the English. He knows he needs a bride that will bring coin and farmable land – but heiresses are not exactly falling in his lap. When his twin brother Graham suggests they attend the Rose Citadel tournament and steal the brides intended for the Ross brothers – Cormac is at first against the idea – but he soon decides that he owes it to his clan to try.
Upon arriving at the Rose Citadel, the brothers meet Alan, a mercenary and his dog Pip – Alan is looking for work and even though Cormac makes it clear they are not hiring, Alan becomes an invaluable asset. Alan points out Isolde to him and Cormac is immediately sure the plan is a bad idea – he is not comfortable wooing women and Isolde is lovely which will make it even harder for him to talk to her. But thanks to Pip, Cormac gets to speak to Isolde.
Isolde doesn’t have time to be charmed by the handsome highlander, she needs all her wits about her to convince people that both she and Gilbert at in attendance and can’t be distracted. She brushes off his attempts at flirtation and returns to her room. The next day she spars with Cormac as Gilbert and challenges Brodie. She beats Brodie, but it becomes clear that there is something more between Gilbert and Brodie. Brodie issues a counter challenge for the broken betrothal and insists that Gilbert fight his champion – a huge man that has never been beaten.
Cormac and Isolde have formed a friendship and it soon develops into deeper feelings – so when Cormac learns Isolde’s secret, he asks her to marry him and offers to fight in her stead - she will marry him, but will not let him sacrifice himself for her! It seems that fate is working against them – they find love, but happily ever after doesn’t seem possible.
This was an amazing story with a heroine that will not meekly allow herself to be used as a pawn and a hero that will do anything to protect her. This book has a little of everything, great leads, lots of action, steamy love scenes, secrets, deceptions, betrayal, some amusing moments, an adorable dog and a very hard won HEA. This book is part of an author collaboration series, but it can easily be read as a standalone title. I loved this story and am happy to recommend it!
Cormac, the Sutherland chieftain hero, could not have been more swoon worthy here, folks. From his first glimpse of Isolde, she pretty much stole this caring, alpha leader of his clan’s heart. Talked into doing something he considered rather hair brained at first, he’s desperate enough to help his people he’ll try just about anything to relieve their suffering. However, even then he finds honor demands more of him, especially when it comes to Isolde. I also liked how he was on the shy side when it came to approaching/interacting with her. Unlike his minutes younger twin brother, who seemed to have inherited a lot of confident swagger.
Isolde isn’t one to sit around while her future is being sold down the river by uncaring, abusive, manipulative forces. No, thanks to a well kept secret, she’s quite capable of donning armor and putting up a fight. Of course, she’ll have to dig into her own bag of deception to pull all this off. Good thing for her, fate steps in by sending her a verra good man to have her back along the way. I must admit this is where my imagination always gets really stretched. In this case, I’m surprised the jig wasn’t up every time she spoke.
As a super quick, easy read for me, I flew through these pages. Being a prequel to this author’s Borderland Rebels series, I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next.
Title: The Highlander’s Lady Knight, Series: Midsummer Knights (Book 2), Prequel to Borderland Rebels series, Author: Madeline Martin, Pages: 184, Pub. date: 4/28/20, stand-alone but part of series, tournament jousting violence, plays out pretty predictably, sweet epilogue, a few smexy scenes, verra good guy hero, instant attraction, romance safe.
Borderland Rebels series:
Book 1 - Faye’s Sacrifice, releases 6/23/20, Pages: 250
Midsummer Knights series:
Book 1 - Forbidden Warrior by Kris Kennedy Book 2 - The Highlander’s Lady Knight by Madeline Martin Book 3 - The Highlander’s Dare by Eliza Knight Book 4 - The Highland Knight’s Revenge by Lori Ann Bailey Book 5 - The Victorious Knight by Laurel O’Donnell Book 6 - An Outlaw’s Honor by Terri Brisbin Book 7 - Never If Not Now by Madeline Hunter
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review. There is no relationship or affiliation between this reviewer and the author, publisher, or PR firm.)
A Midsummer Knights Romance: A Tournament World of Chivalry, Intrigue, and Passion Book 2: A Midsummer Knights Romance series. Prequel to my Borderland Rebels series
She wants to save her honor Lady Isolde Maxwell‘s brother is more inclined to marry her off rather than defend her honor, leaving her to take matters into her own gauntlets. After stealing his armor, she heads to the Rose Citadel tournament to fight for her freedom from a man she never agreed to wed. Yet, even as Isolde is trying to escape one man, another has set his sights on her, one who is determined to catch her attention and one she cannot help but crave.
He wants to save his people When yet another failed harvest threatens the welfare of his clan, Cormac Sutherland, Chieftain of the Sutherland clan needs a solution to save his people. When his twin brother proposes they attend a tournament in England and steal the betrothed noblewomen from men of their rival clan, Cormac is skeptical, especially given his lacking skills at wooing. However, once he gets to know Lady Isolde, he finds she not only earns his respect, but also stokes his passion.
Can their love do both? When intrigue and betrayal come into play and a challenge threatens one’s greatest love, can Cormac and Isolde survive the tournament with their hearts and lives intact?
Summer, 1193. England is in turmoil, and a great tournament is scheduled near the border of Scotland and England. The greatest knights and lords from England, Scotland, Ireland, and France have gathered to compete for a great prize. There will be celebrations and jousts and feasting. It will an exhibition of chivalry and warrior skills, a breeding ground for treason…and for love.
Check out other books in the series! Forbidden Warrior by Kris Kennedy -- April 14 The Highlander's Lady Knight by Madeline Martin -- April 28 The Highlander's Dare by Eliza Knight -- May 12 The Highland Knight's Revenge by Lori Ann Bailey -- May 26 My Victorious Knight by Laurel O'Donnell -- June 9 An Outlaw's Honor by Terri Brisbin -- June 23 Never If Not Now by Madeline Hunter -- July 7
My review :
When two people set on two different paths cross road, will they be able to find a way to one another ...
Funny how I read more and more medieval set tales, and while my first read by Mrs Madeline Martin was a regency romance, I knew she had written many middle age books. And while it is still the dirty violent world I have in mind, I love to read about those wonder women who refused to be pawn for the men needs. Sure, it is one woman among many, but I want to believe in the shadows, those women really existed. Isolde is one hell of a woman, she might not have the raw strength of a man but her cleverness and determination are what drive her to take matter in hand, refusing to do her bother bidding. Still, she is also a woman with a heart, one to be swayed if rightly wooed. And while Cormac is one to make a muddle when trying to rise her interest, he also sees her, truly sees her. But will it be enough when she might face imminent death if she follows her current course. Her mad scheme also brings her closer to this intriguing man who has all the right answers. Cormac came to the tournament with the idea of finding a wealthy bride to help his clan, so when his select prey is more than what he bargained for, she is everything he dreamed for but he fears she might turn him down if she learns about his initial plan. He is a devoted Laird for his impoverished clan, and while he is not completely in agreement with his brother’s plan, he has to do it for his kin. But meeting Isolde changes everything, it unsettles him that the woman he feels drawn too might be also the answer to his plight, his honorable self knows he will never be able to betray her trust.
A sweet tale of two people lost who may find their way to one another if they will be able to open their heart and see beyond appearances. 4.5 stars.
I was granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
Full Of Passion, Love ,Adventure and Revenge, this book had me on the edge of my seat , I loved it. Madeline always writes beautifully and puts so much into the characters.
Cormac is the ultimate highland Chief, strong, honourable and passionate about his people. When he needs a rich wife he thinks to get one by pilfering another mans , but when he sees Isolde he falls for her Beautiful face and her strong and devoted Heart . She want to make her own choices and not be ruled by her brothers decisions.
There is so much more to this story but if I told you that I’d spoil the whole thing . Read and enjoy, you really won’t regret it.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
The Highlander's Lady Knight by Madeline Martin is book Two in the Midsummer Knights Series. This is the story of Cormac Sutherland and Isolde Maxwell. I haven't read the previous book yet, so for me this was a standalone book. Isolde is out to stand up for her honor, something her brotehr Gilbert the Earl of Easton would not do. Instead he gave her hand in marriage to Brodie Ross, the reason she needs to make the stand. So, with a ideal in place she goes to the Rose Citadel tournament to fight for her honor by pretending to be her brother. Cormac is the Chieftain of the Sutherland clan but they are struggling to make it. Cormac had asked for Brodie Ross's help but nothing came from that request. Cormac's brother thinks up the ideal to go to the tournament and steel the intended Brides of their rival clan. This leads him to meet Isolde who he is smitten with but has not wooing abilities. But they do end up becoming close and when he learns of Isolde situation he offers to help her. Nothing is easy for these two but it was a page turning read for me! Enjoyed their story and hope to read more from this author!!
Madeline Martin’s book, The Highlander’s Lady Knight, is a wonderful read for the die hard romantics out there. I so fell hard for this book. Carmac and Isolde’s story will sweep you away to two castles, knights, lords and a happy dog whose name is Pip. Determined to not let his people face another hungry day or die, Carmac goes out in search of a wife with his brother Graham. In comes Isolde the warrior that no one new. There love grows as they fight highland clans, Deceitful brothers and big barbarian men. This book brought enough fighting action to keep me entertained. The romance was strong between Carmac and Isolde love is strong and quiet. It’s as though throughout the book, the two lived in there own little world when they are together. The details of the scenes are well explained, to give the reader that connection to the book. The dialogue was on point. Not to heavy, just enough where I could understand what the character was saying. I recommend this Book. Until next time my fellow readers...read on! I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free gifted copy.
I must admit that I practically devoured this book, it was so good. Madeline Martin writes a fascinating plot and Cormac and Isolde have such charismatic personalities you can’t help but love them. I found myself wanting to turn the pages faster than I could read them to see if and how they would end up together. This was truly a spellbinding story that had me mesmerized from beginning to end. Thank you Ms Martin for once again giving me the opportunity to read one of your amazing stories.
Lady Isolde Maxwell‘s brother the Earl of Easton is more inclined to marry her off rather than defend her honour, leaving her to take matters into her own gauntlets. After stealing his armour, she heads to the Rose Citadel tournament to fight for her freedom from a man she never agreed to wed, Brodie Ross. Yet, even as Isolde is trying to escape one man, another has set his sights on her, one who is determined to catch her attention and one she cannot help but crave. When yet another failed harvest threatens the welfare of his clan, Cormac Sutherland, Chieftain of the Sutherland clan needs a solution to save his people. When his twin brother proposes they attend a tournament in England and steal the betrothed noblewomen from men of their rival clan, the Rosses. Cormac is sceptical, especially given his lacking skills at wooing. Strong characters, a fast paced story & a toe curling attraction all made for an enthralling engrossing read. I loved Cormac who whilst a braw Scot he had no finesse in flirting nor dancing but he was loyal & oh so protective. Isolde was feisty, independent & although she had no reason to trust any man she did trust Cormac. The chemistry between the pair was electric. I also loved that this story is also a prequel to the authors next series, which I eagerly await My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This is book 2 in a series by different well known authors. After reading this book I am eager for more! This one captivated me from the first page. Madeline Martin is excellent at character development and references to history that have you traveling back in time. Cormac, Chieftan of the Sutherland Clan has entered the tournament in hopes of finding a wealthy bride. His clan is starving and this idea was his twin brothers, Graham. Lady Isolde Maxwell is impersonating her brother to extract revenge on Brodie Ross who ruined her. Since her brother won’t defend her honor, she’ll have to do it. Sparks and chemistry come to a burning desire between these two. This story had me turning pages until the wee hours of the morning. It has lies, betrayal, treason, loyalty to one’s friends and love. Cormac and Isolde sizzled. You will fall in love with them. I hope the next one is as good. I love anything written by Madeline Martin and this was no exception. I highly recommend this book and give it five stars. I was gifted this book and am voluntarily reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
I loved this story. Isolde wanted nothing more than to defend her honor. She went above and beyond, and I loved the fact that she was allowed to train to fight and use a sword. Cormac was such a sweetheart and loyal to his people. His protectiveness overrode his underhandedness. This was a journey fraught with danger and intrigue. I recommend this story.
I received an ARC of this story, and this is my unsolicited review.
Cormac Sutherland, chieftain of the Sutherland clan, will do anything to help his starving clan. Even marry. Cormac and his twin brother travel to England to participate in a tournament, in hopes of finding a rich heiress.
Lady Isolde Maxwell finds herself in an unwanted betrothal to Brodie Ross. She decides to go to the tournament to confront Brodie. She impersonates her brother and challenges Brodie in defence of Isolde's honor. She never expected to meet Cormac and soon develops deep feelings for him.
The Highlander's Lady Knight (Midsummer Knights Book 2) by Madeline Martin 4.5 Stars The storyline is fast paced and action-packed with danger, betrayal, treason, plot twist, and a steamy romance that made my pages flip faster. Great medieval world and character development in addition to great character chemistry. One of my favorite characters is a smart battle trained heroine. Trained to protect herself, and occasionally to save the life of her man, and MOST of all she can insure any self important villains are taken down a peg or two with a well deserved dirt nap! I wish she would have given a few more teeth rattling hits during the battle scenes to boost up her Lady Knight persona! I recommend this historical medieval romance! Happy Reading♥️ Content Note: Adult. 4 out of 5 flame romance 🔥🔥🔥🔥 A Midsummer Knights Romance is a new 7 book collection of historical medieval romance series by 7 well known authors. Set at a Tournament competition in England near the English/Scottish border. Ms Martin’s book is a prequel to her Borderland Rebels series.
1193, Scotland. Scottish Chieftain Cormac Sutherland has to face the facts that without marrying for a hefty dowry, his clan may starve. Lady Isolde Maxwell is sister to the Earl of Easton, and he's promised her hand in marriage to Brodie Ross, a Scot who makes her skin crawl. He won't listen to her pleas, so she poisons him and takes his place in a tournament to fight for her own honor. While he isn't eager to marry just for a dowry, Cormac is besotted with Isolde. He notices something is a little amiss with the knight wearing Easton's armor, and suspects it may be Isolde, which only increases his estimation of her, especially when she takes down Brodie.
This is a lovely low angst novella. The conflict feels high enough stakes because of how awful Brodie and Easton are to Isolde, but I was never particularly worried for either Isolde or Cormac. (On the flip side I was very worried about his clan starving while they were gone.) The lady knight portion of the story is fun, if a little predictable. Isolde didn't like being defenseless, so had the master of arms teach her to fight in secret. We get a little bit of a tie to 12th century history, with a plot to overthrow King Richard while he's on Crusade; even though that treason is central to the plot, it's almost an afterthought in execution in the story.
The Highlander's Lady Knight is just shy of category length, and could have been served by either 50 more pages or 50 fewer, but was a generally enjoyable reading experience.
Wow! What a Awesome story! The Highlander's Lady Knight will hold you spellbound as it comes to life with all the intrigue, betrayal and treason with a web of deceit and lies that is spun that will keep you reading to the very end. Madeline Martin has written unforgettable romance with a strong plot, remarkable emotions, unforgettable characters, with setting descriptions and action sequences that are wonderfully vivid which brings this read together perfectly and will keep you captivated from the moment you begin the journey with Cormac and Isolde until the very end! Isolde is being forced to wed, a man she has no desires to wed, by her brother. Cormac a brawny Highland warrior and chieftain of his clan must deal with emotional scars concerning his clan and will do anything for his clan. Cormac and Isolde meet at Rose Citadel tournament and many emotions start to bombard them on their journey to admitting their love for one another they soon find their passions building in this heart pounding action-packed story filled with sizzling passion, drama, adventure, heartbreak, deceit, trials and tribulations, turmoil, and while the suspense builds and tensions escalate with the twist and turns abound that makes this one outstanding story!
The Highlander’s Lady Knight is the second book in the Midsummer Knights series. It was a terrific addition to the series. The characters were well developed, and the book flowed so smoothly I was at the end before I realized it. I love the author’s style of writing and how she brings the characters to life. I always look forward to her books and I’m never disappointed when I finish one. Lady Isolde Maxwell’s brother had worked with Brodie Ross to compromise Isolde. He was adamant that she wed Brodie, but Isolde was prepared to defend her own honor. She didn’t know what agreements her brother had made; however, she wanted her freedom from Brodie. She leaves her brother behind and goes to the Rose Citadel tournament on her own, planning to pretend to be her brother and ending the betrothal. Cormac Sutherland is the chieftain of his clan and knows the clan’s welfare is in danger. They have already lost several beloved members to starvation. His twin brother convinces him they need to attend the tournament and steal the rich English brides from their rival clans. Cormac knew that was the only way to save his clan but regretted the circumstances for wooing Isolde. He was instantly taken with her when he first sees her and knew she was the one. He felt guilty and didn’t want to marry her for just her money since he had fallen in love. Can the two overcome all the obstacles thrown at them at the tournament? I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Highlander's Lady Knight (Midsummer Knights book2) by Madeline Martin is a delicious tale of passion, enemies to lover's, with treachery, trust, resilience and romance. WOW, what an awesome Medieval Romance! Can be read as a stand alone.
"Summer, 1193. England is in turmoil, and a great tournament is scheduled near the border of Scotland and England. The greatest knights and lords from England, Scotland, Ireland, and France have gathered to compete for a great prize. There will be celebrations and jousts and feasting. It will be an exhibition of chivalry and warrior skills, a breeding ground for treason…and for love."
Meet, Lady Isolde Maxwell and Cormac Sutherland, Chieftain of the Sutherland clan. Well written and well excuted story, set in 1193 between the Scottish and English borders . The plot, is brilliantly written with an exhibition of warrior skills, treason and finding a forever kind of love. I thoroughly enjoyed Isolde and Cornac's story from the first page to the last. In fact, I couldn't put it down until the last page and then it lingered on in my mind. Definitely a keeper and a treasure. Readers will be thrilled, with this on the edge of their seats, Medieval read. Highly recommended! Well done!!
Rating: 5 Heat rating: sweet to very mild Reviewer: AprilR
Enjoyable tale of a very capable h who is talented as a Knight, but lacks the strength. We have an H who is skilled but I didn't feel a connection to him until after the courting.
He came across as a buffoon to me in the beginning, which is very unusual for an H written by this author. He is a Laird, oldest of twins, and he doesn't know how to talk to women. He first meets her and comments on her bosom? WHAT!! Plus a few other slip ups, so he took awhile for me to respect him.
There are several villains, suspense, great fight scenes and interesting secondary character's.
There is lovemaking, outside of marriage, heat level 4.5 out of 5 and only described a few times. We have one secret the H kept, but when the h discovered it and he was honest, she forgave him. I dislike, when something like this happens and it lasts forever, not here and I loved that.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance and spice. Loved the epilogue 5 years in the future, was perfect.
I received a copy and all opinions are my own and voluntarily given. (ljb).
Excalibur! Sorry that just slipped out when thinking of this story with strong, handsome Knights and Lords competing at the Rose Citadel tournament for a great prize! Can you just imagine? Madeline Martin brings it alive in this second addition to the Midsummer Knights series. I read the first one which was amazing and could not wait to see what wondrous tale Madeline would weave! Isolde (one of my fav names!) is feisty heroine who decides to stand up for herself since nobody else will, and defeat the man her brother is trying to force her to marry. Of course she is in full armour so they don't know she is a woman. At first. But she does attract the attention of Cormac, the Sutherland Chieftain. He is desperate for funds to help his clan survive and marrying a rich lady is about all he has left. Of course his attraction to Isolde is electric but he does not want her to know he needs her money. Then he finds out how she is trying to get out of marrying one of the Ross's and the story takes off! A fast paced adventure with a warrior heroine and a handsome Highlander that will make you sit back and sigh. You will love it!!
People were dying from hunger, the weather was foul and they couldn't get a break. Cormac Sutherland, Chieftain of the Sutherland Clan, didn't know how to save his people. His twin brother, Graham, suggested they go to a tournament and get wealthy wives. Lady Isolde Maxwell has just been told she is to marry Brodie Ross of Clan Ross. She refuses to marry him. She feels her brother is a coward so she goes to the tournament, dresses like her brother in Armor and fights Brodie. An absorbing story of lies, betrayal and deceit. There are so many twists to this tale and the fear of a loved one being hurt is awful. The characters are strong and tough but also gentle and loving. I loved this book, it is one I will read again and again. I highly recommend this great novel. I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily reviewed it. I am glad I got a chance to read it.
Lady Isolde Maxwell‘s brother is forcing her to marry Brodie Ross, a man who sort of compromised her, she doesn’t like him and definitely does not love him. She’s sent to an English tournament in her honor where several Scottish Clans are attending. Chieftain of the Sutherland clan, Cormac Sutherland doesn’t want to see his people starve again this winter. He and his twin Graham learn of the tournament in England and they decide to go and steal a brides for themselves from the rival Clan Ross. Isolde tries to break the betrothal by pretending to be her cowardly brother and challenges Brodie to a fight to protect her honor. Cormac is quite drawn to Isolde beauty, he’s impressed by her skills, bravery and her passion. They are a fiery couple with all the sword fighting, passionate kisses and betrayal in this story. I know you’ll love them and their captivating story. I have voluntarily read and reviewed this amazing story.
Wow just wow Madeline hit out of the park with this one. She’s become one of my favorite authors. Her books always keep me up late reading because I can’t put them down. I’m drawn in and can almost picture the story playing out. Isobel with a brother who won’t defend her decide to disguise her self and enter the trunoment herself. To fight for her freedom from the man she never agreed to marr.while she is trying to escape one man another has set his aim on her. Cormac has had another failed crop he’s needs a solution to help his clan. His brother wants them to enter trunoment in England and steal the betrothed of a rival clan . Cormac is not sure but when he lays eyes on Isobel he knows he must have her. Will they be just what the others needs. Will they find a happily ever after. I guess you’ll have to read the book to find out. Happy read
Wow, what a heroine! Madeline Martin has written an awesome tale of medieval knights and a strong and courageous maiden who takes her future into her own hands.
The main characters, Isolde and Cormac and the supporting cast were just wonderful. Of course there are those we love to loathe too.
Madeline transports us through time so seamlessly into a world of medieval games and intrigue holding you spellbound as the fast paced adventure packed with plot twists and turns gets underway. And in the midst of it all, amid the dust and dirt lies a beautiful love story.
This is a must read tale you won’t want to put down!! A love story born of respect and admiration, an altogether fascinating story. Thank you so much Madeline for such a sweet and beautiful love story and for transporting me to another time and place.
Fantastic read that has you turning the page so quickly as you are in a hurry to see what happens next, spellbinding, filled with suspense, intrigue, romance and a touch of humour.
The story of Cormac and Isolde is captured so well by our author as we don’t really have a hero in this story we have a both, not only our lady knight but our male hero mixed together extremely well.
Quick read as you really have to see what’s happening next.
Lots of heart pounding but good heart pounding.
So many characters introduced in this story that I hope to see stories on them.
I read this all in one go, it was a short and sweet story. The romance between the two cannot be denied. He seeks her fortune at first to save his people but slowly falls in love. She wasn't looking for love or a champion. She can save herself, defend her honor and win her freedom.
I have to say Madeline Martin's first book of this era did not disappoint. The scenes were written accurately and felt realistic and vivid. I enjoyed each detail, from the delectable feasts, intense fight scenes as well as each character introduced. The loving scruffy dog, the gentle warrior, loyal maid, cowardly brother to the violent villian. I enjoyed it all. Definitely recommend.
Cormac, Laird and Chieftan of Clan Southerland, and his twin brother are attending a tournament to find a bride with a dowry big enough to keep his clan from starving What he finds is a conspiracy to overthrow the King and a beautiful lady promised to another. Lady Isolde may be promised to another but she has no intention of going through with it. She’s going to wear her brother’s armor and fight to win her freedom. Jousting, fighting in a melee and rage love between these two prove to be a journey you don’t want to miss.
Stand up for yourself because no one else will do it. At least that is how it feels to Isolde. She is determined to marry who she wants, not the rogue her brother is going to saddle her with. She shows a lot of courage in an era that women are considered little better than cattle. Cormac is Laird and is struggling to feed his people. He decides to land an heiress and make his problems lessen when he gets her dowery. The ups and downs and struggle of both Cormac and Isolde creates a bold and intriguing story that Madeline Martin has drawn us into and you can almost taste the dust and feel the tensions that abound from the tournament to the ball room. Come fall into the story, you won't be able to put it down.....
I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait for the next book. I really like Lady Isolde. This story is about how Lady Isolde brother wants to marry her off and not defend her honor, so what you any lady do in this case but decide to do it herself. So she takes her brother armor and goes to fight in the tournament for her freedom. Comrmac Sutherland is a Chieftain and need to save his people. He finds he likes her. This was a good twist of plot. I loved all of the characters and the story line was great.