This story had me smiling and crying. Kaid's story and that of his village and home almost broke my heart. Each time a part of the story was told, tears filled my eyes. Kaid had his vulnerabilities but found the inner strength to do what he must. Delilah's past led her on a warrior's path but never took away her heart. Her fierceness to do a job and softness for a child made me fall in love with her. The ups and downs of this story kept me reading until the end. Second in the series and I look forward to the next one.

This is my unsolicited review of a story that I received through Netgalley.

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

This having been my first experience reading Madeline Martin i can say that i am not only impressed but hooked, i will be adding Madeline's collection to my personal library. Being an avid historical romance reader i can say that i am shocked to have missed the first in Madeline Martin's "Mercenary Maidens series "Highland Spy". Rest assured that if you have also missed the first book in the series that you can safely enjoy book two "Highland Ruse" much like i did prior to reading book one.

The beginning of the story sets a tone of mystery and high expectation for heroine Delilah Canterbury. Spurned humiliated and seemly helpless Delilah is spirited away by a woman offering a life so titillating that even through her wall of misery Delilah cannot refuse.

Kaid MacLeod lives each day reliving the horror of his clan's slaughter, spurned by nightmares and the weight of failing those whom depended on him for protection. Only one man is responsible for the butchering of Kaid's people, the same man whom is to marry soon. Kaid cannot send his people to war in order to claim the vengeance his clan so deserves at the risk of loosing more lives. But by chance a different plan formulates in Kaid's mind, though the details turn his very stomach he knows that he must complete this mission not only for his people, but himself.

Delilah is on a mission, her first assignment alone she is determined to prove herself and not let the woman down who had taken her in and given her a life, strength, and purpose when she thought she had nothing else to live for. Traversing through the highlands under the guise of being another Delilah is thrown in the trap of Kaid MacLeod.

Kaid cannot believe his own fortune when his plan falls into place, his new gentle bred charge Elizabeth "Delilah" is invaluable to Kaid and his clan. Yet there is something about Elizabeth other then her beauty, her silent strength and gentle heart start to warm Kaid towards his forbidden fruit, a pawn for his scheme. Delilah posing as Elizabeth cannot help but smile internally at her fortune as she realizes the men whom have kidnapped her thinking her to be Elizabeth a gentle woman in route to her betrothed castle in the highlands are good nature-ed pliable men, this mission would prove easy finally securing her place in the all female team of magnificent spys.

As days and weeks pass both Kaid and Delilah struggle to hold onto their determination to not deviate from their missions. Little does each know that they are in for a surprise that could destroy everything that had each hoped for. Kaid is driven by the love he has for his people, Delilah driven to bring this man to justice, both vying for what they feel is right in their hearts. As the attraction and admiration between Kaid and Delilah grow, both are tormented by what they must do for those that are depending on them.

Delilah soon finds herself immersed in Kaids clan, surrounding her is evidence of loss and suffering yet these people accept her as one of her own. Torn between what is right and compromising her mission Delilah must make a choice. Will she choose her newly found love for Kaid and his people over her duties and put her very life at risk in order to save them? Can Kaid find another way to save his clan as well as keep Elizabeth for himself when "Elizabeth proves to not be who he expected?

Delilah a beautiful strong and captivating woman puts her life and personal ties at risk to help the man she has hopelessly fallen in love with. Kaid allows his heart and soul to ride away from his home in the form of Delilah. "His" woman going alone into the Lions den, his nemesis a man with a soul black enough to slaughter Kaid's defenseless women and children in cold blood. Each must trust in each other and work together as dark schemes and betrayals arise putting many lives at risk.

Each page of this story is infused with anticipation awaiting both Kaid and Delilah to spill theirs hearts and change each others life paths. After both suffering such hardship in their pasts Kaid and Delilah deserve what is hidden in their hearts that both are too afraid to hope to come true. As both unexpected friends and foes surface around Kaid and Delilah they embark on a risk so great together that it could only be worth the greatest of rewards. A true tale of trust, bravery, and un-explainable love.

Worth the read and then some.

A great read of drama, suspense and intrigue. Delilah is a spy posing as Lady Elizabeth knowing that Kaid plans to kidnap her. Kaid believes kidnaping Lady Elizabeth is the only thing that will stop the death and destruction of his clan. Kaid and Delilah are attracted to each other but what will happen when he finds out the truth. Can his clan still be saved? Amazing group of characters and a wonderful story really transport you back in time. I was hooked from beginning to end. A good read.

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
The story revolves around a Scottish Laird who kidnaps the bride of a rival clan in a bid to evoke peace between the two clans. Unknown to Kaid, the one he kidnaps is a decoy. As the story progresses, they have a HEA but only there is much more to their story. I would recommend this book as a good read.

My first of this author's book. I enjoyed it very much.Love the story about Kain McLeod and Delilah. Ca recommend this book

With very few options in life Delilah Canterbury suddenly finds hope in an opportunity she never expected, the chance to become a spy. Laird Kaid MacLeod resorts to desperate measures to protect his clan. When Delilah and Kaid's missions conflict and they are caught up in their deceptions it is not long before the only thing that is clear is their desire for each other.

Highland Ruse, book two in Madeline Martin's Mercenary Maiden's series adds another impressive installment to this author's intriguing network of female spies. With a strong handle on history and an impressive imagination Ms. Martin created a story abundant with excitement and adventure, grabbing her reader's attention for the duration of the work. As longing and duty struggled for dominance the result was lots of pages filled with angsty passion. What could have come off as tragic was spun as inspired giving this writer's characters the means to be heroic in their actions. Both Delilah and Kaid were able to carry out tough decisions yet still managed to capture their audience's sympathies and ultimately each other's hearts. Kindness and vulnerability in the lead's interactions with each other brought this book to a special place. Highland Ruse proves that Madeline Martin's game is up and she is no longer historical romance's best kept secret!

This is book two in the Mercenary Maidens.

Another wonderfully written story that had me intrigued from the beginning, the plot had lies, deceit and betrayal, mystery and suspence, and the characters they had a wonderful chemistry, all they have to do now is overcome all that and maybe love will be in the mix. Next question, do they or don't they? Read the book and find out

What a gripping read! How good to read of a powerful group of women. I really got involved in the action and was at the edge of my seat while reading. Delilah and Kaid had such an attraction between them but also so much against them, due to their own loyalties. If you enjoy a romance that also includes an intriguing storyline and plenty of action then this is an excellent book to read.
I received a pre-release copy from Netgalley and have voluntarily reviewed it.

4.5*

An amazing follow-up to Highland Spy! I would've devoured this book in one sitting if I didn't have to work. :insert angry face: It has plenty of action, suspense and romance. The chemistry between Kaid and Delilah kept me entranced.

Delilah is an awesome warrior princess, I wanna be like her when I grow up! I felt for her in the beginning of the story but she recovers and much better things await her.

Kaid is wonderful caring, admirable, gallant, resolute.. I could go on and on! And he does what he has to do for his clan.

I'd recommend this story to anyone that reads Scottish Medievals, without any reservations. It's an awesome read!

A historical romance with a Charlie’s Angels premise! Lots of action and romance in this book. I really enjoyed the orphan Clair and that relationship. Since I did not read the first book on the series, I would have liked more backstory on the other female characters.

Publisher's Description:

Kaid MacLeod couldn’t protect his clan from an unimaginable slaughter that killed his father and many of his people. He knows retaliation will only bring more death to his people, but if he does nothing, the massacres will continue. His clan is growing angry and all seems lost…until Kaid discovers his nemesis’s betrothed will be traveling through Scotland. Abducting her will give him the leverage he desperately needs to end the slaughter and bring peace to his clan.

Delilah Canterbury is not the highborn daughter of a noble, nor is she by any means wealthy, she’s merely pretending to be a Scottish laird’s betrothed as a means of bringing justice to the man rumored to seek vengeance. Beautifully dressed and ready to succeed on her first mission alone, Delilah is more than she seems…she’s a trap.

Matters get complicated as the truth behind their intentions come to light, especially when a sizzling attraction blossoms between them. With so many lives on the line, and loyalties pledged, will Kaid be able to save his people? And can their love survive the lies and ultimate betrayal?

My Thoughts:

This is book #2 of the Mercenary maidens series. I, unfortunately did not enjoy this one nearly as much as I did book #1.
This story jumped from the king's court right into the fray. It gave the reader no opportunity to get to know the characters before we found the heroine kidnaped by the eventual hero.
I have liked everything I have read by this author to this point, but found this storyline a bit hard to follow.
I still read the entire book and the ending was what I expected, a HEA for the Hero and Heroine.
I gave this book 3.5 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 3 of 5 flames.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this title via NetGalley from the publisher to read.
This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

Amazing does not do justice to this book. My heart is bursting with emotion and love for the characters. I was pulled in from the first few pages and not let go until the end. How often is the heroine going to see the king to be acknowledged from giving herself to him the night before? Delilah Canterbury had felt less than nothing her entire life. Being the 8th child of 15, her expectations had always lacked any substance. But being turned away by the king she meets Sylvi who will change her life. Sylvi, head of a group of women spies, would teach her to fight and become something other than a victim. On a mission posing as someone else, she is kidnapped by Laird Kaid MacLeod to use her as a negotiating tool against his worst enemy of a rival clan. Can I say Sparks fly in more ways than one between Kaid and Delilah? This story has it all! Suspense, mystery, intrigue and of course a great romance. You feel you are there in Scotland and part of the characters. Another great read by Madeline Martin! I would give this a 10 ⭐️ if I could!!

Highland Ruse by Madeline Martin is book Two in "The Mercenary Maidens" Series. This is the story of Kaid MacLeod and Delilah Canterbury. I have read the previous book 'Highland Spy' (and Loved It!) but feel this is can easily be a standalone book if you choose to do so.
Delilah is the daughter of a poor family with about 15 kids. When Delilah is sent off to Court to work in King James household she is happy to do so. Then she catches King James's eye and they have a passionate night together where Delilah thinks it will lead to a better standing with him. But King James kicks just treats her as a one night stand. So when Delilah is approached to go to Scotland to become a Spy, Delilah goes forward to do so. Delilah knows there is no life left for her at the court after what she did with the King. After Delilah's training she is sent on a mission alone to act as Lady Elizabeth Seymour who is to marry in to the MacKenzie Clan, Delilah is to be the decoy.
Kaid's enemy is Laird MacKenzie who has all but destroyed Kaid's clan. Laird MacKenzie is an evil man and Kaid just wants peace and for his clan to heal. So he thinks to take Laird MacKenzie betrothed, Elizabeth Seymour to help achieve that goal. Kaid and Delilah's feelings instantly start to grow but what will happen with the truth comes out about Delilah and her mission.
I just loved their exciting story! Ms. Martin is always a 'must go to' author...her books always leave you wanting more of her stories!
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Great follow up to Highland Spy!

Delilah is the middle child of fifteen and was sent to work for a relative in the English court. Soon after arriving and losing her virtue, Delilah is approached by a woman named Sylvi and offered the opportunity of a lifetime. With no options, Delilah agrees to work with Sylvi.

After years of training and working to prove herself, Delilah is finally embarking on her first solo mission. Her job is to act a decoy and apprehend the people who are trying to abduct Lady Elizabeth and to ensure that Lady Elizabeth reaches her betrothed without incident.

All goes according to plan and Delilah is taken captive by Kaid MacLeod, Laird of the MacLeod's. Kaid mean Elizabeth no harm, but her betrothed, Seamus MacKenzie is another story. Haunted by the savage attack that left many in his village, including his father dead, Kaid needs a bargaining chip. He plans to ransom Elizabeth back to MacKenzie in exchange for his father's sword and the hope of peace.

Delilah employs several tactics to delay their journey and tries to harden her heart against Kaid. But when one of her plans goes awry and Kaid cares for them and then later she witnesses his nightmares and learns the truth, she begins to have doubts about Elizabeth's safety. Kaid tries to comfort Delilah and things start to heat up, but Kaid refuses to go any further. Kaid decides to leave the coach and travel on horseback, forcing Delilah to leave most of her possessions.

Worried that they will arrive too soon and ruin the plan, Delilah takes action and turns the tables on Kaid. Delilah tells Kaid who she is and proceeds to take him to Sylvi, but soon they cross onto Kaid's lands and Delilah realizes she has lost her advantage.

Kaid approaches Delilah with a new plan, asking her to impersonate Lady Elizabeth and help him find the lost MacKenzie heir, Torra. He feels that if Torra is restored to her rightful position, there can be peace between the clans. At first Delilah refuses, but when she meets a young orphan girl named Claire and learns the horrors the MacKenzie brought to the MacLeod's, she knows what she must do.

When things start to go bad, Kaid rushes to rescue the woman he loves. And Delilah turns to Sylvi for help. Things go from bad to worse and just when it seems all hope is lost, Ms. Martin is able to work a miracle and give Delilah and Kaid the HEA they deserve.

This book was well written, flowed non-stop from the first page until the last, there was action, sword fights, steamy love scenes, secrets, betrayals, heartache and moments when it seemed there was no way this was going to end well. There are cameos with Sylvi, Percy, Liv & Isabel as well as the introduction of several secondary characters that add so much depth to this story. This is the second book in the series, but it could easily be read as a standalone title. I am happy to recommend this book and look forward to the next book in the series - Highland Wrath (Sylvi's book!!!!)

This is one of those stories, I begrudgedly right off the bat had to shrug off what for me was a morally degrading, unsavory choice made by the innocent, naive, virgin heroine. Destitute or not, to think her family would be proud of her if she had succeeded in her plan had me shaking my head in dismay. Shame on them, as well, if that be the case. Sure, it set the stage for her to woman up the right way and move on to join a girl powered posse of spies and ninja type female warriors that resembled Charlie’s Angels. But that initial scenario did not set well with me. I could easily give you some other situations that would have worked and kept her dignity/virginity in tact, but it is what it is. I’m not going to waste your time or mine trying to change what I cannot. Just trying to give a heads up, it may bother some of you, too.

Immediately afterwards we are given a completely different new Delilah. She’s brave, strong, quick witted, doesn’t back down from danger, and will put herself in harm’s way to save others. It comes in handy she’s mighty good with a sword and dagger, as well. She’s also a convincing liar, since her job requires deception.

Kaid, the PTSD laird hero, is trying to carry out a plan of his own. Bargain with a devil of an enemy laird by using the woman on her way to become Mrs. Devil. A huge block of time is spent on the journey/kidnapping with the switch-roo replacement, Delilah. Along with the inevitable showdown that results in a lot of injuries, bloodshed, and life-threatening drama. It did seem a little far fetched how quickly a new character, after being introduced, went from incoherent/incapacitated to able to greatly impact the outcome..

What you basically get here is a main couple who slowly get to know each other then go from enemies to loves. After lots of PTSD episodes/flashbacks we get a clear picture why Kaid hates this enemy so much. He is ultimately a good guy underneath it all and tries to use logic over his heart to win the day.

Things get very graphically steamy after their initial attempts at keeping their hands and lips to themselves, folks. You can definitely feel their chemistry. I like the fact Delilah dishes out the goods on what is actually going on.

Except for my issues as previously mentioned, I enjoyed the storyline. I did find myself skimming over the final ending, after the big fight scene and all was well. But that is likely just me. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced reader copy, so I could offer my honest, unbiased opinion on this romantic read.

Title: Highland Ruse, Series: The Mercenary Maidens (Book 2), Author: Madeline Martin, Pages: 300, stand-alone but part of a series, very steamy, graphic fight scenes resulting in blood, injuries, and death, good guy hero who feels he has no choice, no cheating, no love triangle, no OW/OM drama, goes from naive/doormat to strong/warrior type heroine.

Book 1 - Highland Spy
Book 2 -Highland Ruse

(I received a free advanced reader copy provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. No type of compensation was given to this reviewer. There is no relationship or affiliation between the reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)

Delilah Canterbury is not the highborn daughter of a noble, nor is she by any means wealthy, but she thought her life would change for the better when she gave herself to the King, she was wrong. She is betrayed by the king and possibly set up for ruin until she meets a mysterious woman that sets her on a path as a spy. Her first solo as spy on her first mission to pose as a decoy for Lady Elizabeth.
Kaid McLeod has suffered terrible losses and will do anything to save his people from a rival clan. Kaid discovers his nemesis’s betrothed will be traveling through Scotland and plans to kidnap Lady Elizabeth. Kaid captures Delilah aka Lady Elizabeth to use her give him the leverage he desperately needs to end the slaughter and bring peace to his clan.
With so many lives on the line Kaid doesn’t need this sizzling attraction that's blossoming between them. I loved this book their journey is filled with twists and turns, secrets, lies and betrayal. Will Kaid be able to save his people and will their love survive all the lies and ultimate betrayal?
This is my honest opinions after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.

I have never been disappointed in a book by Madeline Martin. Her books are always excellently written, well-paced and filled with extraordinary, robust and well-developed characters. This second book in the Mercenary Maidens series just adds to that legacy. Well done!

You COULD read this as a stand-alone book, but I wouldn’t recommend it. In the first book, Highland Spy, you learn the origins of the ladies, their training, their skills, etc. You don’t get that background in this book and it is something you’d want. That book explains so much about these ladies we are going to meet and learn more about in the upcoming books. Besides, it is an absolutely outstanding book!

Kaid MacLeod – well – you just can’t say enough good things about him. Not only is he a large and handsome highlander, he is a considerate, caring, thoughtful, loving, and tortured man. The fact that he couldn’t save many in his clan from slaughter eats at him day-after-day. They are in constant danger of new attacks by a merciless clan, the MacKenzie’s, led by a cruel and vicious Laird.

Kaid finally sees a chance to achieve peace for his clan and even though it goes against everything he believes in, he’s going to take that chance. He’s learned that Elizabeth, the betrothed of the MacKenzie Laird is traveling from London to the MacKenzie lands for the wedding. Kaid will just kidnap her and ransom her to her betrothed in return for peace between the clans. What could possibly go wrong with that plan?

We met Delilah Canterbury in the first book. She was quite an interesting and intriguing character. The ladies have been hired by Elizabeth’s father to throw off any attempts at stopping the wedding by having one of them impersonate Elizabeth and take a different route to the wedding. Delilah looks similar to Elizabeth and is chosen as the one to be the decoy. As Delilah leaves the inn where she and Elizabeth switched places, she has no idea what adventures await her.

The plot is complex but entirely believable. There are abductions, betrayals, traitors and love in all of its forms to make up a story that will hold your attention from beginning to end. Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop! I just know you’ll love it as much as I did!

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"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."

Book: Highland Ruse
by Madeline Martin

Release Date: 11/14/17

Series: (The Mercenary Maidens #2)


Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook (of)
Tartan Book Reviews
Purple Tulip Book Reviews
Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog

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 badventure, 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.



Amazon Buy Link:
https://www.amazon.com/Highland-Ruse-Mercenary-Maidens-Book/dp/1635761573

In order to read this ARC I promised to give a fair and honest review. No hardship there! This was such a different tale about a group of women who through much hardship have come together to help fight injustice. Yet it is also a beautiful story of love and triumph. Put this on your TBR list.

Author Madeline Martin weaves a tail of intrigue in her stories and "Highland Ruse" is no different. Delilah and Kaid's story is a must read. You will feel a wide range of emotions while reading this book. I am a fairly new reader of Ms. Martin's and I highly recommend reading her books. This was a great story.