Highland Ruse

Madeline Martin

Nov 2017 · Diversion Books

About this ebook

From the USA Today–bestselling author, a tale of a beautiful spy, an abduction, and a thrilling love in seventeenth-century Scotland . . .
 
Kaid MacLeod couldn’t protect his clan from an unimaginable slaughter that killed his father and took the lives of many of his people. Wracked with guilt, he knows retaliation will only bring more death, but his clan thirsts for revenge and all seems lost . . . until Kaid discovers his nemesis’s betrothed will be traveling through Scotland. Abducting this innocent woman will give him the leverage he desperately needs to end the continuing massacres and bring peace to his clan. Though he is loath to do so, it's the least bloody solution he can see.
 
Delilah Canterbury has been striving to make her own way for a long time. One of many children, with no money or noble blood to fall back on, Delilah dreamt of joining the court of King James. After her beauty earned her one tender night with the king, he spurned her on a whim, causing her to lose not just her chance at a better life, but her reputation. In dire straits, her life was saved when she was taken in by a group of female spies and taught their deadly skills. Now, testing her prowess, she is disguised as Lady Elizabeth, daughter of a well-known noble, betrothed of a Scottish laird, and a target in the war between clans.
 
Kidnapped by Kaid, Delilah's mission as a decoy is near completion, but when she finds herself attracted to the very man she's supposed to deceive, will she lose control and risk her very life in the process?
 
“A high degree of sensuality and a fast-moving plot.” —RT Book Reviews

Ratings and reviews

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.

Kaid MacLeod couldn’t protect his clan from an unimaginable slaughter that killed his father and took the lives of many of his people. Wracked with guilt, he knows retaliation will only bring more death, but his clan thirsts for revenge and all seems lost until Kaid discovers his nemesis Seumas McKenzie’s betrothed Lady Elizabeth will be travelling through Scotland. Delilah Canterbury has been striving to make her own way for a long time. The middle child of fifteen, Delilah spent one night with the king only to be spurned. In dire straits, her life was saved when she was taken in by a group of female spies and taught their deadly skills. Now she takes on her first solo mission disguised as Lady Elizabeth. Kaid abducts this innocent woman to give him the leverage he desperately needs to end the continuing massacres and bring peace to his clan. This is the second book in the trilogy, it could be read on its own but seriously why would you! To fully appreciate it I'd definitely read in order. Another engrossing enthralling read which I read well into the night & woke up early & had to finish it. The characters come alive & take you with them on their adventures, I lost my heart to Claire. The pace flows effortlessly & doesn’t lag at all. It has all you could want a gorgeous, caring hero, feisty heroine, a small child, a cat & horrid villains through in romance & my enjoyment was complete. I can't wait to read Silvi's story My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

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!!