Madeline Martin has a powerful, distinct writing style that draws you into her stories and makes you feel as though you are living with her characters. This 2nd book in the Mercenary Maidens series is captivating from beginning to end. There is a blend of romance & suspense with unforgettable characters you can't help but fall in love with. We learn about Delilah’s past in this story and meet Kaid. Their story is heartwarming, though it contained some tragic events which brought tears to my eyes. There are certainly enough twists to keep you wanting to read to find out what will happen. I received this book for an honest review and am more than happy to recommend it. Ms Martin has quickly become one of my favourite authors.

The second book in The Mercenary Maidens series a well written story with a very good storyline. Kaid MacLeod and Delilah Canterbury turned spy as Lady Elizabeth this is their story. I was not putting the book down until I was finished. A story that will have your emotions all over the place there is action, fear, heartbreak, drama, danger, suspense, kidnapping, humour, hope, twists, turns, and romance. I recommend this book. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Practically ANY story Madeline Martin writes pulls the reader into the pages. This was no exception. I love her writing, and love her series! All her books...all her series!!

Highland Ruse is book 2 in the Mercenary Maidens series by Ms. Martin. This book had everything you could want. There were Highlanders (men in kilts need I say more), spies (female ones no less), of course the bad guys (and they were bad) and of course love. The relationship between Delilah Canterbury and Kaid MacLeod didn't start out well as he kidnapped her thinking she was Lady Elizabeth betrothed to a vengeful Scottish Laird who is using her as a pawn. I had a hard time putting this book down. I wanted to finish it in one reading. The romance between Delilah and Kaid, in my opinion, was wonderful. There was such passion between the two of them. Between the two of them they set out to defeat the evil Scottish Laird, try to save Lady Elizabeth and bring hope back to Laird Kaid's clan. I'm hoping there is a book 3 in this series. I'd highly recommend this book.

Well written and filled with intrigue and adventure. There are so many twists and turns that the story never lags. Very strong female characters and males that have some flaws make for a page turner. The Highlands come alive by the author’s hand, as this small band traverse the countryside.

I enjoyed the story and liked that the female mc was far more than just a simpering miss.

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This second book in the Mercenary Maiden series is full of action, romance, and strong characters especially the ladies. Set in the early 1600's, when women were considered weak and really only good for making favorable alliances. It was very rare for women to be warriors, strong and capable. After an overwhelming disappointment, Delilah joins the mercenary maidens. After many years of hard training, she is ready for her first assignment as a decoy. Unfortunately things do not go quite as expected, however we would not have a story if they did. Laird Laid MacLeod was very unexpected. Although physically strong, he is suffering from the losses his clan has experienced at the hand of Laird MacKenzie. What Kaid needs is a dose of Delilah. Even in the 1600's Scots had a different view of women, their strength and talents were respected. An woman could even be a laird. The storyline holds the readers interest from beginning to end. This is the first book by Madeline Martin I have read, although I have several in my TBR pile including the next in the series, Highland Wrath, one I am greatly looking forward to reading.

Another excellent story from Madeline​Martin! Here's the story of a woman done wrong, and hell bent on revenge. Overall, wonderful story!

This is the first book by Madeline Martin that I read. She did a fantastic job of story telling. I would certainly recommend this book that wants a great spy novel with a female lead.

I so absolutely disliked this book. Far from realistic, no character development and she is so easily agitated that it is common. She kind of jumps when he asks her for it.

*I got this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

This is such a great series I have loved every book so far great female lead characters and supcharacters. They have been taught to defend them self and their friends. They get the job done. Can’t wait for the next book

Once upon a time, Delilah Canterbury had big dreams while she had been at court. It didn’t take long before they were shattered. Wither her ruined life, she couldn’t return home to an overcrowded house, she is given an alternative that leads her to the life of a spy. Kaid MacLeod has to do something to save his clan from an enemy clan that has ruthlessly broken their truce. When he finds out that the other clan leader’s fiance will be traveling through Scotland to him, a crazy idea begins to take shape.
I really liked this story. I liked all of the characters immensely. There were a couple of twists I hadn’t seen that made it all the better. I look forward to reading more about this particular group of spies.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

I voluntarily reviewed an Reader Copy of this book which I received through Netgalley.
It's a really enjoyable story, not totally for me but well written.

This is amusing, dramatic, entertaining and romantic. Kaid is a tortured soul, he watched his people get slaughtered and now desperately seeks peace. He regrets that he needs to ransom an innocent woman to achieve it, but he'll do whatever it takes. He's already a caring and sensitive man, and then he finds that he likes Delilah more than he should. Delilah is spunky, brave and insecure. She's also a woman of conviction, a woman who finds herself sympathizing with the man who kidnapped her. There is love, heartache, laughter, drama and suspense in the storyline. It was so gripping that I had to read it in one sitting, and finished well past bedtime. It should be added to your TBR list, right now.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.

~~Reviewed by AnnMarie~~

Highland Ruse is the second book in The Mercenary Maidens series by Madeline Martin. I haven’t had the pleasure of reading the first one yet, so can assure you that this book can easily be read as a stand-alone one.

Delilah Canterbury is one of 15 children in a poor family. She thought her fortunes had changed for the better when she went to Court and took the King’s fancy. Unfortunately, he only wanted her for one night. Not being able to face her rejection she leaves Court and her life takes a turn that she could never imagine. She becomes a mercenary spy!

Kaid MacLeod is the new MacLeod Laird. His father and many of his people were murdered when their enemy, the MacKenzies raided the village and killed men, women and children. The MacLeods want vengeance but Kaid is sick of the endless fighting and deaths. He wants a peace treaty and finally finds a way to hopefully broker that peace.

Laird MacKenzie is to be wed to Lady Elizabeth Seymour. Kaid reckons that if he kidnaps her on her journey to the man that he can barter her for two things; peace and for the return of his father’s sword that MacKenzie stole. After careful planning, he does manage to kidnap the woman. The only problem is that he hasn’t kidnapped the real Lady Elizabeth Seymour, he has kidnapped her decoy who just happens to be Delilah.

Delilah’s first solo mission is to act as a decoy, allowing Lady Elizabeth to reach her destination safely. Also if somebody does kidnap Delilah she has to then capture the person and have them answer for their crime.

The problem is that apart from Delilah finding herself liking Kaid, she also understands what he has gone through, and how important peace is between these two warring clans. She is only meant to allow Lady Elizabeth time to get to her wedding safely, then arrest Kaid. She’s not Lady Elizabeth and she can’t help Kaid, or can she?

What an amazing story this is. From the very first page, I was gripped. Poor Delilah’s hopes being shattered by the King made me want to weep, and that was just the tip of the iceberg of emotions I felt during reading this book. The suspense of not knowing if Delilah would tell Kaid who she really is, and whether or not she could or would help him was nail-biting stuff. I couldn’t read quickly enough to find out what was going to happen next.

The passion between Delilah and Kaid was explosive, even though both had reason to keep away from each other, they both found it more and more difficult. I love those will they won’t they situations, especially when they finally give in!

The story and its outcome were very believable, enjoyable, and well worth my reading into the wee hours of the morning to finish it. I am definitely going to have to read the first book and the following books to this one in the series. I am sure they will be fabulous and I will recommend them as highly as I do this one.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers’ copy of this book.

I really enjoyed Kaid and Delilah's story. The fact that Delilah had to act as someone else for almost half of the story, added all kinds of drama.

I really liked Kaid. He would do anything for his people, even if that means to kidnap an innocent noble woman. Of course, he hadn't counted on getting Delilah instead. I really liked Delilah too. She knew that she needed to complete her mission, but after staying with Kaid and his clan, she knew that she had to do something to help even if it meant failing at her first mission.

This series has been awesome to far. Up next is Sylvi's story, Highland Wrath, which should be a very interesting read.! I can't wait to get my hands on it.

Delilah Canterbury is important and has elevated her status by sleeping with the king. When Delilah goes to him after being summoned she is cruelly treated like an insignificant nobody like she doesn’t matter and nearly destroyed. The king took everything from Delilah her heart, virginity and soul she has lost everything. As Delilah ponders her ruin and almost gives in to her heartbreak she meets a savior Sylvi who will transform Delilah into someone important a spy. Delilah’s mission is to play a Lady trading places with her going instead to Scotland to protect her from rebels so she can meet her betrothed. As Delilah travels via carriage suddenly she is ambushed and taken prisoner by a rebel Kaid MacLeod or is he?
I have been anticipating this next book in the Mercenary Maidens from Ms. Madeline Martin for a while that I couldn’t wait to read it that I literally had to savor it and then reread it. Ms. Martin just knows how to write not only fascinating intriguing suspenseful female spy stories but also such kickass historical heroines that you can almost hear the Charlie’s Angels theme song playing in the background as your reading. Like the first book I was fist pumping and yelling out “you go girl” in this book even more.
Delilah was not only a great heroine to admire but she was also a spy what’s not to like? She can kick butt when she needs too but she also has a big heart which also gets her into trouble still I think it’s what also saves her. Delilah was not only strong beautiful but caring and compassionate too what a great package another heroine that I couldn’t help but have a little girl crush on. Kaid wasn’t a bad hero sure he was a little upstaged by Delilah but he could hold his own. I liked his altruistic sympathetic nature he would do anything for his clan his family but was willing to sacrifice all for the good of his people and Delilah too so of course he was easily likable. The one person I couldn’t help but like from the get go was Donnan. I hope he gets a story someday. I will be anxiously anticipating the next book in the series and whatever Ms. Martin decides to write spy, highlander I’m all in!

What a great read! Warrior women, and an Alpha Male! I truly liked the characters, it is emotional, I don't want to give away any secrets. I do think the sexual content, which isn't much, was still too graphic. The story itself, was well worth the read! I highly recommend! Thanks! Enjoy!
carolintallahassee 👒

Highland Ruse (The Mercenary Maidens, #2) by Madeline Martin I am enjoying this series by Madeline Martin...I received a copy on NetGalley for an honest review. Kaid feels guilty for not being able to save so many of his people..Deliah is hired to pretend to be Elizabeth traveling to wed Mackenzie the laird who killed Kaid's people. This is a real page turner and Kaid and Deliah get to their HEA.. and I can't forget Claire...you'll just have to read it to find out who she is.

Really great read from beginning to end. The characters are well developed and extremely likable. The chemistry between Delilah and Kaid is there from the start and only gets better as the book progresses. Well written secondary characters really add the depth of this story. There's romance, mystery, suspense, and the perfect amount of steam. There's also enough humor to balance out the more serious parts. Truly a well rounded historical romance that you won't forget.