From New York Times Bestselling Author Madeline Martin comes another steamy, suspenseful full-length novel in her Borderland Ladies series where dangerous lands make dangerous ladies… A WOMAN WITH ONLY HER BEAUTY TO OFFER…Anice Barrington has always been known as the prettiest of the Earl of Werrick’s five daughters. Years of trying to prove she’s more than beauty has failed, not only with … Earl of Werrick’s five daughters. Years of trying to prove she’s more than beauty has failed, not only with others, but also with herself. When their mortal enemy is laying siege to Werrick Castle, Anice does the only thing in her power to keep her family safe: she offers herself as bride to her enemy. She swears she will not lose her heart to him, but soon discovers that may be impossible when he stokes her curiosities toward intimacy and lights a burning desire within her.
A MAN WITH A DANGEROUS PAST…
James Graham has grown weary of a life of destruction and longs for peace. However, deciding to change does not mean there are opportunities to do so, at least until the lovely Lady Anice offers herself in marriage, bringing with her wealth and land that will insure a new beginning for his people. James knows she is far too beautiful for the likes of him and that comely appearances can hide the ugliest of hearts, but he cannot seem to stop himself from wanting, and awakening the passion that flares between them.
A BARGAIN THAT CHANGES IT ALL…
When love takes root, betrayal runs that much deeper. Will old hurts and new betrayals crush all their hopes and dreams, or will love truly conquer all?
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When a siege at Werrick Castle lasts for months and food stores begin to diminish, threatening to starve the inhabitants, Lady Anice Barrington takes matters into her own hands and makes a bargain with the Graham reivers. In exchange for an end to the siege, Anice will marry Laird Graham’s son James. Her father, the earl refuses, there is bad blood between the Barringtons and the Grahams going back years to an attack that lead to Lady Werrick sacrificing all to save her family. But Anice knows that they will all die if the siege doesn’t end and since she believes that her beauty is all she has to offer, she agrees.
James Graham is tired of war and reiving, he longs for a stable life and security for his clan, such as the life he experienced with Lord Bastionbury, the honorable man that saved his life and nursed him back to health when his fellow reivers left him for dead. Lord Bastionbury taught James there is a better way to live and care for his clan. James has tried and failed to convince his father to stop reiving, so he knows marrying Anice will give him land and a chance to start fresh, but her beauty terrifies him. James has a deep mistrust for beautiful women, having been used and betrayed in the past, but there is something about Anice that calls to him and he tries to but his past hurts aside and befriend his new wife.
Anice doesn’t want to marry a Graham, but decides to try and accept James’ overtures of friendship, she knows he doesn’t trust her, but when he makes the effort to be a better man for his clan, she can’t help but admire him, despite Leila’s grave predictions and when they move to her dowry property – Caldrick Castle in Carlisle, she believes that this marriage may just work. But when she overhears James conspiring with his father, she wonders what to believe, is James the kind, passionate lover she has begun to love or is he an evil deceiver bent on destroying everyone she loves?
I loved James with every beat of my heart, he is perfectly imperfect and beating within this fierce warrior is a heart of gold which earned him a place on my all-time favorite heroes list. Anice is a wonderful heroine, who underestimates her own value and I loved watching her find herself with James. Their love is definitely put the test more than once and their road to happily ever after will not be smooth, they will each have to overcome their personal demons, betrayal, jealousy and mistrust before they can fully accept the gift of love that the bargain has given them and I loved that no matter what was thrown at them, they never truly lost faith in each other. This book is a well-written, fast-paced, non-stop adventure from the first page, filled with action, betrayal, battles, wonderful secondary characters, a very protective dog, steamy love scenes and a heartwarming romance.
This is the second book in the series and while it can be read as a stand-alone title with no issues, I personally would recommend reading the books in order for maximum understanding and enjoyment.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me.*
This second book in the Borderland Ladies series is totally captivating. My heart went out to Anice right from the beginning of the book. Everyone refers to her as the “beautiful “ sister and they don’t seem to realize that she has many other strengths. The Grahams have had Werrick Castle under siege for so long that the people inside are starving, however James Graham, the son of the Laird is not happy about this. Against her father’s wishes Anice steals away and sets up a meeting with the Grahams and it is decided that she and James will marry to end the siege. The story goes on to reveal secrets, betrayal and romance. It is a true page turner and once you begin this one be prepared to take the time to be able to finish it because you won’t be able to put it down…yes it’s that good! Madeline Martin never ceases to amaze me with her talent for weaving tales of romance, mystery and action packed entertainment. I am looking forward to to Ella’s Desire next.
Great read!
Anice’s Bargain by Madeline Martin is book Two in the Borderland Ladies. This is the story of James Graham and Anice Barrington. I have read the previous (and loved it) but feel you could make it a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Werrick Castle is on the Borderlands which is a dangerous place to be. For the past several years a ongoing battle with the Graham Clan, who are reivers with no land or home has been going on. But for the last few months the battle has been with no stop which has cause loss of life but now is effecting their food supply. Anice and her father are at a loss as to what to do next when Anice sneaks out to confront the Grahams leader to try to settle the war. A meeting is agreed upon to talk over how to settle this war. When James and his father Laird Graham comes to them meeting both James and Anice are taken back when Laird Graham wants Anice hand in marriage for his son, James. James has only wanted peace but his father seems to thrive on everything but that. Will this marriage with bring help to his people but will such a beautiful women have the heart to match?
OMG!! This was such a page turner…please don’t start this at night unless you can commit to reading through the night! Love Ms. Martin’s writing and this book just backs up my reason for her being one of my favorite authors!
Anice Barrington has always been known as the prettiest of the Earl of Werrick’s five daughters. Years of trying to prove she’s more than beauty has failed, not only with others, but also with herself. When the Grahams their mortal enemies are laying siege to Werrick Castle, Anice does the only thing in her power to keep her family safe: she offers herself as bride to her enemy. James Graham has grown weary of a life of destruction and longs for peace. However, deciding to change does not mean there are opportunities to do so, at least until the lovely Lady Anice offers herself in marriage, bringing with her wealth and land that will insure a new beginning for his people.
This is the second book in the series & what a series it is turning out to be, captivating, engrossing, enthralling plus an added bonus is that there is only a month between release dates of the five books. I love the authors books they are extremely well written, well researched & extremely hard to put down. Anice is the beautiful one both on the outside & inside but it takes James to make Anice see that she is so much more than a beauty, he’s big, he’s scarred but also wants his clan to be more than just reivers. The pair of course clash but their attraction is sizzling. The road to their HEA isn’t easy but makes for an unputdownable read that took me of a plethora of emotions & at one point I was screaming NO!! at my kindle!.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
Anice’s Bargain was a very good read and probably could have finished it, if I didn’t have to do other chores and other things life requires. It really held my attention and I was always wanting to know what would happen next. Anice is the second eldest of the sisters and feels that her beauty is the only thing important about herself. Until her new husband, James, opens her eyes to the many other things that she does very well.
James was not used to having a family but soon realizes that Anise’s family has taken him into their family and accepted him. A feeling he enjoys for the first time.
Together, they are able to make a life they both want, too bad it takes a whole lot of lying in between.
As the second eldest daughter of the Earl of Werrick, Lady Anice Barrington has always been somewhat overlooked amongst her other four talented sisters. Renowned for her beauty, Anice longs to be known as more and to prove her true worth. With enemies laying siege to Werrick Castle and her people starving, Anice has only one thing to offer to save her family: she offers to marry the son of their enemy.
James Graham longs for a peaceful, honest life, rather than the reiving his father has always led his clan in. He has no desire to marry, but at least Anice brings wealth that will open new doors for his people. James know her to be too beautiful for him and he also remembers what happened the last time he made himself vulnerable to a woman and vows never to do so again.
Despite their reservations, James and Anice begin to develop a true connection beyond their curiosity and physical attraction. All too soon betrayal and plots threaten the tentative peace James has been so desperate to establish and the future he craves with the woman he has come to love.
Despite being way behind on ARC commitments, I found myself savoring this book. James was trying so hard to be a good and honorable man and his own father was the worst sort of villain preventing that, all the while somehow still being a bit of a sympathetic character himself. James had so many understandable insecurities and it was nice to see Anice draw him out and bring him into his own as he really did the same for her. James’ desperation for his father’s love and approval was so heart-wrenching. The betrayal aspect between James and Anice was well done and not too drawn out as these tropes so often tend to be. This was very well-executed and I loved the characters. I liked this even more than its predecessor and I can’t wait for the next one now.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Anise’s Bargain by Madeline Martin is another 5 Star must read!
This historical story takes place along the volatile English and Scottish border. Anice is one of the English Earl’s five daughters and like her older sister, she’s not afraid to meet their worst enemy face to face or to sacrifice herself for her family and her people. I love the kick a** warrior heroines and their strong hero counterpart characters, the multiple plots, twist and turns you won’t see coming, the adventure, betrayal, the heartfelt angst, and the very steamy romance that ignites between the worst of enemies. I highly recommend this book and the series. I’m looking forward to more books by this author!
This is the second book in the Borderland Ladies series.
After months of the Graham’s siege at, at Werrick Castlethey they were running low on food and supplies.
Anice decides to leave the safety of her home to venture to the Grahams camp, where she meets with Laird Graham in hopes of setting up a meeting to end this siege.
James Graham never wanted this fight, but went along with his father.
They all agree that the one way to have peace is to have Anice marry James. They both have apprehensions about the marriage, but they both want peace. This book is full of action, passion and betrayal.
This is a wonderfully crafted story that has the reader from the beginning with its conflict and emotion love and betrail.
Werrick Castle sets on the Borderlands a very dangerous place but the Earl of Werrick, Warden of the West March has taught his daughters to defend themselves and prepare for the worst. And they have already seen the worst Lady Werrick tried to bargin with the Reivers that ended terrible people lost there lives and Lady Werrick lost the will to live after what happened to her.
Anice Barrington the late Lady Werrick’s daughter knows all this but after yet another siege that has gone on for too long she will have to do something or watch her people her family and her beloved dog Paquette slowly starve to death. And when her father says he wishes her sister Marin was there she would know what to do. Anice mind is made up she may only be a pretty face but she will bargin with the Devil himself to save everyone. She sneaks out without anyone knowing and enters the Grahams Camp the very devil that has haunted her they took everything but she has know choice but to deal with them and when she sees a large man kneeling at a stream she is frightened but seeks his help anyway. Her father is furious when she returns but a meeting has been set when The elder Graham arrives with his son he demands Anice as his son James Bride.
James Graham is tired of his fathers constant war and greed for more land more wealth. But his father refuses to stop unless he gets married. James has seen a better way to do things instead of and endless blood bath with loses on both sides. James first meets Anice when she comes to his father’s camp she is a vision a goddess she wants to negotiate pretending to be her mother. Her dog is left as a hostage. When they meet again they will both be in for a surprise. Marriage but James will not take Anice unwillingly the bargin is struck and they are wed.
Even though there is facination and passion on both sides there insecurities are also there James has been betrayed in the past by a beautiful women. Anice dosen’t relize that she is more then the some ofvher beauty but will the finale betrayal in there romance be what pulls them apart what will Anice discover when she over here’s James and his father speaking privately. Is James a good man is he better then his father or will he betray his new wife for family thinking himself unworthy of her.
This is the second book in this series and i can’t wait for the next one. I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
This is Book 2 in the Borderland Ladies series and it was so good! Question: What would you do if you wanted to live in peace, but your father wanted to wage war? And what would you do if you were a lass in the clan that was in danger? Would you sacrifice everything to save your family or clan? Who will win out in the end? Can love be found somewhere within the chaos?
This story answers those questions. It is a powerful story filled with action, emotion, humor and romance – and maybe a few people die. The characters are wonderful! The story is complex and well-developed. This is a Scottish romance that will leave you wanting more. Highly recommended!
Anice’s Bargain is book 2 in the Borderland Ladies series by Madeline Martin. Lady Anice Barrington is one of five Barrington daughters. When her castle comes under siege by Graham reivers, Anice decides she needs to intervene in order to prevent the starvation of her people. And thus comes Anice’s bargain. I enjoyed this book. Martin is an excellent writer and I think this series shows great promise. I really liked Anice’s character. She is beautiful and selfless. I also enjoyed James Graham the hero. “Like a moth drawn to a fatal flame, he lowered his face to hers. He had meant the kiss to be gentle, a delicate brushing of their lips, a taste of that full mouth. It had started off as such. At first. The initial connection had been almost imperceptible. Not enough. He nudged the underside of her chin with his fingertips and she lifted her face toward his. Her lips were petal soft, warm and wonderful and sent a delightful sizzle of desire through his veins.”
I am looking forward to the next in this series. I was gifted a copy of this book.
Oh my! Madeline Martin has another awesome hit with her second Borderland Ladies book. This one is about Anice, Earl of Werrick s second daughter. After being surrounded for months by their hated enemies, the Graham’s. Her clan is starving, so she agrees to marry James Graham. There is a definite attraction between them. She sees the good in him and he see her for much more than her beauty. I really enjoyed their path to falling in love. There are wonderful characters, secondary characters shine , including a loyal dog named Piquette. I couldn’t put it down, reading well into the early morning. I can’t wait for the next sisters story. Madeline’s stories just keep getting better and better. I highly recommend this book and the one before it. As a matter of fact, I recommend anything by her. I was gifted this book and am voluntarily reviewing. It is a five star plus.
Anice’s Bargain is the second book of the Borderland Ladies series, but it can be read as a standalone (but the first book is so good that you are missing out if you don’t read ). The first book was so good that I wondered how the second could possibly compare, but the author did it! She manages to write Anice and James’s story in such a way that the reader seems to be a part of it. I love the way James and Anice’s characters develop and how they learn about each other through the story. I think my favorite part of the book is in the beginning when James gives Anice a “betrothal” gift and she says she has nothing for him. James asks for a secret in return and Anice says “No one has ever truly known me.” I think that statement encouraged him to learn more about her as a person. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. The author has accomplished writing a series about sisters and being able to enchant the reader with the uniqueness of each as a person. I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
First off, I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
Every time I read a Madeline Martin book, I am astounded and amazed by how well she creates her characters. I fall in love with her heroes and heroines each time I read one of her books. They have all of my favorite things- fully developed characters that are realistic, love, problems, and forgiveness. Anice is the second oldest daughter of Lord Werrick. I truly thought the first born, Marin, was my favorite, but I was wrong. Anice is stunningly beautiful inside and out. She marries a Scots man just like her older sister to save her family and her family’s castle and lands. She marries James, who is a part of the worst family in history, the Grahams. They have committed despicable crimes against Werrick Castle, but Anice is a strong adversary and she will make this pact work. Now, you know that Anice and James will fall in love, but will James really not follow a reiver’s path, will he find love, and how will it work out in the end? These are all questions that you will have when you read this book! I HIGHLY suggest it! It made me laugh, cry, and sigh – all true signs that it is a great read! I CANNOT wait to read the rest of the sisters’ stories! My suggestion is that you turn on notifications and follow Madeline Martin on social media. You do NOT want to miss out on any of her books! If you love a great romance, Scottish Men, a well-written novel, and a book that you cannot put down, READ this book and any others by Madeline Martin! You will NOT be disappointed!
Anice Barrington, second daughter of the Earl of Werrick, did the only thing possible to save their people from starving as their hated enemies, the Grahams had surrounded the castle for months. She agreed to wed James Graham, the son of the Laird.
“Anice,” he said her Christian name in a low voice. There was something soft to it, sensual, beckoning and it made a warmth stir deep in her belly.
“I will only wed ye if ye come willingly,” he said. “I’ll no force ye.” He took her hand in his massive one and ran a thumb over her palm. Sunlight streamed in through the open shutters and shown on eyes that were more green than blue. He searched her gaze with those exquisite eyes, and she no longer felt as if she needed to squirm beneath his observation.
“What say ye Anice?” he asked softly. “Will ye come to me willingly?”
It was at that moment I fell in love with James Graham, but knew it might be a difficult road for he and Anice going foward.
Prepare to be drawn into a time unlike any other and experience the emotions of this man who wants to change and this beautiful woman who wants to have more worth than just her looks. They have a chance at love if only they can pull together and let past deceptions stay where they should.
Madeline Martin has crafted another amazing story in this second of the Borderland Ladies series! Plus I loved Piquette who also stole my heart!! I am just so happy to know there will be more which only made me sigh more as I turned that last page!! Do not miss this one or any of Madeline’s marvelous stories!!
Series: Borderland Ladies #2
Publication Date: 6/25/19
Number of Pages: 305
Public Service Announcement – Do NOT begin this book before you go to bed unless the following day is completely free. Once you start reading, you absolutely will not be able to stop – and it will linger in your mind long after you are done.
The characters are so engaging that you’ll think of them as your own family. James and Anice are from totally different backgrounds, but they have so much in common. They both focus on their own flaws more than their own strengths and both want the best for their clans.
The Borderlands are an extremely dangerous place to live – especially for the residents of Werrick Castle. The Earl of Werrick, Warden of the English West March, has taught his five daughters to fight just as well as the men because they’ve been under constant attack by the Graham Clan for over ten years. The Grahams are reivers with no land or home of their own and Laird Graham covets Werrick castle and all of its riches. The Grahams managed to take Werrick Castle once, briefly, and it cost the Countess of Werrick her life.
The current siege of Werrick Castle has gone on for many, many months, the food stores are gone and the people are slowly starving. Anice knows she has to do something to save her family and her people – but what? If Marin, her sister, were there, she’d know what to do, but Marin is married and living at her own castle now. Therefore, it is up to Anice as her father is at a loss for ideas as well. Nothing is going to happen if the two leaders don’t speak, so Anice sets about making that happen. She sneaks out of the castle through the secret entrance and makes her way to the reivers encampment where she encounters a very large, very muscled man and asks him to take her to Laird Graham.
A meeting is set and now Anice has to convince her angry father that it is for the best that she snuck out to set things up. When Laird Graham arrives, that large warrior is with him – and he is definitely an imposing man. As Lord Werrick asks what terms Laird Graham will accept to end the siege, Graham shocks them all. Laird Graham requires that Lord Werricks daughter, Anice, must marry Laird Graham’s son. Yes, that very large, very imposing man is Graham’s son, James. James is as shocked as Anice, but both reluctantly agree in order to save Werrick Castle and her people.
James Graham is tired of reiving. He wants peace for his clan – and a steady supply of food and a safe place to live for them all. He’s tried and tried to persuade his father to give up reiving, but there is no hope for it. His father loves the excitement and thrill of the battles, raiding the castles they take and – well – all of the other vile things they do. James sees this marriage as an opportunity to gain land and a home for his people as a part of Anice’s dowry. He just won’t love her – because – well – beautiful women are deceitful and don’t belong with people like him.
There are so many wonderful, fun, entertaining, scary, suspenseful things I’d love to tell you about this book – but I don’t want to spoil it for you. I will tell you that I absolutely adored James Graham. He’s so large and fierce – but has the most gentle and loving heart. He could easily be my favorite hero – ever. The love between Anice and James felt real and I totally believed these two could come together and bring out the best in each other. Trust was an issue for each of them – James because he’d been betrayed by a beautiful woman – and Anice because the Grahams were the cause of so many horrible things that have happened to her family and Werrick Castle. I loved watching them come together and overcoming almost insurmountable odds.
This is the second book of the series and could easily be read as a stand-alone, but everything is so much richer and more exciting if you’ve read the first book. I highly recommend this book and the entire series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A young couple thrown together to avert a war, must overcome many obstacles and misunderstandings before they become “as one”. How is it going to be possible for this union to be happy and successful when all types of adversities and betrayals are thrown their way? Can this marriage ever become a life of lust or love? Since this marriage was predicted to be a failure, would treachery and deceit ruin their life together? Will love finally come to both Anise and James? You definitely must read Anise’s Bargain to find out the outcome. I am so waiting the sequel to this series.
Madeline Martin , Another amazing hit in Book 2 ( Anice’s Bargain ) in The Borderland Ladies. The 2nd daughter of 5 who brings her beauty as her survival tool. A not to handsome Scot who agrees to marry for his clan’s conveniences. The two learn to love each other with a happily ever after. I can’t wait to grab Book 3.
Anise is the most beautiful of the sisters in the Borderland Ladies series.
She can’t be like her eldest sister and defend the castle, but she really wants to be something beside just pretty.
When they are attacked, she offers herself to end it.
Madeline Martin made me feel like I was in the story. I felt like it was me feeling not as good as the rest of the girls and want to do something, anything to be as good.
Wonderful story and totally loved it.