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… HE LOVES HER…When he was but a boy, Sir Geordie Strafford was abandoned at Werrick Castle, his life meant as payment for his father’s deceit. Lady Catriona Barrington saved him by pleading with Lord Werrick for … meant as payment for his father’s deceit. Lady Catriona Barrington saved him by pleading with Lord Werrick for a stay of execution. From that moment on, Geordie and Cat were inseparable, until he left on a four-year campaign for the king. Now returned with his dream of being a knight fully realized, Geordie is determined to win the heart of the woman he’s always loved. But Cat has a secret of her own, one that could destroy everything.
SHE LOVES HIM…
Since they were children, Catriona has always known she wanted her best friend by her side. When Geordie comes home from years of battle, her feelings blossom into a passionate love. But one dark, traumatic night changes Cat’s life forever, leaving her with far more than just emotional scars—she’s now pregnant. Knowing that Geordie would risk everything for her, even killing the man who stole her innocence, she dares not tell him the truth. He’s worked too hard to lose everything fighting for her honor. For that reason, she realizes even though she loves him and revels in his kisses, their union cannot continue.
BUT LOVE MAY NOT BE ENOUGH.
When they arrive at court, royal intrigues grow dangerous, lies abound, and choices must be made. Will love and happiness win, or will a secret destroy a lifetime of dreams and determination?
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Wow, the Borderland Ladies series stories just keep getting better and better! This one was so touching and emotional it was difficult to put down. Catriona is such a strong and determined woman, she never gives up on her love no matter the danger. It is impossible not to admire her and love her for that alone, however there is so much more to her. She is honorable, selfless and caring to say the least. Sir Geordie is just as honorable, but will they be able to be together when everything seems to be against them? This is such an exciting, action packed, emotional story. I loved everything about it and the epilogue certainly has me anxious for Leila’s story next. I never have any qualms in recommending any of Madeline Martin’s books and this one is certainly no exception. Though it is easily read as a stand-alone I would recommend that you pick up the previous books for some background, if not just for the sheer pleasure of reading more of this wonderful series.
Lady Catriona Barrington reveled in her time at court, as a younger sister in a family of beautiful women, Cat often felt overlooked and gloried in the attention she received from the courtiers, but when one flirtation goes too far, Cat is eager to return to Werrick Castle and try to keep that awful night a secret.
But now that she is home, she soon learns her secret is even bigger than she thought and will not remain that way for long. But in the midst of her despair, her dearest friend Geordie returns after four long years away on campaign with the King. But the man who has returned is no long the young boy she has always loved as a friend, no this is a man who inspires deeper feeling, feelings that she has no right to feel for him. So when he is called to court by the king, she thinks may have found a solution to her woes, by returning to court with him, under the pretense of meeting a suitor.
Geordie has loved Cat for as long as he can remember and that love prodded him to “prove” himself worthy of her, first by earning his knighthood and hopefully soon, by being awarded a holding of his own, then he will declare himself and ask for her hand, but his dreams are crushed when she makes it clear that she hopes to marry the son of a Baron and asks Geordie to take her to court when he goes.
As they travel, Cat knows that her feeling for Geordie are true love, but deems herself unworthy, especially after Geordie’s contempt for unvirtuous women is made known. And when he learns her secret, she is sure she has lost him forever. But when they reach court, she realizes she underestimated Geordie’s love for her and just when it seems like HEA is within reach – the unthinkable happens and Cat only has a matter of days to save the man she loves from death and dishonor.
This was my favorite book in the series (so far), and as much as I loved James (and still do) Sir Geordie Strafford embodies everything a hero should be and he is exactly what you would picture a knight in shining armor to be – handsome, heroic, honorable, brave, self-sacrificing and steadfast – my heart broke for him so many times in this book and while it is technically Cat’s story, Geordie has been such a vital part of the series, that I felt like it became “their” story. The book has a bit of everything, some action, some heartache, some steamy love scenes, bad guys getting their due, wonderful secondary characters, both old and new, a heroine who saves the day and a hero who’s love has no equal and finally a HEA. This story touches on some sensitive/trigger issues and I think Ms. Martin handled them with both empathy and compassion, none of the traumatic events actually take place on page and when they are recounted it is done mildly and without overly graphic detail.
I just loved this story and can’t recommend it highly enough. This is the fourth book in the series and while I suggest reading the books in order, this book could easily be read as a stand-alone.
1341 Brampton, England Werrick Castle.
Sometimes early in life the heart knows what it wants, even though that connection may be pulled apart or at least wounded.
Lady Catriona Barrington had been taken in by the grandeur of court life when she had visited. Feeling beautiful and caught up in the lifestyle, it only took a short time to be seduced and left, with no one being the wiser. That is except when she returned home and realized she was with child.
Geordie Strafford was finally returning home to Werrick Castle after being away four years on campaign with the King. He had achieved Knighthood and could not wait to see his best friend Cat and begin wooing her, for he had loved her since childhood when he had been taken in by her family.
Cat had loved Geordie when they were children, but when he came back a man, one who grabs her heart. But she knows she cannot hold him back by her dilema and if he finds out what happened, he will fight for her honor.
When he is called to court and Cat accompanies him, she feels she may have found a solution. Find a man to marry.
This was a highly emotional story that tore at my heart. Geordie was a wonderful man who was honorable, a hero and determined and he truly loved Cat. He was truly the chivalrous knight that would save the maiden and Cat was afraid at what would happen.
Madeline Martin has outdone herself in this entire series. But I think this may be my favorite (yes I have said that about each one, but what can I say?) She weaves magic with her words that always bring so many emotions, that it is hard to let go when I turn the last page. But fortunately for me and her legion of readers, I know there will always be another story to be written by her!!
A time at court, an untimely and unexpected pregnancy, a love declared between two people, a promise of marriage, a mother reunited with her son and finally a murder with a possible death sentence, lures one into this well written and most absorbing book. With this combination of seduction, rape, love, mystery and murder and the final “happily ever after” brings one joy in reading Catriona’s Secret.
Catriona’s Secret is the fourth book in the Borderland Ladies series. I have loved every book in the series, and I wasn’t disappointed with this one. I love that each book has been unique to each sister and their exceptional talents. I had been looking forward to Catriona’s story and am so glad that Geordie was in it. Catriona had gone to court naïve and innocent but returned home ruined and pregnant. Geordie had been away at war for four years and returned hoping to gain a home and land so he could marry Catriona. When Geordie was requested to go to court to a feast in his honor, Catriona decides to travel with him and to confront the man who ruined her. Geordie is heartbroken when Catriona told him she was going to marry another. Once they reach court the intrigue begins and the mystery must be solved in order for them to have their HEA. I highly recommend this series! It has been so entertaining and I can’t wait to read Leila’s story. I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Catriona and Geordie have been life long friends.
Over the 4 years Geordie has been away from Werrick Castle, (fighting for the king) he has secretly been in love with Cat.
While Cat is at court, she becomes infatuated with Sir Gawain. After 1 careless night, her whole life turns upside down.
When Cat returns home, she is devastated when she discovers that she is pregnant.
Unbeknownst to her, she soon finds out that Sir Gawain is married.
To her surprise, Geordie finally comes home and declares his love for her.
What will Cat do?
A love built over a lifetime, from childhood to adulthood. Catriona and Geordie have been separated for four years, she helping to run her father’s keep now that the older sisters are all married, and he out serving the King and earning a well deserved knighthood. If only things were still as simple as being best friends.
Geordie wants to marry her, he wants to earn his way to prove that he can provide for her. Catriona is still a bit naive and fell pray to a court married (unbeknownst to her)dandy a few months prior, he plied her with sweet strong wine and took advantage of her. Poor Cat finds herself in a family way. All of her hopes and dreams and Geordies may now be permanently shattered.
This book is so well written
It has twists and turns, sadness and happiness, and most of all it has love. Hard to come by, long lasting,
Deep meaningful love. The characters main and side, cause you to fall in love with them, you will turn the page because you want to know what is happening next, and you will not be disappointed.
I am sad that there is only one sister left in this series to find her true love,but I am also excited that some of the side characters will have novellas for us to learn more about their lives. I can’t wait to see what other magnificence Ms Martin has for us readers in the next book.
Geordie Stafford and Catriona Barrington have been close ever sence he came to Werrick Castle they were friends as young children. But now they are grown and secret’s could keep a new love that develops between them apart.
Geordie new he wanted to be a Knight to earn the trust that his slimy father broke he serves his King for 4 long years threw many a war. And now he cant wait to see his friend Cat again. But Cat has grown cold there is something wrong how can this be the same girl grown to a woman one he loves and wants to marry he wants her to confide in him and when she dose it breaks his heart what has happened to her.
Catriona Barrington went to court while her friend went away but nothing is as it seems there its full of deceit and misery she found this out the hard way now she is pregnant she goes home to deal with her misery. Soon Geordie returns and he is handsome and kind and she doesn’t deserve him but she could destroy everything he has worked for if she confesses her love and what happened at court. But soon she will have to return to court with Geordie and deal with what happened. Can there love servive such turmoil.
Another good book in this series each one different but can be read as stand alone. And hopefully my favorite character Marin will eventually get to have a baby in the next book.
I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
OMGoodness!!! This has to be my favorite of this series. But, I have said that after reading each book. This is Catriona and Geordies story. Geordie has been away fighting in the war and earning his knighthood so he will be worthy of Cats hand. For four long years. Cat was waiting and while at court she made a foolish mistake with a known Rake and womanizer. When Geordie returns home she acts distant. He knows she’s hiding something but hasn’t got a clue as to what. She returns to court to confront the man who took her virtue. Geordie goes along as her escort and protector. My heart broke for these two who had loved each other since they were children. Their path to love is a tortured one. Will they overcome these obstacles to find the love they so deserve? Cat is strong willed and filled with guilt and so much love for Geordie. He is the perfect hero full of love for Cat and I have never met a more admirable and devoted hero. Do yourself a favor and read this book and all before it. Madeline Martin has way with her writing. You’ll fall in love with the characters and all of her books. I highly recommend this book. I was gifted this book and am voluntarily reviewing. My opinions are my own. Five plus stars. I anxiously await the next book.
Catriona’s Secret by Madeline Martin is book 4 in the Borderland Ladies Series. This is the story of Catriona ‘Cat’ Barrington and Geordie Strafford. I haven’t yet read the previous book but did read the first two but I did feel this could be a standalone book if you wish to do so. Cat and Geordie became best of friends after Geordie was left at Werrick Castle as payment for his father misdeeds. Cat saved him and from there on until he had to go into battle for the King. So in their present day he has been away for a few years and is returning home a Knight. Geordie wants to win the heart of his best friend, Cat now that he is back. Cat has always been in love with Geordie but something has happened that has taken her choice away from claiming those feelings. Now she seeks to confront the man that has hurt her without Geordie finding out because she doesn’t want him to be brought down by this traumatic situation..
This was a page turner read for me…loved it!
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Caitriona is a smart, strong, beautiful woman. Her best friend is Geordie. Geordie has been gone and has become a knight and Caitriona has gone to court. While at court, something happens that can ruin her future. Geordie comes home, as does Caitriona and they discover what they have is special. Is it special enough to withstand what happened at court? You must read and find out!! Madeline writes amazing characters that you fall in love with!! The books are also full of historical facts. Great, great read!!!
Catriona’s Secret by Madeline Martin is Book 4 of The Borderland Ladies Series.
A fantastic READ! This historical romance is intense and powerful. Catriona and Geordie have loved each other since they were children. After 4 long years of fighting for the King, Geordie has earned a knighthood and comes home to Werrick Castle in hopes of being worthy enough to ask for Cat’s hand. Cat can’t believe Geordie has survived war and has come home to her. If only her life had not been ruined only two months before. Now she must save Geordie from loosing everything he has worked so hard to gain by protecting him from being with her. This gripping storyline that is well-researched and beautifully written with steamy romance and a great cast of characters that will touch your heart and warm your soul!
Happy Reading!
Abandoned as a young boy at Werrick Castle as payment for his father’s betrayal, Sir Geordie Strafford spent his childhood with the daughter of the Earl of Werrick, Lady Catriona, after she saved his life by pleading with her father on his behalf. Geordie and Cat remained inseparable until he left on a four year battle campaign with the king to earn his spurs as a knight. Now, with that goal accomplished, he hopes to win the heart of the only woman he’s ever loved, but Cat is keeping a secret that could ruin everything.
Lady Catriona Barrington has always wanted to have her best friend Geordie near her and when he returns from war a fully grown man, her feelings for him become true romantic love. But a poor decision and a terrible experience at court have left Cat pregnant and she dares not tell Geordie for fear of his retaliation against the man who seduced and took advantage of her. Cat won’t stand by and allow Geordie to lose everything he’s fought for on her behalf. Though she loves him, she knows they cannot be together.
When Geordie is summoned to court for a feast in his honor Cat joins him under the guise of meeting a potential suitor, though her real goal is to hide her pregnancy from her barren older sister and confront the child’s father. But nothing is quite as it should be at court and just when Cat and Geordie finally seem to be finding their way to happiness, it is snatched from their grasp, perhaps permanently.
In reading this entire series I’ve been cheering for Geordie and Cat to be together. They’ve always been adorable, even as just friends. I just wish Cat had been more honest with him up front and it would have saved a lot of heartbreak, but that wouldn’t be realistic of course. I loved Geordie. He was the perfect sensitive yet strong hero and I loved seeing him and Cat finally get their happy ending. I’m so excited but also sad for the next and final installment in the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When he was but a boy, Sir Geordie Strafford was abandoned at Werrick Castle, his life meant as payment for his father’s deceit. Lady Catriona Barrington saved him by pleading with Lord Werrick for a stay of execution. From that moment on, Geordie and Cat were inseparable, until he left on a four-year campaign for the king. Since they were children, Catriona has always known she wanted her best friend by her side. When Geordie comes home from years of battle, her feelings blossom into a passionate love. But one dark, traumatic night changes Cat’s life forever, leaving her with far more than just emotional scars–she’s now pregnant.
The fourth book in this astounding series, whilst it could be read on its own I’d highly recommend reading the books in order. With each book I think it can’t be as good as the previous ones & each time I’m proven wrong. I once again found it very hard to put down as I was so drawn into the story that I could have been a fly on the wall & I was taken on a roller coaster of emotions with this heart wrenching read. Just when you think Geordie & Cat have solved their problems something else happens to leave you gasping. Please don’t start this book late at night if you want to sleep & also have plenty of tissues on hand.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
I recieved this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I read this book so quickly. It really held my attention and I loved the visuals the author wrote with.
I loved Cat and Geordie’s story. They loved each other for so long. Geordie comes back as a knight after fighting for the king and country. Cat’s secret she thought for sure would end any possibility at life with the love of her life. Luckily Geordie’s love surpasses any obstacle life throws at them. There is so much that happens at one time that truly tests their love. As with the other stories in the borderland series, Cat gets to show her badassery. Her skill, strength and determination is the true backbone to this story. I liked that she doesn’t take anything lying down even when life seems to not be in her favor.
Catriona’s Secret is a wonderful addition to the Borderland Ladies stories.
It touches so close to the heart of any person who has done something stupid and not knowing how to deal with the consequences.
Cat has always cared for Geordie and it was reciprocated by Geordie.
I felt so sorry for Cat, I could step into her shoes and feel her pain as she tries to plan and make the best of what she feels in losing everything she had ever wanted.
Madeline Martin has looked into the soul of a troubled girl and the love of her life and created a story that grips you in the heart and won’t release you until you turn the last page. So far this is the best of the series!
Series: Borderland Ladies #4
Publication Date: 8/27/19
This world would be a much, much better place if there were more Geordies in it. Every woman wants, needs, DESERVES, a Geordie in her life. He is a perfect hero and I am so glad I got to meet him. We’ve read about young Geordie through the first three books in the series, and now, finally, we get to meet the grown-up Geordie and he is truly spectacular. Who would have believed that the frightened young boy who faced what he thought was his impending death with such dignity and bravery – would have grown to be a knight who saved both the king and England?
After four long, arduous, dangerous, lonely years away, Sir Geordie has returned to Werrick Castle where he can see the woman he loves – the woman he’s loved his entire life. He’s returning in triumph with his knighthood and the favor of the king himself. Yet, something isn’t right. He’s not sure what, but there is something wrong with Cat. Could she love another?
Lady Catriona Barrington has longed to see Geordie for four years. They grew up together. They were best friends and confidants. She just always thought he’d be there beside her. Now, he’s at the Castle and all is ruined – completely, totally, irrevocably ruined. It is all her fault – because she was weak – because she let the unthinkable happen. She’s lost it all.
When Geordie is called to London to attend a feast the king is giving in Geordie’s honor, Cat is determined to go with him in order to confront the man who impregnated her. He has to help her. Maybe take the child and raise it – something. Geordie cannot know – he especially cannot know who the man is – because he would kill him.
Court is filled with intrigue and danger for both Cat and Geordie. Even the king’s favor might not be enough to save Geordie from a terrible fate. Will Cat and Geordie be torn apart?
We met a couple of new characters that I really liked in this book. First is Tristan who is a good and true friend to Cat and then there is Geordie’s mother who had thought him dead all these years. Of course, we also meet the slimy dastard who is Geordie’s father as well, but we won’t dwell on him. We got to have a short visit with lovely Marin and to see her heart still aching because she can’t conceive a child after eight years of trying. Maybe that will change in the final book of the series.
This is an absolutely wonderful story – well written, well-paced, and filled with characters with whom you want to spend more and more time. That is why I’m giving it 5-stars. That said, it really bothered me that Cat was more a wimpy(ish) victim through about 60% of the book rather than the strong, smart, brave, fearless woman we all know her to be. I’m also not a fan of the story mostly taking place at court – I would have loved some good battle scenes, etc. Still – it is a phenomenal book and I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Now, the wait for Leila’s book begins.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.