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 DREAMS OF LOVE…Lady Ella Barrington is a romantic who has always dreamed she would marry for love. But when loyalties are questioned, she must sacrifice her dream to save her father. Her handsome … for love. But when loyalties are questioned, she must sacrifice her dream to save her father. Her handsome betrothed seems to be the hero she’s always hoped for and awakens a yearning she never imagined. But her belief in fairytale love crumbles as the truth comes to light and danger lurks.
A MAN WITH EVERYTHING TO LOSE…
Bronson Berkley is the new Earl of Calville – a title that came with staggering revelations. He learns not only did his father leave a mountain of debt but he also sorely neglected Bronson’s stepmother and half-sister. When the King makes him an offer that will save his family from ruin, Bronson quickly agrees to wed Lady Ella. But while her longing is easily stoked with his courtier’s charm, he discovers her love is the true prize and will require the unveiling of his own guarded heart to win.
WILL DESIRE BRING THEM TOGETHER OR TEAR THEM APART…
Attraction sizzles between them, even after dreams are crushed. But when the reality of life in the borderlands threatens both their families, can Ella and Bronson mend the cracks between them in time to keep everyone safe? With the lines between love and lust blurred by passion, will unmasking their souls reveal the love of a lifetime, or will desire cost them everything?
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Ella Barrington always dreamed that she would marry for love, never did she imagine that she would have an arranged marriage. Yet here she was betrothed to the Earl of Calville by order of the King because her father’s allegiance is being questioned. Bronson Berkley is certainly not looking for a wife however when his father dies and he discovers that he has left him with no funds, a manor practically in ruins and his sister and stepmother almost starving and in rags he must agree to the King’s request to marry Ella Barrington. I absolutely loved this story. It had everything I could possibly have asked for in a romantic suspense story; action, romance, misunderstandings, secrets, intrigue and more, including a true hero! I also enjoyed how Ms Martin included the animals in her story. I especially fell in love with Hardy. I love Madeline Martin’s style of writing; her characters are always well developed and real. I am anxiously awaiting the next book n this amazing series.
4.5 stars rounded up
Lady Ella Barrington is the middle daughter of the Earl of Werrick, she is the dreamer and the romantic of the family and plans to marry for love or not at all. But when her father’s loyalty to King Edward is questioned, Ella will have to give up her dreams of love and marry a man of the king’s choosing to save her father.
Bronson Berkley, the Earl of Calville has just learned that his father squandered their fortune and died in debt – debt that Bronson cannot possibly repay. When King Edward offers Bronson a way out of the crushing debt, by marrying Lady Ella, he asks for time to consider – thinking he will go to his estate and see what he can sell, but when he arrives he truly begins to understand the depth of his father’s betrayal – not only to him, but to his step-mother, Bridget and his half-sister, Lark who are living in poverty. Horrified that his father neglected the women in his life so badly, Bronson agrees to marry Ella to gain the funds to ensure that Bridget and Lark never suffer again.
Upon his arrival at Werrick Castle, Bronson is awed by the obvious wealth and delighted with Ella, she is lovely and smart, but it is clear she does not want to marry him, her family offers advice, Bronson is not sure he can give her the love she longs for, but he can give her passion and when he learns that she writes stories, he sets out to model himself as one the heroes from her books and win her over one kiss at a time.
At first Ella is resistant to Bronson’s charms, but slowly he begins to win her over by encouraging her passionate nature and her growing desire, he teaches her about pleasure and soon Ella is captivated and ensnarled by the passion they find together. She believes that she is falling in love, but when tragedy strikes and Ella learns why Bronson agreed to marry her, she is crushed and realizes she never really got to know Bronson. Bronson wants to prove to Ella that his intentions might not have started out as noble, but he truly does love her and is willing to do anything to prove it – but will the price be more than he can pay?
This was a fast paced story with plenty of action, sizzling love scenes, a likeable hero and heroine, a lot of emotion, betrayal, danger, great secondary characters (complete with a very sweet secondary romance), a HEA and an excellent epilogue! Of the all the books in the series, I think this book shows the most character development, Ella starts out a bit spoiled and coddled, but as the story progresses, I saw her changing from a starry-eyed girl with impossible dreams of “perfect love” to a compassionate and thoughtful young woman with a more grounded and realistic vison of what true love really entails. This is the third book in the series, but it can easily be read as a stand-alone title with no problems at all.
I was given a copy of Ella’s Desire in exchange for an honest review.
Ella, the 3rd daughter of the Earl of Werrick. I truely have enjoyed the Borderland ladies’ series. Ella’s was no exception. She is so young and heart and carefree. She loves romance and heros. She has ideas for her future but it comes to an end when she is told she must marry Lord Bronson Calville in order to save her father’s standing with the king. She resists at first but soon figures out that she might actually enjoy the union. Bronson is determined to win her over in order to have the ability to help his stepmother and sister from a horrible life his late father left them in.
The story was romantic and exciting. I love when the sisters get to reveal their fighting abilities and prove that they can in fact defend themselves and yet be charming, loving ladies. I like that Ella is not afraid to say what is on her mind and gets her point across no matter what.
The stories continue to get more exciting and I can’t wait for Cat’s and Leila’s stories.
A prearranged marriage ordered by the king, presents all kinds of problems for Ella and Bronson. Ella wants a love marriage and Bronson needs a marriage financially. So in order to get Ella’s ok to wed, he must woo her first. Just as things are progressing nicely, a misunderstanding sets them back to square one. Then an abduction occurs resulting in a harsh ordeal for both of them. Upon their return they finally enjoy a happily ever after.
A wonderful addition to the Borderland Ladies series.
Ella is a romantic at heart. She will settle for love or nothing at all, but when her father might be in trouble with the king, she agrees to marry a stranger.
One of the things about this era is that women are not allowed to follow their heart.
Ella is a writer. She makes up stories of romance and love.
Bronson is a new earl and his father has left him little besides the title and a little sister and stepmother to see to their needs.
When they meet and have to make arrangements for their wedding, Ella keeps putting it off but Bronson is in a hurry because he needs the funds their marriage will bring.
Tension and passion is a great path to a wonderful story.
This novel is about Lady Ella Barrington, the third daughter of the Earl of Werrick.
In order to prove her father’s loyalty to the King, she needs to marry an Englishman.
Both Ella’s older sisters fell in love and married Scotmen. Now the King is questioning the Earl of Werrick’s loyalty.
After Bronson’s father dies, he discoveres he has no fortune and actually in debt.
The King will dismiss his entire debt, if he agrees to marry Ella.
Ella falls for Bronson without knowing the real reason he agreed to the marriage.
She feels betrayed when she discovers Bronson’s secret.
Will he be able to repair Ella’s trust in him and reclaim her love.
Lady Ella Barrington has a romantic heart and a fierce spirit she has faced many battles but still hoped that she would have her chance at love on her own terms. But after her two older siblings Marin and Anice marry Scotsmen the King of England doesn’t trust her father now she must give up her dream and marry a man of the Kings decree and English one. She finds her new betrothed charming and hopes that she will get her love match onlt to find out he needs her money his father left there family with nothing can she trust him and find the love she always wanted.
Bronson Berkley is now the new Earl of Calville but he has inherited nothing but credit and debt his Stepmother and Stepsister are near starved and have been left to fend for themselves his lands in waist he doesn’t know what to do but when the King offers him the hand of Lady Ella with all debt wiped clean he jumps at the chance he thinks his betrothed is lovely he wants only to protect her but she doesn’t care for the fact that he is marrying her for away out of his debt. Now he must prove how much he really want her love.
I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
I think we all are dreamers in that we read amazing stories that all have a happy ending. Lady Ella Barrington was the same. Even though she was a warrior and could wield a mace and sword as well as any man, she was also a romantic and wanted to find love as her father had promised she could. But such was the problem when the King decreed she should marry an Englishman, Bronson, the Earl of Calville.
Bronson was in dire straights because with his father’s passing he realized he was left with heavy debt and not much to be able to take care of his stepmother and half sister. So when the King offered he marry Lady Ella and receive money and lands, he knew it would help solve his problems.
Well, that all sounded simple, but when you put these two together the sparks begin to fly! That is a strong physcial attraction. But Ella remained a little stuborn about not wanting to marry him.
Yes, I just wanted to shake, I mean how could she resist him?
Prepare to take a magical journey filled with all of the suspense, romance, action, a winning squirel and all that is needed to make this another great addition to the Borderland Ladies series! It is hard to put down a book by this author and I know when I turn the first page, I should just settle in for a page turning adventure that will leave me sighing as I turn the last page!!
Lady Ella Barrington is a romantic who has always dreamed she would marry for love. But when loyalties are questioned, she must sacrifice her dream to save her father. Her handsome betrothed seems to be the hero she’s always hoped for and awakens a yearning she never imagined. But her belief in fairytale love crumbles as the truth comes to light and danger lurks.
Bronson Berkley is the new Earl of Calville, a title that came with staggering revelations. He learns not only did his father leave a mountain of debt but he also sorely neglected Bronson’s stepmother and half-sister. When the King makes him an offer that will save his family from ruin, Bronson quickly agrees to wed Lady Ella. This story begins where Anice’s story finished
The third book in this astounding series, whilst it could be read on its own I’d highly recommend reading the books in order. Wonderful characters that leap out of the page at you & from the start you are drawn into the lives of the Barrington sisters. The story flows effortlessly, the pace does quicken towards the climax. Throughout the book you are taken on a mix of emotions from laughing, to crying & to holding your breath fearing what will happen. I found it to be unputdownable & thank goodness I don’t have long to wait for Cat’s story.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This is the third book in Madeline Martins Borderland Ladies, and believe it or not, it’s better than the two before. She has a way about her style of writing that the characters leap from the pages as if real. Ella Barrington has always dreamed she would marry for love. Instead, as the third eldest daughter of the Earl of Werrick, she finds herself betrothed to the Earl of Calville. She must agree to this to prove her fathers loyalty to the King. The attraction between each other was unexpected, but overwhelmingly strong. There is action, apparent betrayal, secrets, heartbreak and of course, love. This story is the most romantic so far. Loveable characters both two and four legged. I highly recommend this and any by Madeline Martin. I look forward to reading the other books in the series. I was gifted this book and am voluntarily reviewing.
Ella’s Desire is the third book in the Borderland Ladies series and the books keep getting better and better. The author truly does a great job giving each sister their own unique characteristics and their own book. This was Ella and Bronson’s story but all the side characters contributed to the story. Ella was the daughter who wanted a storybook romance, she dreamed about being courted and falling in love. To save her father, she must give up her dreams of love and marry Bronson, the new Earl of Ellingsworth. Bronson wasn’t aware of his father’s mismanagement of money and he inherited a lot of debt along with the title. After traveling to his new estate, he learns the house is in bad repairs and his step-mother and half-sister are living in poverty. The King offers to save him and his family from ruin if he agrees to marry Ella so Bronson agrees. Bronson uses his courtier’s charm to win Ella over, but when Leila and his sister, Lark, get abducted he must show his true self and can’t rely upon his courtier’s skills. I loved this story. The characters were great and there was action, romance, secrets and intrigue. It grabbed my attention in the beginning and held it until the end. I can’t wait to read the next book about Cat. The previews sound so awesome! I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Madeline Martin writes phenomenal tales. She has taken a group of sisters, and made the reader care about what happens to each one of them. While Ella’s fiance is not my favorite of all the sisters’s hunks, he is a good guy. The premise is Ella’s sisters have all married Scottish men. Her dad is English and the king is questioning his loyalty. His daughter has to marry Bronson in order to prove his loyalty. Ella has always been told she can marry for love, but now that is no longer the case. I suggest your buy this book and read it! Definitely read all of the Borderland Ladies books. They are the best!
Ella’s Desire is book 3 in The Borderland Ladies series by Madeline Martin. I enjoyed this book. Martin is an amazing writer. Her characters are so life like they literally leap off the page. I enjoyed the love story between Ella and Bronson. There were some twists and turns that I didn’t expect. “His lips had been wonderfully soft, his touch tender. And her response…that had been the most surprising thing of all. She’d revelled in his touch, his kisses. She tucked her lower lip into her mouth as she savored the remnant feel of his lips on hers.” Well done Ms Martin! I can’t wait to read the next Borderland Ladies book. I was gifted a copy of this book.
Ella’s Desire is an absolute must read! She is the strongest of all the sisters, and Bronson is the perfect match for her. They both discover so much about each other, and compliment each other perfectly. William and Brigid …. I love his reaction to her, he deserves happiness again. I can’t wait to see what happens to Leila and Lark. Thanks so.much for your beautiful way with words. You are a master storyteller.
Romantic and imaginative Lady Ella Barrington has only ever wanted to marry for love, but when the king questions her beloved father’s devotion to the English crown, she must give up that dream to save him by agreeing to an arranged marriage. Her betrothed turns out to be handsome and stirs newfound desires in Ella, but as truths are revealed and her illusions crumble, Ella’s belief in happy endings is also threatened.
Lord Bronson Berkeley, the Earl of Calville, has just learned that his late father has left the earldom in a ruinous state of indebtedness and that he neglected Bronson’s stepmother and half-sister whilst living to excess with his son at court. Left with nothing but his title, Bronson readily agrees to the king’s offer of marriage to the wealthy Lady Ella. He has no trouble stirring a physical connection between them but to keep it strong he’ll have to set aside his courtier’s mask and reveal the true inner workings of his heart, along with figuring out who he really is in the process.
This book was a great examination of fantastic dreams of true love and the difference between lust and real love. It was quite different to anything I’ve read before and I loved it. Ella challenged Bronson to reassess his thinking and forced him to truly find himself, all the while refusing to change and remaining true to herself. Another great installment for this series, even if our hero is an Englishman this time rather than a broody Scot 😉
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
** 3.75 Stars Rounded Up
This author is one of my favorites and is one whose books I always buy – without even thinking about it. This series is one of her best – the premise is unique, the main characters are robust and interesting and the supporting characters are just as interesting and unique as the main characters. The first book, Marin’s Promise, set a very high bar for the other books in the series to meet. Then, Anice’s Bargain came along at definitely met that high bar. Now, Ella’s Desire is here and I think maybe it didn’t quite reach that bar. It is still a great read, just not at the same level as the first two books. Maybe it is that series-middle-book-slump thing. Ella just wasn’t who I thought she was based on the first two books. I thought she was pretty selfish through most of this book and she was definitely spoiled. I really didn’t manage to connect with either of the main characters, but I identified more with Bronson than with Ella. I believe the author was trying to go in a different direction with this book and it just wasn’t as exciting, can’t-catch-my-breath, and un-put-downable as the first two books. Bronson is definitely NOT a Highlander. Still, as I said, a great read.
Lady Ella Barrington is called to the solar where she finds her father along with her two older sisters, Marin and Anise, awaiting her. That alone tells her it is a very serious matter. When she asks what is happening, she is told that the King is questioning their father’s loyalty because both Marin and Anise have married Scots. Therefore, the King has ordered that Ella (as the oldest unmarried daughter) marry Bronson Berkley, the Earl of Calville. Ella is aghast – she has always wanted to marry for love – and her father promised her that she could. ** This is the part where Ella’s selfishness starts to show itself. She had to actually think about whether to follow the King’s command knowing that if she did not, her father would lose either his life or his freedom.
Bronson Berkley, Earl of Calville, has just had the biggest shock of his life. His father died and Bronson found out that there is no money, he and his father have been living on credit, his stepmother and stepsister are near to starving, and the estate is in near ruins. The King has told him that if he will marry the Earl of Werrick’s oldest unmarried daughter, Bronson’s back taxes will be forgiven and he will receive a stipend for a year in order to put his estate back in order. That is an offer Bronson can’t refuse because he had no idea of the conditions his stepmother and stepsister had been living in and he has to do whatever it takes to make life better for them.
The better part of the book is taken up with the back and forth between Bronson and Ella. Bronson is fully committed to the betrothal/marriage, but Ella isn’t. She tries various ways to dissuade Bronson from marrying her – and at the same time keeps dragging him into intimate situations. The final twenty-five to thirty percent gets more exciting and Bronson finally shows himself to be the hero he has really been all along.
This is a well-written book that I think you will enjoy.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
Ella’s Desire by Madeline Martin is Book 3 of The Borderland Ladies Series.
Ella is the 3rd daughter of a English Borderland Earl that finds his loyalties to the English King are in question due to his two oldest daughters married Scotsmen and not Englishmen. Ella is an axe and mace welding warrioress who has to put her dreams of marrying for love aside and agree to marry an Englishman to save her father. I love this series because of the complex and lovable characters and the humorous banter. This story is rich with adventure, danger, great fight scenes, and a steamy romance surely to make your summer even hotter!