From New York Times Bestselling Author Madeline Martin comes a steamy, suspenseful prequel novella to the Borderland LadiesWHEN A WOMAN WANTING VENGEANCEAfter her mother was killed in an English raid, Ena Davidson spent her life fighting for survival, despising the men who stole so much from her family. Bran, her younger brother, is all she has left. To feed them, he risks his life as a reiver. … she has left. To feed them, he risks his life as a reiver. Determined to protect Bran, Ena sneaks into a raiding party going to England. She expects to find danger in the perilous, hostile borderlands–not love.
FALLS FOR THE ENEMY
Renault Blanchard has worked hard to escape his meager childhood, vowing to never return to begging on the streets. When an earl considers him for a coveted position among the castle guards, Renault knows that he must prove himself. He spies on the Scottish, an easy and uneventful task, until he discovers a feisty lass with a wild spirit and a fire that ignites his own passion.
THEIR LOVE COMES AT A HIGH COST
Despite all the odds against them, Ena and Renault slowly begin to trust each other. But old wounds run deep, and these star-crossed lovers face treachery from all sides. Will their love be strong enough, or will the fragile, intimate bond between them be shattered by hate?
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I am always left wanting to rush out and read more of Madeline Martin’s books after finishing one of her stories and I definitely felt that way after reading Ena’s Surrender. It was chock-full of action, intrigue and romance and certainly kept me on the edge of my seat. I read this one in one sitting as it was just too exciting to put down. Renault had my heart right from the start, as did Ena. It was wonderful reading Bran’s sister’s story, having already read his story in Marin’s Promise and being introduced to Ena then. (If you haven’t already done so be sure to pick it up as it is an amazing story and would be perfect to read after having read this book.) I am now anxiously waiting to see what Ms Martin has in store for us next!
In an attempt to help and protect her brother, Bran, who is her only remaining family and who risks his life reiving to keep them fed, Ena Davidson secretly joins a raiding party over the Scottish border into England. Her goal is to help her brother and try to keep him safe; she certainly never expects to meet the love of her life in such hostile territory.
Renault Blanchard has clawed his way up from being a dirty orphan begging in the streets to now having a shot at becoming a castle guard for a powerful border earl. But to get the coveted position Renault has no problems with this simple job, until he begins to get to know the Scottish people, and one fierce woman in particular.
Even though they are meant to be enemies, Ena and Renault come to trust each other and work to keep one another safe during continued border skirmishes. But with their people firmly at each other’s throats, their newly developing bond may be crushed before it has a chance to grow.
I really enjoyed this book. The fast pace kept me engrossed and there was just enough suspense to keep me on the edge of my seat without giving me too much stress. I really loved Ena and Renault as a couple and it was also lovely to get some backstory on Bran. I can’t wait for the forthcoming series also set in this world.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Ena Davidson secretly joins a raid to help her younger brother Bran put food on their table. But in the heat of battle, Ena learns that she cannot kill anyone, even the hated English who stole so much from her. As a young girl, her mother and older brother were killed and she was left for dead, if not for Bran, she would have died. She hates the English, but even that hate can’t make her kill. She attacks the English raider, but loses her dagger to him and is spotted by her brother.
Renault Blanchard is shocked to learn the “lad” he disarmed is in fact a lass! When a retribution raid takes place he again crosses paths with Ena, he returns her dagger, but takes her goat – Maribel. But when Bran returns, she learns that he returned Maribel as well and against her better judgement, is intrigued. Later, while on a spying mission to Scotland, Renault sees her again in the village – he knows a relationship with her is impossible, he is a spy working for the Earl of Bothbury, he is her enemy, everything about them is wrong, but try as he might, he can’t seem walk away from her. And soon knows he will have to decide to walk away from everything he has worked so hard to achieve or betray the woman who he loves with all his heart.
Ena tries to forget about the Renault, but he challenges everything she believes about the English and despite her hatred for all Englishmen, she finds herself falling for him. So when she learns the truth about Renault’s job for Bothbury, will she trust him or will she let the hate she has carried for so long consume her and destroy him.
Ena plays a pivotal role in Marin’s Promise and you get to read more of Ena and Renault’s HEA in that book, but you don’t know how they met or how Ena could possibly love an Englishman until you read this book! This book is the perfect segue into Marin and Bran’s story, it is well written, flows perfectly, has steamy love scenes, plenty of action, lies, deception and an against-all-odds type of love story. It is a novella but the characters are fleshed out and it never feels rushed. I loved this story and am happy to recommend it. It is part of the series and I would recommend reading this book before Marin’s Promise – it is not necessary, but it will give you a better understanding of Bran’s actions in that book!
Compelling, exciting and romantic…I just loved it and couldn’t put it down ..gives you the goosies.
Book 0 – Prequel to Madeline Martins Borderland series. Scotland, 1333
Ena Davidson and Renault Blanchard met as enemies during a riever raid and their lives would be forever changed. This was a dangerous time for life on the Scottish/English border. This is a heart wrenching story of people who were caught up in that time. Can the love of two enemies survive in such hatred? The characters were well developed and lovable, even the goat and cat. Ena has survived such heartbreak, I actually cried for the strong woman she became. And I fell in love for the hero, Renault. The bad guy, Earl of Bothbury, not so much. Kudos Madeline Martin for outdoing yourself yet again. I was gifted this book and am voluntarily reviewing. My opinions are my own. Five glorious stars!
WHAT A THRILLING READ!!! Ena’s Surrender by Madeline Martin was just so darn wonderful to read. I enjoyed every minute of it. Madeline is truly an amazing writer and has such a creative imagination. Her writing is simple to read and her characters are so lovable. I think my favorite character in this book is Maribel the goat. Nothing better than having an animal added to a medieval story. This original story has Scotland and England border raids, protection, old haunting memories, death, imprisonment, a traitor, friendships, a bother’s love, rescue, a kick butt heroine and enemies to lovers. I highly recommend you read this wonderful story… it will not disappoint.
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
Ena’s Surrender: A Scottish Medieval Romance (Borderland Ladies Book 0) by Madeline Martin is a quick, and powerful Medieval Scottish Romance. A prequel to the Borderland Ladies (Marin’s Promise, book 1)
Well written, fast paced, with intrigue, suspense and a bit of mystery. The characters are well developed, engaging, and charming. The storyline will definitely grab your heart.
Ena Davidson, a woman seeking vengeance against all Englishman, for her tragic life experiences. Renault Blanchard, has worked hard to escape his merger childhood, and spies on the Scottish for his English earl. Then he discovers, Ena, a feisty Scottish lass, who ignites his passion, with her fire and her wild spirit. Everything changes for both of them.
Steamy, exciting, suspenseful, with a HEA.
Another must read by Madeline Martin. While, not necessary to read MARIN’S PROMISE, it gives the reader a glimpse into Bran and Ena’s childhood. Then it is easier to understand Bran’s behavior, in MARIN’S PROMISE. Fantastic read!
“I voluntarily received a complimentary copy, however, these are my honest opinions. I was in no way required nor compensated to write a review.”
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Steamy
Reviewer: AprilR
Ena’s Surrender, by Madeline Martin. Wow! The author gave us a short story with a powerful impact. The writer shared a romance story of two people from different sides of the border. The writer drew her readers in with the gripping story that will pull at your heart.
This story leads the reader questioning, will all turn out well for main characters? The drama to this romance story leaves you intrigued and wanting Renault and Ena to come together. Forget about duty and what side of the border that you are from. All that matters is what’s in their heart, and what does their soul tell them. Renault is the English guard who attacks Ena’s village.
Ena is the Lass who’s suppose to stay home during her brothers raids as he pilfers for food to feed their hungry bellies. If you are familiar with this writer, you know that she gives her readers strong heroine characters. Ones with brains. That knows how to fight and wield a sword. As the writer shared our couples story, the emotions and heartache of Renault and Ena experiences, leaves the reader rooting for them.
Holding out for that sliver of hope that yes. Maybe this will be the moment for the two to have their moment, but then whack! Some terrible mishap is sitting there waiting in the wind. Waiting to deny them what they truly long for. My fellow readers, I recommend this romantic love story.
Until next time…read on! I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free gifted copy.
Continuous raiding on the border of Scotland and England is unending and leaves many Scots and English dead. Renault is a spy for the English Middle March Warden. Ena and her family are just trying to survive. In one raid to England, Ena and Renault encounter each other in battle. When love grows between them, sacrifices will be made. A short romance with a strong woman and an absolute hero.
Madeline Martin is the true hero in her books, I love how her characters come to life in this prequel, we get to know the story of one character before her borderland ladies and learn how it all began. This is a beautiful love story of headstrong woman warrior and a love sick spy, two country enemies who become one in their love. This book is a page turner. you don’t want to miss!
Good stuff!
Ena’s Surrender is the prequel to the Borderland Ladies Series. I was so excited when the author announced she would be writing Ena’s story. I loved the series and in the first book Bran was so worried for Ena, his sister, so to read her story and know that she got her happy ever after was wonderful. It was well written and a fast read, but the author was still able to fully build the characters and have a great plot. It was an enemy to lover troupe, which always creates strong characters. Ena and Renault were perfect for each other and I was so happy with the ending.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Madeline Martin is one of those authors that when they come out with a new book, you just know that you’re going to love it. This one is no exception. I so enjoyed Ena and Renault’s story that takes part amidst the skirmishes between the borders of England and Scotland.
Danger abounds, spies are everywhere, Scots don’t trust the English and vice versa, people are starving and reiving is a daily occurrence….and yet, with all that going on, a passionate romance blooms between a Scot and an Englishman. Ena is a heroine after my own heart, she’s a warrior at heart and will do anything to protect those she loves. Renault is a worthy hero who commits treason against his own people, just to save Ena’s life. It’s love at first sight and a fight to the bitter end until they can reach their HEA.
Reading this story ensures that you will want to read the rest of the series!!
A novella with the characters being ordinary people longing for a better life. They meet on opposite sides of the battle between the English and the Scottish. They must deal with dungeons, fighting and the H becoming a traitor for a HEA
It gives you insight to the strong woman and her hero that she tames.
Ena is the sister of Bran, one of the main character of Marin’s Promise. She is also a strong woman that helps you understand how Bran deals with Marin and her sisters when he takes over their castle in Marin’s Promise.
Renault is an English spy for one of the March Lords on the border with the hopes of becoming one of his guards. When he meets and falls for Ena, he turns traitor to the Lord.
Ena has taken the experience of being injured when the English attach her home as a child and learns to protect herself, but how does she protect her heart when it becomes enraptured with Renault.
Ms. Martin once again catches your attention with the first page and keeps you interested and involved with the story.
Enchanting. Yes that is a great word for this heartfelt story, although there are many more. Ena was a reiver. Well, no, not officially, but she was fierce and only wanted to help her brother and the others who raided the English to have enough food to eat. What she found she could not do was kill a man. One specifically, the one time she disguised herself as a boy and got into a skirmish with him. She just couldn’t do it. Little did she know that same man would show up at their hut and try to steal her goat Maribel. Yes that is a story in itself!
Renault Blanchard was that man that Ena attacked and when he saw she was a woman, he realized she could not bring herself to kill him. When he walked through the town he heard a goat bleating and thought to take it, but who did he run into? Ena, the fierce Scottish warrior he had encountered.
Scots and English. Enemies. But sometimes none of that matters except the outside forces that will try to keep them apart.
This has been such an amazing series with each story pulling at my heart. Madeline Martin, again shows her marvelous skills as a top notch story teller that always leaves me wanting more. Lucky for me and thousands of other readers, I know there are more books she will write and I can only wait patiently.
Ena sneaks into a raiding party going to England. She is tired of her brother not getting enough food to eat and wants to do her part. While on the raid she is attached by an Englishman. She manages to get away with the help of her brother.
Renault is trying to better himself by doing the bidding of the earl. But after his encounter with Ena, he doesn’t know if he can keep spying on the Scots.
Ena and Renault end up encountering each other again and again. Both are attracted to the other, but what can come of these two when they are meant to be enemies?
I really enjoyed this novella. We know a little about Ena from her brother’s book (this story takes place before his) so it was fun to see Bran when he was younger and how Ena came to be married to an Englishman. If you’ve not read any of this series, I’d start with this one and then on to Marin’s promise. The series is definitely one I’d recommend!!
After losing her Mother to and English raid and nearly dies Ena has no love for the English. Her younger brother Bran raids the English to feed them. Renault has been working hard to become a castle guard. One night Ena goes along on a raid and ends up fighting Renault she and her raiding party escape. Then one night while Bran is out on a raid Renault and a English raiding party come to take back the cattle the Scottish raiding party took from them Ena catches Renault taking her goat. That’s when it all starts. Can Ena over come her hatred of the English can Renault give up his dream of becoming a castle guard. Will the get their happily ever after. I guess you’ll have to read the book to find out.
Ena’s Surrender is a Must read that will keep you spellbound from the moment you begin the journey with Renault and Ena until the very end. It brings you through the dark and turbulent times of the English and Highland wars, with all the violence, danger, and heartache in this rollercoaster ride full of twist and turns that will keep you sitting on the edge of your seat! Each and every character came to life with an incredibly strong plot that you will find yourself drawn into their story. Were the English steal and raze the Scottish and the Scottish do same. Ena, a warrior woman and her brother Bran are reavers for survival. On a raid Ena finds herself pitted against Renault a spy for the English. Sparks fly between the two in this heart pounding story full of drama, sizzling passion, action, trials and tribulations and while the suspense builds and tensions escalate with twist and turns abound that makes for one thrilling experience! An outstanding historical romance by Madeline Martin! Can’t wait to read about Bran’s adventure
This was a story of how love can triumph even when people are taught to hate. Ena was a courageous, brave and loving woman and Renault was her perfect match, finally. This author is one I will always read, her books always make me cry and laugh and give a great sigh of pleasure when I finish.
Ena’s Surrender by Madeline Martin is the prequel to the Borderland Ladies Series. This is the story of Renault Blanchard and Ena Davidson.
Ena and her brother Bran survived on a English attack when they were just kids. Ena did suffer serious injures but her brother help to keep her alive. Now after time has past it is still just the two of them with Bran risking his life to put food on the table for them. Of course Ena wants to help and sneaks into a raid which is where she meets Renault. Renault too had a awful childhood and he has set his path to become someone of importance. So Ena and Renault should be enemies since they are fighting on different sides but each time they meet they can’t seem to stop their feelings for taking over. I have always enjoyed this author’s writing and can never get enough of it. So enjoyed their story and look for me from this author.