An assassin hunts the men who slaughtered her family–and finds a handsome ally–in this thrilling Scottish romance from the USA Today-bestselling author. After years of training under the mysterious woman she knew only as My Lady, Sylvi is no closer to finding the man with half an ear that brought about the murder of everyone in her family. Now a skilled assassin guiding a network of spies … assassin guiding a network of spies of her own, she has every resource she could want. She just hasn’t found her mark.
On a new assignment, Sylvi’s blade misses its target, but for a change, she is grateful. Her subject, Ian, isn’t just uncommonly skilled and roguishly handsome–he may know exactly where her family’s murderers are.
Now unlikely allies, Sylvi will have to keep Ian close enough to get the information she needs. So close, that she fails to protect her own vulnerable heart. As she and Ian become lovers, she wonders: is a trustworthy ally? Or will he be her downfall?
“With an empowered heroine and tormented hero, a high degree of sensuality and a fast-moving plot, readers are sure to be satisfied from beginning to end.”–RT Book Reviews on Highland Ruse
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This story was absolutely mesmerizing! Sylvi was already an intriguing character from the previous books in the series so it was wonderful to finally read her story. Her background is quite tragic and heartbreaking and you just can’t help care for her. Ian is a totally honorable, swoon worthy, lovable, arrogant rogue! He was certainly a highlight in the book and you just can’t get enough of him. The story is action packed with a great storyline, a good mystery and wonderful characters. This is certainly a series I will read over and over again and though this book is part of the series it can be read as a stand-alone. I do not hesitate to recommend this book or any in this series.
If you have been following the series, you already know Sylvi and have probably been dying to know how she ended up as a mercenary, where did she learn to fight and why does she always wear a ribbon around her neck – well, my friends, the wait is over! All your questions will be answered!!
Sylvi is the leader of a band of mercenary women warriors, she is strong, brave and seemly indominable – but Sylvi has scars, both emotional and physical and her entire being cries for vengeance against those who stole everything from her.
When she accepts a job to assassinate Ian Campbell, her world is turned upside down. Finally she will have the means to enact her vengeance, but will revenge be the balm to her soul that she envisioned or will the love of an equally flawed man finally set her free?
There is a lot happening in this book and it is almost impossible to give details without ruining the story for you – so suffice it to say – read the book, you will not be sorry! There is action, adventure, steamy love scenes, a hero to die for, betrayal, twists, heartbreak, some moments of sorrow and of joy and finally a true love HEA for more than just Sylvi and Ian!
Even if you haven’t read the previous books in the series, you will be able to read this story with no problems, but you really should read the books in order – it will make this story all the more satisfying!!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher*
I received an ARC of this book for a fair and honest review.
I have read the others in this series and loved them, but I never really liked Sylvi. I had to read this book because I’m a stickler for knowing what happens to each of the women and I ended up really liking Sylvi because of this book. During this book, you find out why she is the way she is and you see how love can change a person. This book made me laugh and cry. It had two big shocks to me in the story line, so I kept guessing until the problem was solved. This entire series is fantabulous and you must read it if you love romance with strong characters, plot, and a little bit of a mystery.
Highland Wrath is book three in the Mercenary Maidens series. I have enjoyed all three books and this installment does not disappoint. Sylvi is the mysterious trained assassin who wears a ribbon around her neck. She is a battle hardened warrior until she is sent to kill Ian Campbell and finds herself attracted to the light hearted rogue. This story is a very complex look at a person’s response to trauma and the repercussions that follow. Sylvi has experienced devastating circumstances and survived. But her heart is plagued with wanting revenge. Will she choose love or will she choose revenge?
Martin does an excellent job of delving into Sylvi’s psyche. Her obsession with avenging her family slowly eats away at her and affects her decisions. There are some wonderful romantic scenes. I really enjoyed the hero’s character as well. His light hearted banter moves the story along.
Mercenary Sylvi is paid to kill Ian Campbell, but spares his life when he has information on the man who murdered her family. Sylvi has been searching for the man for years, They work together along with the help from Percy, and Liv and Ian’s brother Kyle, they are on a mission to find this man. This book is filled with intrigue, adventure and romance.
I Highly recommend this book.
I’ve been waiting for Sylvi’s book she’s the leader of a band of mercenary women warriors’ story. She’s a skilled assassin whom recruits and trains other women to become assassins, what drove her to this life, what’s her background and where does My Lady fit into the picture? She’s been looking for the man with half an ear who killed her family and now she’s closer to her mark than ever before.
Ian Campbell is a Laird’s son who has chosen to run away and seek his own way in the world and gets involved with the wrong crowd. Once he realizes murder and rape are involved he himself leaves and becomes a target. When Sylvi accepts a job to assassinate the roguishly handsome Ian Campbell and her world is turned upside down. She finds out he knows where her family’s murderers are or how she can find the gang of cutthroats. Together Ian and Sylvi comes up with a plan to lure them out.
This is a great story with many twists and turns, betrayals and where loyalty is put to the test as Ian and Sylvi grow to trust one another in their journey for justice and revenge. Sylvi’s story is an emotional one as we relive her history and her need to seek revenge for her family’s deaths. Madeline Martin definitely knows how to weave a story of intrigue with just enough mystery, intrigue and romance to keep the readers on the edge of their seats all the way until the end. 5 STARS*****. This is my honest opinions after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.
Loved this story!! And the series!! There was a lot of danger and vengeance with enough secrets to keep me interested. I had been waiting for Sylvi’s story so I could learn about her past. I was not disappointed. She was strong and passionate, and dedicated to revenge for her family’s deaths. Ian made a wonderful partner for her with his own passion and trust in Sylvi. Together they made a wonderful couple.
I received a copy of this story through Netgalley, and this is my unsolicited review.
WOW!! What an exceptional Scottish Romance! What’s not to love, feisty lasses, brawn Highlanders, mystery, suspense, intrigue, danger, secrets, and the premise of finding a HEA. I absolutely adored the H/H in this story. They are powerfully independent, definitely engaging and will totally steal your heart. I grabbed from the first chapter and never let go, though out the entire story. Fast paced, adventure filled, compelling, intriguing and captivating. I could not stop reading. Didn’t want to miss a thing. This is a definite keeper! A must 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.”
Reviewer: AprilR
This is the third book and last book in the series and as usual was well written and a joy to read. I found that Slyvi with her tough exterior and Ian and his soft hearted humor where a perfect match. The action as usual was well written. You can never go wrong with Ms Martins books and this one was no different. I received this book as an ARC and was more than please to read and review.
Highland Wrath by Madeline Martin is book Three in The Mercenary Maidens series. This is the story of Sylvi and Ian. I have read the previous books (and loved them!) but you can make this a standalone book if you choose to do so. For those of us who have read the previous books we have been wanting Sylvi story. Sylvi’s family was attacked and killed when she was just a very little girl, she too was attacked but survived. Since that survival she has been working her way toward revenge. Sylvi has been learning how to fight and kill to get that revenge finally getting accepted by ‘My Lady’.
‘My Lady’ is the opposite of that title and Sylvi has been wanting to be trained by her. Now all these years later Sylvi has turned into a fighting/killing machine but still not getting her desire for revenge. When taking a ‘job’ to kill Ian she finds him a hard man to kill but then learns he might be the key to getting her revenge.
This series has put the heroines is strong roles that you sometimes don’t see in romance books. They are equal to the men but there is still the great romance story that we love.
Who recommend this book greatly…loved it!
The third in The Mercenary Maidens Series, this book was beautifully written! The characters and story are so colorful and full of life that I could see them as I was reading. From the beginning, I was pulled in and didn’t want to put the book down. My heartstrings were pulled, I laughed, I cried and I really enjoyed the story and the twists and turns that Ian and Sylvi had to go through to get to there happy ever after! I cant wait for another of Ms.Martin’s books to come out!
This is the final story in the Mercenary Maiden’s series, and this one was was so exciting and so enthralling that I could not put it down. It is VERY rare that I get highly emotional when I read a romance story (and I read MANY romance stories): however, I found myself so involved with Sylvi that I got very emotional and I actually cried.
I absolutely loved this story! Sylvi and Ian’s stories will engage you right from the start. The story is very well-developed, the characters are complex and exceedingly interesting, the story moves at a good pace and is full of suspense, drama, emotion, wonderful humor and excellent action. I highly recommend this book! Very well done, Madeline! This book thrilled me!!!!
“How much did they pay you to kill me?” This is a highly emotional charged story with fantastic and passionate characters that held me spellbound until I turned the last page. A group of women who have all trained to be mercenaries with our heroine Sylvi taking the lead in this amazing tale. Since she was left on her own at a young age, Sylvi’s focus has been revenge. When one of her for hire kills is Ian, she ends up saving him so that he can help her in her quest for the men who killed her parents. Ian has a few demons of his own and as he stays with Sylvi more is revealed about her life and his own. Working with the other Mercenary Maidens, they begin their quest. But there are hard truths that come to life and suspense that will keep you holding your breath as you turn the page. Action, adventure, betrayal, heartbreak, Agnes Jowls (yes have to read to understand that one!) and some intense moments of happiness and sadness set the stage for this to be one of the best books I have read this year. I truly am sorry this series has come to an end, but I know there will be many more wonderful books by Madeline Martin to keep me going!!
The story we have all been waiting for, Sylvi’s story! Highland Wrath by Madeline Martin is the 3rd and final book in the Mercenary Maidens series though it is written in a series it can be read as a standalone but, I highly recommend you read all three books. Highland Wrath was everything I was so anticipating to read and did not disappoint me. Madeline is an amazing writer, her storylines are original and her characters are so wonderful. I could not put Highland Wrath down. She is truly one of the best and I have read all her books. This story is so thrilling, it has tough women, spies, trust, revenge, death, deception, grief, understanding, friendships, murder, abduction, but does it have love? You will just have to read this book to find out and I highly recommend that you do. You won’t be disappointed.
Travel back to 1601 Scotland with Sylvi to see if she can find love and seek revenge so that she maybe at peace.
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
After years of training under the mysterious woman she knew only as My Lady, Sylvi is no closer to finding the man with half an ear that brought about the murder of everyone in her family. Now a skilled assassin guiding a network of spies of her own, she has every resource she could want. She just hasn’t found her mark.
On a new assignment, Sylvi’s blade misses its target, but for a change, she is grateful. Her subject, Ian Campbell, isn’t just uncommonly skilled and roguishly handsome he may know exactly where her family’s murderers are. Now unlikely allies, Sylvi will have to keep Ian close enough to get the information she needs. So close, that she fails to protect her own vulnerable heart.
Oh my! I thought the first two books in the trilogy were brilliant but this book surpasses them. Five stars doesn’t do it justice. I’m finding it difficult to put into words how good this book is. Silvi has intrigued me from the start & she certainly got the book she deserved. It could be read on its own but to fully appreciate it I’d highly recommend reading this awesome trilogy in order you won’t be disappointed. This is a fitting ending to the story of the Mercenary Maidens, I can’t wait to read the author’s next book.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Highland Wrath (The Mercenary Maidens, #3) by Madeline Martin.. Fantastic series….thanks to #NetGalley for allowing me to preview this book. Sylvi…her whole family murdered (by a man missing part of his ear)…she is looking for vengeance …trained by “My Lady”… hired to assassinate a man…she misses her mark and ends up working with Ian… a laird’s son who left his home and is trying to find his place. This story has all the feelings… sad, happy, funny, sexy, and some mystery and violence …. and then there is a good cast of characters …all the way to a HEA.
Oh! Be still my heart. This book was mesmerizing, poignant, sweet, fulfilling, and the absolute perfect ending to the series. My heart beat faster and faster as Sylvi and Ian along with Percy, Isobel, My Lady and Liv draw nearer and nearer to the mercenaries who murdered Sylvi’s family. Can six stand against dozens? There is non-stop action, an exceptional storyline, a mystery that keeps you guessing right up until the end, wonderful, lovable and relatable characters and I absolutely could not put it down once I read the first word.
Sylvi has intrigued me since the first book in the series. I knew she had an epic tale to tell and I was certainly correct in that. She’s strong, intelligent and determined to avenge the deaths of her entire family. Her family was ruthlessly murdered when she was only eight years old – she was the only one to have survived having her throat cut. She closed down all of her feelings except her desire for revenge and she trained her body to be a killing machine. She had followed and copied the moves of someone she referred to as My Lady until the lady finally noticed her and agreed to teach her. It is seventeen years later and Sylvie is now at her peak – all she has to do is find them. All she knows is that the leader has only half of his left ear.
To keep herself and the other ladies afloat, Sylvi occasionally accepts jobs – even sometimes taking the life of someone else. She has just such a job now. She is to find and kill Ian Campbell and take his body to the people who want him dead. However, Ian isn’t quite as easy to kill as she thought – and when she hears what he has to say while he’s guessing who paid her to kill him – well, she doesn’t want him dead any longer. Together they come up with a plot to make the villains think Ian is dead so Sylvi can follow them when they take his body back to their leader.
Ian Campbell is the oldest son of Laird Campbell, but he’s renounced his position as heir because he has no desire to be the kind of man his father is. His brother Kyle can have the job. Laird Campbell is a harsh laird and rules with a firm hand. When Ian’s father committed an act Ian couldn’t live with, Ian left home and has drifted aimlessly in the year since then. He even spent a few months with a band of mercenaries.
Ian is instantly intrigued and attracted to the lovely lass who has just tried to murder him in his sleep. Yet, somehow, for some reason, he trusts her with his life. So, when she suggests an outrageous plan, he goes along with it.
Once Sylvi gets her revenge, it doesn’t feel quite so sweet. Something is missing and she discovers yet another mystery she has to solve – this was all even more tragic than she originally thought.
Be prepared for a wild ride of revenge, love, betrayal and multiple HEA’s in this tightly plotted, perfectly executed ending to a wonderful series. I highly recommend it. You can read it as a stand-alone, but goodness I don’t know why you’d want to – the first two books in the series are wonderful too!
I almost forgot to mention — there is a to-die-for epilogue. I absolutely think all books need an epilogue, but this one sets the example of what all of the others should be like. All I can say is – Well Done Ms. Martin!
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“I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.”