From USA Today Bestselling Author Madeline Martin is a steamy, suspenseful full-length novel in her Borderland Ladies series where dangerous lands make dangerous ladies…A LADY WHO WILL DEFEND HER FAMILY AND HER CASTLE…Lady Marin Barrington, eldest of the Earl of Werrick’s five daughters, is a born protector. Not only has she taken on the role of mistress of the castle and caregiver to her … the role of mistress of the castle and caregiver to her sisters upon their mother’s death, she also acts in her father’s stead while he is serving the king abroad. Dedicated and resolute, failure is never an option for her. So, when a reiver forces his way into the castle, Marin won’t surrender easily and takes it upon herself to kill the usurper. Except plans go awry when passions are awoken and matters get complicated.
A MAN WHO MUST SUCCEED NO MATTER THE COST…
Bran Davidson’s sister is going to be hanged, unless he agrees to take Werrick Castle. Ever a pawn in a rich man’s game, Bran has no choice but to force his way into Werrick on behalf of the Scottish Middle March Warden. He quickly discovers getting into the castle is the easy part. Dealing with its mistress, however, will take every ounce of cunning and determination he can muster, especially when she turns his blood to fire.
A PROMISE THAT CHANGES IT ALL…
In a game where desperation and love dictate the lives of many, a simple promise can change the tide of favor and open the door to pleasure and danger alike.
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Madeline Martin doesn’t invite you into her stories. She shoves you into the middle of the action. And good luck putting the book down before you’ve finished off the riveting romance and adventure. In “Marin’s Promise,” her hero is commanding, but her heroine can stand up to him, and their hard-won happy-ever-after will have you eagerly anticipating Book 2.
OMG!!! What a wonderful beginning to this new series. It is full of action, romance and a cast of characters with whom you will fall in love. Several years ago (11 I think) the Earl of Werrick’s castle was attacked. His wife was raped and left pregnant by one of the reivers. She later died giving birth to the child. Rather than blaming the babe, the Earl and his four daughters loved the little one with all their hearts – looking upon her as the final beautiful gift from their mother. The Earl couldn’t stand the idea of anything ever happening to his beautiful daughters, so he raised them as warriors as well as ladies. Each had a specialty, but they could all fight as well as a man. This series features each of those five daughters. You’ll meet and love all of the sisters in this first book.
Marin, the oldest daughter of the Earl of Werrick, took over the responsibilities for the castle and her siblings when she was very young – at her mother’s death. Her father went into a deep depression and it was all left on Marin’s young shoulders. She didn’t even have time to grieve for her mother because she had to meet everyone else’s needs. Then, once her father somewhat recovered, he took off for the wars and the protection of the castle also fell to Marin. Marin selflessly loved and cared for everybody in the castle – everyone except herself. She never asked for anything for herself – although she did bask in her father’s praise.
Bran Davidson is a border reiver, not because he wanted to be, but because it was the only way he could feed himself and his sister who is all that remains of his sister. He’s not your ordinary reiver though. There is no raping or mistreatment of women by any man in his army. They all know that if that happens, Bran will personally exact swift punishment that ends in their death.
Bran has been forced into capturing the Earl of Werrick’s castle. The man who wants the castle, Kerr, has arrested Bran’s sister and will put her to death if Bran doesn’t do as Kerr wants. Bran hates all rich, privileged men and Kerr certainly fits that bill – Bran has even refused to work for Kerr in the past. Now he has no choice and he intends to succeed – no matter what – because he has to save Ena, his sister.
Bran has been observing the castle for several days and it seems that it is impregnable. Then, he sees one of the young daughters of the castle outside the walls with only a single guard. He dispatches the guard and captures the young girl – and demands that the castle surrender or he will cut the throat of the girl. That threat turns Bran’s stomach, and he’d never do it, but the people in the castle don’t know that.
Marin’s father is off at war – the King needed him – so Marin is in charge of the castle. She has only a small contingent of warriors within the castle walls because her father took most of them with him. She can’t surrender – but can’t win a fight – and she has to protect her sister, so she surrenders the castle even though her sister begs her to let her die and not to surrender the castle.
Bran marches his warriors in and takes over, but he didn’t realize the strength and loyalty of the servants and soldiers in the castle. He finds he has to form an alliance with Marin or he’ll end up killing everybody inside – and he certainly doesn’t want to do that. As Marin and Bran spend time together, work together and get to know each other, an unlikely love grows between them.
I admire Marin and her strength and loving nature, but Bran is a real hero in every sense of the word. He saves Marin’s sisters and servants when he doesn’t have to, he fights to save the castle and he loves Marin beyond all measure.
The romance is real and wonderful and the love scenes are steamy. I just know you’ll love this book as much as I did. I can’t believe I have to wait for the next book, Anice’s Bargain, featuring the second oldest sister. I loved Anice in this book and I just know she’ll be a remarkable heroine – just like Marin.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is the first book I have read by this author and I really, really liked it. Marin and Bran had great chemistry. Even though Marin tries to kill the man who has seized her castle she can’t help the way he makes her feel. When she offers herself in marriage to him to protect her sisters, he agrees. But he has a secret that could upset the tenuous relationship with his wife. Amongst fighting and danger this story will enthrall you. I received a complimentary copy and I am voluntarily reviewing.
When Bran Douglas is forced to take Werrick Castle Lady Marin does not fully understand that “all is not as it appears!” This saying is repeated by her young sister Leila several times throughout the story as the action builds and the story takes its twists and turns. There are so many amazing characters in this story to fall in love with and of course Bran and Marin are at the top of the list. It is a cleverly spun tale with plenty of action, romance and suspense to keep you turning the pages while sitting on the edge of your seat. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read the next installment in yet another well crafted series from this amazing author!
Marin’s Promise (Borderland Ladies Book 1) by Madeline Martin is a action packed story of turmoil, romance, and love. Set in the borderlands between England and Scotland. Beginning of a new series and what a beginning!
This is the story of Lady Marin Barrington, eldest daughter, of the Earl of Werrick’s five daughters. She is a protector of her siblings and her home, while her father is away fighting. And
Bran Douglas whose sister is going to be hanged, unless he agrees to take Werrick Castle, she dared to marry an English lad. Once again Bran is under a rich man’s thumb, but he’ll do anything to save his beloved sister.
Another riveting story by Ms. Martin, one that will hold the reader in suspense from the first page to the last page.
Filled with awesomeness, brilliantly written and excuted, with beautiful characterizations, well rounded characters, steamy sensual moments, and a plot that holds the reader in awe. A page turner and a definite keeper. The complexities, romance, twists of plot, surprises, and HEA, mark this as another remarkable and heartwarming story by Madeline Martin.
A must read!! Highly recommended for fans of Scottish Romance, Historical Romance, action packed adventure and finding love against all odds. Masterfully written! I can’t wait for the next adventure, “Anise’s Bargain”, which is the story of the second oldest daughter, Anise. Well done!!
Rating: 5
Heat rating: steamy
Reviewer: AprilR
Lady Marin Barrington is the eldest daughter of the Earl of Werrick, and de facto matriarch of the Barrington family. Having lost her mother to violence and forced to grow up fast as the daughter of the Western March Warden, Marin and her sisters have been trained as warriors to survive in the treacherous borderlands. So when her father is away on a mission for the king, and reiver Bran Davidson holds her younger sister Catriona hostage outside the gates of Werrick Castle, Marin will have to decide whether to give into her maternal side and save her sister or use her warrior training to save the castle. She surrenders the castle, but hasn’t conceded defeat!
Bran Davidson is tired of the uncertain and often violent life of a reiver, but to save his sister from Lord Kerr (another March Warden), he will do whatever is necessary and hopefully, survive to see his sister again. But when Marin offers herself to him and then tries to kill him, he wonders if he has taken on more than he bargained for. He locks her in the dungeon, but soon learns that without her, he cannot hope to keep the castle. They reach an agreement including a promise that Marin will not kill him (or try to). But some promises are meant to be broken…
This is an intense story with wonderfully complex characters, action, emotion, anguish, betrayal, steamy love scenes, murder attempts, a bit of humor, a dash of paranormal, many surprise twists that change everything and finally a HEA that should be impossible, but is instead glorious! I loved this story and was delighted that while Ms. Martin introduces the sisters and lets the reader get to know them, they never overshadow the relationship between Marin and Bran as they overcome everything that should tear them apart.
This is the first book in the Borderland Ladies series and in my opinion is not to be missed.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review of an eARC that was provided to me.*
While Marin’s father (3RD Earl of Werrick) is away, Marin is left in charge of the castle and her sisters.
Bran is desperate to save his sister, so he is forced into becoming a reiver.
His mission is to take Werrick castle by any means.
Bran uses Catriona, Marin’s sister to gain access in the castle. Bran wants no fighting and no blood to be shed.
Marin will do anything to save her sisters, even marry the man who invaded her home and her heart.
This is the first in the Borderland Lady’s series. As usual Ms Martin has written a strong story with a strong heroine and a hero with a soft heart that can be tough when required. This book has all you want in a book, adventure, action, suspense, and romance and the set up for the rest of her series. It is a bit of a rollercoaster of emotions. The reason I only gave this book a 4 was because I only read historical romances for their innocence and I always skip the sex scenes, so I found the build up of a sex scene in the first few pages a bit daunting for me. I know that a lot of other readers will enjoy this, that is why this is my honest review. Ms Martin is very good at expressing herself in words and her books are always a joy to read and I find that although I may skip parts, the remainder of the book was very enjoyable. I received this book as an ARC.
Lady Marin Barrington, eldest of the Earl of Werrick’s five daughters, is a born protector. Not only has she taken on the role of mistress of the castle and caregiver to her sisters upon their mother’s death, she also acts in her father’s stead while he is away serving the king. So, when a reiver forces his way into the castle, Marin won’t surrender easily and takes it upon herself to kill the usurper. Except plans go awry when passions are awoken and matters get complicated.
Bran Douglas’s sister is going to be hanged, unless he agrees to take Werrick Castle. Ever a pawn in a rich man’s game, Bran has no choice but to force his way into Werrick on behalf of the Scottish Middle March Warden. He quickly discovers getting into the castle is the easy part. Dealing with its mistress, however, is another matter entirely.
Brilliant start to a new series, captivating, engrossing, I just couldn’t put it down. The characterisation is extremely good, no hint of two dimensional. The pace never lets up throughout the book. I was drawn in from the first page & breathless by the last. Highly recommend & I can’t wait for the rest of the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
I have received this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I have liked the writing style of Madeline Martin since the first book I read of her’s and this story was no exception.
Marin is a headstrong, stubborn and yet loving head of the family while her father is away. Caring for the castle, its people and her sisters is a huge job. Then comes Bran, who knows nothing about the life of aristocrats, let alone stong minded females. Marin shows him immediately that she will do anything for her family. I do think that the second attempt at murdering him could have been handled differently. She is the head of the family and needed to think clearly and with her head. The second attempt seemed erratic. I did enjoy Bran’s character. He suffered a hard life and yet knew right from wrong and did not take it out on the whole world. He was a good leader and seemed to think things through carefully, trying to take in mind the possible outcomes. With her strong will and his strategic, thoughtful mind, he and Marin made a good pair. I am very cuious to see how the stories of her sisters’ lives play out.
Since her mother’s death Lady Marin Barrington has served as mistress of her father, the Earl of Werrick’s castle, as the eldest of his five daughters. She also takes command of the castle when her father is away serving the king. When a reiver forces his way into the castle during one of her father’s absences, Marin plays the part of gracious loser all the while plotting ways to kill him. Except, when she finds herself presented with the opportunity, in the most intimate of moments, she discovers a primal connection with Bran and can’t bring herself to go through with killing him.
Bran Douglas is sick of reiving and being used as a pawn in other, more powerful men’s wars, but with his sister’s life on the line, he has no choice but to take Werrick Castle for the Warden of the Scottish Middle March. He had issues gaining access to the castle, but handling its mistress is a different story altogether. When an attempt on his life causes him to lock Marin in the dungeons, Marin devises an escape that inadvertently puts her family in danger so she promises to marry Bran and smooth his way at Werrick Castle in exchange for his help in saving her family.
Bran amazed me with his naivete and surprise at the lack of cooperation he received from the castle’s inhabitants, including Marin. What exactly was he expecting?? I certainly didn’t like Bran at first, especially when he was still talking about how attractive he found Marin’s sisters, then happily headed to bed with Marin. This didn’t exactly endear him to me, on top of his taking her castle, even if he was trying to protect his sister and was really a good man.
I did love that Marin and her sisters had been trained for battle as sons would’ve been. As much as I didn’t like him at first, Bran really grew on me about halfway through the book. It did bother me that Bran wasn’t honest with Marin sooner about his reasons for attacking the cast in the first place, but she wasn’t exactly honest with him either and that was yet another factor that made this story more realistic. It was nice to see Bran and Marin’s relationship develop and them grow to rely on each other and work as a team. I’m not sure what witchcraft was worked here but I went from not liking Bran and not being all that into this book at first to loving it and ranking Bran as one of my favorite heroes now. If you’re not thrilled with it at first, definitely stick with it because I wound up really enjoying it and not being able to put it down.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I’m always excited to get to read a new book from Madeline! This is a new series about 6 sister’s that each have their own amazing story to tell. Marin is the oldest and is the mistress of the Castle. Madeline weaves together these amazing stories about strong women, strong, in different areas. I have a feeling this series will be a huge hit! Can’t wait to read the others!
Marin and Bran’s story is an original! I was intrigued from the first chapter to the end. I just could not put it down. Madeline Martin hit this one out of the park! A wonderful start to a new series.
I found this to be such an amazing story and wow, what an excellent start to the Borderland Ladies series! Marin and her sisters have been brought up knowing how to fight and boy, do they do it well!!! I love how feisty they are and I’m really looking forward to reading the other sisters’ stories as well.
Book 1 is Marin and Bran’s story. You will be swept away by all they go through to get their HEA…battles, secrets, heartache, revenge, passion, etc. Marin, being the eldest of her sisters, has always been the one to take care and protect them. Bran will do anything to free his sister from enemy clutches. When the two come together, it’s a clash of wills and sparks fly.
Madeline Martin never ceases to amaze me with her writing and this book is no exception. I highly recommend this one, as well as all the others she’s written.
What a way to start it off a new series! Marin’s Promise is book 1 in the new Borderland Ladies series. If this series is anything like this first book I can’t wait to read them all. Madeline has a way of pulling you into each book from the first page to the very last. Her characters are wonderful and even the not so nice, kind of a bad guy is worth falling in love with. Her details for history is amazing. This is like no other book that I have read it is so original. This story has battles, claim, honor, responsibilities, kindness, rescue, defending, protection, anger, grief, loyalty, being stubborn, several attempts to commit murder, strong women, injuries, healing and even love. You have to read this book and I highly recommend you do!!
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
5 STARS PLUS! Marin’s Promise by Madeline Martin is a Fantastic Must Read! Wow, I absolutely loved every page of this exciting and deeply emotional book! Spectacular writing, many creative twisting plots, in-depth and complex characters, with a gripping storyline that kept me at the edge of my seat. I especially loved the characters complex and angst filled lives and how they survived and weaved compassion with loyalty and ultimately to a white hot steamy passion that engulfed their hearts! This is one of the BEST Historical reads I’ve read in years! I highly recommend!
I loved this book ! well done can’t wait to read the rest of the series ! Madeline out done herself the book was amazing !
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
Madeline Martin writes amazing books! I loved her Mercenary Maidens series, but this new Borderland Ladies series might be her best yet. This book introduces you to the Borderland Ladies – Marin, Anice, Ella, Catriona, and Leila. This book is about Marin, the older sister. Martin introduces us to Marin and her sisters and the deep bond they share. Their safety and happiness is challenged by a reiver named Bran. Bran has his own issues and problems, but love might find a way of throwing them all for a loop.
When I was a teenager, a friend of mine gave me a Kathleen Woodwiss book. It is what hooked me on romance novels. I find very few books that remind me of that love that I felt when reading that book. Marin’s Promise reminded me of how I felt when I read that book. It is seriously one of the best romances to date!
LOVED it!! Can’t wait for the rest of this awesome series!
There was no doubt in my mind that this would be an amazing story! With five sisters that are left at their father’s castle while he is away, Bran, a reiver manages to take over the castle. But he never expected Marin, the eldest, who had been trained as a warrior, just as all of her siblings. Marin was determined to outwit him and do whatever she could to take back control.
A strong, courageous heroine and a determined hero who has his own reasons for needing to be the victor, clash together as this adventure unfolds. But there is so much more to this story than appears and I was gripped in the intensity with a few tears and emotions that wound it’s way into a journey that was unexpected. Married? Yes they did but what was the reason and could it last? It seems that fate, which is often unexpected, brought these two together with a resounding spark that could light the sky!
Prepare to be enthralled in the first story of this new series that only had me anxious to read about the next sister. Madeline Martin is a master story teller, who always weaves circles around my heart with her detail and wonderful characters that become real with their thoughts and actions! As all of her books, I highly recommend this one and know you will thank me later!!