A Midsummer Knights Romance: A Tournament World of Chivalry, Intrigue, and PassionBook 2: A Midsummer Knights Romance series. Prequel to my Borderland Rebels series She wants to save her honorLady Isolde Maxwell‘s brother is more inclined to marry her off rather than defend her honor, leaving her to take matters into her own gauntlets. After stealing his armor, she heads to the Rose Citadel … his armor, she heads to the Rose Citadel tournament to fight for her freedom from a man she never agreed to wed. Yet, even as Isolde is trying to escape one man, another has set his sights on her, one who is determined to catch her attention and one she cannot help but crave.
He wants to save his people
When yet another failed harvest threatens the welfare of his clan, Cormac Sutherland, Chieftain of the Sutherland clan needs a solution to save his people. When his twin brother proposes they attend a tournament in England and steal the betrothed noblewomen from men of their rival clan, Cormac is skeptical, especially given his lacking skills at wooing. However, once he gets to know Lady Isolde, he finds she not only earns his respect, but also stokes his passion.
Can their love do both?
When intrigue and betrayal come into play and a challenge threatens one’s greatest love, can Cormac and Isolde survive the tournament with their hearts and lives intact?
Summer, 1193. England is in turmoil, and a great tournament is scheduled near the border of Scotland and England. The greatest knights and lords from England, Scotland, Ireland, and France have gathered to compete for a great prize. There will be celebrations and jousts and feasting. It will an exhibition of chivalry and warrior skills, a breeding ground for treason…and for love.
Check out other books in the series!
Forbidden Warrior by Kris Kennedy — April 14
The Highlander’s Lady Knight by Madeline Martin — April 28
The Highlander’s Dare by Eliza Knight — May 12
The Highland Knight’s Revenge by Lori Ann Bailey — May 26
My Victorious Knight by Laurel O’Donnell — June 9
An Outlaw’s Honor by Terri Brisbin — June 23
Never If Not Now by Madeline Hunter — July 7
more
Series: Midsummer Knights #2/Borderland Rebels #0.5
Publication Date: 4/28/20
Number of Pages: 184
If you want an outstanding heroine who is strong and refuses to bend to anyone’s will, this book is for you. Isolde is an exceptional heroine who refuses to allow any man to use her and if that means fighting for her own honor, then that is what she’ll do. This exciting, non-stop action story has something for everyone – there is passion, romance, betrayal, and secrets – big secrets. You will absolutely love Cormac and Isolde as they work their way through the perilous events and find their way to their HEA. It also includes a lovely Epilogue that will make you swoon.
Lady Isolde Maxwell, sister to the Earl of Easton, has never had a man who loved her – not her father and not her brother. To them, she was just chattel to be bargained away to whoever could/would provide the earldom with whatever the Earl wanted. Many men had paid attention to her over the years, but they were only interested in her dowry. None of them saw her – the real her – and none of them wanted to. Now, her cur of a brother has betrothed her to the odious man who deliberately compromised her, AND he won’t challenge the man to defend her honor. Well, she’ll have none of that – if her brother won’t defend her honor, she’ll just do it herself – after all, she is an excellent warrior herself.
Highland Chieftain Cormac Sutherland’s clan is starving. Many have already died, and many more will die if he doesn’t find the money to buy food for the winter. Their crops have failed year after year, and this year isn’t any better. The only solution is to marry someone with a dowry hefty enough to save them. What better heiress to pursue than the one betrothed to one of the Ross clan? There are two ladies who are betrothed to Rosses and both of them will be at the tournament at the Rose Citadel. Cormac and his twin brother Graham head for the tournament with each planning to court one of two women betrothed to the Ross brothers. Surely one of them will win over a lady.
Cormac sees how lovely Isolde is and then he meets her and likes her. As he learns more of her, he feels guilty for wanting her dowry. Then, he learns her secret and comes to admire her even more. What will happen when this fierce, brave woman learns that Cormac pursued her for her dowry? Will she believe the worst of him? Can he convince her that he loves her and would give up her dowry to keep her safe?
I hope you will read and enjoy this fast-paced and well-told tale. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down until I had finished the last page. Happy reading!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I read this all in one go, it was a short and sweet story. The romance between the two cannot be denied. He seeks her fortune at first to save his people but slowly falls in love. She wasn’t looking for love or a champion. She can save herself, defend her honor and win her freedom.
I have to say Madeline Martin’s first book of this era did not disappoint. The scenes were written accurately and felt realistic and vivid.
I enjoyed each detail, from the delectable feasts, intense fight scenes as well as each character introduced. The loving scruffy dog, the gentle warrior, loyal maid, cowardly brother to the violent villian. I enjoyed it all. Definitely recommend.
Lady Isolde Maxwell‘s brother the Earl of Easton is more inclined to marry her off rather than defend her honour, leaving her to take matters into her own gauntlets. After stealing his armour, she heads to the Rose Citadel tournament to fight for her freedom from a man she never agreed to wed, Brodie Ross. Yet, even as Isolde is trying to escape one man, another has set his sights on her, one who is determined to catch her attention and one she cannot help but crave. When yet another failed harvest threatens the welfare of his clan, Cormac Sutherland, Chieftain of the Sutherland clan needs a solution to save his people. When his twin brother proposes they attend a tournament in England and steal the betrothed noblewomen from men of their rival clan, the Rosses. Cormac is sceptical, especially given his lacking skills at wooing.
Strong characters, a fast paced story & a toe curling attraction all made for an enthralling engrossing read. I loved Cormac who whilst a braw Scot he had no finesse in flirting nor dancing but he was loyal & oh so protective. Isolde was feisty, independent & although she had no reason to trust any man she did trust Cormac. The chemistry between the pair was electric. I also loved that this story is also a prequel to the authors next series, which I eagerly await
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This is book 2 in a series by different well known authors. After reading this book I am eager for more! This one captivated me from the first page. Madeline Martin is excellent at character development and references to history that have you traveling back in time.
Cormac, Chieftan of the Sutherland Clan has entered the tournament in hopes of finding a wealthy bride. His clan is starving and this idea was his twin brothers, Graham. Lady Isolde Maxwell is impersonating her brother to extract revenge on Brodie Ross who ruined her. Since her brother won’t defend her honor, she’ll have to do it. Sparks and chemistry come to a burning desire between these two. This story had me turning pages until the wee hours of the morning. It has lies, betrayal, treason, loyalty to one’s friends and love. Cormac and Isolde sizzled. You will fall in love with them. I hope the next one is as good. I love anything written by Madeline Martin and this was no exception. I highly recommend this book and give it five stars. I was gifted this book and am voluntarily reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Lady Isolde Maxwell’s brother is perfectly happy to see her wed to a scoundrel and since he won’t defend her honor she must do so herself. Determined, Isolde steals her brothers armor and travels to the tournament being held at the Rose Citadel so she can have her chance at freedom from a betrothal she never agreed to. As she attempts to extricate herself from one man’s unwanted attentions, she finds herself the subject of another, though her reaction to him is far different.
Cormac Sutherland, Chieftain of Clan Sutherland, needs to save his starving people after multiple crop failures have laid them low. He is skeptical but reluctantly agrees to his brother’s plan to attend an English tournament and steal the wealthy noblewomen promised to members of another clan. Cormac is not great at talking to women but finds himself drawn to Isolde, and not just for her dowry. But intrigue and politics are at play just beneath the surface and the challenge upon which Isolde’s freedom depends becomes more risky than she’d ever anticipated, putting both her life and Cormac’s in danger, not to mention their hearts.
As is typical of Madeline’s books, I loved this one. Cormac was adorably awkward, especially for such a strong and handsome hero. He was delightful, willing to step back and let Isolde be herself, but not hesitating to step up and protect her when necessary. We all know I’m a sucker for protective heroes and Cormac was fabulous. I also loved Isolde; she was strong and independent, never shrewish and always thinking before reacting. She was a lovely match for Cormac and this was another hit for me.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Highlander’s Lady Knight (Midsummer Knights Book 2) by Madeline Martin 4.5 Stars
The storyline is fast paced and action-packed with danger, betrayal, treason, plot twist, and a steamy romance that made my pages flip faster.
Great medieval world and character development in addition to great character chemistry. One of my favorite characters is a smart battle trained heroine. Trained to protect herself, and occasionally to save the life of her man, and MOST of all she can insure any self important villains are taken down a peg or two with a well deserved dirt nap! I wish she would have given a few more teeth rattling hits during the battle scenes to boost up her Lady Knight persona! I recommend this historical medieval romance! Happy Reading
Content Note: Adult. 4 out of 5 flame romance
A Midsummer Knights Romance is a new 7 book collection of historical medieval romance series by 7 well known authors. Set at a Tournament competition in England near the English/Scottish border. Ms Martin’s book is a prequel to her Borderland Rebels series.
Lady Isolde Maxwell has been wronged and her brother Gilbert, the Earl of Easton refuses to fight for her honor, instead he has betrothed her to the cur! Isolde decides that if Gilbert will not defend her honor, she will have no choice but to do it herself! She ensures her brother is not able to attend the tournament at the Rose Citadel, steals his armor and sets out, once there she plans to impersonate her brother and challenge Brodie Ross, fight him, restore her honor and dissolve the betrothal – what could possibly go wrong?
Chieftain Cormac Sutherland is out of options, his crops have failed again and his people are starving, he petitioned the Ross clan for help, but learned that they made a deal with the English. He knows he needs a bride that will bring coin and farmable land – but heiresses are not exactly falling in his lap. When his twin brother Graham suggests they attend the Rose Citadel tournament and steal the brides intended for the Ross brothers – Cormac is at first against the idea – but he soon decides that he owes it to his clan to try.
Upon arriving at the Rose Citadel, the brothers meet Alan, a mercenary and his dog Pip – Alan is looking for work and even though Cormac makes it clear they are not hiring, Alan becomes an invaluable asset. Alan points out Isolde to him and Cormac is immediately sure the plan is a bad idea – he is not comfortable wooing women and Isolde is lovely which will make it even harder for him to talk to her. But thanks to Pip, Cormac gets to speak to Isolde.
Isolde doesn’t have time to be charmed by the handsome highlander, she needs all her wits about her to convince people that both she and Gilbert at in attendance and can’t be distracted. She brushes off his attempts at flirtation and returns to her room. The next day she spars with Cormac as Gilbert and challenges Brodie. She beats Brodie, but it becomes clear that there is something more between Gilbert and Brodie. Brodie issues a counter challenge for the broken betrothal and insists that Gilbert fight his champion – a huge man that has never been beaten.
Cormac and Isolde have formed a friendship and it soon develops into deeper feelings – so when Cormac learns Isolde’s secret, he asks her to marry him and offers to fight in her stead – she will marry him, but will not let him sacrifice himself for her! It seems that fate is working against them – they find love, but happily ever after doesn’t seem possible.
This was an amazing story with a heroine that will not meekly allow herself to be used as a pawn and a hero that will do anything to protect her. This book has a little of everything, great leads, lots of action, steamy love scenes, secrets, deceptions, betrayal, some amusing moments, an adorable dog and a very hard won HEA. This book is part of an author collaboration series, but it can easily be read as a standalone title. I loved this story and am happy to recommend it!
Wow! What a Awesome story! The Highlander’s Lady Knight will hold you spellbound as it comes to life with all the intrigue, betrayal and treason with a web of deceit and lies that is spun that will keep you reading to the very end. Madeline Martin has written unforgettable romance with a strong plot, remarkable emotions, unforgettable characters, with setting descriptions and action sequences that are wonderfully vivid which brings this read together perfectly and will keep you captivated from the moment you begin the journey with Cormac and Isolde until the very end! Isolde is being forced to wed, a man she has no desires to wed, by her brother. Cormac a brawny Highland warrior and chieftain of his clan must deal with emotional scars concerning his clan and will do anything for his clan. Cormac and Isolde meet at Rose Citadel tournament and many emotions start to bombard them on their journey to admitting their love for one another they soon find their passions building in this heart pounding action-packed story filled with sizzling passion, drama, adventure, heartbreak, deceit, trials and tribulations, turmoil, and while the suspense builds and tensions escalate with the twist and turns abound that makes this one outstanding story!
Cormac Sutherland, chieftain of the Sutherland clan, will do anything to help his starving clan. Even marry.
Cormac and his twin brother travel to England to participate in a tournament, in hopes of finding a rich heiress.
Lady Isolde Maxwell finds herself in an unwanted betrothal to Brodie Ross. She decides to go to the tournament to confront Brodie.
She impersonates her brother and challenges Brodie in defence of Isolde’s honor.
She never expected to meet Cormac and soon develops deep feelings for him.
I love Highlander stories! This one is filled with brawny lads and fiesty ladies. Isolde is woman who will do what is right to protect those she loves. Her hero comes to realize exactly who he needs to be for the Happily Ever After that he longs for. Great book! Great Read!
4.25 STARS
Enjoyable tale of a very capable h who is talented as a Knight, but lacks the strength. We have an H who is skilled but I didn’t feel a connection to him until after the courting.
He came across as a buffoon to me in the beginning, which is very unusual for an H written by this author. He is a Laird, oldest of twins, and he doesn’t know how to talk to women. He first meets her and comments on her bosom? WHAT!! Plus a few other slip ups, so he took awhile for me to respect him.
There are several villains, suspense, great fight scenes and interesting secondary character’s.
There is lovemaking, outside of marriage, heat level 4.5 out of 5 and only described a few times. We have one secret the H kept, but when the h discovered it and he was honest, she forgave him. I dislike, when something like this happens and it lasts forever, not here and I loved that.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance and spice. Loved the epilogue 5 years in the future, was perfect.
I received a copy and all opinions are my own and voluntarily given. (ljb).
I must admit that I practically devoured this book, it was so good. Madeline Martin writes a fascinating plot and Cormac and Isolde have such charismatic personalities you can’t help but love them. I found myself wanting to turn the pages faster than I could read them to see if and how they would end up together. This was truly a spellbinding story that had me mesmerized from beginning to end. Thank you Ms Martin for once again giving me the opportunity to read one of your amazing stories.
Lady Isolde Maxwell‘s brother is forcing her to marry Brodie Ross, a man who sort of compromised her, she doesn’t like him and definitely does not love him. She’s sent to an English tournament in her honor where several Scottish Clans are attending. Chieftain of the Sutherland clan, Cormac Sutherland doesn’t want to see his people starve again this winter. He and his twin Graham learn of the tournament in England and they decide to go and steal a brides for themselves from the rival Clan Ross. Isolde tries to break the betrothal by pretending to be her cowardly brother and challenges Brodie to a fight to protect her honor. Cormac is quite drawn to Isolde beauty, he’s impressed by her skills, bravery and her passion. They are a fiery couple with all the sword fighting, passionate kisses and betrayal in this story. I know you’ll love them and their captivating story. I have voluntarily read and reviewed this amazing story.
Excalibur! Sorry that just slipped out when thinking of this story with strong, handsome Knights and Lords competing at the Rose Citadel tournament for a great prize! Can you just imagine? Madeline Martin brings it alive in this second addition to the Midsummer Knights series. I read the first one which was amazing and could not wait to see what wondrous tale Madeline would weave!
Isolde (one of my fav names!) is feisty heroine who decides to stand up for herself since nobody else will, and defeat the man her brother is trying to force her to marry. Of course she is in full armour so they don’t know she is a woman. At first. But she does attract the attention of Cormac, the Sutherland Chieftain.
He is desperate for funds to help his clan survive and marrying a rich lady is about all he has left. Of course his attraction to Isolde is electric but he does not want her to know he needs her money. Then he finds out how she is trying to get out of marrying one of the Ross’s and the story takes off!
A fast paced adventure with a warrior heroine and a handsome Highlander that will make you sit back and sigh. You will love it!!
Wow just wow Madeline hit out of the park with this one. She’s become one of my favorite authors. Her books always keep me up late reading because I can’t put them down. I’m drawn in and can almost picture the story playing out. Isobel with a brother who won’t defend her decide to disguise her self and enter the trunoment herself. To fight for her freedom from the man she never agreed to marr.while she is trying to escape one man another has set his aim on her. Cormac has had another failed crop he’s needs a solution to help his clan. His brother wants them to enter trunoment in England and steal the betrothed of a rival clan . Cormac is not sure but when he lays eyes on Isobel he knows he must have her. Will they be just what the others needs. Will they find a happily ever after. I guess you’ll have to read the book to find out. Happy read
Isolde and Cormac were so right for each other. Even though Cormac’s intent was to woo Isolde away from her betrothed because he needs her dowry, as he learns of her strength and sees her beauty he becomes enamored. But now he must face the wrath of her betrothed who also wants her dowry. Between Isolde and Cormac they are a fighting force to be reckoned with. As enemies keep coming they have to depend on each other’s strengths. I received a complimentary copy and I am voluntarily reviewing.
The Highlander’s Lady Knight by Madeline Martin is book Two in the Midsummer Knights Series. This is the story of Cormac Sutherland and Isolde Maxwell. I haven’t read the previous book yet, so for me this was a standalone book. Isolde is out to stand up for her honor, something her brotehr Gilbert the Earl of Easton would not do. Instead he gave her hand in marriage to Brodie Ross, the reason she needs to make the stand. So, with a ideal in place she goes to the Rose Citadel tournament to fight for her honor by pretending to be her brother. Cormac is the Chieftain of the Sutherland clan but they are struggling to make it. Cormac had asked for Brodie Ross’s help but nothing came from that request. Cormac’s brother thinks up the ideal to go to the tournament and steel the intended Brides of their rival clan. This leads him to meet Isolde who he is smitten with but has not wooing abilities. But they do end up becoming close and when he learns of Isolde situation he offers to help her. Nothing is easy for these two but it was a page turning read for me! Enjoyed their story and hope to read more from this author!!
** Prequel to Borderland Rebels series**
Rating: 4.5 stars
Cormac, the Sutherland chieftain hero, could not have been more swoon worthy here, folks. From his first glimpse of Isolde, she pretty much stole this caring, alpha leader of his clan’s heart. Talked into doing something he considered rather hair brained at first, he’s desperate enough to help his people he’ll try just about anything to relieve their suffering. However, even then he finds honor demands more of him, especially when it comes to Isolde. I also liked how he was on the shy side when it came to approaching/interacting with her. Unlike his minutes younger twin brother, who seemed to have inherited a lot of confident swagger.
Isolde isn’t one to sit around while her future is being sold down the river by uncaring, abusive, manipulative forces. No, thanks to a well kept secret, she’s quite capable of donning armor and putting up a fight. Of course, she’ll have to dig into her own bag of deception to pull all this off. Good thing for her, fate steps in by sending her a verra good man to have her back along the way. I must admit this is where my imagination always gets really stretched. In this case, I’m surprised the jig wasn’t up every time she spoke.
As a super quick, easy read for me, I flew through these pages. Being a prequel to this author’s Borderland Rebels series, I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next.
Title: The Highlander’s Lady Knight, Series: Midsummer Knights (Book 2), Prequel to Borderland Rebels series, Author: Madeline Martin, Pages: 184, Pub. date: 4/28/20, stand-alone but part of series, tournament jousting violence, plays out pretty predictably, sweet epilogue, a few smexy scenes, verra good guy hero, instant attraction, romance safe.
Borderland Rebels series:
Book 1 – Faye’s Sacrifice, releases 6/23/20, Pages: 250
Midsummer Knights series:
Book 1 – Forbidden Warrior by Kris Kennedy
Book 2 – The Highlander’s Lady Knight by Madeline Martin
Book 3 – The Highlander’s Dare by Eliza Knight
Book 4 – The Highland Knight’s Revenge by Lori Ann Bailey
Book 5 – The Victorious Knight by Laurel O’Donnell
Book 6 – An Outlaw’s Honor by Terri Brisbin
Book 7 – Never If Not Now by Madeline Hunter
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review. There is no relationship or affiliation between this reviewer and the author, publisher, or PR firm.)
I loved this story. Isolde wanted nothing more than to defend her honor. She went above and beyond, and I loved the fact that she was allowed to train to fight and use a sword. Cormac was such a sweetheart and loyal to his people. His protectiveness overrode his underhandedness. This was a journey fraught with danger and intrigue. I recommend this story.
I received an ARC of this story, and this is my unsolicited review.
** spoiler alert ** I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Madeline Martin is one of my most favorite authors in the historical romance genre. Her knowledge of the time periods and ability to build wonderful secondary characters make me come back for more of her stories. This book follows
Isolode and her upcoming forced marriage to a Scotsman named Brodie Ross. Isolode is a strong feminist character. She is not valued by her brother, but she values herself enough to take things into her own hands. Along the way, she meets the love of her life and a cute dog named Pip. Wonderful story. Since we are stuck at home, you should buy this book. I LOVED IT!