Highland Spy by Madeline Martin

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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A book that is full of intrigue.

Book Description

He’s not in want of a wife. No, he leads a team of female spies and he’s in the market for a lady who can not only quickly master an intricate set of skills, she must also be willing to do whatever it takes to succeed in the name of the Crown.

As soon as he meets her, he knows Ariana Fitzroy is the woman he’s been seeking. She has no money, no family, and she’s a wicked cheat at cards, which he uses to his advantage, promising to turn her into the authorities if she doesn’t join him.

Ariana agrees and soon finds herself training within the walls of a castle in Scotland. Her days are steeped in everything from hand-to-hand combat to the many ways to deceive and seduce. And yet, what they don’t prepare her for is Connor.

Now she must join him in the field, in a dangerous mission, one she’s certain he’s not being honest about. Can they put their attractions aside and focus on the mission? Or will they fall prey to their desires and risk certain ruin?

About Madeline Martin

Madeline Martin is a New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author of historical fiction and historical romance with books translated into over twenty languages. 

She lives in sunny Florida with her two daughters (known collectively as the minions), two incredibly spoiled cats and a man so wonderful he's been dubbed Mr. Awesome. She is a die-hard history lover who will happily lose herself in research any day. When she's not writing, researching or 'moming', you can find her spending time with her family at Disney or sneaking a couple spoonfuls of Nutella while laughing over cat videos. She also loves to travel and attributes her fascination with history to having spent most of her childhood as an Army brat in Germany.

My Thoughts

'Highland Spy' by Madeline Martin is book one in "The Mercenary Maidens" series. This is the story of Ariana Fitzroy and Conor Grant. 

Connor has lost everything his family, birthright, and possibly his soul. Ariana has also lost a lot and is trying to keep herself afloat by cheating on cards which could cost her everything if caught by the wrong person. When Connor catches her and offers her a chance to be one of his girls sparks fly between them. 

I absolutely loved this story. I love the whole spy vibe happening and that women were agents instead of a group of men like in most stories. Connor is someone who has a good heart and though he is being forced to do things he doesn't want to he never loses what makes him a good man. Arianna is strong, beautiful, and quick to learn. I loved she was determined to prove herself and did a great job doing it. 

This story had everything I wanted intrigue, action, and a plot that twisted and turn. Plus, we get a love story to boot. 

The characters had depth; the author did a wonderful job writing a story that made you want to turn the page. She also made me want to not only know more about Ariana and Connor but also want to delve deeper into the other girl's stories as she teased me with little nibbles to introduce them as well. 

This story took me on a wonderful journey that had twists, turns, and shocking outcomes. It kept me guessing and wanting to turn the page to see what happen. It was a great way to spend a few hours while enjoying the spring day outside. 

Overall, this is a great beginning to what is possibly going to be one of my favorite series. I am looking forward to seeing where Arian and Connor go and learning more about the other girls in Connor's care.