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Secrets in Silk #4
Unlaced by the Outlaw
A lady and an outlaw…
When strait-laced spinster Margaret Andrews tries to stop her younger sister, Amelia, from eloping with the wrong man, the last thing she expects is a coach accident. Stranded in Scotland with a dangerous Highlander, she must put aside her genteel sensibilities and learn to survive.
Cain Sinclair rescues the prim and proper Margaret, but he knows she’ll never want a man like him. As a self-proclaimed sinner, he lives his life from one day to the next. He unravels every thread of decorum she possesses, tempting her to throw away propriety. Margaret sees a man worth saving, but Cain fights her efforts to reform him. When Cain risks everything to save his brother from the hangman’s noose, Margaret must break all the rules to get him back . . . or lose him forever.
When strait-laced spinster Margaret Andrews tries to stop her younger sister, Amelia, from eloping with the wrong man, the last thing she expects is a coach accident. Stranded in Scotland with a dangerous Highlander, she must put aside her genteel sensibilities and learn to survive.
Cain Sinclair rescues the prim and proper Margaret, but he knows she’ll never want a man like him. As a self-proclaimed sinner, he lives his life from one day to the next. He unravels every thread of decorum she possesses, tempting her to throw away propriety. Margaret sees a man worth saving, but Cain fights her efforts to reform him. When Cain risks everything to save his brother from the hangman’s noose, Margaret must break all the rules to get him back . . . or lose him forever.
336 pages, Paperback
First published December 2, 2014
274 people are currently reading
568 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Willingham
193 books624 followersRita® Award Finalist Michelle Willingham has published over fifty books and novellas. Currently, she lives in Virginia with her family and is working on more historical romance novels. When she's not writing, Michelle enjoys baking, playing the piano, and avoiding exercise at all costs. Visit her website at: www.michellewillingham.com or interact with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/michellewillinghamfans.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
November 24, 2014
2.5 stars
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review
Margaret and Cain have known each other for years, with Cain silently and at times not so silently loving Margaret from the sidelines. When Margaret's sister is taken by the Lord of Lisford, who just so happens to be Margaret's ex-fiancée and the man who left her at the altar, she immediately goes to the one man she trusts to help her. Cain knows it is not a good idea to travel alone with Margaret but finds it impossible to refuse her. The two set off on a journey that ends up testing their mental and emotional resolve while bringing to head the question of can or should they be more than friends.
I once again found myself wishing editing had played a bigger part in the finishing touches of a novel. The first seventy percent was a road romance with Margaret and Cain encountering various obstacles and Margaret rejecting any thought to marriage with Cain but by no means completely rebuffing his physical overtures. While it is completely understandable, due to the importance of the class hierarchy during this time for Margaret to have misgivings about marrying someone completely outside her class, the amount of time her reluctance lasts also makes her ultimately an unsympathetic character. Margaret became annoying and Cain lost my respect every time she leaned on him for support but bemoaned his low status and he kept pulling her in for kisses and touches which she accepted only to push him away again and again; it all became very numerous and repetitive.
The lather, rinse, and repeat I mentioned created a pace that was quite slow moving and tempered my motivation to keep going. The author's writing had structural quality though, and Cain was a hero that would cause many a heart to flutter, I just wish he hadn't taken so many metaphorical slaps to the face by the heroine. The last thirty percent or so moved along better as Cain's brother was involved in murder mystery but it also felt like it came out of nowhere. The whole story was about Margaret's fear of being controlled by a husband and marrying so below her station and then suddenly we're switching gears and trying to save Cain's brother from the gallows. It felt out of place and didn't mesh well with the previous feel of the story.
This was book four in the Secrets in Silk series and for the most part I believe it can be read as a standalone. You're thrust into the story a little bit in the beginning and its obvious secondary characters mentioned have had importance in Margaret and Cain's backstories but I never felt completely lost; the murder mystery with its victim is probably where not reading the previous books would hurt you the most. Margaret and Cain have some pleasing moments together but unfortunately, fell short of the mark.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review
Margaret and Cain have known each other for years, with Cain silently and at times not so silently loving Margaret from the sidelines. When Margaret's sister is taken by the Lord of Lisford, who just so happens to be Margaret's ex-fiancée and the man who left her at the altar, she immediately goes to the one man she trusts to help her. Cain knows it is not a good idea to travel alone with Margaret but finds it impossible to refuse her. The two set off on a journey that ends up testing their mental and emotional resolve while bringing to head the question of can or should they be more than friends.
I once again found myself wishing editing had played a bigger part in the finishing touches of a novel. The first seventy percent was a road romance with Margaret and Cain encountering various obstacles and Margaret rejecting any thought to marriage with Cain but by no means completely rebuffing his physical overtures. While it is completely understandable, due to the importance of the class hierarchy during this time for Margaret to have misgivings about marrying someone completely outside her class, the amount of time her reluctance lasts also makes her ultimately an unsympathetic character. Margaret became annoying and Cain lost my respect every time she leaned on him for support but bemoaned his low status and he kept pulling her in for kisses and touches which she accepted only to push him away again and again; it all became very numerous and repetitive.
The lather, rinse, and repeat I mentioned created a pace that was quite slow moving and tempered my motivation to keep going. The author's writing had structural quality though, and Cain was a hero that would cause many a heart to flutter, I just wish he hadn't taken so many metaphorical slaps to the face by the heroine. The last thirty percent or so moved along better as Cain's brother was involved in murder mystery but it also felt like it came out of nowhere. The whole story was about Margaret's fear of being controlled by a husband and marrying so below her station and then suddenly we're switching gears and trying to save Cain's brother from the gallows. It felt out of place and didn't mesh well with the previous feel of the story.
This was book four in the Secrets in Silk series and for the most part I believe it can be read as a standalone. You're thrust into the story a little bit in the beginning and its obvious secondary characters mentioned have had importance in Margaret and Cain's backstories but I never felt completely lost; the murder mystery with its victim is probably where not reading the previous books would hurt you the most. Margaret and Cain have some pleasing moments together but unfortunately, fell short of the mark.
April 26, 2022
3.5 stars
Having read all of the books in ‘secrets in silk’ series, this one takes the cake. Like Juliette and Paul, Cain and Margaret met when they were young, and that love continued even into adulthood.
They had quite an adventure together, racing after Amelia, Cain getting injured, them spending time together—all of these served as a good foundation in building their relationship and allowing Margaret to fall for Cain since Cain had been in love with Margaret from the start.
However, I did think the scenes of them meeting when they were young were not sufficient for me to truly believe and understand how they fell for each other. I never did get why Cain loved Margaret so much. The scenes the author wrote when they were children didn’t feel particularly special or anything. Hence, I was having a hard time believing Cain’s love for Margaret.
I liked how Cain was always tempting Margaret to sin and how she was trying so badly to resist him but couldn’t in the end. Unlike the other heroes in this secrets in silk series, Cain is the better one. Because he really really cared about Margaret and he did not distance himself from her or hold his feelings from her. He was very open about his feelings for her from the start and I liked that about him. It made me root for him to get Margaret’s love and I’m happy that he got his wish in the end.
The epilogue wrapped up the 4 couples’ lives and the parents’ well.
Other than the issue of insufficient childhood scenes, it was a nice and enjoyable book.
Having read all of the books in ‘secrets in silk’ series, this one takes the cake. Like Juliette and Paul, Cain and Margaret met when they were young, and that love continued even into adulthood.
They had quite an adventure together, racing after Amelia, Cain getting injured, them spending time together—all of these served as a good foundation in building their relationship and allowing Margaret to fall for Cain since Cain had been in love with Margaret from the start.
However, I did think the scenes of them meeting when they were young were not sufficient for me to truly believe and understand how they fell for each other. I never did get why Cain loved Margaret so much. The scenes the author wrote when they were children didn’t feel particularly special or anything. Hence, I was having a hard time believing Cain’s love for Margaret.
I liked how Cain was always tempting Margaret to sin and how she was trying so badly to resist him but couldn’t in the end. Unlike the other heroes in this secrets in silk series, Cain is the better one. Because he really really cared about Margaret and he did not distance himself from her or hold his feelings from her. He was very open about his feelings for her from the start and I liked that about him. It made me root for him to get Margaret’s love and I’m happy that he got his wish in the end.
The epilogue wrapped up the 4 couples’ lives and the parents’ well.
Other than the issue of insufficient childhood scenes, it was a nice and enjoyable book.
August 1, 2021
I absolutely loved this series! The overall story arc with the entire family was just too good and those villains were serious next-level awful. I’ve never read this author prior to this but I would love to read more of her work.
May 18, 2016
It was an okay read. The h pushes the H for half of the book. Then, after all the begging, she finally gives in. I wasn't too excited about that.
By any means, it's not a must read but if you're in the mood for a historical, you can give this a try.
By any means, it's not a must read but if you're in the mood for a historical, you can give this a try.
April 11, 2019
Who needs a titled nobleman when you have Cain Sinclair! This is a definite must read! Loved Margaret and Cain, and their unique and wonderful story.
November 30, 2014
Unlaced By The Outlaw is the fourth book in her latest series "Secrets in Silk". Now I have read this author before, one of her viking romances, and loved it. So when I was asked to read and give a honest review for this one, I could barely contain my excitement, and I will be honest...the title really drew me. Many older romance novels that I fell in love with had similar play on words of this title, and so I was curious to see what it was like...and I found I just had so much fun with this story and really had a difficult time in putting it down.
What we have in Outlaced By The Outlaw, is a story that is hard to win but so worth the fight in the end. Cain and Margaret have always felt a connection to each other, even though their love is forbidden by society. Margaret is a daughter with connections to society, but when she ends up being put in a situation by a lord, who made who shunned by the Ton, she has gone five years without finding a husband and knows it is highly unlikely. But that same lord has kidnapped her sister to try to force her to marry him, so she then goes to the only man she knows can help...Cain Sinclair. Cain is a man that lives as he pleases, he is considered not polite company with no manners to speak of, but Margaret knows that he would help her, and that if there is any man that can track her sister down, it is Cain Sinclair. Cain is from the highlands, but when his parents died, he was responsible for raising his younger brother, Jonas. When Margaret comes to him for help, he can't turn her down, because he still loves her after all this time. And thus the adventure begins...
These two were quite the characters, and they won me over. Now Cain Sinclair, is one sexy kilted beast...He does know the art of lovemaking and seduction. But he also has quite the heart and substance, and you can't help but fall madly for him. Beneath his devil may care attitude, he cares, and is quite passionate when it comes to those he loves. Cain is honorable and loyal, who could say no to this sexy man with a sexy brogue. Margaret Andrews, was raised to marry a titled lord, not a man with no much to his name. But when Cain enters her life once more, she is given a second chance at love. Margaret is a bit self centered and selfish at times, especially with thinking that Cain isn't enough, but when you are raised a certain way, and only know what is expected of you, it isn't surprising, in fact, it seemed more realistic than you would think. But Margaret changes in this story, she starts from being selfish to a woman that reaches out for that what she wants...and that is Cain, no matter the consequences, even if it means never seeing her family ever again. I really enjoyed seeing Margaret and Cain really come together and fight for each other. This story had a very high tone of sensuality to it, that will keep you entranced by the story. This one was definitely full of a pack of adventures that leaves the reader breathless, and the way he story turns out, is what you least expect.
There were many aspects of the story that I enjoyed, but if I had to pick one of my favorites, it would be the voice of the author and how smooth the story flowed together. It had a harmonious tune to it, and it was smooth sailing, reading this story. Definitely a story I won't easily forget, a tale of forgiveness, passion and most importantly learning to fight for love....BREATHTAKING!!
What we have in Outlaced By The Outlaw, is a story that is hard to win but so worth the fight in the end. Cain and Margaret have always felt a connection to each other, even though their love is forbidden by society. Margaret is a daughter with connections to society, but when she ends up being put in a situation by a lord, who made who shunned by the Ton, she has gone five years without finding a husband and knows it is highly unlikely. But that same lord has kidnapped her sister to try to force her to marry him, so she then goes to the only man she knows can help...Cain Sinclair. Cain is a man that lives as he pleases, he is considered not polite company with no manners to speak of, but Margaret knows that he would help her, and that if there is any man that can track her sister down, it is Cain Sinclair. Cain is from the highlands, but when his parents died, he was responsible for raising his younger brother, Jonas. When Margaret comes to him for help, he can't turn her down, because he still loves her after all this time. And thus the adventure begins...
These two were quite the characters, and they won me over. Now Cain Sinclair, is one sexy kilted beast...He does know the art of lovemaking and seduction. But he also has quite the heart and substance, and you can't help but fall madly for him. Beneath his devil may care attitude, he cares, and is quite passionate when it comes to those he loves. Cain is honorable and loyal, who could say no to this sexy man with a sexy brogue. Margaret Andrews, was raised to marry a titled lord, not a man with no much to his name. But when Cain enters her life once more, she is given a second chance at love. Margaret is a bit self centered and selfish at times, especially with thinking that Cain isn't enough, but when you are raised a certain way, and only know what is expected of you, it isn't surprising, in fact, it seemed more realistic than you would think. But Margaret changes in this story, she starts from being selfish to a woman that reaches out for that what she wants...and that is Cain, no matter the consequences, even if it means never seeing her family ever again. I really enjoyed seeing Margaret and Cain really come together and fight for each other. This story had a very high tone of sensuality to it, that will keep you entranced by the story. This one was definitely full of a pack of adventures that leaves the reader breathless, and the way he story turns out, is what you least expect.
There were many aspects of the story that I enjoyed, but if I had to pick one of my favorites, it would be the voice of the author and how smooth the story flowed together. It had a harmonious tune to it, and it was smooth sailing, reading this story. Definitely a story I won't easily forget, a tale of forgiveness, passion and most importantly learning to fight for love....BREATHTAKING!!
November 23, 2014
I really enjoyed Margaret and Cain's story. His dirty talk was amazing lol I like the fact that Margaret had some pretty big faults. That made her acquiesce that much sweeter. The characters were well developed. The imagery was on point. Overall it was truly a great read :) Not a huge fan of the cover but totally worth picking up.
June 9, 2015
*received for free through Goodreads First Reads
I wanted to like this book more than I did. The blurb on the back sounded really promising and I enjoy Highland romances, but with this one I found my attention wandering and did not connect with the characters. The writing was smooth and there was some solid action, but I had trouble becoming involved.
I wanted to like this book more than I did. The blurb on the back sounded really promising and I enjoy Highland romances, but with this one I found my attention wandering and did not connect with the characters. The writing was smooth and there was some solid action, but I had trouble becoming involved.
March 26, 2021
Two Worlds Collide
What happens when the daughter of a Lord has been taught all her life the correct way to behave, etiquette and breeding setting her sights on a titled man to keep her in the life she has grown accustomed to. Margaret has always played things straight and all her sisters are married and she fears she will be left to lead a life as a spinster.
As she grew up she always had a close friendship in her mind to a highlander Cain but he has always adored her. She feels a certain attraction but tries to banish it from her mind. She is routing for a Prince etc.
One day their world collide but can there be any future and when there is a chance that she will not see him again she finally wakes up. She no longer wants to be prim and proper and she starts to find out things about herself that Cain knew all along.
As each book features a different sister this was going to be my least favourite and it so happened that the best was left to last
What happens when the daughter of a Lord has been taught all her life the correct way to behave, etiquette and breeding setting her sights on a titled man to keep her in the life she has grown accustomed to. Margaret has always played things straight and all her sisters are married and she fears she will be left to lead a life as a spinster.
As she grew up she always had a close friendship in her mind to a highlander Cain but he has always adored her. She feels a certain attraction but tries to banish it from her mind. She is routing for a Prince etc.
One day their world collide but can there be any future and when there is a chance that she will not see him again she finally wakes up. She no longer wants to be prim and proper and she starts to find out things about herself that Cain knew all along.
As each book features a different sister this was going to be my least favourite and it so happened that the best was left to last
January 30, 2018
I just listened to this series available from Audible, and every tale is wonderful, needing hankies, stirring the lusty Romantic soul. Every sister heroine and their hero swains go on different paths to the HEA, but are connected by sisterly love and familial support. It had been a few years since I'd read the series and I had forgotten details that came alive again in such heartwarming detail, and heart-wrenching struggles.
SPOILER: The villain (and his puppet of a sister, and his venal lackeys, and just as scary brother) wreak havoc all through the series and get/gets his satisfying punishment in the end. I loved these books.
SPOILER: The villain (and his puppet of a sister, and his venal lackeys, and just as scary brother) wreak havoc all through the series and get/gets his satisfying punishment in the end. I loved these books.
September 22, 2017
This story blew my mind considering it was my favorite in the series and up until this book Margaret was my least favorite sister. Utterly too prim and proper she was the very definition of propriety and boredom. and yet in this tale she somewhat let her freak flag fly and I was smiling the whole time cheering her on.
Cain Sinclair...well I thought Paul Fraser was the hot Scot in this series but I sure was wrong.
Cain Sinclair...well I thought Paul Fraser was the hot Scot in this series but I sure was wrong.
December 7, 2019
A Good Series Ending
I wasn't sure if I would end up enjoying Margaret 's book as much as the other sisters - I found her tedious and shallow until book 3, but hoped she would redeem herself. She most definitely did and I like how her storyline played out. Cain also is that character I really wanted to know more about, especially after book 3. Will most likely look into other books Willingham has written.
I wasn't sure if I would end up enjoying Margaret 's book as much as the other sisters - I found her tedious and shallow until book 3, but hoped she would redeem herself. She most definitely did and I like how her storyline played out. Cain also is that character I really wanted to know more about, especially after book 3. Will most likely look into other books Willingham has written.
January 20, 2025
Enjoyable conclusion
Overall I really enjoyed this series. Margaret and Cain's story was a wonderful conclusion. There were a few loose ends that I was wondering about in regards to the other estate...were the expenses legit and I also was curious about Lady Sarah's story ending...was she able to start over? These however did not detract from my enjoyment. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Overall I really enjoyed this series. Margaret and Cain's story was a wonderful conclusion. There were a few loose ends that I was wondering about in regards to the other estate...were the expenses legit and I also was curious about Lady Sarah's story ending...was she able to start over? These however did not detract from my enjoyment. I look forward to reading more from this author.
July 18, 2017
Three stars!
I did not think this story was as good as the others in the series. I did not like Margaret's character at all, she was selfish and flighty. However, I did like cain's character, he was noble and heroic at every turn. Also, like the other books, I liked how the family interacted with one another.
I did not think this story was as good as the others in the series. I did not like Margaret's character at all, she was selfish and flighty. However, I did like cain's character, he was noble and heroic at every turn. Also, like the other books, I liked how the family interacted with one another.
January 27, 2019
Love worth waiting for
Cain has loved prissy Margaret since they were children! Margaret dreams were to marry a peer a Lord of the realm. For 9 years she ran from this man. Amelia her sister was kidnapped and with her and Cain’s pursuit began a trial by fire 🔥! This series was amazing and this story is awesome!
Cain has loved prissy Margaret since they were children! Margaret dreams were to marry a peer a Lord of the realm. For 9 years she ran from this man. Amelia her sister was kidnapped and with her and Cain’s pursuit began a trial by fire 🔥! This series was amazing and this story is awesome!
July 19, 2024
Margaret Andrews falls in love with a Scottish outlaw.
Cain Sinclair can’t believe proper Margaret could care for him.
I rushed through this and it is me least favorite of the four in the series.
The epilogue was the best part of this book is it showed the family together once again, daughters and parents.
Cain Sinclair can’t believe proper Margaret could care for him.
I rushed through this and it is me least favorite of the four in the series.
The epilogue was the best part of this book is it showed the family together once again, daughters and parents.
July 25, 2017
Great series!!!
Now that I've read all four books, my critique on the story overall is, while predictable in outcome, it is fairly enjoyable. I would recommend this series to anyone interested in a quick, but endearing story.
Now that I've read all four books, my critique on the story overall is, while predictable in outcome, it is fairly enjoyable. I would recommend this series to anyone interested in a quick, but endearing story.
February 2, 2018
Amazing
The way hero has a soft side despite a rough exterior . And the way heroine has a transformation from the stickler of propriety to
a horny minx not afraid of showing her feelings towards hero was nice too.
The way hero has a soft side despite a rough exterior . And the way heroine has a transformation from the stickler of propriety to
a horny minx not afraid of showing her feelings towards hero was nice too.
July 3, 2018
Good
This gem has been sitting in the cloud for a while. I thought I had read it. It was a great story. It had drama, mystery, a. bit of humor and romance. This is for mature readers only. I think it is very entertaining.
This gem has been sitting in the cloud for a while. I thought I had read it. It was a great story. It had drama, mystery, a. bit of humor and romance. This is for mature readers only. I think it is very entertaining.
December 9, 2019
Wonderful book!
Excellent book, very well written. The storyline and plot twists kept you on the edge of your seat. Margaret and Cain were truly a love match. I enjoyed the story and recommend this book and the series.
Excellent book, very well written. The storyline and plot twists kept you on the edge of your seat. Margaret and Cain were truly a love match. I enjoyed the story and recommend this book and the series.
March 1, 2021
Adventures & Love
Margaret & Cain's story was amusing, adventurous and thrilling! I love the historical aspect as well, it makes it very interesting. I enjoyed the series and WILK read it again.
Margaret & Cain's story was amusing, adventurous and thrilling! I love the historical aspect as well, it makes it very interesting. I enjoyed the series and WILK read it again.
March 9, 2021
A wonderful conclusion to the series
This is a wonderful steamy conclusion to the series. The plot is one of many emotional moments, and characters who have the determination and love to overcome their obstacles and achieve justice and happiness.
This is a wonderful steamy conclusion to the series. The plot is one of many emotional moments, and characters who have the determination and love to overcome their obstacles and achieve justice and happiness.
June 10, 2021
Great series
Truly enjoyed listening to this series. Really enjoyed the characters and their lives. I can't imagine living in that era as a woman. This in an interesting, sexy series. Worth your time!!
Truly enjoyed listening to this series. Really enjoyed the characters and their lives. I can't imagine living in that era as a woman. This in an interesting, sexy series. Worth your time!!
February 16, 2017
Good Series
I enjoyed the series immensely. The characters were described well and you found yourself wanting to know more about their situations. Always a good sign.
I enjoyed the series immensely. The characters were described well and you found yourself wanting to know more about their situations. Always a good sign.
May 9, 2017
Very good book
I loved that the man of her dreams was not a blue blooded snob. The characters were brave, strong & you rooted for them through the whole story. What a twist for the ending. Loved that!
I loved that the man of her dreams was not a blue blooded snob. The characters were brave, strong & you rooted for them through the whole story. What a twist for the ending. Loved that!
May 9, 2017
Enjoyable!
This story was a little different than most. I really enjoyed how much honor Cain had. And never took advantage of Margaret. She SEDUCED him.
This story was a little different than most. I really enjoyed how much honor Cain had. And never took advantage of Margaret. She SEDUCED him.
December 20, 2017
Excellent Series
The Secrets in Silk is a most enjoyable series taking each sister with her own intriguing tale.
Only wish there were more
The Secrets in Silk is a most enjoyable series taking each sister with her own intriguing tale.
Only wish there were more
June 5, 2018
Awesome
I enjoyed the setting of the story and the time period. Read all four of the books and loved the saga of the family.
I enjoyed the setting of the story and the time period. Read all four of the books and loved the saga of the family.
March 10, 2019
Can she get any more irritating!
April 17, 2019
Great Series - Wonderful Characters
Thoroughly enjoyed all of the sister's stories. No real favorite. The subplots was fun as well. Will read this author again.
Thoroughly enjoyed all of the sister's stories. No real favorite. The subplots was fun as well. Will read this author again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews