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The Militia Man's Lady
This is the second book in the series 'Dreda's Men' and follows the exploits of the men in the Taylian State Security Bureau and their ladies.
Taylia is divided by civil war. Lady Helena von Vagna's brother has gambled most of her family's fortune away and it is rumoured he has helped the rebels. Her fiancé has deserted her and she toils to save her family farm. She has no desire to be intimate with any man, particularly the irritating, domineering, provoking Militia man, Officer Peter Denman who saved her when she being attacked by bandits.
Officer Denman is intrigued by this woman. He tries to help her when she is accused of murder and follows her to the sordid bowels of the city where she is vulnerable to the attentions of pimps and brothel keepers.
Lady Felea Whelani, the heroine in the first book is now married to Francis Dreda, Commander of the Bureau. Their marriage is still tempestuous as Felea finds it difficult to conform to the expected behaviour of a dutiful nobleman's wife. Her telepathic qualities are developing. When a vision warns of injury to vulnerable women exploited by powerful men she rushes to their rescue endangering her own health and marriage.
Her husband also has made many enemies who are still out to destroy him and she must try to save him.
Helena's farm is targeted by criminals who want the loot Helena's brother may have hidden. She now understands the type of man Denman is. Will Denman manage to save Helena from those trying to destroy her and claim her for himself? Will she want this ruthless militia officer?
Taylia is divided by civil war. Lady Helena von Vagna's brother has gambled most of her family's fortune away and it is rumoured he has helped the rebels. Her fiancé has deserted her and she toils to save her family farm. She has no desire to be intimate with any man, particularly the irritating, domineering, provoking Militia man, Officer Peter Denman who saved her when she being attacked by bandits.
Officer Denman is intrigued by this woman. He tries to help her when she is accused of murder and follows her to the sordid bowels of the city where she is vulnerable to the attentions of pimps and brothel keepers.
Lady Felea Whelani, the heroine in the first book is now married to Francis Dreda, Commander of the Bureau. Their marriage is still tempestuous as Felea finds it difficult to conform to the expected behaviour of a dutiful nobleman's wife. Her telepathic qualities are developing. When a vision warns of injury to vulnerable women exploited by powerful men she rushes to their rescue endangering her own health and marriage.
Her husband also has made many enemies who are still out to destroy him and she must try to save him.
Helena's farm is targeted by criminals who want the loot Helena's brother may have hidden. She now understands the type of man Denman is. Will Denman manage to save Helena from those trying to destroy her and claim her for himself? Will she want this ruthless militia officer?
192 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 19, 2018
4 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 14, 2021
I enjoyed this story despite the annoying men who think women are weaker and should be 'tamed', but, of course, that was the point of the story…reminding me of Jane Austin's work.
Helena and Denman were perfect characters, each as stubborn as the other. The plot fitted the romance genre and the dramatic scenes were well done. The villains made for great tension and suspense.
Overall, a good read.
Worth a look.
Helena and Denman were perfect characters, each as stubborn as the other. The plot fitted the romance genre and the dramatic scenes were well done. The villains made for great tension and suspense.
Overall, a good read.
Worth a look.
September 28, 2019
This is an enjoyable will they/won't this historical romance. I haven't read the first book in the series, but this book stands on its own. There's just enough information from the characters in book one that you aren't totally lost without it being a total info dump and there's even deep scenes with those characters if you happen to be a fan of them. I liked Helena and Felea as strong women characters, even if sometimes the men in the book wanted them to be a little less strong.
January 2, 2020
My Review of The Militia Man’s Lady by Alexie Bolton
The Militia Man’s Lady is one of a few books I read in December. I was excited to finish this story. I have to say this book brought me through many emotions, and I thought Helena was a great character. A strong woman with so much on her shoulders. I liked Denman too, you could tell from the beginning that he was a good man with many scars for his troubles. It was clear that when two strong people cross paths there is going to be challenges between them.
The story itself follows Helena as her carriage get raided by bandits on her way home. Denman come to rescue her and helps her get back to her farm. He later finds out her drunk brother is trying to get his sister married to some unpleasant men. But fate has other ideas and after her brother returns, he’s later found murdered on the farm. Now who murdered him is the question that is on everyone’s lips. Was it Denman as he tried to protect a woman he just met but admire? Or one of her loyal workers finally snapped seeing their mistress being treated so badly? You’ll have to read this book to find out.
My favourite character was Helena because at heart she values others. She wants to help everyone around her, even if her life has been plunged into ill-repute in others’ eyes. I also thought the author did a great job at showing how strong and untrusting she had become and her challenges to open or even accept help from others because of past experiences in her life
I also liked Denman, he was at a crossroad in life and let himself get swept up in Helena’s life and troubles. I thought the contrast between his family and hers was also very telling to how they both viewed people and the world differently.
The author also has you at the edge of your seat towards the end wondering just what will become of Helena and Denman when her brother’s debts come calling. There are some dark and unanticipated twists and turns in this novel, that build the tension very well for the reader.
If you love gritty novels with historical feels, great characters and scenes that will both touch and break your heart then this book is for you..
The Militia Man’s Lady is one of a few books I read in December. I was excited to finish this story. I have to say this book brought me through many emotions, and I thought Helena was a great character. A strong woman with so much on her shoulders. I liked Denman too, you could tell from the beginning that he was a good man with many scars for his troubles. It was clear that when two strong people cross paths there is going to be challenges between them.
The story itself follows Helena as her carriage get raided by bandits on her way home. Denman come to rescue her and helps her get back to her farm. He later finds out her drunk brother is trying to get his sister married to some unpleasant men. But fate has other ideas and after her brother returns, he’s later found murdered on the farm. Now who murdered him is the question that is on everyone’s lips. Was it Denman as he tried to protect a woman he just met but admire? Or one of her loyal workers finally snapped seeing their mistress being treated so badly? You’ll have to read this book to find out.
My favourite character was Helena because at heart she values others. She wants to help everyone around her, even if her life has been plunged into ill-repute in others’ eyes. I also thought the author did a great job at showing how strong and untrusting she had become and her challenges to open or even accept help from others because of past experiences in her life
I also liked Denman, he was at a crossroad in life and let himself get swept up in Helena’s life and troubles. I thought the contrast between his family and hers was also very telling to how they both viewed people and the world differently.
The author also has you at the edge of your seat towards the end wondering just what will become of Helena and Denman when her brother’s debts come calling. There are some dark and unanticipated twists and turns in this novel, that build the tension very well for the reader.
If you love gritty novels with historical feels, great characters and scenes that will both touch and break your heart then this book is for you..
September 19, 2022
Strong characters and in intresting setting
The story starts with Helena's carriage getting robbed by bandits. Peter Denman comes to help her and takes her with him.But then Helena has a sad history of her own, in the form of her brother.
The mystery builds on after the brother's return and complications ensue.
From the beginning, Denman has been trying to help Helena, because he genuinely admires her grit. That has been brought out very well by the author.
Helena is stubborn and hell bent on doing things all of her own and does not expect anything from others, especially other men. The reasons for her behaviour becomes obvious as her backstory and her brother comes into the scenes.
But Helena's attitude gets her in trouble.
Denman for his part was also stubborn and that has been brought out well in the book. However, there were times when I could not easily accept his coldness or stubbornness. But he is what he is and his character was etched well.
Felea is another very interesting side character who is admirable.
The historical fiction circling the past, the way the people there saw women, the rebels, and that time was well brought out.
Nice intriguing tale of mystery, suspense and romance.
The story starts with Helena's carriage getting robbed by bandits. Peter Denman comes to help her and takes her with him.But then Helena has a sad history of her own, in the form of her brother.
The mystery builds on after the brother's return and complications ensue.
From the beginning, Denman has been trying to help Helena, because he genuinely admires her grit. That has been brought out very well by the author.
Helena is stubborn and hell bent on doing things all of her own and does not expect anything from others, especially other men. The reasons for her behaviour becomes obvious as her backstory and her brother comes into the scenes.
But Helena's attitude gets her in trouble.
Denman for his part was also stubborn and that has been brought out well in the book. However, there were times when I could not easily accept his coldness or stubbornness. But he is what he is and his character was etched well.
Felea is another very interesting side character who is admirable.
The historical fiction circling the past, the way the people there saw women, the rebels, and that time was well brought out.
Nice intriguing tale of mystery, suspense and romance.
September 10, 2018
Tension, adventure and romance ~ Four and a half stars.
The Militia Man’s Lady, a story of tension and adventure, recounts the romance between Lady Helena von Vagna and the militia man Peter Denman. It is the second book that I have read in the Dreda’s Men series, penned by author Alexie Bolton, the first being The Spymaster’s Redeemer.
I felt for Helena from the off as she has been badly treated by men – her brother has gambled away the family fortune and she has since been thrown over by her fiancé. Helena is left to help her mother manage the family estate and works tirelessly to make it pay its way. She not only has to tolerate her brother’s dissolute behaviour but has to put up with rumours that he was involved with rebels, putting her under suspicion.
Peter Denman encounters Helena first by chance and the by design as their lives become increasingly entwined. Denman performs many roles ~ her saviour, accuser and would be confidant and friend. Although attracted to Denman (and he to her) Helena is wary of men, especially those as controlling and domineering as he appears to be, as she values her independence. I loved that she did not fawn over him as did other women of his acquaintance.
As for Denman, he fears that Helena sees him only as a brotherly figure and in any case he tells himself and others that he is not ready for marriage. However, it is clear to all but the couple themselves that they are a perfect match for one another. As the plot progresses Helena manages to get herself into one scrape after another, due to a combination of her independent spirit and the designs of those who would do her harm. There are a number of well recounted dangerous and nail biting scenes where Denman is often on hand to save her.
However, Denman is not always in Helena’s life and I enjoyed the tension filled plot where the couple come together only to be torn apart by their own perceptions of what they as individuals want and what they perceive the other to feel. I was intrigued as to how they could secure their HEA after such an impasse, although at times I wanted to slap them both on account of their stubbornness! Nevertheless I enjoyed how the author resolved their differences. I also enjoyed meeting Francis and Felea, whose romance was featured in the first book in the series.
Readers who enjoy historical romances with strong heroes and characters and a plot full of adventure will enjoy this book.
Merged review:
Tension, adventure and romance ~ four and a half stars.
The Militia Man’s Lady, a story of tension and adventure, recounts the romance between Lady Helena von Vagna and the militia man Peter Denman. It is the second book that I have read in the Dreda’s Men series, penned by author Alexie Bolton, the first being The Spymaster’s Redeemer.
I felt for Helena from the off as she has been badly treated by men – her brother has gambled away the family fortune and she has since been thrown over by her fiancé. Helena is left to help her mother manage the family estate and works tirelessly to make it pay its way. She not only has to tolerate her brother’s dissolute behaviour but has to put up with rumours that he was involved with rebels, putting her under suspicion.
Peter Denman encounters Helena first by chance and the by design as their lives become increasingly entwined. Denman performs many roles ~ her saviour, accuser and would be confidant and friend. Although attracted to Denman (and he to her) Helena is wary of men, especially those as controlling and domineering as he appears to be, as she values her independence. I loved that she did not fawn over him as did other women of his acquaintance.
As for Denman, he fears that Helena sees him only as a brotherly figure and in any case he tells himself and others that he is not ready for marriage. However, it is clear to all but the couple themselves that they are a perfect match for one another. As the plot progresses Helena manages to get herself into one scrape after another, due to a combination of her independent spirit and the designs of those who would do her harm. There are a number of well recounted dangerous and nail biting scenes where Denman is often on hand to save her.
However, Denman is not always in Helena’s life and I enjoyed the tension filled plot where the couple come together only to be torn apart by their own perceptions of what they as individuals want and what they perceive the other to feel. I was intrigued as to how they could secure their HEA after such an impasse, although at times I wanted to slap them both on account of their stubbornness! Nevertheless I enjoyed how the author resolved their differences. I also enjoyed meeting Francis and Felea, whose romance was featured in the first book in the series.
Readers who enjoy historical romances with strong heroes and characters and a plot full of adventure will enjoy this book.
The Militia Man’s Lady, a story of tension and adventure, recounts the romance between Lady Helena von Vagna and the militia man Peter Denman. It is the second book that I have read in the Dreda’s Men series, penned by author Alexie Bolton, the first being The Spymaster’s Redeemer.
I felt for Helena from the off as she has been badly treated by men – her brother has gambled away the family fortune and she has since been thrown over by her fiancé. Helena is left to help her mother manage the family estate and works tirelessly to make it pay its way. She not only has to tolerate her brother’s dissolute behaviour but has to put up with rumours that he was involved with rebels, putting her under suspicion.
Peter Denman encounters Helena first by chance and the by design as their lives become increasingly entwined. Denman performs many roles ~ her saviour, accuser and would be confidant and friend. Although attracted to Denman (and he to her) Helena is wary of men, especially those as controlling and domineering as he appears to be, as she values her independence. I loved that she did not fawn over him as did other women of his acquaintance.
As for Denman, he fears that Helena sees him only as a brotherly figure and in any case he tells himself and others that he is not ready for marriage. However, it is clear to all but the couple themselves that they are a perfect match for one another. As the plot progresses Helena manages to get herself into one scrape after another, due to a combination of her independent spirit and the designs of those who would do her harm. There are a number of well recounted dangerous and nail biting scenes where Denman is often on hand to save her.
However, Denman is not always in Helena’s life and I enjoyed the tension filled plot where the couple come together only to be torn apart by their own perceptions of what they as individuals want and what they perceive the other to feel. I was intrigued as to how they could secure their HEA after such an impasse, although at times I wanted to slap them both on account of their stubbornness! Nevertheless I enjoyed how the author resolved their differences. I also enjoyed meeting Francis and Felea, whose romance was featured in the first book in the series.
Readers who enjoy historical romances with strong heroes and characters and a plot full of adventure will enjoy this book.
Merged review:
Tension, adventure and romance ~ four and a half stars.
The Militia Man’s Lady, a story of tension and adventure, recounts the romance between Lady Helena von Vagna and the militia man Peter Denman. It is the second book that I have read in the Dreda’s Men series, penned by author Alexie Bolton, the first being The Spymaster’s Redeemer.
I felt for Helena from the off as she has been badly treated by men – her brother has gambled away the family fortune and she has since been thrown over by her fiancé. Helena is left to help her mother manage the family estate and works tirelessly to make it pay its way. She not only has to tolerate her brother’s dissolute behaviour but has to put up with rumours that he was involved with rebels, putting her under suspicion.
Peter Denman encounters Helena first by chance and the by design as their lives become increasingly entwined. Denman performs many roles ~ her saviour, accuser and would be confidant and friend. Although attracted to Denman (and he to her) Helena is wary of men, especially those as controlling and domineering as he appears to be, as she values her independence. I loved that she did not fawn over him as did other women of his acquaintance.
As for Denman, he fears that Helena sees him only as a brotherly figure and in any case he tells himself and others that he is not ready for marriage. However, it is clear to all but the couple themselves that they are a perfect match for one another. As the plot progresses Helena manages to get herself into one scrape after another, due to a combination of her independent spirit and the designs of those who would do her harm. There are a number of well recounted dangerous and nail biting scenes where Denman is often on hand to save her.
However, Denman is not always in Helena’s life and I enjoyed the tension filled plot where the couple come together only to be torn apart by their own perceptions of what they as individuals want and what they perceive the other to feel. I was intrigued as to how they could secure their HEA after such an impasse, although at times I wanted to slap them both on account of their stubbornness! Nevertheless I enjoyed how the author resolved their differences. I also enjoyed meeting Francis and Felea, whose romance was featured in the first book in the series.
Readers who enjoy historical romances with strong heroes and characters and a plot full of adventure will enjoy this book.
May 12, 2020
Militia officer Peter Denman first meets beautiful Helen von Vagna when she's fighting off a highwayman. Denman soon discovers Helena's hidden talents - she's an able farmer and drives a shrewd bargain at market, forced to grow up fast when her brother gambled away the family fortune. She also has a knack for finding trouble, from which Denman repeatedly rescues her. Finally, he has to confront a new reality. Could he be falling in love?
This is the sequel to "The Spymaster's Redeemer", another feelgood romance. It isn't necessary to read the other book first, but it does set the scene in explaining the edgy political, economic and social backdrop to the tale. Characters from the first book also pop up in this one - including Denman's young married friends, Francis and Felea, who have an immensely entertaining slanging match halfway through the story. Alexie Bolton understands human nature all too well, conveying it with humour.
If you're looking for a fun read to put a smile on your face, you can't do better than Alexie Bolton.
This is the sequel to "The Spymaster's Redeemer", another feelgood romance. It isn't necessary to read the other book first, but it does set the scene in explaining the edgy political, economic and social backdrop to the tale. Characters from the first book also pop up in this one - including Denman's young married friends, Francis and Felea, who have an immensely entertaining slanging match halfway through the story. Alexie Bolton understands human nature all too well, conveying it with humour.
If you're looking for a fun read to put a smile on your face, you can't do better than Alexie Bolton.
August 11, 2022
I'm quite disappointed. It was a massive struggle for me to finish this book, although I'm glad I persevered. As a piece of historical fiction with a friends-to-lovers romance trope, it should have ticked all the boxes for me. Unfortunately, the characters were downright contradictory, the unintentional message of the book a massive red flag, and the head-hopping more than a little confusing.
That said, it could be good. I sincerely hope the author can bring out the potential this book has to be utterly amazing. The plot is entertaining and there were many nail-biting moments, as well as some fun intrigue. The miscommunication between Denman and Helena was also right on point, I just wish Denman had been a more sympathetic character. His behaviour, in particular, really ruined a lot of the experience for me.
That said, it could be good. I sincerely hope the author can bring out the potential this book has to be utterly amazing. The plot is entertaining and there were many nail-biting moments, as well as some fun intrigue. The miscommunication between Denman and Helena was also right on point, I just wish Denman had been a more sympathetic character. His behaviour, in particular, really ruined a lot of the experience for me.
February 27, 2021
Officer Denman meets his match when he rescues Helena from highwaymen. He is used to ordering people to do as he wishes, and she has lived a life on a farm where she's the boss. As the two clash with one another, they also learn to understand what makes the other the way they are. But can they overcome their differences and insecurities? The characters face many dangers, not only from rebels but also the threat within Denman's own organization. They must battle these forces, while trying to come to terms with their own feelings for one another. A great look at a time when the world was closed off from women, offering them little in the way of security in life: wife or prostitute were viable options.
April 19, 2020
Romantic and suspenseful
Highly romantic and suspenseful, The Militia man ‘s lady kept me on the edge of my chair with each page.
First, we have Helena, a woman with a lot on her shoulders who will help others from the heart, but untrusting in accepting help, pushed by past experiences.
Next, there’s Denman, a man with a lot to deal as well, but who can’t help being swept by Helena’s charm, even more when past rushes in to collect its debts.
Brilliantly executed, with plenty of unexpected twists and wonderfully developed characters, the author held me captive in the story, charming me with the historical feel and her talent.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!
Highly romantic and suspenseful, The Militia man ‘s lady kept me on the edge of my chair with each page.
First, we have Helena, a woman with a lot on her shoulders who will help others from the heart, but untrusting in accepting help, pushed by past experiences.
Next, there’s Denman, a man with a lot to deal as well, but who can’t help being swept by Helena’s charm, even more when past rushes in to collect its debts.
Brilliantly executed, with plenty of unexpected twists and wonderfully developed characters, the author held me captive in the story, charming me with the historical feel and her talent.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!
May 12, 2020
A complex dance through society
In the first book of this duology, Denham comes across as an uncompromising follower of orders, but also in that first book, the two main characters danced their way through a society riven with suspicion and the sort of high class ‘morals’ where a girl could be ruined by gossip, yet they found a way to compromise and be together.
This second book has that similarity, where Helena risks ruin because of the actions of others, including her brother. As for her fiancé? He deserves a good slapping! But when it comes down to it, the hoped-for ending is reached, although I couldn’t help but wonder if it would be.
In the first book of this duology, Denham comes across as an uncompromising follower of orders, but also in that first book, the two main characters danced their way through a society riven with suspicion and the sort of high class ‘morals’ where a girl could be ruined by gossip, yet they found a way to compromise and be together.
This second book has that similarity, where Helena risks ruin because of the actions of others, including her brother. As for her fiancé? He deserves a good slapping! But when it comes down to it, the hoped-for ending is reached, although I couldn’t help but wonder if it would be.
November 11, 2018
A will they won’t they romance in an historical setting. Helena and Peter take one step forward and two steps back as they dance around each other, their own prejudices and love blindness getting in the way. As Helena has a penchant for getting herself into trouble and Peter is well placed to be the dashing rescuer, there are many ups and downs and a lot of tension before their HEA is finally realized. Strong characters with a nice sense of time and space. Although second in the series this reads as a standalone.
September 13, 2019
A period romance
I enjoyed this second in the series. In fact I liked it even better than the first. The period story, set in a fictional European country, follows the budding romance of Helena and Denman. Both were resistant to the attraction they felt for each other, but working their way through a series of trials, fighting rebels and social injustice, they were brought together again and again until they had no choice but to accept their mutual love.
I enjoyed this second in the series. In fact I liked it even better than the first. The period story, set in a fictional European country, follows the budding romance of Helena and Denman. Both were resistant to the attraction they felt for each other, but working their way through a series of trials, fighting rebels and social injustice, they were brought together again and again until they had no choice but to accept their mutual love.
April 30, 2021
I picked up this book because I love this particular author's writing style. As soon as I started reading it I was transported to a totally different era! There was so much action packed into this story! The will they won't they, dynamics between the two protagonists really pulls the reader in. I enjoyed it and recommend it for sure. This is book 2 in a series but it honestly stands alone on its own very well. You won't feel lost at all.
June 21, 2021
Lust, anger, honour and loyalty are emotions frequently bubbling up in The Militia’s Man's Lady.
Part struggle for survival, part who-done-it, part love-story. It’s a journey back to another time.
An historical romance with strong willed women, lurching from one dangerous situation to the next.
It’s a bumpy journey for Helena and Denman until they achieve their happily ever after.
Recommended for readers who enjoy historical romantic suspense.
Part struggle for survival, part who-done-it, part love-story. It’s a journey back to another time.
An historical romance with strong willed women, lurching from one dangerous situation to the next.
It’s a bumpy journey for Helena and Denman until they achieve their happily ever after.
Recommended for readers who enjoy historical romantic suspense.
September 9, 2019
Helena is quite the woman! I adored the way she was portrayed especially the little things like the joy from simply feeding a horse an apple. Her hard luck story led me through so many emotions. Overall this book is an enjoyable romance that didn't disappoint. I'll be reading more by this author.
August 17, 2018
This book both excited and thrilled me. I found I was easily riveted to each and every page eager to find out what was going to happen. Awesome follow up to the series.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews