From USA Today Bestselling Author Madeline Martin comes a steamy, suspenseful Scottish romance...
Bridget de Vere wants nothing more than to kill the man who slew her brother on the battlefield, a man to whom she later finds herself betrothed. Marrying Aidan MacAllister is the perfect opportunity for her to get close enough to exact her revenge, except that the more she gets to know him, the harder it is to go through with her plan and the more she is drawn to the man she is supposed to hate. When passion and vengeance collide, can enemies become lovers, or are they destined to lose everything?
Madeline Martin is a New York Times, USA Today, Publisher's Weekly, and international bestselling author of historical fiction and historical romance with books that have been translated into over twenty-five different 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 research and travel, attributing her fascination with history to having spent most of her childhood as an Army brat in Germany.
Check out her website for book club visits, reader guides for her historical fiction, upcoming events, book news and more: https://madelinemartin.com
'The Highlander's Challenge' by Madeline Martin is the story of Bridget de Wolfe and Aidan MacAlister. This book was a great read that I just couldn't put down and had to read til the end! Bridget has trained and has went into battles with her brother but on one such battle she saw her brother be killed by Aidan. Bridget swore to kill him and get her revenge on him. A few years later she get her chance when Aidan and Bridget are set to marry to settle the feud between the two sides. Will Bridget get her chance to seek her revenge or will love play the part to have them become a true love match. Another great book by Ms. Martin! I received this book in exchange for an honest review. https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H... https://www.facebook.com/sally.mae.39... https://www.facebook.com/groups/17091... http://booklikes.com/ https://romancebookreviewforyou.wordp... https://twitter.com/soapsrus68
The Highlander’s Challenge, by Madeline Martin is one of her many great books to read. This book in my opinion deserves more than just five stars. I love how Madeline stories shows the leading lady as a fierce warrior, whose independent. A woman who doesn’t rely on any man to make decisions for her or try to save her. The story takes to the highlands among the borders the Scottish and the English. After a fatal battle with Scotland, a piece treaty was drawn, forcing Bridget to marry Aidan. An evil man, whom she believes killed someone she loves. From the day of the marriage to months pass. Bridget tries to find a way to kill Aidan. Aidan knows this, but to keep the peace among his people and the English, he knows that they need to make the marriage work. In comes little Rabbie and Aidans sister Cailean. Bridget takes to these two and developed an instant loving bond. Aidan and his dominant, commanding nature, tries to figure out how to gain the love of his wife. After he tells her that she’s a woman and that she must stay behind to tend to the castle. Bridget in her mind said, “ I got something for you”. She went out there raised her sword and fought better than Aidans men. An attempted murder and an almost battle breaks out in the hills. Bridget, realizes that she could lose Aidan and she fights an unknown enemy to get to the man that she loves and calls husband. Inside Bridget battles with her emotions and questions herself. How can she love the man who took someone precious from her? I recommend this book with two snaps and a I am woman, hear me roar! Until next time my fellow readers...read on. I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free gifted copy.
How I adore this author's heroines, they are always so feisty and can certainly take care of themselves! Bridget is a warrior in her own right and it's during a battle with the Scots that she sees one of her brothers struck down and killed. There and then she vows to revenge his death. When the King sends her to marry a Scots in the name of peace, she learns it's the same man who killed her brother. Marry him and get her revenge by killing him on their wedding night....perfect plan.
Aidan has spent his life protecting his siblings and working hard to make sure they have a loving home. During one of the battles with the English, he strikes down one of them and too late realizes it's a woman. He decides to let her live and little does he realize that two years later he would be marrying her. Their wedding night does not go according to plan!
I loved the interactions between them and I thought it was such a cute scene when he asks his young sister advice on how to attract his own wife:) Very well written with action throughout and certainly never a dull moment!
Seeking Revenge is an awful burden to carry. But Bridget de Wolfe has been holding onto her hatred since she saw her brother killed in battle by Aiden MacAlister, a Scot. Trained as a warrior herself, she had tried to kill the man but he had knocked her down and left a mark on her face. As fate would have it, a year later she is to be wed to Aiden, the very man she seeks. What she finds when she travels to his home in Scotland, is a man with a young brother and sister and seems a compassionate warrior who is taking care of his siblings. Now she is faced with killing him or what? She had not thought past that point. As in true Madeline Martin style, you are transported to another time and the characters come alive. An abundance of action, intrigue and very strong emotions will take you through the story to the end. I loved Aiden and Bridget and my heart was engaged with their story. Do not miss this wonderful tale during a time when anything could happen and with two strong main characters, it does!!!
The Highlander’s Challenge by Madeline Martin An Outstanding Read! This is an unbelievably intense and powerful story that rocked me to my core! This story is masterfully written with a deeply emotional delivery you can’t help but get wrapped up in, and it’s one you won’t soon forget! This is one of the BEST BOOKS I’ve read all year! Wow! I highly recommend this book to everyone who’s looking for an intense and in-depth historical romance that you just can’t put down! Note: This story contains a slow burn romance with a steamy red hot love scene that will surly leave a blush! Happy Reading Indeed!
**I was gifted a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review**
I loved this book - I would even venture to say that this is my favorite Madeline Martin book to date.
I LOVED Aidan - LOVED, LOVED, LOVED him! He is everything I want in a hero, he is kind, protective, patient and loves his family. Did I mention that I love him? It bears repeating.
Bridget and Aidan first meet in battle - her brother has just been killed and she attacks the man standing over his body. Aidan defends himself and once Bridget has been knocked out, he realizes that she is not a knight and decides to let her live.
Fast forward two years, Bridget has been ordered to marry Aidan to further the peace treaty between England and Scotland. She agrees to marry, but has plans for revenge against the man that killed her beloved brother.
Aidan is not thrilled to marry Bridget, but for the sake of his family, he will. He is astounded to learn his bride is the woman he left on the battlefield years ago and even more surprised to see how lovely she is.
Bridget can barely stand looking at the man who killed her brother, but she also can't help noticing how handsome he is and she is shocked to see how loving his is to his young brother and sister. She does not want to admire this man, he is her enemy and she will avenge her brother's death.
On their wedding night, Bridget finally gets her chance, but an interruption by Aidan's young brother thwarts her plan. She can't in good conscience do to Rabbie what was done to her and she is left wondering how she will be able to live with Aidan in an unwanted marriage.
Weeks pass and these two avoid each other, but Bridget gets to know his siblings, Rabbie and Cailean. Bridget is a warrior, but she is also a kind-hearted person and she can't help but admire Aidan for his devotion to his siblings, as she begins to learn more about the man she has married, the more confused she becomes - she tries to hold on to her hatred, but it is getting harder every passing day.
When Aidan agrees to let Bridget train with his men, he wants a real marriage and figures if he gives a little, so will she.
When Bridget is badly beaten in practice, Aidan nurses her back to health and Bridget begins to warm up to him. When they finally consummate their marriage, Ms. Martin did a spectacular job of explaining Bridget's conflicting feelings to the reader. It was really well done. I felt the hope, the anguish, the betrayal and confusion.
When they return to the castle it is to find chaos and soldiers preparing for battle. Aidan orders Bridget to stay at the castle and protect Rabbie and Cailean.
While Aiden has ridden off to confront the English, an unexpected visitor comes to see Bridget and offers her freedom, she finally has to admit to herself that she is in love with Aiden and doesn't want to leave.
There is a final life and death confrontation in which truths are revealed and love is declared.
SIGH - I love Aidan, did I mention that?
My one and only complaint is that the story was short and left me wanting more! The writing was excellent, the love scenes hot, the battle scenes were a little violent (but not gory), the villain was beastly and the final scene was amazing! I would highly recommend this book, even though it is part of the de Wolfe world, it is easily read as a stand alone title.
What could possibly be better than a Madeline Martin novel filled with braw Highlanders ? Well mix it into the world of the Dewolfes , and you have your dream . Bridget De Wolfe is the daughter of the famous William Earl Of Northumbria, she also a very well trained Knight in her own right . Whilst fighting against the Scots , she witnesses the death of her brother Richard. She faces the man she believes is his attacker, but knocked unconscious she never gets revenge. Aiden is given the hand of an English Bride , hoping the heal the rifts between Scots and English and strengthen a delicate peace .
Unfortunately Bridget remembers his face from the battle and after the wedding decides her only option is to kill her husband , the man she believes guilty of her brothers death . Aiden falls for her almost immediately, but Bridget is definitely cold towards the Highlander, the marriage is in for a rocky time unless differences can be solved . I really loved this book so much . I’m a fan of both Le Veques novels and Madelines. It’s my idea of heaven x I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review x
Bridget is a warrior, even if her brothers are out to protect her each time there's a skirmish. When a highlander kills her brother Richard unarmed and on his knees, all that she can think about is murdering the axe wielding maniac. When she's betrothed to Aidan MacAllister, she knows she will finally get revenge. What she didn't cater for was the fact that Aidan and his uncle Donald are the only two of the clan who use a battle axe. How can she care for a husband who may have been responsible for her brother's death? The emotional seesaw that both Aidan and Bridget go through is what the story focuses on. Aidan knows she tried to murder him, but he pretends to be too drunk to remember the incident. He wants to know why, and there's no stopping his attraction to the English woman. The climax does have you on the edge, cause while I have full faith in the HEA with the author, there's a couple of sticky situations that have your heart racing. Things do work out in the end and it's a lovely story!
The Earl of Northumbria was persuaded by his sons to allow their younger sister to fight with them in battles. Dressed in Knight's armor, Bridget de Wolfe is a strong adversary in the fight against the Scottish invaders. In the opening skirmish Bridget's brother Richard steps in to defend his sister. He is no match for the Scot and is soon dealt a fatal blow. A couple of years later the King of England makes a request to the Earl that he allow his daughter to marry a Scotsman to strengthen a new alliance between England and Scotland. Aidan MacAlister, her intended, turns out to be the man who killed her brother!! Bridget plans her revenge on him. I enjoyed reading this so much I had a hard time putting it down. I loved the characters. Aidan's younger brother and sister are so adorable. You will have to read it for yourself to see if Bridget follows through with her plan of revenge or if she softens her heart towards her husband and Scotland. You will not be disappointed!
This is just a great addition to the kindle worlds de Wolfe pack but also a perfect little novella by Ms. Madeline Martin. I know I am still somewhat new to her writing this only being the second book of hers that I have read but Ms. Martin writes just so well that I am amazed by the complexity and intricacy that she infuses in this short novella. Yes I do have not only a slight apprehension to reading fan fiction especially when I have read from this world before and know the characters quite well so my expectations to stay true to the world is very high but also the fact that it is a novella hoping that there is a true complete story in there which Ms. Martin delivers on both accounts. Bridget de Wolfe great niece of Penelope de Wolfe might be the only daughter of the earl of Northumbria but that doesn’t deter her from fighting alongside her brothers as a knight. While Bridget is defending Castle Questing against the Scottish attack she witnesses her brother Richard being killed by none other than Aidan MacAlister. Bridget fights Aidan attempting to kill him which Aidan is clearly winning but in his beliefs decides to let her live. Bridget lives for vengeance but does get the chance to avenge her brother’s death by being betrothed to the very man that killed him Aidan MacAlister. I was a little scared to like Bridget she seemed so vengeful that I was hoping that this wasn’t going to be all she was about. Sometimes it’s a fine line especially when you have a strong willed independent spitfire of a woman you of course see all that but can also see the cantankerous shrew of her nature as well. I do understand Bridget’s vindictiveness so at times I was wondering how Bridget is going to even fall in love when she feels so much hate. Yes I did eventually like her especially how she treats Aidan’s siblings and attempts to win over his people. Many times I wanted to shake Bridget and tell her to lighten up stop being such a nag you could win more people over with honey than vinegar. Yes eventually I did warm up to her about 30% into the book. For some reason even though Aidan killed Bridget’s brother plus all the hate seemed to be directed at him I just fell for and loved Aidan instantly. He might have seemed brutish and harsh but he definitely had that highlander thing working for him. Aidan was also sensitive, caring, loyal, loved his people and his family so yes he was easy to like. I really liked Cailean and Rabbie what is not to like about them, they were just adorable. I did want a little longer story especially to see if Bridget wins over Aidan’s people and if they had a family so I think an epilogue would have been nice. Still the story is pretty complete and a nice addition to the de Wolfe kindle worlds making me not only eager to read more in this world but from Ms. Martin.
Madeline Martin has such an amazing writing style and an ability to keep her readers wanting more. This story was no exception. I especially like the fact that Ms Martin has tough, passionate heroines and not weak damsels in distress. I also loved the fact that this book has a female knight. The creativity and strong secondary characters always makes her stories entertaining and enjoyable. Bridget is a force within herself and coupled with Aidan they make a formidable pair. I loved their story and how their relationship developed. If you haven’t read anything written by Madeline Martin this is a great one to start with. If you are familiar with her work you will love this story if you haven’t read it yet. I received this book for an honest review and have no hesitation in recommending it.
I can honestly say that I absolutely LOVED this book! It is written in such a captivating way that keeps you reading. You also connect to the characters so easily. It has a unique and intriguing storyline. The heroine is a unique woman's because she feels at home on the battlefield. The hero is also unique because he is warrior but also a man of compassion. With each page turn, you fall deeper in love with each character. This is a story about love, compassion and being true to yourself. I was so immersed in the book and was so eager to absorb very aspect of Bridget and Aiden's story that I could not put it down. Madeline Martin has done it again! She has written a fantastic read that pulls you into another world! I would highly recommend reading this book!
Bridget de Wolfe is a unusual woman on a mission. She wants to exact revenge on her brother's murderer. He was slain on the battlefield right before her eyes. Her chance falls right into her hands. That man is her betrothed, Aiden MacAlister.
Aiden MacAlister is responsible for his two siblings. He is awarded land and a home from Robert the Bruce. He is also not thrilled to betrothed to Bridget de Wolfe. He is a man of his word and wants to live up to his responsibilities. He will do anything to secure his siblings future. Aiden finds himself married to a woman that has tried to kill him.
Without giving away the story, Bridget is torn between her need for revenge and her budding attraction for her husband. Aiden is also torn between his attraction to his wife and wanting to stay alive!! Will revenge or love win out???
There are times when you read a novella and at "The End" you think...DANG!! I wish that was longer. Well for me, this was one of those times. I loved the idea of the warrior heroine and how she has to wed her perceived enemy. There was a bit of action, intrigue, humor, touching moments with the minor characters.
Even though it was a short read, it was packed with enough description of each character that I wasn't left wondering about their motivation/feelings. I'm a huge fan of Ms. Martin's writing style and have expressed a hope that maybe...MAYBE...this could be the start of a new series for her as there are at least two possibly three characters that, IMO, could use a story in the future...
Being a warrior maid fighting along with her brother didn't allow for weakness. When she sees him fall in battle, she is also hit and went down. when her helmet falls off, the warrior that felled her sees she is a girl and he decides to allow her to live. Adian is not happy when he is told he is to marry, even moreso when he discovers the girl he allowed to live was the one he left on the battlefield. Bridget has been told she would marry and she agrees to accept, especially when she discovers the man she would wed was the one that murdered her brother. She is determine to kill him as soon as he tries to take her. I really enjoyed the story of the 2 of them, trying to live together when both of them are distrustful of the other, throw in the suspense of someone wanting to kill her.
The enemies to lovers trope is not one I read often mainly because it bothers me when they seem to drag the hatred out pretty much through the whole book yet somehow still love each other, it's just weird to me and I get easily annoyed with both characters. The Highlander's Challenge, however, i really really liked. There was chemistry between Aidan and Bridget, there was a storyline, and the outcome was perfect. I liked that the hate wasn't dragged out to a degree that left me thinking 'what the heck, how did they end up loving each other'. Also, things aren't always what they seem and I was pleasantly surprised at the twist. This is the first book i've read by this author and i'm definitely planning on reading more.
Bridget de Wolfe is a warrior who fights alongside her brothers in battle. Two years after witnessing the death of one of her brothers in a battle against the Scots , she has been persuaded to marry the man she believes responsible. She has an ulterior motive for agreeing. Adian MacAlister is hoping for peace by marrying the daughter of his former enemy. He has his young siblings to protect and provide for. He is not quite prepared for the woman he gets. A wonderful addition to the World of de Wolfe Pack. With words if wisdom from an important aunt. Lots of emotion and a great strong heroine. Our sexy hero is more than a match for his stubborn wife. I loved every page.
What an excellent read! Striking characters that are strong and totally believable! Holy cow , your punched in the face from the first page with a fight between the English and Scots with a twist! Our warrior in those first paragraphs is none other than Bridget! What she witnesses while in battle will set the stage of her mind when peace is brought to the borders and an alliance is made between her father and Aidan, the man she saw kill her brother. Our stage is set, let the tale unfold....👍👌😊 Well done Madeline Martin! I loved this book!madeline-martin
Great read! Love how the author give life to her characters, superb plot and awesome writing. This is my favorite part: "Lady de Wolfe!?" he inquired. She gave a single nod without ever taking her cool gaze from him. His heart slid into his stomach. Bridget de Wolfe was the very woman whose life he'd spared on the battlefield. And now he would find himself her husband. And the adventure begins! A sigh worthy kind of story and Madeline Martin once again shared her magic in writing historical stories!
Bridget de Wolfe is a true de Wolfe woman – a beauty and a fighter. She is called the Rose of the de Wolfes for her beauty, but she moves with deadly force on the battle field. When her beloved brother Richard is killed in battle, Bridget vows to get revenge. A year later she is betrothed to Richard’s killer. Will Bridget get to avenge her brother, or will her betrothed claim her heart? I highly recommend The Highlander’s Challenge. Martin is one of the most talented authors writing today. This is a heart stopping quick read with everything a historical romance fan enjoys.
Bridget de Wolfe wants to marry the man she thinks killed her brother in battle..she wants to marry him so that she can kill him!!! This book gives you hate, love, romance, revenge, all rolled into one absolutely wonderful book! Madeline Martin is such a talented author! This book is a must read!!! I loved it!!!
A Laird with siblings that need a home; an English lady who's also a soldier; an arranged marriage between the two when she thinks he killed her brother. Ooh!!! Such a delicious plot-- I didn't want this story to end
Great read. Wonderful characters. Wonderful love hate in the beginning. Sudan's perseverance pays off. Absolutely love little Rabbie's character. The thought of female knights exciting. Would like more stories with female knights.
I absolutely enjoyed reading this book. It was exciting, interesting and romantic all rolled up into a great book. The love Bridget and Aiden have for their family's is astounding. I highly recommend this book.
is the story of Bridget who marries the man who killed her brother in battle so she can exact revenge. Wonderful story, complex interesting characters, interesting storyline. Will she be able to kill him or will she love him? that is a question you will need to read this wonderful story to get!
I really enjoyed this novella. Her battle within herself to avenge her brothers death is just not enough to convince herself to follow through with her plans to kill the man who took his life. Her heart has other plans and she is determined to fight it every chance she gets.
fuel by hatred and revenge Bridget is on a mission to get her brothers killer but when she finds herself betrothed to him and sees into his life can she still go through it..Madeline Martin is such a great writer that you get suck in to the story line. must read!
Bridget Dr Vere, Earl of Northumberland 's daughter, is called the Rise of Dr Here for her fearce fighting skills and her beauty as well as being the only daughter. She loves her family and being free to battle with her brother in England's defence.
Aiden MacAlister is a braw, handsome warrior who believes that once a man drops his weapon he is done in battle and moved on to the next person. His mother died in childbirth and his father soon after. So he is raising his brother and sister.
After the battle appears at Quelling Castle, Bridget family home, the knights, brothers and Bridget all fought to protect the castle. Richard, the brother closest in age, battled next to her and would not let her battle much so Bridget moved away and was shocked to see Richard called by a Scotsman.
Aiden arrived next to the downed Richard when this enraged warrior attached him. He finally got in a good blow when the helmet of said warrior came off to show it was a female. Aiden felt real bad as he protects women.
Now Aiden has been given land and requested to marry and English bride in the name of peace. Shocked is the last thing he would be when his bride arrives and it is the female warrior he hurt.
Bridget is not surprised in Aiden as she agreed to the wedding to avenge the death of her brother Richard. She arrives in full armor with one other soldier and her ladies maid. She asked her family to not go.
As to what happens you will have to read the book. It is full of surprises, great characters, and fun.
Not one to be left out of the fray, Bridget stood with her brother as the Scottish fought the English in border skirmishes until her brother was slain. A couple of years later she was designated to marry a Scot as a forging of peace between the two countries. The problem was it involved, she believed, the warrior who killed her beloved brother. Marrying him with the intention of a revenge killing, she hadn't realized her increasing affections towards his orphaned siblings as her anger abated. Yet, the agreement between countries soon ceased, resulting in difficult choices for Bridget. A short novella, well-written with the typical gore and steaminess will keep readers, who enjoy the genre, engaged throughout.