Series:
Lairds of Ardvarrick (Book 3)
Finding his wife…
Puts them both in peril!
When they were newly married, their lives had been full
of joy, but tragedy has struck, and Grant Rathmore's wife has run away to her
father -- a dangerous Jacobite sympathizer. Fearful for Madeleine's life, Grant
finds her at a London ball, looking more beautiful than ever and dancing
without a care in the world. Now Grant vows to do whatever it takes to keep her
safe…
Good conclusion to the trilogy. This book takes place four
years after
Rescued by Her Highland Soldier. Though the beginning of their
marriage was full of happiness, the last couple of years have been marred by
tragedy, leaving both emotionally reeling. Grant and Maddie have grown apart,
and he returns from a trip to discover that Maddie has left him to go to her
father. We know from the previous book that the comte is a man who thrives on
intrigue.
The comte is playing a dangerous game and has drawn
Maddie into his web. He is working with Jacobite sympathizers in London,
angling to continue the Prince's fight for the throne. His antics put him on
the road to treason, and Maddie's presence puts her, and by association, Grant
and Ardvarrick, in danger. The comte's lack of concern for Maddie's welfare
added to my disgust for him. I was equally furious with Maddie for going along
with his schemes once again.
Grant goes to London with his friends, the McBinnies, to
find his wayward wife. He's disturbed to see her at a lavish London ball,
looking happier than she has in a long time. He wants to drag her out of the
ballroom and the looming danger, but he knows he must be cautious. Though
Maddie does everything she can to push him away, he refuses to leave until he
knows she is safe.
The twists and turns of this book kept me turning the
pages, anxious to see how it turned out. The comte goes blithely on, secure in
his invincibility. Grant watches the house and Maddie, determined to protect
her until she leaves for France. Other watchers are revealed, but who are they?
Another player has his eyes on Maddie and will do anything to claim her as his
own. I was on the edge of my seat as each scene played out, captivated by the
sheer ingenuity of some of the actions and the audaciousness of others.
I ached for Grant and Maddie throughout most of the book.
Each is hurting from their losses, but they have kept those feelings to
themselves. Neither wanted to add to the other's grief. Maddie feels like a
failure, and Grant's withdrawal makes her believe she has lost his love. Grant
doesn't want to burden the already grieving Maddie with his pain, so he buries
it in work and watches her become more distant. Each wants the other to be
happy, even if it means heartbreak for themselves. I liked their "aha"
moments, but did they come too late?
The rescue was fantastic. I loved the
window scene - a neat little nod to Outlander. But I nearly despaired of Grant
and Maddie getting past their fears and misconceptions. Thank goodness Grant's
emotional confession unlocked the fears that had kept them apart. The epilogue
was excellent, and I loved seeing what the future had in store for them.
One of my favorite characters was Colonel Rutter, one of
the British officers staying with the McBinnies in the previous book. It was
sweet to see him captivated by Anne McBinnie as he renewed his acquaintance
with the family. The colonel also plays a critical role in bringing Grant and
Maddie together, as well as the resolution of the comte's actions.
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