Monday, March 13, 2023

The Laird's Runaway Wife - Sarah Mallory (HH #1655 - June 2022)

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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