Catriona's Secret

Series: Borderland Ladies #4<br />Publication Date: 8/27/19<br /><br />This world would be a much, much better place if there were more Geordies in it. Every woman wants, needs, DESERVES, a Geordie in her life. He is a perfect hero and I am so glad I got to meet him. We’ve read about young Geordie through the first three books in the series, and now, finally, we get to meet the grown-up Geordie and he is truly spectacular. Who would have believed that the frightened young boy who faced what he thought was his impending death with such dignity and bravery – would have grown to be a knight who saved both the king and England? <br /><br />After four long, arduous, dangerous, lonely years away, Sir Geordie has returned to Werrick Castle where he can see the woman he loves – the woman he’s loved his entire life. He’s returning in triumph with his knighthood and the favor of the king himself. Yet, something isn’t right. He’s not sure what, but there is something wrong with Cat. Could she love another?<br /><br />Lady Catriona Barrington has longed to see Geordie for four years. They grew up together. They were best friends and confidants. She just always thought he’d be there beside her. Now, he’s at the Castle and all is ruined – completely, totally, irrevocably ruined. It is all her fault – because she was weak – because she let the unthinkable happen. She’s lost it all.<br /><br />When Geordie is called to London to attend a feast the king is giving in Geordie’s honor, Cat is determined to go with him in order to confront the man who impregnated her. He has to help her. Maybe take the child and raise it – something. Geordie cannot know - he especially cannot know who the man is - because he would kill him.<br /><br />Court is filled with intrigue and danger for both Cat and Geordie. Even the king's favor might not be enough to save Geordie from a terrible fate. Will Cat and Geordie be torn apart?<br /><br />We met a couple of new characters that I really liked in this book. First is Tristan who is a good and true friend to Cat and then there is Geordie’s mother who had thought him dead all these years. Of course, we also meet the slimy dastard who is Geordie’s father as well, but we won’t dwell on him. We got to have a short visit with lovely Marin and to see her heart still aching because she can’t conceive a child after eight years of trying. Maybe that will change in the final book of the series.<br /><br />This is an absolutely wonderful story – well written, well-paced, and filled with characters with whom you want to spend more and more time. That is why I’m giving it 5-stars. That said, it really bothered me that Cat was more a wimpy(ish) victim through about 60% of the book rather than the strong, smart, brave, fearless woman we all know her to be. I’m also not a fan of the story mostly taking place at court – I would have loved some good battle scenes, etc. Still – it is a phenomenal book and I can’t recommend it highly enough.<br /><br />Now, the wait for Leila’s book begins. <br /><br />I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.<br />

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️<br />??<br />The Royal court is ever the place for Dignitaries, Rogues and Scoundrels as Catriona finds out to her detriment.<br /><br />When her best friend, and the man she’s always loved return from war , she realises the only way to save him is to let him go .<br />She can’t tell him why , the truth must stay hidden , she knows he’s going to hate her , but what choice does she have.<br />If she tells Geordie what she’s done, and who is responsible for her dilemma, his life will be ruined just as hers is .<br />She doesn’t Bargain on his family, and with family like he has you certainly don’t need enemies.<br /><br />A wonderful addition to this thrilling series.<br />Catriona’s book was always going to tear your heart out , Geordie and her have always had a special relationship and we really find out just what that means.<br /><br />With Battles, Treachery, Kings, Murder and Mayhem, this is a special book that has your emotions reeling.<br /><br />Brilliant and enjoyable, wonderful reading .<br /><br />I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

Lady Catriona Barrington reveled in her time at court, as a younger sister in a family of beautiful women, Cat often felt overlooked and gloried in the attention she received from the courtiers, but when one flirtation goes too far, Cat is eager to return to Werrick Castle and try to keep that awful night a secret.<br /><br />But now that she is home, she soon learns her secret is even bigger than she thought and will not remain that way for long. But in the midst of her despair, her dearest friend Geordie returns after four long years away on campaign with the King. But the man who has returned is no long the young boy she has always loved as a friend, no this is a man who inspires deeper feeling, feelings that she has no right to feel for him. So when he is called to court by the king, she thinks may have found a solution to her woes, by returning to court with him, under the pretense of meeting a suitor.<br /><br />Geordie has loved Cat for as long as he can remember and that love prodded him to “prove” himself worthy of her, first by earning his knighthood and hopefully soon, by being awarded a holding of his own, then he will declare himself and ask for her hand, but his dreams are crushed when she makes it clear that she hopes to marry the son of a Baron and asks Geordie to take her to court when he goes.<br /><br />As they travel, Cat knows that her feeling for Geordie are true love, but deems herself unworthy, especially after Geordie’s contempt for unvirtuous women is made known. And when he learns her secret, she is sure she has lost him forever. But when they reach court, she realizes she underestimated Geordie’s love for her and just when it seems like HEA is within reach – the unthinkable happens and Cat only has a matter of days to save the man she loves from death and dishonor.<br /><br />This was my favorite book in the series (so far), and as much as I loved James (and still do) Sir Geordie Strafford embodies everything a hero should be and he is exactly what you would picture a knight in shining armor to be – handsome, heroic, honorable, brave, self-sacrificing and steadfast – my heart broke for him so many times in this book and while it is technically Cat’s story, Geordie has been such a vital part of the series, that I felt like it became “their” story. The book has a bit of everything, some action, some heartache, some steamy love scenes, bad guys getting their due, wonderful secondary characters, both old and new, a heroine who saves the day and a hero who’s love has no equal and finally a HEA. This story touches on some sensitive/trigger issues and I think Ms. Martin handled them with both empathy and compassion, none of the traumatic events actually take place on page and when they are recounted it is done mildly and without overly graphic detail. <br />I just loved this story and can’t recommend it highly enough. This is the fourth book in the series and while I suggest reading the books in order, this book could easily be read as a stand-alone.

Catriona's Secret<br />Borderland Ladies #4<br />Madeline Martin <br />⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐<br /><br />Sir Gordie Stafford was only a young boy when he was left, abandoned at Werrick Castle. His life for his father's deceit, but things turned out better as Lady Catriona Barrigton saved him. She pleaded with her father, Lord Werrick for a stay of execution which was then given. From that moment on, Geordie and Cat we inseparable, until he left on a four year campaign for the king. Now Geordie is back at Werrick Castle, but he has returned as a Knight, and a man deeply in love with the only woman who was ever meant for him. But Cat has her own secret and it could destroy every dream she's ever had.<br /><br />Lady Catriona Barrington has known since they were children that she always wanted her best friend by her side. When Sir Geordie comes home after years on the battlefield, her feelings quickly blow sky high into full out unconditional love. But one dark, traumatic night that never should have happened changes Cat's life forever leaving her not just emotionally scarred, but pregnant as well. Knowing that Geordie would risk everything for her including killing the very man who stole her innocence, she doesn't want to tell him the truth. He's worked too hard to lose everything fighting for her honor and she can't let him do that so for that reason she knows that their blissful union cannot continue.<br /><br />Once they arrive at court things only get worse, royal intrigues grow dangerous, lies abound, and unpleasant choices may have to be made. Will love and happiness win, or will this secret destroy a lifetime of determination?<br /><br />Wow just wow. Madeline Martin is utterly fabulous. There were times I felt heartbroken and there were times I wanted to hit someone, but the strength of Cat and Geordie shone right through and kept me level. This was a beautiful rollercoaster of a book that I truly enjoyed. You will not want to miss this book as these characters are so beautifully matched in every way and it doesn't get better then this. I can't wait to read Ms. Martin's next book.

When he was but a boy, Sir Geordie Strafford was abandoned at Werrick Castle, his life meant as payment for his father's deceit. Lady Catriona Barrington saved him by pleading with Lord Werrick for a stay of execution. From that moment on, Geordie and Cat were inseparable, until he left on a four-year campaign for the king. Since they were children, Catriona has always known she wanted her best friend by her side. When Geordie comes home from years of battle, her feelings blossom into a passionate love. But one dark, traumatic night changes Cat's life forever, leaving her with far more than just emotional scars--she's now pregnant. <br /> The fourth book in this astounding series, whilst it could be read on its own I’d highly recommend reading the books in order. With each book I think it can’t be as good as the previous ones &amp; each time I’m proven wrong. I once again found it very hard to put down as I was so drawn into the story that I could have been a fly on the wall &amp; I was taken on a roller coaster of emotions with this heart wrenching read. Just when you think Geordie &amp; Cat have solved their problems something else happens to leave you gasping. Please don’t start this book late at night if you want to sleep &amp; also have plenty of tissues on hand.<br />My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read<br />

Catriona's Secret by Madeline Martin is book 4 in the Borderland Ladies Series. This is the story of Catriona 'Cat' Barrington and Geordie Strafford. I haven't yet read the previous book but did read the first two but I did feel this could be a standalone book if you wish to do so. Cat and Geordie became best of friends after Geordie was left at Werrick Castle as payment for his father misdeeds. Cat saved him and from there on until he had to go into battle for the King. So in their present day he has been away for a few years and is returning home a Knight. Geordie wants to win the heart of his best friend, Cat now that he is back. Cat has always been in love with Geordie but something has happened that has taken her choice away from claiming those feelings. Now she seeks to confront the man that has hurt her without Geordie finding out because she doesn't want him to be brought down by this traumatic situation.. <br />This was a page turner read for me...loved it!<br /><br /><br /><br />

1341 Brampton, England Werrick Castle.<br />Sometimes early in life the heart knows what it wants, even though that connection may be pulled apart or at least wounded.<br />Lady Catriona Barrington had been taken in by the grandeur of court life when she had visited. Feeling beautiful and caught up in the lifestyle, it only took a short time to be seduced and left, with no one being the wiser. That is except when she returned home and realized she was with child.<br />Geordie Strafford was finally returning home to Werrick Castle after being away four years on campaign with the King. He had achieved Knighthood and could not wait to see his best friend Cat and begin wooing her, for he had loved her since childhood when he had been taken in by her family.<br />Cat had loved Geordie when they were children, but when he came back a man, one who grabs her heart. But she knows she cannot hold him back by her dilema and if he finds out what happened, he will fight for her honor. <br />When he is called to court and Cat accompanies him, she feels she may have found a solution. Find a man to marry.<br />This was a highly emotional story that tore at my heart. Geordie was a wonderful man who was honorable, a hero and determined and he truly loved Cat. He was truly the chivalrous knight that would save the maiden and Cat was afraid at what would happen.<br />Madeline Martin has outdone herself in this entire series. But I think this may be my favorite (yes I have said that about each one, but what can I say?) She weaves magic with her words that always bring so many emotions, that it is hard to let go when I turn the last page. But fortunately for me and her legion of readers, I know there will always be another story to be written by her!!<br />

Catriona’s Secret is the fourth book in the Borderland Ladies series. I have loved every book in the series, and I wasn’t disappointed with this one. I love that each book has been unique to each sister and their exceptional talents. I had been looking forward to Catriona’s story and am so glad that Geordie was in it. Catriona had gone to court naïve and innocent but returned home ruined and pregnant. Geordie had been away at war for four years and returned hoping to gain a home and land so he could marry Catriona. When Geordie was requested to go to court to a feast in his honor, Catriona decides to travel with him and to confront the man who ruined her. Geordie is heartbroken when Catriona told him she was going to marry another. Once they reach court the intrigue begins and the mystery must be solved in order for them to have their HEA. I highly recommend this series! It has been so entertaining and I can’t wait to read Leila’s story. I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.<br /><br /><br />

Cat's story brought me to tears. I cried for her and I cried for Geordie. They both went through so much. There is a lot of angst in this story and a lot of intrigue. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the whole book. Ms. Martin has a great way of creating overwhelming feelings. This book is not to be missed!

Abandoned as a young boy at Werrick Castle as payment for his father's betrayal, Sir Geordie Strafford spent his childhood with the daughter of the Earl of Werrick, Lady Catriona, after she saved his life by pleading with her father on his behalf. Geordie and Cat remained inseparable until he left on a four year battle campaign with the king to earn his spurs as a knight. Now, with that goal accomplished, he hopes to win the heart of the only woman he's ever loved, but Cat is keeping a secret that could ruin everything.<br /><br />Lady Catriona Barrington has always wanted to have her best friend Geordie near her and when he returns from war a fully grown man, her feelings for him become true romantic love. But a poor decision and a terrible experience at court have left Cat pregnant and she dares not tell Geordie for fear of his retaliation against the man who seduced and took advantage of her. Cat won't stand by and allow Geordie to lose everything he's fought for on her behalf. Though she loves him, she knows they cannot be together.<br /><br />When Geordie is summoned to court for a feast in his honor Cat joins him under the guise of meeting a potential suitor, though her real goal is to hide her pregnancy from her barren older sister and confront the child's father. But nothing is quite as it should be at court and just when Cat and Geordie finally seem to be finding their way to happiness, it is snatched from their grasp, perhaps permanently.<br /><br />In reading this entire series I've been cheering for Geordie and Cat to be together. They've always been adorable, even as just friends. I just wish Cat had been more honest with him up front and it would have saved a lot of heartbreak, but that wouldn't be realistic of course. I loved Geordie. He was the perfect sensitive yet strong hero and I loved seeing him and Cat finally get their happy ending. I'm so excited but also sad for the next and final installment in the series.<br /><br />I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.