Marin's Promise (Borderland Ladies Book 1) by Madeline Martin is a action packed story of turmoil, romance, and love. Set in the borderlands between England and Scotland. Beginning of a new series and what a beginning!

This is the story of Lady Marin Barrington, eldest daughter, of the Earl of Werrick's five daughters. She is a protector of her siblings and her home, while her father is away fighting. And
Bran Douglas whose sister is going to be hanged, unless he agrees to take Werrick Castle, she dared to marry an English lad. Once again Bran is under a rich man's thumb, but he'll do anything to save his beloved sister.

Another riveting story by Ms. Martin, one that will hold the reader in suspense from the first page to the last page.
Filled with awesomeness, brilliantly written and excuted, with beautiful characterizations, well rounded characters, steamy sensual moments, and a plot that holds the reader in awe. A page turner and a definite keeper. The complexities, romance, twists of plot, surprises, and HEA, mark this as another remarkable and heartwarming story by Madeline Martin.
A must read!! Highly recommended for fans of Scottish Romance, Historical Romance, action packed adventure and finding love against all odds. Masterfully written! I can't wait for the next adventure, "Anise's Bargain", which is the story of the second oldest daughter, Anise. Well done!!

Rating: 5
Heat rating: steamy
Reviewer: AprilR

OMG!!! What a wonderful beginning to this new series. It is full of action, romance and a cast of characters with whom you will fall in love. Several years ago (11 I think) the Earl of Werrick’s castle was attacked. His wife was raped and left pregnant by one of the reivers. She later died giving birth to the child. Rather than blaming the babe, the Earl and his four daughters loved the little one with all their hearts – looking upon her as the final beautiful gift from their mother. The Earl couldn’t stand the idea of anything ever happening to his beautiful daughters, so he raised them as warriors as well as ladies. Each had a specialty, but they could all fight as well as a man. This series features each of those five daughters. You’ll meet and love all of the sisters in this first book.

Marin, the oldest daughter of the Earl of Werrick, took over the responsibilities for the castle and her siblings when she was very young – at her mother’s death. Her father went into a deep depression and it was all left on Marin’s young shoulders. She didn’t even have time to grieve for her mother because she had to meet everyone else’s needs. Then, once her father somewhat recovered, he took off for the wars and the protection of the castle also fell to Marin. Marin selflessly loved and cared for everybody in the castle – everyone except herself. She never asked for anything for herself – although she did bask in her father’s praise.

Bran Davidson is a border reiver, not because he wanted to be, but because it was the only way he could feed himself and his sister who is all that remains of his sister. He’s not your ordinary reiver though. There is no raping or mistreatment of women by any man in his army. They all know that if that happens, Bran will personally exact swift punishment that ends in their death.

Bran has been forced into capturing the Earl of Werrick’s castle. The man who wants the castle, Kerr, has arrested Bran’s sister and will put her to death if Bran doesn’t do as Kerr wants. Bran hates all rich, privileged men and Kerr certainly fits that bill – Bran has even refused to work for Kerr in the past. Now he has no choice and he intends to succeed – no matter what – because he has to save Ena, his sister.

Bran has been observing the castle for several days and it seems that it is impregnable. Then, he sees one of the young daughters of the castle outside the walls with only a single guard. He dispatches the guard and captures the young girl – and demands that the castle surrender or he will cut the throat of the girl. That threat turns Bran's stomach, and he’d never do it, but the people in the castle don’t know that.

Marin’s father is off at war – the King needed him – so Marin is in charge of the castle. She has only a small contingent of warriors within the castle walls because her father took most of them with him. She can’t surrender – but can’t win a fight – and she has to protect her sister, so she surrenders the castle even though her sister begs her to let her die and not to surrender the castle.

Bran marches his warriors in and takes over, but he didn’t realize the strength and loyalty of the servants and soldiers in the castle. He finds he has to form an alliance with Marin or he’ll end up killing everybody inside – and he certainly doesn’t want to do that. As Marin and Bran spend time together, work together and get to know each other, an unlikely love grows between them.

I admire Marin and her strength and loving nature, but Bran is a real hero in every sense of the word. He saves Marin’s sisters and servants when he doesn’t have to, he fights to save the castle and he loves Marin beyond all measure.

The romance is real and wonderful and the love scenes are steamy. I just know you’ll love this book as much as I did. I can’t believe I have to wait for the next book, Anice's Bargain, featuring the second oldest sister. I loved Anice in this book and I just know she’ll be a remarkable heroine – just like Marin.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ( )