Highland spy / Madeline Martin.

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

USA Today bestselling author Madeline Martin delivers a captivating novel of passion and intrigue...

Connor Grant is in search of a lady. Not a bride, but a woman to become a skillful and seductive spy in the service of King James. In addition to being the King's personal assassin, Connor heads a group of female spies who aid him in his work, women with nothing left to lose.

Ariana Fitzroy is the perfect mark. Destitute, orphaned, and completely alone, she's missed her chance at an advantageous match at court and cheats at cards to survive. When Connor catches her in the act, he threatens to expose her, unless she joins his elite roster of spies.

She agrees and is whisked away to a deserted Scottish castle to begin her training. Ariana quickly takes to her lessons in seduction, deception, and hand-to-hand combat, but less easy to fight are her feelings of lust toward the ruggedly handsome Connor, feelings she suspects may be reciprocated.

When Connor recruits her help on a mysterious task, the pair must work together to track a dangerous target. But Ariana suspects Connor isn't telling her everything--not just about the mission, but also about his past. Will the secrets between them threaten their mission? And will they be able to fight their attraction as they wonder who they can trust?

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Publishers Weekly Review

Martin opens the Mercenary Maidens series with this appealing romance set in the early days of the Stuart dynasty. When assassin Connor Grant spots impoverished Lady Ariana Fitzroy cheating at cards, he is sure he's found the right woman to join his team of spies training in the Scottish Highlands. Ariana has no family, no money, and no choice but to travel with Connor to the isolated Kindrochit Castle. As Ariana's training with the other women progresses, her growing feelings toward their leader are tempered by the knowledge that he's full of secrets-and has been going on assassination missions for the king. The historical foundation is mostly sound, giving insight into the physical and cultural realities of early modern Scotland. A solid thread of teamwork and family, provided by the strong supporting cast of Ariana's fellow spies, underlies the romance between Ariana and Connor, creating a community that will surely thrive as the series continues. The antagonists are not as fully realized, however, which may be disappointing to some. (Jan.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.