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missellenmarie's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
3.25
september_red's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
4.0
A cute highland romance with found family vibes. I wish the characters had felt a bit more fleshed out and dynamic, but I enjoyed the plot and the book overall. A major plot point involves the sexual harassment of a main character (but not by the love interest), so if that can be triggering to you, I might sit this one out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Sexual content, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Violence
ashleyreadsanything's review
adventurous
emotional
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
loverofromance's review
5.0
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
First Impressions
This is a story I was really excited about this one because one this author has become one of my favorites in recent years. There is something so unique about her style of writing and how she implements certain elements in her historical romance. But also after the first book, I was so intrigued by what was shown and how different it was from even what this author has written in the past. I will say though it’s traditionally published and I have seen a difference in these books over her self pub works (and yes I think her self pub works are better) but there was so much fun to be had in this story here. I didn’t seem to want it to end and once our pair got together, I was hooked into their story.
Summary
The gist of the story is our hero, Bane Morgan, left his home in shame and guilt as he has believed he caused the deaths of many and felt his father was better off without him around. He then escapes to Edinburgh and is living as a homeless scoundrel, not caring about life in general as he has lost hope until one night he meets a damsel in distress. When he goes to rescue her from thieves, she ends up accidentally causing him injury and brings him home to where she lives. Lucia Symington is having to work to pay off her father’s debts to a man her father respected, but her life as the Laird’s wife’s companion is far from easy, and never realized what she was missing until she meets Bane, who has gone to train at the Ludus Caledonia, and she knows that the road ahead of her and Bane isn’t going to be an easy one especially when her mistress has set her sights on having Bane no matter the cost.
What I Loved
There was so much to love in this story here, I couldn’t contain my excitement once the romance really got going in this book. I absolutely adored the sweet endearing relationship that builds from friends to lovers between Bane and Lucia. You could see that they had a connection to each other, and I just wanted them to build on that connection. We are brought back to the Ludus Caledonia and this was fun returning back to the gladiator training camp and seeing all the mishaps and fun times that can happen. I was blown away by the friendships that Bane builds with the other men fighting and training there and especially seeing old favorites. This is such a fascinating concept and i am interested to see how LeVeque really builds on this series here. I will say that it was quite interesting the level of intimacy that is formed between all of the characters that come into play. I especially loved the Laird and seeing him grow in strength and learning to stand up to his wife who abuses him so badly. I especially loved seeing Bane our hero, grow in his own emotional journey. He really has some demons in his past and loved how Lucia accepts him and only offers encouragement and support.
What I Struggled With
There were a couple of things that I struggled with. The beginning of the story does start a bit slow so you might want to be aware. I personally think this is a factor of working with a traditional publisher because her self-published works I have no issue getting immersed into her stories at all. Another fact and this is a bit of a spoiler so you can skip this but there is a scene where the heroine slaps the hero. I am never okay with this at all. It just rubs me the wrong way.
Overall View
I found Highland Defender to be a magnificent story of redemption, healing, growth, and love. It’s a tale that will take you to the southern lands of Scotland, bringing gladiator delights and warm friendships and feels to keep you warm on these cold winter nights.
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
I need tae find my own way in life. I hadna done a very good job of it until I met ye. Ye give me hope, Lucia. Hope that life can be good again.
First Impressions
This is a story I was really excited about this one because one this author has become one of my favorites in recent years. There is something so unique about her style of writing and how she implements certain elements in her historical romance. But also after the first book, I was so intrigued by what was shown and how different it was from even what this author has written in the past. I will say though it’s traditionally published and I have seen a difference in these books over her self pub works (and yes I think her self pub works are better) but there was so much fun to be had in this story here. I didn’t seem to want it to end and once our pair got together, I was hooked into their story.
Summary
The gist of the story is our hero, Bane Morgan, left his home in shame and guilt as he has believed he caused the deaths of many and felt his father was better off without him around. He then escapes to Edinburgh and is living as a homeless scoundrel, not caring about life in general as he has lost hope until one night he meets a damsel in distress. When he goes to rescue her from thieves, she ends up accidentally causing him injury and brings him home to where she lives. Lucia Symington is having to work to pay off her father’s debts to a man her father respected, but her life as the Laird’s wife’s companion is far from easy, and never realized what she was missing until she meets Bane, who has gone to train at the Ludus Caledonia, and she knows that the road ahead of her and Bane isn’t going to be an easy one especially when her mistress has set her sights on having Bane no matter the cost.
“Someday, we willna have tae meet in secret,” he said softly. “Someday, we’ll be together for all tae see and I’ll be the proudest man in Scotland.”
What I Loved
There was so much to love in this story here, I couldn’t contain my excitement once the romance really got going in this book. I absolutely adored the sweet endearing relationship that builds from friends to lovers between Bane and Lucia. You could see that they had a connection to each other, and I just wanted them to build on that connection. We are brought back to the Ludus Caledonia and this was fun returning back to the gladiator training camp and seeing all the mishaps and fun times that can happen. I was blown away by the friendships that Bane builds with the other men fighting and training there and especially seeing old favorites. This is such a fascinating concept and i am interested to see how LeVeque really builds on this series here. I will say that it was quite interesting the level of intimacy that is formed between all of the characters that come into play. I especially loved the Laird and seeing him grow in strength and learning to stand up to his wife who abuses him so badly. I especially loved seeing Bane our hero, grow in his own emotional journey. He really has some demons in his past and loved how Lucia accepts him and only offers encouragement and support.
“Ye’re the woman I belong tae,” he murmured. “Ye’re the woman who has given me my life back. Ye’re everything tae me.
What I Struggled With
There were a couple of things that I struggled with. The beginning of the story does start a bit slow so you might want to be aware. I personally think this is a factor of working with a traditional publisher because her self-published works I have no issue getting immersed into her stories at all. Another fact and this is a bit of a spoiler so you can skip this but there is a scene where the heroine slaps the hero. I am never okay with this at all. It just rubs me the wrong way.
Overall View
I found Highland Defender to be a magnificent story of redemption, healing, growth, and love. It’s a tale that will take you to the southern lands of Scotland, bringing gladiator delights and warm friendships and feels to keep you warm on these cold winter nights.
Glory didn’t lie in victory or power or even money; it lay in the heart. It lay in the two sleeping infants in his arms and in his willingness to understand what was important in life. Who was important in life.
onebookmore's review
4.0
Highland Defender is an interesting story about a resilient woman who falls in love with a broken defender of the Highlands. Lucia is paying off the debts her father accumulated when he was ill, and the woman she works for is horrible. Though the victim of abuse and maltreatment, Lucia remains to work off her father’s debt. She is an honorable and brave young woman who does not tolerate mistreatment and always holds on to hope. I like that Lucia stands up for herself and others. Lucia also has a warm and compassionate heart, which she has in common with Bane.
At the start of the story, Bane is defeated. He admits that he gave up, unable to reconcile the guilt that tore him apart. However, though he is at his lowest point, he still acts quickly to help a harassed woman. There is goodness in him, but Bane doesn’t see it. He must face his mistakes from the past before he can fully embrace his future. Motivated by love, Bane finds himself again.
The romance between Bane and Lucia is instantaneous and strong. They form a deep connection, and it is fascinating to see what they do to be together. I also love the found family trope. As the story begins, Bane and Lucia don’t feel like they belong. They are both trapped in unhappy situations, and they are missing the bonds of family. I love that Bane and Lucia find help in the most unexpected of places with a group of like-minded people who support and encourage them. Bane and Lucia both have a chance to start a new life together if certain individuals don’t stand in their way.
The antagonists are dastardly in their selfishness and abuse. Others are weak and passive, which also exacerbates the obstacles that stand in Lucia and Bane’s way. Their bad qualities and actions completely contrast with Bane and Lucia’s positive characteristics.
Murder, intrigue, gladiator-like complexes and fights, as wells as a lovely romance, make for an entertaining read. I think the book will appeal to readers who like unique historical romances with great characters and an epic love story. Thanks so much to NetGalley, the publisher, and Kathryn LeVeque for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
At the start of the story, Bane is defeated. He admits that he gave up, unable to reconcile the guilt that tore him apart. However, though he is at his lowest point, he still acts quickly to help a harassed woman. There is goodness in him, but Bane doesn’t see it. He must face his mistakes from the past before he can fully embrace his future. Motivated by love, Bane finds himself again.
The romance between Bane and Lucia is instantaneous and strong. They form a deep connection, and it is fascinating to see what they do to be together. I also love the found family trope. As the story begins, Bane and Lucia don’t feel like they belong. They are both trapped in unhappy situations, and they are missing the bonds of family. I love that Bane and Lucia find help in the most unexpected of places with a group of like-minded people who support and encourage them. Bane and Lucia both have a chance to start a new life together if certain individuals don’t stand in their way.
The antagonists are dastardly in their selfishness and abuse. Others are weak and passive, which also exacerbates the obstacles that stand in Lucia and Bane’s way. Their bad qualities and actions completely contrast with Bane and Lucia’s positive characteristics.
Murder, intrigue, gladiator-like complexes and fights, as wells as a lovely romance, make for an entertaining read. I think the book will appeal to readers who like unique historical romances with great characters and an epic love story. Thanks so much to NetGalley, the publisher, and Kathryn LeVeque for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
kasperleigh14's review
emotional
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.25
cakt1991's review
4.0
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Highland Defender is another solid installment in Kathryn Le Veque’s Scots and Swords series. While it is the second in a series, it works as a stand-alone.
I really liked both of the main characters, Bane and Lucia. Bane has been through a lot in his life, being plagued with regret for his past mistakes. Meanwhile, Lucia is a maid working for a domineering, cruel mistress, yet she hasn’t not fully lost her spirit.
With the story surrounding a journey to prove himself, Bane joins the Ludus Caledonia as a fighter, with this being a wonderful twist on the trope of “hero-saves-damsel.”
With rich historical detail embedded into the narrative, Le Veque proves her status as a proficient author of medieval Highlander romance. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Le Veque or a relative newbie to her work as I am, I think you’ll enjoy this book.
Highland Defender is another solid installment in Kathryn Le Veque’s Scots and Swords series. While it is the second in a series, it works as a stand-alone.
I really liked both of the main characters, Bane and Lucia. Bane has been through a lot in his life, being plagued with regret for his past mistakes. Meanwhile, Lucia is a maid working for a domineering, cruel mistress, yet she hasn’t not fully lost her spirit.
With the story surrounding a journey to prove himself, Bane joins the Ludus Caledonia as a fighter, with this being a wonderful twist on the trope of “hero-saves-damsel.”
With rich historical detail embedded into the narrative, Le Veque proves her status as a proficient author of medieval Highlander romance. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Le Veque or a relative newbie to her work as I am, I think you’ll enjoy this book.
hayleereads's review
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
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