Highland Defender (Scots and Swords #2) (2024)

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

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.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

Second in this series and just as enjoyable and entertaining as the first.
Set in Scotland and around the Ludus Caledonia, a fight guild that is a secret and highly sought after.

These men sign away seven years of their lives for the honour of being trained by the best fighters . They live and breath for the Guild.
They are employed by armies that seek the best, and they give their all.

This book follows Bane Morgan who we briefly met in the first book , it’s his journey to the Guild and to his own redemption, one that helps him regain his honour and in the process find love.
Some members from book one are also in here , Lor ,Galan & Alex.

I brilliant story yet again from Kathryn, can’t wait for the next .

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

Since a grave error in judgment led to the deaths of many of his men in battle, Bane Morgan has run from his old life. Hiding in Edinburgh, Bane grows more and more depressed and despondent, longing for his home in the Highlands but afraid and ashamed to return.

Lucia Symington lives a life of drudgery working off her father’s debt to a mistress with no morals. It is a hostile environment fueled by jealousy and where another servant nurses a special hatred for her, leaving Lucia’s outlook bleaker by the day. When Lucia runs into Bane on a grimy Edinburgh street, they both begin to entertain dreams of a brighter future together. Needing money to pay off Lucia’s debt and longing to rediscover the warrior he once was, Bane seeks out the Ludus Caledonia. Bane begins to return to who he was before, but with so many obstacles to overcome, his quest to free Lucia may cost him even more than he already lost.

This was such a unique premise and a very different romance. It was definitely instalove for Bane and Lucia but given how much they both needed positive human contact and affection, it made sense for their story. I loved Bane as a hero and his battle with depression, his entire background and storyline in fact, was heart-wrenching but definitely something that I think needs to be explored more in romance and was handled well here. I adored Bane’s unwavering loyalty to Lucia as well. The most frustrating aspect of this book for me was the tight situation in which Bane and Lucia found themselves and my annoyance with Lucia for putting honor above her own safety. Nonetheless, these trials made their relationship stronger and had me cheering for Bane and Lucia. I was satisfied by the ending overall and loved getting to see Lor and Isabail again. I’m now looking forward to Magnus’ book.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...

Scotland 1486
Their first meeting was unique and memorable can I say? Bane, was running from himself. His bad decision that cost lives. made him feel he could not go back home. Lucia was working as a lady's maid to Lady Currie, to pay off a debt her father had owed her husband.

A fated meeting, kindred spirits and a love that will not be denied. But obstacles stand in their way. Bane is determined to earn the money to pay for Lucia's debt so they can be together. Sounds simple does it not?

Well sit back and enjoy this wonderful tale as Bane, a warrior, goes to the Ludas Caledonia to fight to earn money, but he wins so much more. But Lucia has more to worry about than just paying off a debt. A spiteful servant who means her harm. Can these two come together?

Another sensational tale by seasoned storyteller Kathryn Le Veque, who brings history and characters alive with her brilliant imagination!

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.

Kathryn Le Veque is such a wonderful writer and her stories always makes me lose myself in the history and the romance that she writes about. I always say she's a natural born storyteller and we, the readers, are the very lucky ones who get to read those stories!!

They call him the Highland Defender but Bane is at an all time low in his life when he comes to the defense of Lucia as she is being attacked by 3 men. As they get to know each other, he realizes that she's given him hope for a better future and will do anything to take her away from her servitude in a horrible household. He ends up joining the Ludus Caledonia as a fighter to make some money to help Lucia escape with him. Of course, nothing comes easy!!

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Bane Morgan hears a fight and a woman screaming, he is compelled to help despite wanting to be left alone. Bane sees Lucia Symington, a servant girl, attempting to beat three men for taking her sausages. Lucia tries to save any of the sausages and is not willing to give up even when Bane goes to assist her. Lucia is not having it and hits Bane in the head. Bane tries to leave but Lucia feels responsible for Bane and is grateful, so takes Bane back to her home. Bane decides that he will find a way to pay Lucia back eventually working in the stables. As Bane gets to know Lucia he can’t help but slowly fall for her. Lucia also likes Bane but knows if she tells Bane how she feels that it will cause trouble. When Bane gets banished in assisting Lucia, he hears of the Ludus Caledonia. Bane decides to go to buy Lucia’s freedom from her employee who mistreats her and rediscover the warrior that he once was, but things aren’t all that easy especially when Lucia’s boss also wants Bane for herself.
What a fantastic romantic fast paced adventure! This might be the second book in the Scots and Swords series the story can stand alone with no problem. Ms. Le Veque just knows how to not only enthrall her audience but tell an equally captivating tale as well! The novel just moves quickly never getting bogged down with numerous plot twists that stay on task, wonderful major/minor characters and is really quite a page turner. Even with all the descriptions the scenery is easily imagined; Bane is also easy to visualize but Lucia isn’t described physically until later so is a little hard to envision in the beginning. Bane the closed off stoic hero is at first not very friendly and is hard to get to know. He does eventually warm up after you discover why he is so upset and becomes a good guy. Lucia the feisty strong-willed heroine is just lovely from beginning to end. She’s not scared to stand up to anyone despite the consequences but just is so charming and likable. This is definitely a story well worth the read and one that is just a marvelous story all on its own!

This was an interesting Historical for me. It is book 2 in this series, but can easily be read on its own.

We have Bane and Lucia, who are two very broken people at the beginning of this story. They both feel unloveable, and that they aren't worthy of someone's affections. Bane is depressed, and most likely having some PTSD and survivors guilt after a battle gone wrong. Lucia has been beaten down for a long time while she worked off her father's debt to a wealthy family after his untimely death.

This story definitely has an instalove quality to it in the beginning. Despite that, their romance actually does move slowly, as they try to work together to create a world where they can live together.

The journeys they go on are separate, but connected, like a true partner would be. I really enjoyed this second installment in the series, and am looking forward to the next one!

• thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for the eARC •

it’s not great when the romance in the “historical romance” novel is the least interesting part of the book. this was the fastest insta-love i’ve seen in a LONG time, like they had three conversations and then decided to get married. that’s a lot. i liked scenes that took place in the “fight club style” fighting ring and would’ve liked to have seen more training scenes or just longer action scenes. the drama was actually pretty fun, i just wish i cared about this couple more to have some weight to it instead of it all just seeming very over the top.

A young women living life as a slave to a jealous, selfish mistress to pay off her father's debt, and a man who believes he his worthless and his life is over because of a careless mistake in his youth, come together to find that second chances can sometimes bring you more than you ever dreamed.

Because of a rash mistake he made in battle, that cost the lives of his clan and family, Bane runs to the streets of Edinburgh to escape the shame he is sure his clan feels for him. At the same time, Lucia is serving out her father's debt to a lady of a clan that is selfish and deceiving, even fighting off the attempts of one high placed servant to get rid of her.... for good.

when these two lost souls meet and realize things aren't always what they seem they will do anything to be able to live a life together, free of despair and fear. So begins Bane's journey to the Ludus Caledonia to find the man he once was and fight for the women he would give his life for.

This is the second book in the Scot and Swords series by Kathryn Le Veque, somewhat different than the novels she usually writes but still with the same ability to draw you in and keep you wishing that the book would never end. I especially liked how she threw a little nod to one of her most famous books into this one with the mention of "De Wolfe", which her loyal readers will pick up on. As always Ms. Le Veque leaves you wishing for more.

i received this book for an honest review from the publisher.. Thank you

Highland Defender by Kathryn Le Veque a straightforward and satisfying adventure romance. Although the novel is the second in Le Veque’s Scots and Swords series, Highland Defender works well as a standalone novel.

The story follows Bane Morgan, a shamed Highland warrior fleeing from his past and losing himself to drink in Edinburgh. A woman’s fearful screams trigger his warrior instincts and, in a hilariously zany rescue sequence involving dropped sausages and a weaponized chamber pot, Bane meets Lucia Symington.

Lucia and Bane’s meeting results in the sweet sort of insta-love where two down on their luck people dare to be vulnerable enough to reach out in kindness, and are rewarded with the first hints of something more. They are a low-steam couple, very cute and kissy with some sweetly sensual and well-timed love scenes.

With newfound purpose, Bane dedicates himself to the quest of rescuing his lady by helping her pay off her deceased father’s debt. Setting off to the Ludus Caledonia, Bane reclaims his inner warrior and is prepared to fight for the woman he loves. This gladiator-style fighting organization set in the Highlands is an interesting backdrop which drew me to the novel in the first place. I wish that more of the main conflict would have come from this interesting set piece.

Lucia and Bane are down on their luck, seeking better opportunities for themselves. There is no question that they are good people, which makes the internal conflict quite sparse. This lack of an inner character journey makes for a rather light read. The meat of the story becomes heavily reliant on the whims of the cartoonishly evil antagonists.

The novel establishes firm lines between good characters and bad characters. It’s fun to root for the young lovers and dislike the wild antics of the antagonists, but if you’re looking for nuance this might not scratch that itch. It was a charming and satisfying Highland romance story for a chilly winter afternoon.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Highland Defender, Bane Morgan, has been living in disgrace on the streets of Edinburgh since he led his ’s en into a slaughter in battle. He hasn’t lost his heroic instinct when he hears the call for help from a young lady.

After rescuing her from thieves, Lucia Symington takes pity on her bedraggled hero and brings him back to her Lady’s house where she proceeded to provide a bath and clean clothes.

Bane and Lucia feel an immediate spark between them, but Lucia’s Lady is a jealous one and she must not let her know that she has found favour in a hansom man. Bane tries to talk Lucia into leaving her post, only to find out that she is honour bound to stay until her father’s debt is paid.

Bane leaves and goes to the one place he knows he can earn the money to buy Lucia’s freedom, the Ludus Caledonia, a fight gild. Here he hones his already impressive skills and soon finds that he has made the attention of Lucia’s Lady whom intends to buy Ban for his survives at any cost.

Can Bane thwart the wealthy woman when he is honour bound to save her? Can he rescue Lucia before she finds out about their relationship?

This book was hard to put down. I love how Kathryn Le Veque creates characters that have you rooting for their success and HEA from the beginning. This series based on characters finding their way in life from their time in the fight did is highly addictive! I can’t wait for the next warrior to find what he is looking for!

Highland Defender by Kathryn Le Veque is scheduled to release January 26th, 2021.

Thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for my review copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Blog link: https://pinkcowlandreads.blogspot.com...

#HighlandDefender #KathrynLeVeque #NetGalley #pinkcowlandreads

Disclaimer: I read a lot of historical romances but not a lot set in the medieval period, so my lack of familiarity with this sub genre may have impacted my review.

Bane is a defeated warrior who is depressed and living on the streets of Edinburgh. Lucia is an indentured servant working off her father’s debt. Bane falls quickly for Lucia and decides to join a gladiator-style fighting group in order to buy her freedom and marry her.

This is an insta-love story (something I often like) featuring a couple from lower classes as opposed to the usual upper class stories, which was refreshing.

I was underwhelmed and unable to get in to this story at first—there was a lack of character development or rationale behavior. It feels like we jump right in to the middle of a story, without any background information given, but like the reader SHOULD know what is going on. There’s also some confusing/unnatural diction choices and seemingly misapplied metaphors—this is where it’s important to note my disclaimer above. I don’t have familiarity with many medieval novels so the stilted/unnatural conversations could be because I’m not used to these kinds of novels, but as a newer reader to this sub genre it is difficult to become invested in their interactions.

The interactions also don’t flow believably. Like the old nurse demanding Lucia prove she was alone as a big “gotcha” moment—how does one prove they’re alone? Ridiculous behavior by laird and lady Currie—a laird would not be able to help his holdings if he acted the way this couple does. There were also historically inaccurate tidbits thrown in (like referring to a Roman vase as ‘2000 years old’ when it was probably closer to 1400 years—being off by 300-600 years on dating something is an easily avoidable error; Saying the laird had a leather couch in his study when upholstery on furniture, particularly a leather couch/sofa/settee didn’t begin really until the renaissance-18th century time frame). These aren’t story-ruining details but it’s distracting—if the stilted language is happening to make the story more historically accurate then don’t have such blatant context errors, and if the accuracy isn’t a goal then the dialogue needs some serious revamping.

I wanted to like the story, and I DID like the characters. I liked Lucia and Bane and I liked their relationship, and if you liked book 1 of this series and the author’s style then I do think you’ll like this boo, but I couldn’t get into the story enough to really enjoy it unfortunately.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Ashamed of a choice that cost good men their lives during battle, Bane Morgan escapes to Edinburgh to forget his past. But the more time he spends away from his Highland home, the more he's filled with regret and despair. Lucia Symington knows something about despair. Forced to work off a family debt for a clan with little moral compass and a particular hatred for her, Lucia loses herself a little more each day. When a chance meeting with Bane gives them both a glimpse of what their future together could be, Bane turns to the Ludus Caledonia to find the warrior still within him.
This is the second book in the series & whilst it could be read on its own, I’d recommend reading the series from the beginning as once again the author writes an engrossing, enthralling read. We met Bane in the first book & some characters from that book also make appearances. The pace is very good & the characters have wonderful depth. I’ve learnt to clear the decks before starting any of the author’s books as once I start I can’t put it down & this was no exception – I loved it & eagerly await the next in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Lucia Symington has decided to work off a family debt left by her father. She’s become a servant to lady of the estate who demands anything and everything from her, a lady with no moral characteristic. Lucia is forced to attend the lady when she goes to the fight club Ludus Caledonia and pay for lovers. Lucia has a chance meeting with Bane Morgan when he rescues her from would be thieves one day when she’s on an errand for her lady. Bane is a warrior down on his luck, he’s convinced he’s not worthy of the name warrior when he disobeyed an order and some of his clan were killed. With Lucia’s help Bane is given hope for a much different future, but first he must find the true warrior within and goes to the fight club to start a new life and secure his and Lucia’s future. A captivating story of a hardened warrior down on his luck with low self-esteem, who has lost his direction until the love of a good woman convinces him life and love are worth fighting for. I have voluntarily read and reviewed this wonderful story.

did not finish. I just couldn't get interested in this book. I generally love everything ever written by KLV and hate to leave a poor review but this story just didn't grip me like all her others have.

Bane is a man who is down and depressed from things that happened before this story. Lucia is working as a servant to pay off debts her father had while he was sick. They meet when Bane hears Lucia being attacked for the fresh meat she is carrying for her Mistress. When Bane is injured Lucia brings him to her home so he can rest and get cleaned up. They do have a very insta love connection, after about a week Bane wants to take her away, but Lucia wants to pay off the debt. Lucia has given him something to live for and has pulled him out of his depression.
Her Mistress is a horrible woman who allows her Nurse to beat Lucia and other servants in the house. Lucia needs to leave but she wants to be honorable and make sure she pays back what was spent on her father. This gets her into trouble though and Colly (the nurse) takes a personal interest in making sure Lucia stays away from her Mistress.
When something happens and he has to flee the house he decides to make some money fighing in the Ludus Caledonia to pay off Lucias debts and they can get married. While this seems like an easy enough thing as he is a highland warrior they called the Highland Defender. Things get complicated fast, and he has to figure out a new plan to save Lucia and they can live happily ever after.
I did really enjoy this story, but I did feel like certain things wrapped up really quickly. The insta love was really insta, but their relationship did grow over time so that didn't bother me to much.
I did really enjoy the story over all especially the epilogue. I loved getting to see Bane and Lucia living their happily ever after.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. all opinions are my own.

“She has given me the will tae regain what I have lost…myself.”

After leading his men into a battle they could not win, Bane Morgan flees his home and clan in the Highlands. Feeling as if he no longer has the worth nor right to bear the name Highland Defender, Bane has all but given up on living. But when he sees a young lass in distress, he rises up out of his despair to come to her rescue…never dreaming that it is she that will once again give him purpose and hope for a new beginning.

Lucia Symington is living in servitude paying off her father’s debt. After being accosted by thieves for the food she was sent to purchase, Lucia is saved by an unlikely looking hero. Although covered in dirt and grime, Lucia sees the man beneath his slovenly clothing, and offers him shelter. During his stay, Lucia tells Bane of the Ludus Caledonia, and how men have been known to seek out this gladiator style warrior facility to pledge their allegiance in hopes of being trained to fight and to earn coin.

Bane and Lucia are instantly attracted to each other, and Bane seizes the opportunity to train at the Ludus Caledonia to buy his beloved’s freedom. But the warriors Bane fights in the arena are nothing compared to the battle he will have to wage against the mistress Lucia serves…and the lengths he’ll have to go to win their happily ever after…

Highland Defender is what I’d consider an insta-love historical, and if you enjoy LeVeque’s writing style, this will for sure be an enjoyable read! While the second installment to her Scots & Swords series, this may be read stand alone. Would recommend to fans of this genre!

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **

Once known as the Highland Defender, Bane Morgan has fallen into a deep depression. He has been living on the filthy streets of Edinburgh and drinking far too much. His shame changed his life, can the scream in the alley change it again??

Lucia Symington is paying off a debt by being in service. Unfortunately for her the "Lady" she serves has some very naughty habits and a dragon of a nurse who abuses everyone.

Our hero can't deny his nature. He must defend the weak., even if he has to trade himself for years to do it. Our heroine is a brave and caring woman who tries to make the best of a bad situation. She has dreams of a much better life. Saving one down and out man to improve his life is just the start of that.

An action packed story from the Highland version of Fight Club. The warriors we meet are the best of the best. That's why the Lady wants them. In truth who can blame her. However honour is a big part of the code these men live by, so she's not always going to get her way.

All the characters in this story are fabulous and I'm glad to say we will meet them again in the rest of the series.

A great story. I loved it.

This was a very nice romance story. While Bane and Lucia fell for each other right away, their overall relationship built up slowly over the course of the book. There were two love scenes, both steamy but not obscene or overly detailed. It gave you just enough that you could imagine the rest. The characters were all likable aside from the antagonists. I would be interested to see stories about some of the fighters from the arena.

I received an ARC copy of this book from #NetGalley for an honest review.

Highland Defender is the second book in Kathryn Le Veque's Scots and Swords series, but it does a good job standing alone. I haven't read the first book (Highland Gladiator) yet, but it didn't deter me from enjoying this one.

If you love a good Highlander romance, be aware that this story is not your typical one at all. In fact, it almost entirely takes place in or near Edinburgh, with the Highlands being something talked about more than seen, and the only battlefield is the arena at the Ludus Caledonia. As the description points out, it's more Fight Club and Gladiator than anything else.

I liked Lucia and Bane a lot, though Bane seemed a little immature for a guy who was once considered an undefeatable warrior. But that flaw goes well with his past. I also liked Lor and Isabail (protagonists from the first book), as well as several of the other fighters. I didn't overly care for Clegg, the owner of the fight club. I know we were supposed to consider him more friend than foe, and he does redeem himself to me later in the book, but I found him a bit too...master like? Finally, Lady Currie and especially her former nurse Colly, the foes, were a rather dramatically evil (I expected Colly to break out with a mwah-ha-ha at any time). Overdone, but at least you don't have to feel sorry for them.

Overall, this book is a good, fast read. I want to return to book 1, and I look forward to subsequent books in the series.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I love a highland romance, especially with fighting and tragic backstories, but somehow every potentially enjoyable aspect of this book for me was overshadowed by some much larger problems looming overhead.

Lucia and Bane's relationship is instalove of the worst kind—not the sort of serendipitous, Cinderella-at-the-ball moment where you Just Know, but the kind where they quickly come together because the author said so. Their romance is unconvincing, and without that to bind this book together, all the fighting, tragedy, and danger couldn't fix it for me.

Other than Lucia, there are no good women. The nurse, Colly, is evil incarnate, and a common shorthand for this throughout the book was how big, heavy, and round she is—weird to concentrate on, given how she does actual evil things like hitting people and pushing them down stairs. Characters the reader is supposed to like call her a "cow." And then of course, Lady Currie is terrible as well, more so as the book goes on, as she plans out how to force Bane to her bed. This characterization came on fairly suddenly in the second half, a shift from the first.

I received a digital advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Bane Morgan has hit rock bottom when a chance encounter with Lucia, a lady's maid, turns his life around. But with no way to pay the debt that keeps her shackled to an increasingly dangerous situation, Bane must enter the Ludus Caledonia and survive not only battles but the jealousy of Lucia's lady.

A gladiatorial arena in medieval Scotland? With our heroes pitted against other fighters as well as the obstacles between them and true love? What a fascinating premise! I love reading the same Scottish romance story over and over again, don't get me wrong, but this was such a refreshing take on the genre. I blitzed through this because I was just so keen to see how things would end. The pacing was pretty good too, allowing the relationship to develop realistically (despite the short timeframe).

Change is definitely a good thing here.

Book: Highland Defender
By Kathryn Le Veque

Series: Scots and Swords, Book #2

Publisher: Sourcebooks

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Edinburgh, Scotland
Year of Our Lord 1486

Bane Morgan is living in poverty in the worst part of Edinburgh living in filth and human despair where everyone was starving. He one day tries to save a woman who was being robbed, who happened to be getting sausages for her mistress, Lady Currie. She thought Bane was robbing her like the others not realizing he was attempting to help her. Trying to defend herself Lucia hurts Bane, feeling guilty she brings him back to Meadowbank where she is working off her deceased fathers debt to Laird Currie.

Lucia gets him a position at Meadowbank where she gets to know Bane. She soon discovers he is a Laird’s son and has terrible guilt for leading his people in an ambush where so many were killed or drowned trying to escape. He calls her his Angel as she saves him, showing him a better life. They quickly fall in love but she knows he is in danger and has to leave Meadowbank. Unfortunately, the evil Cully who is Lady Curries former nursemaid who bullies and abuses the servants make up lies. Cully is very jealous of Lucia since she is also a skilled seamstress and makes Lady Currie beautiful gowns what she never even pays for. She accuses Lucia of being a liar and a whor* saying she was sleeping with the new servant which was not true.

Lucia wants her freedom and a better life and fears Lady Currie will never let her go because of her skills as a seamstress.Bane could tell right away this beautiful woman, Lucia Symington did not look like a servant and it turns out she was working off a debt at Meadowbank for Laird Currie her deceased father, but it is Lady Currie she works under. Yet it turn out she is being abused by the Lady Currie’s former nursemaid Cully who bullies and abuses all the servants. The Ludus Caledonia is a secret fight guild and very popular in wealthy circles. The men who train their have to commit there for seven years to be trained by the most skilled and top prime fighters that exist at Ludus Caldedonia. Plus the fact of the win they can win a lot of money and soon a wealthy Laird will offer their services to be one of their warriors. On top of that wealthy spoiled women like Lady Currie offer their services for male prostitution to service them. The Ludus Caledonia owner basically plays the pimp charging these woman a large sum where he takes a percentage. Yet it is the men’s choice as anyone can refuse the ladies entertainment as well, so the men are not forced into serving these rich women if they want to refuse their propositions too.

Now Bane wants to pay off Lucia’s debt and marry his Angel. He was known as the Highland Defender as Lucia explained about the Ludus Caledonia and knows he is a good fighter, her becomes one of their fighters what he hadn’t realized that Lady Currie was to be his biggest fight. A woman who is keeping the woman he loves from him. A woman who can’t take no for an answer! Will Bane and Lucia have their HEA? Read and find out!

Kathryn Le Veque does it again and writes a riveting fast paced, page turning, romantic adventure that absolutely swept me off my feet! The original story that centers around a fighting club was absolutely brilliant about the series. I loved that the main characters Lor Careston and Isabail Keith from Highland Gladiator, book #1, was in this book too. I always love when characters from the previous book but same series are in the current book, just makes it more fun to read!

Historical romance readers will absolutely love this book, it has all the elements romance readers love. The setting was exhilarating , the dialogue was amazing, the plotting awe inspiring and heart stopping , and the multidimensional characters were absolutely unforgettable and brilliant! This book from start to finish was an absolute masterpiece. I absolutely and unequivocally loved this book and highly recommend it!

Disclaimer: I received an advance reader’s copy from Sourcebooks Books I voluntarily agreed to do an honest, fair review and blog through Netgalley. All thoughts, ideas and words are my own.

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Highland Defender is the exciting second book in Kathryn Le Veque's Scots and Swords series. I really enjoyed the first and was excited to get my greedy little paws on this volume. I was not disappointed! Just think of medieval Highland gladiators. Drooling yet? If not, add some lovely romance and you will.

Bane Morgan is living a rather pitiful existence in Edinburgh, where he's been since he left home in disgrace. He led good men into a battle that led to their deaths due to a poor decision, and he has lost faith in himself. While in a bit of a drunken state, he hears a woman screaming and runs to her aid. Thinking he's one of the degenerates trying to steal the sausages she has bought for her mistress, she beans him with a chamber pot full of, well, a liquid. When she discovers her mistake and sees she's injured him, she comes to his aid. Lucia Symington sees the same despair in him that she herself harbors. She's working off a family debt, taking care of the debauched Lady of the house and being beaten by the Lady's bully of a former nurse. Bane wants to pay off Lucia's debt so they can be together, so he goes to the Ludus Caledonia to fight for money and hopefully to find himself. Will Bane and Lucia be torn apart before they have a chance to build a life with one another?

This was an absolutely lovely story despite the brutal fighting at the Ludus Caledonia, which is basically a fight club. There was insta-love between Bane and Lucia, which I usually find annoying, but it worked here. They were both terrific characters individually, but together they were inspiring. Bane basically lost everything he had and continued to go into a downward spiral, until Lucia showed him how much he was truly worth. Lucia was in an untenable position, but she was strong and continued to fight for a better life for herself and her beloved. The physical interludes were more sweet than steamy, but fit the innate sweetness of Bane and Lucia. The supporting characters also entertained, especially love-to-hate-them Lady Curry and nurse Colly. I enjoyed seeing Lor and Isabail from the first book return, and other members of the Ludus Caledonia. The epilogue of the book was particularly touching. I'm seriously looking forward to the next in the series...and the unveiling of what is surely to be a drool-worthy cover!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I really enjoyed this book so much so, I have since downloaded the first book Highland Gladiator.

This is book 2 in the Scots and Swords series, the synopsis I read described the book as being somewhere between Gladiator meets Fight Club, and that is a perfect description. Throw in some historical romance and you have got the start of a great series. As I said previously I haven't read the first book, and didn't actually realise, this wasn't a stand alone until I posted the book into my Goodreads account. I am a sucker for any type of highlander medieval romance, and I am so glad I requested this one. I don't think I was hindered by not reading the first book but I think if I had read it first I would have got a better understanding of Lor, a better understanding of the Cal and how he came to be part of it. but it didn't stop my enjoyment of this book.

In Highland Defender we meet Lucia Symington who is attacked whilst walking through the streets of Edinburgh seeing the ruckus and wondering what is going on Bane Morgan tries to help protect her and gets hit by her for his efforts. Realising she made a mistake and feel sorry for the down and out Lucia takes him back to her Lairds home with her to help him clean up and recover. Bane confesses to Lucia who he is really is and why he has been hanging around the back alleys of Edinburghs rough neighbourhoods and the pair spark up an unlikely friendship that turns into love. But Lucia's like is not perfect she like a life of servitude and longs to leave and start a life with Bane. Wanting the same thing he joins the Ludus Caledonia a secret, exclusive fighters guild in a bid to win her freedom. But nothing is every easy and there are people including Lucia's employer who wants Bane to herself and will stop at nothing to get him,

The book is filled with wonderful medieval action and romance at it's finest, I loved it and every page kept me on the edge of my seat. In fact I had read the book within a few hours in one sitting and cannot wait to catch up on the first book in the series. I can tell that the author Kathryn Le Veque is someone I will go back to time and time again.

Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for giving me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

My rating scale
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Absolutely loved it! Gave me a warm fuzzy feeling or made me cry. And took me on an emotional rollercoaster.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Really liked it. Will read more by the author and other books in the series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - It was just okay, didn’t move me, but don’t feel like I wasted me time reading it either.
⭐️⭐️ - Didn’t like this book and probably won’t read other in the series.
⭐️ - I did not care for this book at all and feel like I wasted my time reading it

Highlander Defender by Kathryn Le Veque is the story of a man who has run from his guilt and become a homeless drunk until one day when a young woman is in need of saving, she saves her, and she takes him in hand and gets him cleaned up and sober. He life is no great shakes but at least she eats. Bane Morgan used to be the Highland Defender, a brave and noble warrior, until he disobeyed his father and got many of his men killed. He could not face them and so he ran, until Lucia Symington found him and took him to the stables owned by Lord Currie. Lord Currie had paid to have her father cared for as he died and she was now working off the debt. She word as companion and seamstress to Lady Currie who was much younger than her husband and not nearly as kind. In fact, she was horrible, and she had her nurse, leftover from childhood, Colly, who beat the servants and blamed them for all manner of things, simply to gain favor with her mistress. It always worked. The least favorite of Lucia's duties was to accompany her mistress to Ludus Caledonia, which was a training ground for elite warriors. A master could purchase the contract of a warrior there if he needed one; audiences could watch the fights, much as in ancient Rome for entertainment; or a woman, if she could afford it, could rent the "services" of man for the evening. Lady Currie partook of these "services" almost nightly. Her husband stayed in his quarters and ignored her. Bane found himself training at Ludus Caledonia so he could earn money to pay Lucia's debt and marry her. He also attracted the attention of Lady Currie. There is much more to the plot.

Kathryn Le Veque writes about honorable men and loving women. She hit the jackpot here with honorable men; there were so many of them. People liked Bane, even the servants a Meadowbrook, Lord Currie's estate. No one liked Lady Currie so when it came time to deceive her, he had plenty of support. He and Lucia ran. It took weeks to get to Scotland. They were nearly out of money but they were married and had not gotten stopped. Things happened in Scotland, which sent them back to Ludus Caledonia and their friends and life there. It was a good journey and a good romance. Things didn't always go as planned, but there were many surprises along the way. Le Veque is superb at this kind of Medieval novel. This is no exception.

I was invited to read a free ARC of Highland Defender by Netgalley. All opinions contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #highlanddefender

Combining adventure and romance, Highland Defender is another enjoyable story in Kathryn Le Veque's Scots and Swords series. Le Veque has become one of my favorite authors writing in the medieval era. Her characters, settings, and situations, even the Ludus Caledonia (the Cal), appear fresh, original, and authentic to the time.

Bane and Lucia were both sympathetic characters in whom I quickly became invested. Battling depression and survivor's guilt, Bane had given up on life but, most importantly, on himself when he first encountered Lucia. A good, honorable, and loyal man, he had made a decision guided by the pride and arrogance of youth, and was still paying the emotional price. Lucia was not in the best of situations herself, though better than Bane. Her situation had come about due to her innate sense of honor but had begun deteriorating to the point where her life could easily be at risk. I really felt for these two and the situations they were in. I liked them and was cheering for them to overcome the hurdles in their path.

The first part of their story is slower paced but the action picks up by the half-way point. I especially enjoyed the fight scenes at the Cal. I also appreciated that the author had no easy or quick fixes for Lucia and Bane, taking the necessary time for each of them, Bane in particular, to rediscover their inner strength and courage to overcome the obstacles life has given them. It made their decisions, their bond, and the conclusion of their story, that much more satisfying.

There is a strong secondary cast surrounding Bane and Lucia in this book. I especially enjoyed a young boy and an elderly laird who have a profound impact on the hero and heroine. There is also a particularly nasty villain. Actually, two. Without giving away any spoilers, I'll just say that justice was very sweet.

This is the second book of a series but can be read and enjoyed on its own. I will say, however, that having read book one, Highland Gladiator, it was fun to catch up with several characters from the Cal and learn more about some of them. It has only made me more excited for book three.

*ARC received for fair and unbiased review
*As posted at The Romance Dish

Oh, I love Bane and Lucia so much!

What a wonderful medieval story! Instantly captivating, this tale gives us an emotionally lost hero just looking for a reason to live. He finds it in the strong yet humble Lucia, a woman who bravely submits to a truly despicable mistress in order to honor her late father's obligations.

Told in four parts, this story takes us from the streets of Edinburgh to the expansive Meadowbank manor and then to the Ludus Caledonia, a gladiator school funded by gambling and other forms of patronage. The men who run the fight guild are men of honor, and they readily give Bane a new purpose as well as the means to rescue Lucia from her situation so they can both be free to marry.

The romance was nearly instant yet stayed beautifully within the expected historical norms. Lucia's not merely a damsel in distress, she's fully capable of participating in her own rescue once she knows there's a way out. Bane is as protective as his Highland Defender name implies, a man built for valor and chivalry with a heart as big as the land.

I loved the way the story reconciled Bane's past with his present, and the tender chemistry he shared with Lucia made their HEA as sweet as can be. I'm looking forward to reading more in this fascinating series. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

Highlander Defender- Book two of where a mighty Highlander takes his oath with the secret Ludus Caledonia, the fighting guild.
Bane Morgan makes a costly mistake and he runs to escape the memory. He hides the pain in liquor and grief.
He meets Lucia Symington in the course of her being accosted. She ends up telling him about her life and that she is a seamstress and she is a servant treated callously as is all the servants.
Bane, known as the Highland Defender thinks he can try and save himself and Lucia by joining the fight guild to earn the money to buy her freedom. Things are not always that easy!

Read this extraordinary storyline as the author takes us on a vivid journey of a Medieval Romance and Highlander Fierceness. You won’t be disappointed.

I read this book twice before writing my review because I read it so fast the first time, I was so excited for this series! I definitely would recommend this book!

I received a free advanced copy from NetGalley and these are my willingly given thoughts and opinions.