To protect herself, she’ll deny her powers. To save her, he’ll break every rule he’s vowed to live by.Lillianna de Burgh knows all about the legend surrounding the women in her family—that true love awakens the gift of sight within them. But given the horrific betrayals the power has brought her ancestors, she wants no part in true love or the supposed gift. Avoiding her fate seems simple enough … Avoiding her fate seems simple enough since men have proven time and again that they wish to use her, not cherish her, even her own kin. Thankfully, when she flees England to escape her evil uncle, she finds herself in the company of a seemingly hard-hearted Highlander who thinks the legend nothing more than a myth. As they travel together, she comes to discover that behind his cold facade lies a fierce and honorable protector, whose mere touch ignites the passion within her. Yet, the more she tries to resist it, the more she seems to fall.
Renowned Highland warrior Angus MacLorh lives by three principles: put country above self, protect family at all cost, and never become entangled with a lass—not again. So when his future king needs him to accompany the far-too-lovely Lillianna to safety, Angus agrees, confident he can keep her at a distance, as he does all women. Yet the gentle, fiercely determined lady intrigues and tempts him at every turn, and when his greatest enemy captures her, he finds himself breaking all his rules to save her.
As the fight for the Scottish throne embroils Lillianna and Angus deep in danger, enemies near and far hunt them threatening their very lives. When the truth of the legend finally comes to light, can a lady determined to escape her destiny and a Highlander bent on facing his future alone overcome the barriers they’ve created and trust in their hearts to lay claim to the most glorious of love?
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1302 Central England. A fierce warrior. A woman who has never known love. Prepare to take an amazing journey with two people who needed each other, but would take take time to realize. When I finished The Outlaw King, the first book in this series, I could not wait to see what came next! The wait was so worth it for this story of Angus, the best friend and one of his fiercest warriors for Robert the Bruce, and Lillianna, cousin to Elizabeth, the Bruce’s wife. She comes from a long line of female seers The women in her family can see into the future but there is only two ways.
With people after her, she flees and ends up under the protection of the Bruce. As Angus is directed to keep Lillianna safe and deliver her to her Scottish relatives, their attraction is fierce, but without trust what can become of it? Both of them have been betrayed and each wants to protect their hearts from it happening again.
A wonderful tale that Julie Johnstone brings alive with the history and wonder of the time of great conflict between England and Scotland. She makes the characters real and I could envision them and the surroundings! Although this can be read as a stand alone, trust me, do not miss the first book in this series! As always a must read!!!
I loved this book! It was so much fun to read.
Wonderful characters in this Renegade Scots series! Well written story, plenty of adventure and excitement that add that extra touch to a beautiful love story. Can’t wait for more in this series!
Lord Angus MacLorh does not trust English Lillian de Burgh, but the Bruce wants him to take her to safety in Scotland. Angus is also to warn the Scots hiding in Ettrick Forest they are in danger and need to return to Scotland. The women in Lillian’s family have all had the gift of sight when they fall in love, so Lillian is determined never to fall in love or admit her gift.
However, travelling together brings them closer to each other and danger. Ettrick Forest was a trap and they fought to rescue as many Scots as possible. Angus is a fierce warrior and rescues many, though there may be a traitor he knows. They finally arrive at his castle realizing they love each other, but one of his sisters does not like or trust Lillian and causes trouble. There is so much more going on in this book and I won’t spoil this story. I do highly recommend it!
I loved reading the story of Liliana and Angus’ amazing story in Highland Defender by Julie Johnstone, book two in her Renegade Scots series, two very worthy characters. Angus was the laird of the MacLorh clan after the death of his father in a battle; a battle in which Angus believes he failed his father by being distracted by a woman. Angus carried his guilt with him, everywhere he went, determined to never again fall under the spell of a woman. His focus was on freeing Scotland from the rule of England. Lilianna de Burgh is the daughter of the seer of the MacLeod clan. Her father and uncle have tried to use her for her powers, to see the future, and are still trying. In order for this to happen, they must find the amulet that will awaken those powers or fall in love to awaken them. Liliana has sworn to never fall in love or marry, especially after witnessing the abuse her mother received from her father. As a favor to the leader of the rebelling Scots, Angus takes a message to Ettrick Forest on the way to escorting Liliana to Scotland and the MacLeod clan. Along the long and dangerous trek, these two learn about each as they also deny their mutual attraction. This definitely makes the trip intriguing and entertaining. This just could be what Angus and Liliana need to change their views on love and marriage.
Ms. Johnstone wrote an emotionally rich and moving story transporting her readers to the land of historical Scotland. She provided a tale rich with sexual chemistry, amusing banter, and endearing characters that are not to be missed. I found both Angus and Liliana loveable heroes. I highly recommend The Highland Defender to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Another fantastic read by Julie Johnstone! Highland Defender is book 2 in the Renegade Scots series and by far one of the most amazing read of the year! Though in a series it can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend you read book 1, Outlaw King. This 1300 medieval story of Robert the Bruce before he became King of Scotland is not only a romanic read but also educational. Julie must have done a lot of research for this book as she has created not only a romance but has used real events, people and places. Her characters are fabulous and I fell in love with the hard core and brawny Angus as he slowly falls in love with Lilliannna. This story will take you on an adventure that is not only heart pounding but exciting as well as they out run the enemy that is King Edward’s army. This adventure has an escape, protectiveness, kindness, endurance, pain, suffering, a bit of paranormal, a brooch, evil, greed, an uncaring father, death, grief, a loving family, enemies and of course love. I so highly recommend you read this book, Julie never disappoints. Her writing is just amazing.
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
Lillianna wants nothing to do with love because of a curse put of the MacLeod lairds by the fae. The legend that says that lasses born to the lairds of clan MacLeod and any of the daughters the lasses bear would become seers when they find true love. But if true love betrayed the lass she would lose this gift and only see the future when she wears the Brooch of Lagothmeir. Lillianna’s mother was betrayed by two different men trying to use her for her ability to see the future and Lillianna vows that she will not fall into this trap. She has closed off her heart to all men.
Lillianna goes to live with her uncle, Richard de Burgh, who is a powerful earl in the service of King Edward and he is wants to manipulate Lillianna’s heart so he can utilize her special gift. Also he is using her as leverage to help keep her cousin, Elizabeth, in line. The king and earl are trying to get information about Robert’s loyalty by giving Elizabeth to him in marriage.
At nineteen Angus fell in love with the daughter of the laird of an enemy clan. She betrayed him by luring him into the forest because he feared for her safety while his father is being killed in battle by her father. His mother died of a broken heart soon after that and Angus blames himself. He vowed that his king will come first, to protect his clan, and that love will never rule his actions again.
Both Angus and Lillianna have their reasons for not wanting to fall in love. But they are thrown on a journey together to get a message to Robert the Bruce’s men and then to deliver Lillianna to her mother’s clan. Along the way they discover a mutual attraction that both of them fight tooth and nail.
An amazing and action packed read. Plenty of romance, plot twists, and passion to keep me turning the pages well into the wee hours of the morning. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book to read for my honest review.
Julie Johnstone’s saga of the Scottish rebellion against the English King Edward continues in Highland Defender. This story brings a touch of mysticism to the series’ splendid blend of history and romance. Robert the Bruce gives Laird Angus MacLorh the tasks of warning his hidden men of the kings impending attack and taking Lilianna de Burgh to safety with the MacLeods. Angus is sure this trip will be very dangerous and that the lass will be trouble. He is absolutely right. Their journey becomes an action-packed adventure. Their way is replete with danger, uncertainty, distrust, deception, and betrayal. Their story is also filled with loyalty, courage, and honor. The characters are fantastic, and they pull you right into their story. The story holds your attention and makes you ask what will happen next and if Angus and Lilianna will find love, a real page-turner. I highly recommend this book and look forward to the next Renegade Scot.
I received an ARC of this book. I reviewed it voluntarily.
This is a wonderful adventure set in medieval highlands, where enemies and danger collide with protectors and romance. Lillianna is being escorted to safety by the very handsome and somewhat cynical Angus, he has shied away from ever falling in love again after being hurt. She is escaping her Uncle and has a secret, one she does not want to ever come to fruition, however if she ever falls in love, it will. They both try to hide their feelings, but it may be too late.
A beautiful love story between Angus and Lillianna! The story begins with two people denying their attraction to one another and fighting against falling in love afraid of getting hurt. Overcoming their personal history, and escaping their common enemies, both will learn to trust each other and conquer their fears. A captivating book from beginning to end with a full range of emotions and passion! Enjoy!
I received an ARC of this book for a honest review. I absolutely loved this book. Angus and Lillianna are a couple that fought their attraction due to both their histories, she is afraid of being used. The road to the HEA is filled with a plot that has enough twists and turns to keep you reading into the night. Didn’t want to put it down. This author is one of the best I have read in a long time.
Julie Johnstone writes another AMAZING tale of Medieval love. A stubborn man, a woman afraid to love, danger, and intrigue…this story has it all. AND when you think there just might be a happily ever after Ms. Johnstone takes you on another journey making your heart stop; which only makes the Happily Ever After that much sweeter.
Highland Defender
I didn’t think Julie could top her Highlander Vows series and then she wrote Outlaw King, well I thought nothing could beat that then she does it again with Highlander Defender! I just love the tough, fierce, big hearted men and the incredibly strong women she writes about. It also incorporates elements of historical fact with the romance story throughout the book. It tells the story of proud Highlander Angus, who is loyal to Robert and the fight to free Scotland but who has also know heartbreak that caused him to close his heart to women. He is Laird to his clan and has siblings to keep safe from rivals and the English King. Our heroine is Lillianna who throughout her life has never know love or had anyone she can trust apart from her cousin Elizabeth. Men, including her own kin have only ever wanted what they believe she could give them in terms of the prophecy and a mystical brooch. They are both thrown together, each without trust and denying what is within their hearts for fear it could rip them and their families apart. We are taken on a journey where enemies try to force their hand, but ultimately they find out that opening their hearts does not lead to disaster. Their bond is forged and through that Lillianna and Angus find their HEA. Whether you are new to romance or looking for something different I cannot recommend Julie enough. She writes stories that are inspiring but also have humor, love and lots of adventure. A fantastic read, can’t wait for the next in the series. Loved it
A wonderful 4.5 to 5 star read.
Highland Defender, is the second book in Julie Johnstone’s Renegade Scots series. I received an ARC of it from the author and voluntarily offer this unbiased review of what I read.
I am familiar with and have read and reviewed books written by Ms. Johnstone set in the Regency period. I found all of them well written with engaging characters, stories, and dialogue. This is my first exposure to a work of hers set in the Medieval period. I was not disappointed with her change in genre. In Highland Defender, she incorporated enough historical fact, characters, and events of the times into her written work, which for me, became a more believable and romantic story about the two main characters.
From early on, when I started reading Highland Defender, I was sucked into the stories of Angus and Lillianna, the two main characters. I became enthralled with them. They had both experienced terrible betrayals in their lives. Both were intent on protecting themselves and their hearts from getting close to anyone who might betray or use them. Early on when they meet, there is instant chemistry between them, though they try to hide it by almost constant bickering with one another. Little by little, the attraction between them grows, though they each struggle to control it.
I greatly enjoyed the secondary character portrayals and the descriptive phrases the author used. She incorporated intrigue, danger, action, and some vile villains into Highland Defender. In my opinion, she was most successful at writing a lovely romance between Angus and Lilliana. They were wonderful characters. This is the second book in the series and I haven’t read the first, but I greatly recommend this one. You will enjoy reading it and thoroughly love the romance.
This was a great tale in this wonderful series. Lillianna and Augua have a great tale. Fate was done great things for this couple
Highland Defender by Julie Johnstone is book Two in the Renegade Scots Series. This is the story of Angus MacLorh and Lillianna de Burgh. I have read the previous book (and Loved it) but feel you can make it a standalone one if you wish to do so.
Lillianna has know her family’s history of women who get their ‘site’ when they fall in love. But Lillianna has seen too how it has hurt her mother. Setting her mind to avoid such fate, Lillianna is assured that she won’t run into any man worthy of love. When she needs to escape her cruel Uncle Robert the Bruce task Angus to escort her to safety. Angus too has the mind set that there will be no love as he has seen the damage it brings. But the more that they spend time together the more things start to change for them. When Lillianna is taken it Angus is awoken to how much she has started to mean to him.
This was such a wonderfully story…just loved it. A real page turner for me.
Laird Angus MacLorh has been tasked by Robert the Bruce with taking a woman to safety. She is related to a Scottish clan that is believed to have special abilities. Her English family have attempted to use her for years without success, that makes her worthless. Our hero is a no nonsense man who has been badly betrayed by a woman, so will never trust another one, and dies not believe in fantasy.
Lillianna watched her mother suffer for years because she had been betrayed by a man. All men only want her because of her potential abilities. Lillianna never wants to have them awakened in her. The way to ensure that is to never allow a man into her heart.
This is an exciting, action packed story, with great characters. It does link to a previous book, but can easily be read on its own. Lots of tension between families torn apart by war and guilt.
I loved it.
Another winner here!!! Angus MacLorh (who we met in Outlaw King) has sworn NEVER to love a lass again. He did once and the worst possible outcome happened. He is Robert the Bruce’s right hand man and friend, which is the ONLY reason he agreed to get Elizabeth de Burgh’s cousin to her Scottish relatives. Lillianna is being tortured and used as leverage to get Elizabeth to do her evil father and king’s will. He just has to keep her safe, get her to her family and keep his distance. Easy right? Wrong. Since the moment he laid eyes on her, he has wanted her.
Lillianna de Burgh is from a long line of female seers. The legacy of the Brooch of Lagothmier goes as follows, when a female descendant wear the brooch she can see the future. She can also see the future when she opens her heart and falls in love. IF her heart is broken/betrayed she loses those powers. Something that happened to her mother and her father beat her to death. He only wanted Lillianna to use those powers and if she can’t she is worthless, something her Uncle and King agree about.
As they travel they come across one mishap after another. They both refuse to acknowledge they love each other for fear it will weaken and hurt them. They finally realize they have to truly trust each other in order for both of them to survive. Especially with the Scottish war beginning.
Fabulous book that is a MUST READ!
Highland Defender is the second book in the Renegade Scot series. Book one is the Outlaw King. In this second book, Laird Angus MacLorh is Robert the Bruce’s closest friend and ally in the war to gain the throne of Scotland. Robert asks Angus to escort Lillianna de Burgh to the MacLeod clan fortress. Lillianna is the cousin to Robert’s love Elizabeth, and she is said to be a powerful seer descended from fae ancestors.
Lillianna is terrified of being used for her seer powers. When she meets Angus, she doesn’t trust him. “Yet she found herself unable to look away from Angus when he raised his arm to shove his hair back. His upper arm muscles, and those of his abdomen, ripples in a raw display of power with his easy movements. “ The journey to escort Lillianna to safety is fraught with danger. But the most dangerous thing that Angus encounters is the pull of his own heart towards Lillianna.
Fantastic book! I have thoroughly enjoyed both books in this series. I was gifted a copy of this book.