Truth. Justice. Revenge. Behind these stands The Scotsman’s SwordGladiator meets Fight Club in the Scottish Highlands in a new romance from USA Today bestselling author Kathryn Le Veque
“The epic Medieval Romance is back—thanks to Kathryn Le Veque!” —Claire Delacroix, New York Times Bestselling author
When Lor Careston’s quiet Highland village was attacked and burned, he felt helpless against … author
When Lor Careston’s quiet Highland village was attacked and burned, he felt helpless against the raiders who destroyed his home. Seeking revenge, but lacking the fighting skills he needs to execute his mission, he sets out to find the Ludus Caledonia—a mysterious fight guild that turns men into warriors.
Lor trains hard, proves himself in the ring, and earns a place with the very clan that decimated his home, having decided to set his plan for revenge in motion from inside the clan. But his plan didn’t include Isabail Keith, a fiery lass who prefers broadswords to embroidery and isn’t afraid to stand with the warriors of her clan. Lor thought the Keiths were his enemies, but when Isabail is threatened, he’ll have to decide what he’s willing to risk for the woman who has captured his heart and the clan that has become his home.
Scots and Swords series:
Highland Gladiator (Book 1)
Praise for Kathryn Le Veque:
“Vivid world-building, pitch-perfect prose… Kathryn Le Veque has made a fan of me.” —TopShelf Reviews
“Medieval Romance just doesn’t get any better than this.” —Uncaged Book Reviews
“Le Veque writes winning epics.” —Publishers Weekly
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Highland Gladiator is the first book in Kathryn Le Veque’s Scots and Swords series. I love starting a new series! It’s always exciting and full of possibilities. I have a ton of books by this author, but this is the first book of hers that I’ve read. It surely won’t be the last.
Lor Careston is a smithy in the Highlands. One day he is accosted by a fiery redheaded lass and her brothers while walking alone. Thus begins a very sweet and true romance between Lor and Isabail Keith. They are warned by their families not to associate with one another, but they will not be separated. That is, until the day that Lor returns to his village after running an errand for his grandfather and finds it burned to the ground; Lor is unable to find his beloved grandfather and believes him to be dead. Vowing revenge but not being a fighter despite being very strong, he seeks the mysterious Ludus Caledonia, a fight guild that trains men to be warriors. There he is again reunited with Isabail, whose family is at the guild to purchase a fighter to help their clan fight against their enemies. Lor discovers Isabail is a Keith, the clan that he believes decimated his village. He is still determined to make the Keiths pay. How can Lor and Isabail possibly have a life together?
Despite the plot of the story, which includes burning villages, revenge, gladiators and betrayal, the love story itself is actually very sweet, though not without heat! Lor is a very tender man toward his Isabail, despite believing her clan killed all that he loved. Isabail was a stubborn and fiery young woman who knew how to fight better than her brothers and was a skilled strategist; yet she, too, had a soft heart. There was one thing I particularly loved about the story: When Lor and Isabail discovered the truth about the other, they actually talked it through and worked it out, instead of the usual “I can’t be with you” line that runs through so many romance novels where there’s conflict. There’s also another side romance here that’s an absolute delight. I’m on pins and needles waiting for the next warrior from the Ludus Caledonia!
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.
HIGHLAND GLADIATOR by Kathryn Le Veque is the first book in the Scots and Swords historical romance series and it is the first book that I have read by this author. It is set in Scotland in the late 1400’s. Lor Careston is a blacksmith working with his grandfather in a quiet Highland village when it is attacked and burned. He wishes to seek revenge, but lacks fighting skills. Will he gain them? Will he exact retribution upon those responsible?
The book is well-written with characters that have depth and there is an exciting plot. Lor and the main secondary characters are compelling and felt three-dimensional. There was enough at stake to keep me engaged throughout the story. The world-building was fantastic and gave a clear sense of time and place including medieval conflicts, ways of life, and more. Themes include family, relationships, grief, revenge, love, lies, romance, friendship, inner conflicts, secrets, and much more.
Overall, this was an engaging and fast-paced read with a few heated scenes, action-packed fight scenes, love that endures and an unbalanced antagonist. I would recommend it to those that enjoy historical romances with action scenes and are looking for a new series to start. I look forward to reading the next book in this series as well as checking out this author’s other books.
Thanks to SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca and Kathryn Le Veque for a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
In true Kathryn Le Veque style, you get everything you’d ever want in a Highlander story. I really enjoyed reading “Highland Gladiator” and I absolutely adored Lor and Isabail! Both characters are strong, proud and honourable and the love they have for each other melted my heart.
This is a story of revenge, of a blacksmith who must learn to fight like a warrior and of a love that will have to endure much before happiness and peace can be attained. It’s an action packed story that will leave you wanting to keep reading until the very end. I must say I also loved Nikolaus and Clova’s story within this story:)
I received an ARC of this book via NetGallely and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
A blacksmith looking for revenge against the clan that burned his village and killed his grandfather, seeks the Ludus Caledonia to train to be a warrior. Only the woman from the clan he hates causes the inner turmoil of love versus hate. Little does he know that the hated clan who bought him to fight will be his salvation. Kathryn Le Veque once again writes an engaging fast paced book of medieval conflict and romance. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Lor Careston is a peaceful smithy who has trained alongside his beloved grandfather. They live in a small Highland village close to a troublesome rival clan. Our hero met some of that clan when he was still more boy than man and that meeting put a stamp on his heart. When tragedy strikes he knows he has to make a big change to his life.
Isabail Keith is the firey daughter of the clan leader. She and her brothers ran wild as children, causing problems for others. Our heroine has always been clever when it comes to the tactics needed in a fight but that is not enough to help her clan when war threatens.
This is a grand highland adventure and romance. The characters are all strong , brave and so interesting.
This book grabs the imagination on the first page and keeps you wanting more. I can already see that this new training school for warriors is going to be the source of many more fabulous books and I’m looking forward to reading them all.
I loved every page.
“In this life or in the next, I’ll always be true tae ye…”
“I love ye…until the end of all things, I’ll love ye and only ye…”
Lor Careston is a humble smithy living with his grandfather. Despite his size, fighting has never been his first choice. Always preferring to work out disagreements with his brain rather than his brawn, Lor is content with his life in the quiet Highland village where he and his grandfather live and work. But when his village is raided and burned to the ground leaving death and destruction of both his grandfather and his home, Lor remembers a tale told to him about the Ludus Caledonia, an elite training compound where worthy men may sign on years of service to become highly trained warriors. With vengeance in his heart, Lor leaves all behind to be taught to fight in order to gain his retribution…never dreaming that the path he has set to travel will lead him in an entirely different direction…
Isabail Keith, the daughter of the Chieftain of Clan Keith, has given up on finding love. What man would want a warrior for a wife? That is until her path crosses once again with Lor Careston…with Lor she is accepted for being both fierce and beautiful. Lor doesn’t judge her for her choice in being trained for battle, and willingly asks for her guidance. Over time, Lor and Isabail find a love that will last a lifetime and beyond…
Oh, dear reader, I did so enjoy the first installment to Kathryn Le Veque’s Scots & Swords series! If you are a fan of her medieval romances, be prepared for the same epic adventure and swoon worthy hero! Looking forward to the next in the series and highly recommend!
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **
Highland Gladiator (Scots and Swords Book 1) by Kathryn Le Veque 4 Stars
Creative storyline of a smithy who trains to be a gladiator warrior for vengeance, and a heroine who’s battle trained, strong, intelligent, and resilient. I enjoyed the multiple plots filled with angst, secrets, lies, danger, deception, intrigue, and the sweet passion of romance. If you love historical romance you’ll love this one!
Happy Reading
Adult Content.
I really enjoyed this book. I was hooked with the story once I began and could not put it down until I finished it. I normally don’t read these types of books but something about it caught my attention and I am glad I took the time to read it.
Lor and Isabell met when they are young and are also from two different clans. He is a grandson of a blacksmith or smithy she from the clan in the hills. Though he was not to be where he is now caught, she lets him go after a little banter back and forth. They met again older and he is still attracted to her and she to him they agree to meet another day and this goes on for a few days. Until one day he is told by his grandfather to go to another town to exchange what they bought for the better. When he returns his town, the village has been destroyed and he believes his grandfather is dead. He also believes Isabel’s clan is the one who attacked his village.
He goes to a place he heard about when he was younger to hopefully train to be a fighter a warrior. Not knowing how you are picked. It is months later when Isabel and her father and brothers go to this same place for, they want to buy, purchase a warrior for their clan. when she sees him after thinking he had died in the attack as well, she meets him secretly and the fighter she is helping him to be a better one.
The story continues their and then when they leave. He finds out some other happenings that surprise him as well as when you get towards the end you are surprised at how everything is happening. There is so much to this story that you must read it to see and experience the journey yourself. Following Lor and Isabel was a fun and fantastic read and had everything you want in a book. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at
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Highland Gladiator by Kathryn Le Veque is the First book in the Scots and Swords Series. This is the story of Isabail Keith and Lor Careston. Lor was a blacksmith with no interest of fighting but when his village was attacked killing family and friends…things change. Lor leaves to go to Ludus Caledonia where they train you to be fighters. Lor goal is to become a warrior and get revenge for all he lost. This was a page turning read kept me going until the end.
Loved this first book in a new series! A story of true love, destiny and revenge, Isabail and Lor were meant to be together, overcoming numerous before getting their HEA. The story is fast-paced, action-packed, with a few unexpected twists. Great read – hard to put down! Looking forward to the next in this series.
Really enjoyed this action packed, heart racing adventure filled with interesting and engaging charters, memorable dialog, heart racing twists and emotionally thrilling turns. Was a great read from beginning to end and so hard to put down.
Highland Gladiator is the first title in the Scots and Swords series, set in the Scottish Highlands in the late 1400’s. Kathryn Le Veque is one of my go to authors when it comes to medieval romance, and Isabail and Lor’s story did not disappoint.
Lor Careston and Isabail Keith met as children, and several years later they once again cross paths. Despite the fact that they come from feuding clans, this pair are inexplicably drawn to each other.
Lor is a hardworking, placid and gentle giant, until tragedy strikes, then he becomes set on revenge and retribution. He seeks out the Ludus Caledonia in order to learn the ways of a warrior.
Isabail is my kind of heroine. She’s strong and fierce, independent and honest. She has no qualms about speaking her mind, and is determined and driven to protect those she loves.
Highland Gladiator has character that are well developed, and is not only engaging but entertaining and I look forward to reading future titles in this series.
I liked it
Captivating Medieval Romance with substance! Great characters come alive on each page, making this an epic page-turner! Well done!!!
I have a bit of an issue with the basic premise of this series, which is that an English knight spent time in Rome fighting as a gladiator, came back and founded a gladiator school in Scotland, and now trains and fights the best fighters in the land, hiring them out to lords who can afford to pay off their contracts. So far, so Fight Club… except that this is the late fifteenth century, about a millennium too late for Roman gladiatorial contests. And I don’t quite buy the Scottish king allowing an Englishman to raise and train what’s effectively a mercenary private army within striking distance of Edinburgh, either.
Honestly, the whole Gladiator/Fight Club thing distracted from what is otherwise a very good Highlander romance. Lor is a blacksmith who takes up the sword looking for revenge for his burned village, Isabail the feisty lass from a rival clan he can’t help but fall for. And can I just say how much I loved Isabail and the fact that she was allowed to not only fight on her own terms, but to strike decisive blows when it counted, including seeing off the final villain? So rare that the heroine gets to do that in historical romance, this was a really refreshing change.
I really enjoyed Lor and Isabail’s romance, though I think part of the conflict between them was manufactured for the sake of the plot, when Isabail didn’t tell Lor who had attacked his village – it made no sense for her to withhold that information as it could only lead to misunderstandings. Not telling him until he was committed to the fight was actually a seriously bad idea as it was his own clan he would have to fight against and they had no idea if he would go through with it or not.
To sum up; I loved the characters, I enjoyed the romance, I thought part of the historical setting was shaky at best, and a bit too much of the plot depended on manufactured conflict. It’s an enjoyable read if you can look past those things, though. Four stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
I have seen the name Kathryn LeVeque for a while now. It is usually associated with historical fiction. I have been reading more of that lately especially the 1200-1400’s so I decided to try one of her books since Highland Gladiator is the first of a new series Scots and Swords. I knew that the groundwork for the series would be laid in this book even if each turns out to be stand-alone. I would suggest that anyone else new to this author do the same. You will not be disappointed. This is an author to put on your TBR list f you enjoy historical fiction.
The character driven story gives the impression that it will be a Romero and Juliet trope but it goes much deeper than that. Political intrigue, deceit, betrayal. honor, truth, and love all play a part in this historical fiction that shows that humanity has not changed very much in hundreds of years. It was difficult to know truth then and it is still that way today.
Lor Careston’s search for revenge puts him on a journey that he never planned. Gong along with him you wish for him to learn what really happened to his village and for justice to be served. Along the way that changes hoping that he can find peace and love. This is historical fiction that comes to life so that I found myself taking sides with Lors and Isabail, hoping that lies would not prevail against them.
4.5 Stars
An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is the first Kathryn LeVeque book I remember reading. This, like all her stories is set in Medieval times, this one Scotland in the late 1400s. It’s her take on a gladiator gambling fighting guild set south of Edinburgh. We will be seeing stories of fighters in this guild. This one is about Lor Careston, a smithy from the village of Careston raised by his grandfather Nikolaus a village elder. It’s his story of vengeance over the destruction of his village and his perceived death of Nik.
When Isabail Keith and Lor first meet they are attracted to each other knowing they’re probably from rival clans. She tells him he needs to learn to fight and lets him know about the Ludus Caledonia she’s heard about. Later when his village is destroyed by what appears to be the Clan Keith he sets off to find The Cal with the blessing of his clan Lindsay. He’s determined to learn to fight to avenge his grandfather. They meet again later when Isabail and her family travel to The Cal to find a warrior to help their clan defend against the neighboring Clan Lindsay. Drostan Lindsay is determined to drive Clan Keith from land once long ago held by the Lindsay. This sets the conflict in the rest of the book. I enjoyed the journey to love between the smart warrior maid Isabail and Lor now known as the Lion of Caledonia. The conflict Lor experiences between his loyalties, the clans, and his coming to love Isabail was handled with care. I fell into the story and couldn’t wait to experience the happily ever after at the end.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this story, though it took me a few chapters to really get into the characters. It seemed rushed for the romance right off, but once the story got past the burning of Lor Caresten’s village, and you have him traveling to the fight guild known as Ludus Caledonia, his character becomes much more rounded, and you feel his pain, his motivation, and his love for the woman from the Kieth Clan that his clan has been rivals with generations.
Isabail Keith is a character that is a strong female who is believable to have existed in the time period, though she would have been atypical of most women. Though I feel the story was focused more on the story of Lor and his revenge, I loved it when the point of view was more from Isabail’s perspective. I would have loved to have had more scenes with her, including the gap years from when the two first meet as children, and when they meet again as adults.
I also felt the background stories of some of the minor characters were well done, and could have had their own stories. Which, since this is first in the series, might actually happen. It would be fun to explore them further. Especially those from the Ludus Caledonia.
Overall, this was a well done romance with enjoyable characters, and a well told narrative. If one is reading this, and feels like I did in the first couple chapters, hang on, the ride gets way better. It is worth sticking with the story.
I have not read from this author before, but this first in series whets my appetite for others by her. I highly recommend this book as a nice romantic getaway.
What’s not to love? A gorgeous cover, author Kathryn LeVeque, a hero name Lor, and first book in a new series, Scots & Swords… Yes you have it right! Pure adventure and bliss!
They met when younger and then again years later. Lor knew that he wanted to marry her, but did not know much about her. Isabail was part of a clan warring with many others and she could only watch as Lor’s village was burned down and all were dead. Her dream was gone.
Lor was a blacksmith in his village following in his grandfather’s footsteps. He had never been trained to fight because her had no need for it in his profession. But with the burning of his village and the death of his grandfather, her was determined.
The Ludus Caledonia, a powerful and profitable gambling guild, modeled on the gladiatorial schools of ancient Rome. Training men to be some of the fiercest warriors and Lor was going to be one of them..
A story of deceit, secrets, heartache told by famed storyteller Kathryn Le Veque that will pull you in and not let go. It stole my heart!
When Lor Careston’s quiet Highland village was attacked and burned, he felt helpless against the raiders who destroyed his home. Seeking revenge, but lacking the fighting skills he needs to execute his mission, he sets out to find the Ludus Caledonia—a mysterious fight guild that turns men into warriors. Lor trains hard, proves himself in the ring, and earns a place with the very clan that decimated his home, having decided to set his plan for revenge in motion from inside the clan. His plan didn’t include Isabail Keith, a fiery lass who prefers broadswords to embroidery and isn’t afraid to stand with the warriors of her clan.
The first book in a new series & what a series starter! Not a book to start late in the day if you want to sleep. I found it extremely hard to put down & read it in two sittings. Very well written with vivid descriptions & the characters practically jump out of the page at you. The pace is soo good & Lor & Isabail are wonderful, the chemistry is electric & I absolutely loved their journey to their HEA. I can’t wait for the next book in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read