Bestselling author Vanessa Kelly returns with an enthralling new series about the men of the Kendrick clan—and the women who claim their hearts . . . Lady Ainsley Matthews, heiress and darling of the ton, was expected to make a magnificent match. Instead she’s hiding on a remote Scottish estate, terrified that her vicious former fiancé will use her pregnancy to force her into marriage. One man … force her into marriage. One man can help her—Royal Kendrick, son of a distinguished Highland clan. Though a mistake drove them apart long ago, Royal is the only person Ainsley trusts to protect her baby—even if that means agreeing to never see either of them again . . .
Scarred in body and soul by war, Royal suddenly has a purpose—caring for an innocent babe and thereby helping the woman he can’t stop loving. But when Ainsley ultimately returns to Scotland, determined to be a real mother to her child in spite of the risk, there’s only one solution: marriage. And only one likely outcome: surrendering to the desire that’s simmered between them for so long, no matter how dangerous it may be . . .
Praise for Vanessa Kelly’s Improper Princesses series
“A thoroughly satisfying Regency romance.” —Publishers Weekly
“An enjoyable, thoughtful romance.” –Kirkus Reviews
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This new series continues from where The Highlander’s Princess Bride (The Improper Princesses, #3) left off. Royal Kendrick is still obsessed with Lady Ainsley Matthews and after having organized the family estate papers for Nick, and feeling at lost ends with himself, Victoria convinces him to check upon Ainsley at her great-aunt’s manor, where she had mysteriously disappeared at at the end of the previous book The mystery of why she went there becomes quite apparent. She is very pregnant, having been raped by her former fiancee, the Marquess of Cringlewood. After her daughter is born, she is terrified that the cruel man will harm her daughter, so she gives her to Royal to raise, naming her after his mother, Tira. While Royal would like her to marry him, because of the timing, she fears that Cringlewood would learn the truth. The Kendricks give out the story, that the baby is Royal’s from a barmaid, who doesn’t want her. But Ainsley is heartbroken and six months later returns to Royal, asking him to marry her anyway. However, Ainsley is still keeping a secret from Royal which will put Both mother and child in danger from Cringlewood. Can the Kendrick clan keep them safe?
For those who did not read the previous book and also for those who did, but don’t remember, the author provides a brief narrative of the relevant events that happened before. The characters are appealing the plot well developed and there is a HEA. I received a free, advanced copy of this book from Net Galley.com. This is my unbiased and voluntary review
Vanessa Kelly knows how to tell a story that can capture and enchant her audience. It was so great to get another opportunity to spend time with the wonderful characters from Clan Kendrick. Royal and Ainsley pick up where they left of on their relationship that is fraught with drama. They cling to each other sometimes with the desperation that only love can give. Grandda settles in the middle of their relationship and pops up at the most in opportune of times. The Clan rallies around Tira, Royal and Ainsley to get them through their problems. They cling to each as their love grows stronger and they come out on the other side forged in steel.
There are no victims only survivors. Kelly dreams up a stunningly, captivating tale of heartache, bravery and romance. Royal and Ainsley are a little bit broken but no less heroes. Both are looking to find their place in a world judgment, cruelty and war. They find that place in each other’s hearts. The Highlander Who Protected Me is a slow burn. Love kind of sneaks it’s way into your heart. The battle is hard won, but the fire is never-ending.
A story that will pull at your heartstrings and take you back in time to London and Scotland. “In the spare winter moonlight, she glowed with a beauty that lit up the corners of Royal Kendrick’s battered soul. He felt alive again.” How beautiful is that? The opening line alone drew me in and I could not stop until the last page. This is a story of two damaged souls who need each other, but have a journey to fully find happiness. The first meeting Royal had with Ainsley, he was enchanted. She was the glowing lady of the ton with an inheritance that would tempt any man.
I fell in love with Royal, who was wounded in body and soul by the war and strives to rejoin life again. When Ainsley comes to him, leaving a precious gift for him to care for, her child, he feels he has a purpose in life. Can the two come together and be happy?
The first book in a new series, there is everything to love about this tale. A Scottish warrior, an English lady who has had her own trials and of secondary characters who bring humor when needed.
Vanessa Kelly with her wonderful prose has written a story not soon forgotten and has me waiting on the next installment of the Clan Kendrick!! I read this through NetGallery
The Highlander who Protected Me is one awesome way to kick off a new series! Ms. Kelly seems to just get better with each novel she produces. When I first noticed how long this book was, I was a little weary. Some longer books can get bogged down at times with unnecessary details. But never fear, you will sail through The Highlander very quickly. It is hard to put down and reads very fast, mainly due to the fact that our two main characters, Royal and Ainsley, have such a wicked banter between them! It’s amazing and funny and I wish I could speak my mind so well and so honestly. Ainsley does not employ filters when she speaks and not always when she acts or reacts. One truly refreshing character. Of course there is drama and sadness and tragedy in the lives of these two. But nothing that love cannot overcome given time and patience and the meddling of well-meaning relatives, and some not so well-meaning ones. And then there’s the villain, who will, we have faith, get his just desserts in the end. You can’t go wrong by adding this book to your To Be Read list. It’s a winner!!
The Highlander Who Protected Me
by Vanessa Kelly
Clan Kendrick Book 1 is the beginning of a new series.
This is Royal and Ainsley’s story Ive been waiting to read his story for a while now and I have to say that I wasn’t disappointed at all! We start of with Ainsley’s big secret Royal never expected to find the woman that had been plaguing his sleep and wakeful hours, hiding away with a secret that seems ready to make his/her presence known. Feeling Ainsley’s fragile state he lets her know he will help and support her in any way without needing to share her secrets unless she’s ready. The story will pull at your heartstrings heart warming and filled with witty banter that will keep you entertained until the last page. Royal is a wounded war hero who has suffered and has been fighting his own demons,but his love for Ainsley is the only thing that has given him hope. Ainsley is hiding many secrets and is fighting her own nightmare as well she knows that Royal will protect her no mater what, but she’s not willing to put him in danger. When the secrets begin to unravel, their relationship and blossoming love are threatened. The journey that follows is amazing and will keep you hooked until the very last page. Vanessa Kelly is a talented author who continues to amaze and delight with the stories she writes.
I can’t wait to read the next one and I have a feeling it’s going to be amazing!
I recieved a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest unbiased opinion.
A great start to Vanessa Kelly’s Clan Kendrick series, this book, for me, was not a typical romance novel. Even though Ainsley is an heiress and darling of the ton, she is a real character with real-world problems, and nobody but Royal and his clan are willing to help her (besides her aunt), even to the point of bringing her into the Clan and fiercely protecting her from the evils of her past. This is a well written book with very real characters and their very real problems. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!
What a great start to this new series! Vanessa Kelly writes such wonderful stories full of great characters and takes you on such an emotional ride.
Lady Ainsley Matthews is woman that every male in the ton wants as their wife and every female wishes she could be. Beautiful and rich, what more could Ainsley want….certainly not the ex-fiance her father wants her to marry…..even if he did force himself upon her leaving her pregnant! Instead, Ainsley hides out at her crazy Aunt’s remote Scottish estate until after the baby is born. Until then she has to figure out what to do. Ainsley has always been drawn to Royal Kendrick, son of a distinguished Highland clan but knew her father would never approve such a marriage. Instead Ainsley asks Royal’s help in protecting her baby. She wants him to take the baby as raise it as his own. Royal reluctantly agrees. He has been looking for a purpose in life since he came back injured from the war and now he has one. He may not be able to have Ainsley as his wife, but he has the next best thing, her child.
When Ainsley comes back into their life because she cannot stand to be away from her child, she puts everyone in danger. Royal realizes that the only way he can protect Ainsley and her baby is for them to get married. What starts out as a marriage of convenience quickly turns into something more. When both of them realize that they have strong feelings for each other, that is when the fun begins.
It was a joy watching these two realizing their feelings for each other. Ainsley can be so stubborn at times and Royal didn’t usually fall for it. I just adored the way Royal’s entire family came to protect Ainsley and her baby, especially Royal’s grandfather, Angus….he was a hoot! I really enjoyed the ride Royal and Ainsley went on to get to their happy ending. It was fun, entertaining and sexy all wrapped into one story!
I love the crazy Kendrick clan. Royal is so great the way he protects his family and how he wants to protect Ainsley, even if it means he won’t be with her. They argue all the time, but he loves her so much and wishes that she would love him too. Ainsley has problems and lots of secrets. Royal will help her and keep her secrets no matter the cost to himself. Ainsley has given up so much and so has Royal. Will they be able to figure out a way for them to be together, keep Ainsley’s secrets and keep her safe? The whole family comes together to help them. Will it be enough?
This is the start of a new series based on a previous group of Scottish family members, the Kendricks.
In this story, Royal is an injured war veteran who has pined for Lady Ainsley, a wealthy young English woman, for a long time. His previous failed proposal and continued pain from his injuries have left him a bit adrift, and his colorful family really only wishes to help. After a few suggestions, he takes their advice and goes on a short jaunt to visit Lady Ainsley who happens to be visiting her aunt in Scotland.
It’s that visit that sets off a string of events, funny, tragic,and action filled, that make this story a page turner! I thoroughly enjoyed this story and found myself laughing at some points, and tearful when the plot turned to more serious issues. The dialogue and other characters were well written and the longing between the two main characters a near tangible thing.
I highly recommend this book, and am really looking forward to the next in this series.
4.5 Stars
The Highlander Who Protected Me by Vanessa Kelly is book One in the Clan Kendrick Series. This is the story of Royal Kendrick and Ainsley Matthews. We did meet the Kendrick’s in ‘The Highlander’s Princess Bride’ so you will understand the family more if you have read that one but really this can be a standalone book.
Royal is hurt physically and mentally after the war. Royal’s brother tries to help him deal with things but nothing changes until Ainsley gives him a new purpose in life. They had meet earlier but nothing came of it until they meet again and he learns she is with child. Ainsley has hidden her pregnancy from Marquess of Cringlewood who she fears. When Royal comes to her at her Aunt’s she asked that he care for her daughter. Royal takes the child and starts to raise her as his own but Ainsley comes back in the picture giving him another chance with her.
I overall enjoyed their story but did feel a little distance with Ainsley and her handling of her issues. I look forward to other books by Ms. Kelly and more from this series!
Lady Ainsley Matthews, heiress and darling of the ton, was expected to make a magnificent match to the Marquis of Cringlewood. Instead she’s hiding on a remote Scottish estate, terrified that her vicious former fiancé will use her pregnancy to force her into marriage. Royal Kendrick is the only person Ainsley trusts to protect her baby—even if that means agreeing to never see either of them again.
Royal badly injured ay Waterloo the previous year has been drifting but suddenly has a purpose—caring for an innocent babe and thereby helping the woman he can’t stop loving. But when Ainsley ultimately returns to Scotland, determined to be a real mother to her child in spite of the risk, there’s only one solution: marriage.
This is the first book of a new series but follows on from The Highlander’s Princess Bride from the ‘The Improper Princesses’ series. We met Ainsley & Royal in that book which was Nick & Victoria’s story.
I found this book very hard to put down & luckily for me I was on a long train journey & it was amazing how fast a four hour journey sped by. Whilst I loved much of the book & was thinking a five star read I felt let down by the ending. There were so many loose ends & everything was left hanging. I hope they are resolved in the next book which I want to read now.I also felt so sorry for Royal that he was once again put in an untenable position by Ainsley & I seriously wondered how he could still be besotted with her – but they say love is blind!
I loved the Kendrick brothers & hope they all have their stories. I adore Angus & as he’s with Royal I hope he’ll feature heavily in the next book. I didn’t warn to Ainsley when I first met her & my opinion didn’t change I found her self centred, spoilt & secretive
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Slow Build to Passion.
Royal Kendrick knows that Lady Ainsley Matthews will never see him as a marriage prospect, she is a wealthy heiress whilst he is a maimed ex soldier and a younger son, without title or lands but that doesn’t stop him from adoring her. Two years after their first meeting she requests his aid and he vows to do anything to protect her, even if that brings scandal upon his own family. I enjoyed the way the relationship between Royal and Ainsley was slow to build. Ainsley has mental scars from being assaulted and Royal is the perfect hero, allowing her to set the pace of any intimacy.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Highlander Who Protected Me (Clan Kendrick #1) by Vanessa Kelly Why can I only give this 5 stars? Thanks to the publisher and #NetGalley for letting me preview this book. Vanessa never disappoints I hated to put this book down to eat, sleep, carry on my life… This is Royal and Ainsley’s story… they both have had tragedy in their lives they need to overcome… add in a villain..evil and disgusting … uncaring parents.. and a wonderful Clan Kendrick and Angus…. Tears of all kinds, laughter, danger, heartache, LOVE, sex … all get us to a very HEA. I am so looking forward to more books in this series….
The pregnant heroine plot point was a new one for me, so I was intrigued to read this book, especially since I had encountered Ainsley and Royal in a previous book and I wanted to know what her deal was and why she was always so prickly. Royal was an amazing and selfless hero, despite his own pain, both physical and emotional, he set all of his own needs aside to take care of his family, including Ainsley. On the other hand, Ainsley frustrated the crap out of me with her spoiled selfishness. However, her backstory did make me understand why she behaved the way she did and everything clicked together for me when she finally decided to trust Royal and let him take care of her, and when she decided to take care of him in return. Her development over the course of the novel made up for her prickly selfishness in the beginning, and even if it hadn’t, this story is worth reading for Royal.
Thanks to the author and NetGalley for the ARC!