Highland Born

by Kathryn Le Veque

Tucked deep in the highlands of Scotland and relatives to the MacKenzie clan, the dun Tarh family is said to have been spawned from the lost Roman legion, the elite Ninth Hispania. For generations, the family was known for their dark men, quick to temper, fierce fighters with comely looks. They were greatly respected in the highlands until Lares Rayan dun Tahr became the head of the family, a former priest who had fallen from grace.

Lucifer, they called him.

And his sons were known as Lucifer’s Highland Legion. Aurelius dun Tarh is the eldest son of what many consider Lares’ unholy union. Highlander born but English trained because of his English mother, Aurelius is a man of two worlds. Enormous and powerful, he is the first of many handsome brothers and it’s no secret that there is probably more than one dun Tarh bastard roaming about the highlands. For all of his talent and power, however, Aurelius is a man of discontent. His English grandfather insists he fight in France for Edward III and Aurelius finds himself fighting alongside men who should be his enemy, but men he nonetheless shares an alliance with.

A man of two worlds, indeed.

As a reward for his performance at the Battle of Crecy, Aurelius is presented with a bride from one of the great English warlords. The Earl of Bridlington has no male heirs and he wants Aurelius. Unable to protest, Aurelius finds himself betrothed to one of the richest heiresses in England… and absolutely hating it. Valery de Leybourne, daughter of Bridlington, doesn’t like the idea of being married to a highlander, either. A spitfire of a woman, Aurelius learns that aspect of her personality the hard way. He further realized that he may very well enjoy this marriage because Valery and her spark entertains him to no end. But before the marriage can take place, an explosive family secret is revealed that might possibly ruin both families… And it has nothing to do with Aurelius or Valery, but it could very well mean their end.

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Medieval, Historical Fiction, Romance

374 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 8, 2023

About the author

Juggernaut Indie author Kathryn Le Veque is a 'tour de force' in publishing.

Kathryn is a critically acclaimed 21-time USA TODAY Bestselling author, a charter Amazon All-Star author, an Indie Reader top seller, and a #1 bestselling, award-winning, multi-published author in Medieval Historical Romance with over 100 published novels.

Among her many accomplishments, she is the CEO of Dragonblade Publishing, the #1 Historical Romance e-book publisher on Amazon. In 2020, Kathryn collaborated with Sourcebooks publishing for a Medieval Fight Club series set in Scotland.

Reviews

[Dora Koutsoukou · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5 💗💗💗💗🌟s❣️❣️❣️❣️

This was my first read by this author and definitely won’t be my last!!!
It was very well written, filled with so many emotions!!!!
The love and passion the characters exuded was magnificent!
It was an amazing journey!!

Grandfather Lares tells his granddaughter Gabriela the story of his life and that of her father Aurelius.

“The point of my story was to tell ye that there are many forms of true love,” he said. “A man and his wife, a mother or a father to their children. Even friend to friend, or grandfather to granddaughter.” Lares dun Tarh

(I might have shed a few tears towards the ending...💔)

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

I loved this because it was so different, and also very fleshed out with so much information about the family and characters involved.

It was so full of their lives, from the start of the Grandads story, through the son, and onto the Granddaughter, told as a tale of love from the Grandfather at her wedding.

What a tale, an epic journey, covering quite a few different places, couples and romances.
Just wonderful!

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

[Rainelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing love story told through the loving words of Mabel to her granddaughter Gabriela. I loved the way wrote the story in its simplicity. I was able to follow and keep track of the main characters throughout the book. I truly enjoyed reading of how Mabel and Julie’s met. Then the story of their oldest child Aurieles and Val meeting. To say the least the couples meet in the most interesting ways. Aurieles is a bad bad bad boy. How he taunts Valery at the lake was one of the many steamy parts of their love story. I loved this book a lot. It’s very entertaining and a whole lot of fun to read.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started reading this book I was a little puzzled, but keep reading. The first story will have a strong connection to the main love story of Aurelius dun Tarh and the daughter of the Earl of Birdlington, Valery de Leybourne. Neither knew of the betrothed contact for a year, until Aurelius was informed on the battlefield in France. Valery, when Aurelius comes to Lydgate Castle. With charm, honesty and affection, he and Valery form a bond, but darkness comes to the castle. What was once a celebration for a marriage, becomes a veil of death. Descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brand new series in which Kathryn Le Veque delves into the world of medieval Highlanders. And, it is excellent! Two different stories of two generations that meld perfectly together and in unusual ways.

All the various forms of love are represented beautifully here. As always with this author, the characters are complex and varied. Do be sure to have some tissues close at hand though. Those heart strings will be tugged.

Another fantastic book by such a talented and prolific author.

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have recently started to read the intriguing historical romances by Kathryn Le Veque and I have to say, I am hooked! Now I have to go all the way back to the beginning of her stories because I am curious to see how things have come to be … need to read about, Dragonblade!

While I work on this authors backlog of stories she continues to turn out fantastic stories. I really enjoyed this book and felt like I was pulled back in time experiencing the story right alongside the characters. I love that her stories completely capture my attention and the vivid descriptions allow me to feel like I am traveling Scotland!

5 Stars

[Shannon · Rating 1 out of 5]

Got over half way through and like nothing happened. It’s like there was no story except meeting and marrying. I’m not planning on finishing it because there is no point.

[P. Elston · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not Her Usual Standard

I usually love her books, but this one was just okay. Spoiler Alert, a lot of the book dealth with pushing gay love . No way back then it would be okay with everyone. It's like now writers are required to have a gay love story as the 2nd story. I thought it jumped around and didn't fully develop the characters. Aurelius falls madly in love with Valery, who is immature when they meet. Not up to her standards. Just a tragic love story. Why Lares would not want to see his lost love while she was dying makes no sense. Th author couldn't decide if it was love, so Davina loved him forever, but it was just a first love for him. Didn't make sense.

[Elizabeth G. · Rating 3 out of 5]

disappointed

Thought this was a historical drama. Not interested in reading about men into men. But if you are you’ll appreciate the book more than I did. The subplot about homosexual relationships feels unnecessary and does not advance the main plot or character development. It adds exposition without contributing to the romance, conflict, or stakes, making the narrative less focused.

[Barbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book: Highland Born
Author: Kathryn Le Veque
Series: Highland Legion, Book #1
Publisher: Dragonblade
Book Length: 383 Pages
Overall rating: 5/5 Stars
Blog Rating: 5/5 Saltire Flags


This is more like the two stories that weave together but it explains a lot. It starts off as Scotsman, Lares Dun Tarh is a grandfather explaining the meaning of love and all it entails to his granddaughter Gabriela on her wedding day. It is 1313 Lares and Davina are madly in love so he asks her father’s permission to marry but he is kindly denied. He discovers she’s supposed to marry an older man who is a widow that Davina did not even know about.

They decide to marry without permission, except the church denies them as it was the middle of the night and they are denied! Lares is desperate so he pretends he is possessed by the devil trying to terrorize the church so he would scare them and force the Priests to agree to marry them! Except it is just when both of their fathers barge in where Lares looks pretty deranged drawing the devils pentangle in the dirt. They are both separated by their fathers warriors and never to be seen again! From this day on Lares is known as Lucifer due to his actions of this day where he was only acting desperate to marry the woman he loved!

Lares' father sends him to a church as punishment where he is beaten and abused, he works as a farmer and prays on his knees to make up for his sins. This is where he meets and falls in love for the second time in his life with another English lass named Lady Mabel Coleby Douglas-de Waverton. Now two years later his father dies, being his heir he can have his freedom and leave this church of torture forever he is the Earl and marries Mabel. They end up having a wonderful life with ten children, eight braw sons and two beautiful daughters.

The second story is about their eldest son Aurelius Dun Tarh. It is 1346 and they had just been in the Battle of Crecy and he was a war hero that everyone admired and respected. He is to be rewarded by the honorable warlord, the Earl of Wolsingham, who has no male heirs and is surprised to learn his father and Wolsingham arranged a betrothal between Wolsingham’s daughter and himself. At first Aurelius is furious until he realizes he met this Bonny spitfire who stole his clothes previously and is definitely intrigued! As no one had previously ever seen Wolsingham’s daughter Valery de Leybourne or his wife. A daughter whose two best friends are her two pet geese that brings a lot of hilarity to this emotional story.

Valery was excited to be getting married like so many of her friends until she overhears Aurelius' jealous brother saying horrible things about her and the marriage! Thinking her husband said these awful, unkind statements about her and the arranged betrothal. This lass is not one to turn the other cheek, even her pet goose is involved in her wee game of revenge! As things were only starting to get interesting between beautiful and intelligent Valery and the handsome and charming Scottish war hero Aurelius. However she is very attracted to her Scottish husband-to-be and Aurelius thinks she is the most beautiful woman he has ever seen physically and also one of the most intelligent women he has ever known too. Soon Wolsingham realizes this has turned into a love match and realizes they must get married as soon as possible before his daughter loses her innocence or worse becomes pregnant!

This is a unique and heartbreaking story about both love, heartbreak and family. It is definitely emotional so definitely bring a box of tissues as readers will definitely need it. It is a heartwarming story with so many twists and turns and obstacles both good and bad. I absolutely loved Highland Born, what a remarkable start to a brilliant series! I can’t wait to read the next book in this extraordinary series.

The Highland Legion Series By Kathryn Le Veque
Highland Born
Highland Destroyer
Highland Slayer
Highland Guardian
Highland Protector
Highland Champion
Highland Sentinel
Highland Invincible

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

[Rozzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful night in 1380 at Castle Hydra, Scotland Lares dun Tarh watches over his granddaughter Gabriela. Lares tells her he has an extraordinary story to tell her. Lares tells Gabriela of her strong handsome father Aurelius returning from the Battle of Crecy in France with not only his brothers and Lord Adams Wolsingham who followed him into battle. Adams decides to honor Aurelius by betrothing him to his only daughter and child Valery. Adams said he will be glad to inherit a son even if he is Scottish and Aurelius will be that man willingly. Aurelius is at first apprehensive to the betrothal but will do his duty even though he is forced into a marriage because he will not only be a Scottish Earl but an English one as well. When Valery meets Aurelius, she despises him because of how distastefully she is portrayed. The betrothal between the two might even be ruined because of rumors before it’s even begun. Still Aurelius wants the marriage more than ever never realizes that trouble and danger looms ever closer as their wedding approaches.
Wow! What a truly exhilarating breath-taking moving historical romance that is wonderfully told! Sure, the book is broken up into three sections, but they all fit so well together! The tale is amazingly descriptive, so each scene is visually stunning and easy to imagine. The writing shines with nary an error noted even though I don’t pay too much attention to that either. The characters whether they are major or minor shimmer with life. Even the odd pets take on a personality all their own! I even love the cover, which again is not something I look at too closely. I usually don’t think of Ms. Kathyrn Le Veque as a Scottish historical romance writer, but she really knows how to write in this genre and quite well too! Aurelius is just the perfect book boyfriend hero that is just an utter dream! He’s absolutely perfect and can do no wrong. While Valery the headstrong feisty stubborn heroine is his perfect match. Even though their verbal sparring is so much fun. Hopefully there will be more Scottish romances in the future and about the family because I surely will read them.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highland Born by Kathryn LeVeque is the first book in the series Lucifers Legions.
This is a interwoven family story of different forms of love.
Lares dun Tahr is turned down when he asks Davinas father, Lord de Gilsland, for her hand in marriage. The two run off to Camerton Abbey to be married but the priests refuse to perform the ceremony. Lares is sacrilegious to scare & force the priests to marry them. Before that happens Julius, Lares father & Lord de Gilsland, Davinas father, show up and witness his sacrilege. Lares is taken by his father & his men to be put away to repent of his sins & to prevent Lord de Gilsland from punishing Lares. Davina was dragged away by her father & his man. She's given in marriage to the Lord of Wolsingham, Adams, who she'd been betrothed to.
Mabel & her mother enter the scene several years later. They are there to tend her brother that had broken his leg & was staying at Camerton Abbey. Lares & Mabel fall in love & get married. They have Aurelius, the firstborn of 10 children. He's betrothed to Valery for fighting in the war. She turns up being Davina's child with Lord Wolsingham. (Wow, the story is definitely interwoven.) They are all together at the betrothal feast when several sick kitchen servants were forced to prepare food for the feast by the woman that ran the kitchen. The sickness, known as the blue death, is spread by the contaminated food. Almost everyone ends up sick & some die.
Lares, Mabel & their 3 youngest children, who are on the way to the feast but are stopped by runners sent out to stop anyone inbound & stop them from going any farther. They were going to set up at an Inn until Lares finds out 4 of his 5 sons were sick. He hands Mabel his purse to take care of his familys' needs & then travels on to the castle to help tend his sons. Mabel takes the 3 youngest children to the inn but decides she wanted a cottage so she could make her family more comfortable as it seemed they would be there a while.
Read this exciting novel that teaches us there are many kinds of love.

[Rachel Smith Horn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, my heart! This was such a good book tackling all kinds of love. I read some reviews that said this was agenda driven, so I had to read it. There were secondary characters who were gay. They loved each other, and due to the times they could be killed or maimed for their love. Agenda driven my aching foot, gay people have always been around and apparently there are still folks upset about it. I found Maxwell and Gaspar very charming.

This book starts at Gabriela's wedding where Lares tells her a love story, between him and his wife Mabel and on to his son Aurelius and Valery who are Gabriela's parents . Years ago, Lares loved a girl named Davina, but her father denied that love. The young people decided they would marry anyway, but the attempt was thwarted by both their fathers showing up. That's not all, when a priest tells Lares that he will not marry them, Lares draws a pentangle and plays like he's praying to Satan. Of course, the parents pick that moment to show up. The two lovers are separated, Lares to an Abbey where priests attempt to beat the devil out of him, and Davina goes on to marry who her father wants her to marry.

On the day that Lares is to leave the Abbey, he meets Mabel who is at the Abbey with her mother to pick up her brother George. When Lady Irene hears that Lares is an Earl, she is quick to arrange a match and Mabel and Lares are married.

Skip to decades later and we meet Aurelius, Mabel's and Lares' son. Aurelius learns of a surprise betrothal to his liege's daughter Valery. Valery's mother is Davina, and seeing how much Aurelius looks like his father kicks up memories for Davina. She is kind to him though, she remembers Lares fondly.

In the course of the book we see passionate, young love and mature, secure love and everything in between. Love between parents to children and the sacrifices made. I enjoyed it very much and would like to read more about this family that had such a solid start.

Brava!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highland Born by Kathryn Le Veque features her first Highlander hero, well, two really. It is 1313 and Lares and Davina are in love. As Lares attends her father to ask for his blessing, he is kindly but definitely denied as she has been betrothed to another. He doubts she knows and that is confirmed when she meets him in the bailey, where they pretend to argue but in reality are making plans to run away together. They are caught and because Lares had thrown a tantrum and called upon the devil, his father drags him to a faraway abbey, as much to protect as to punish. Two years later his father is dead, he the is earl, and he has just met the woman who will be his wife. In 1346, the war with France is over and as a reward for Aurelius, the son of Lares, The Earl of Wolsingham tells him that he and his father have arranged for Aurelius to be betrothed to his daughter, Valery. At first Aurelius is not certain but determines to, at least, explore the possibility. They meet in an inauspicious way, but quickly fall in love, as we knew they would. Through much adversity their relationship grows stronger.

Aurelius is a hero in everyone’s eyes. He is an endearing character as well as a complicated and sometimes, arrogant man. Very well-written character. Valery is her own woman. She is beautiful and compassionate, but will not be told what to do. A character worthy of her mate. Plenty of twists and turns to both this romance, and the original one. It is a tale worthy of Le Veque’s genius with storytelling. It is full of passion, misunderstandings, history, and so much more. It is a wonderful telling of a story full of both romance and tragedy. An excellent book.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Highland Born by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #KathrynLeVeque #HighlandBorn

[Viper Spaulding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book of 2023!

I've read literally dozens of books by this author over the past few years, and have absolutely loved every one of them. But this one is so good, it's on an entirely new level. This is the first book (by any author) that actually made me cry. Tears of sorrow, tears of joy, tears of relief.

There's so much going on in this book, covering three generations of two families, and spanning the years from 1313 to 1380. Words aren't enough to express just how much this book moved me.

It centers around the romance between Valery and Aurelius, who find themselves betrothed to each other by their fathers, neither of whom knew of the decades-old connection between their families. As much as I loved Aurelius - and make no mistake, he's a perfect hero and divine book boyfriend - I have to say I loved his father, Lares, just a little bit more. The father's story bookends the main romance beautifully, and I just loved reading about him every time he was on the page.

As much as I loved our heroes, I admired and rooted for the memorable collection of strong-hearted women. Valery, Mabel, and Davina each brought a lot of heart and love to their friends and families and I loved each one of them.

This is the first in a new series for this author, though she cleverly includes familiar faces and names as she connects each new family to existing lineages in her canon. Reading one of her books is an experience like no other, and this one is a truly outstanding example of her enthralling world-building. I highly recommend this exquisite romance. I voluntarily reviewed and ARC of this book.

[Deborah S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathryn Le Veque Has Done it Again

I have read nearly every book that she has written and this one did not disappoint in the slightest. I have probably said this before, but I will say it again. Every single book she has written is a treasure. A true gem. I am so thrilled that she has finally ventured into the realm of Scottish romance. When you pick up a book written by her, know that you're not going to get much sleep until you finish it, and then you'll feel tremendous disappointment that you have finished it and will immediately start wanting to find another one to get immersed and engrossed in. She's so much more than merely a great writer and story teller, she's a master craftsman in how she weaves her tales. She's such a phenomenal world builder that you don't just merely read her books, you become a part of them. You feel as if you're actually there, that you've gone back in space and time to either Medieval England or Scotland and you have become a part of the story yourself. You vividly see the sights, hear the sounds, feel the clothing, smell the smells (both good and bad); taste the food, etc, etc, I can't recommend this book and all the other amazing books she has written enough. Every single one is well worth the price as well the time to read. Every one is an experience that is worth indulging in. Come, you're about to enter a land of enchantment. I hope I never have to leave. Brava Ms. Le Veque, thank you so much for these amazing stories; may you keep writing forever.

[Linda J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a different writing style than we usually get from KLV. I did enjoy how the story unraveled and we are treated to more than one love story. Each one is fraught with a very bumpy road to HEA, or in one situation, one did get HEA and one not so much.

Usually with have a lot of war scenes with violence and gore from this author. This time, it’s explained what happened after the fact, so very tame in that regards.

I did like both H/h and their honest banter. Some funny moments when they meet for the first time.

Story has its share of sadness and you may need a few tissues, but I also found it filled with love and caring. The last scene at a wedding when the grandfather was telling a story to his granddaughter was very touching as were many parts in this story. Plus the scene with Lars and his first love, at the end was emotional.

Many characters that will have a chance at their own stories since this is book 1 of a new series.

Lovemaking outside of marriage- heat level 5 out of 5. There are two men who are a couple, but no situations explained. I did find the acceptance of this pair to not fit the times.

No cheating, great dialogue, no cliffhanger, interesting main and secondary characters, HEA for some, romance and steam. (ljb)

[Crystal Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will love this story

Julius dun Tarh was the father of Lares Rayan dun Tarh first born son. Lares was in love with Davina and went to Ralph de Gilsland Davina’s father to ask for her hand in marriage. Lord de Gilsland refused and told Lares that she was already betrothed to an English man who would take her far away from the border and keep her safe.
Lares and Davina sneak away to a church in Carlisle to get married but Davina’s father and Lares father get there before they could be married. After his antics at the cathedral Julius had Lares sent to Camerton Abbey as pushiment but more so he wouldn’t be thrown in the vault by Lord de Gilsland.

Mabel Coleby Douglas-de-Waverton and her mother went to Camerton Abbey after receiving word that her brother had broken his leg and was in the care of the Abbey.
Lares and Mabel marry and have a son Aurelius. He is betrothed to Valery, Lord of Wolsingham’s daughter, the man that Davina’s father had betrothed her too. Aurelius’ father and mother are to come to Wolsingham castle for the wedding and Davina is worried as no one knows her secret that her and Lares were in love.
I loved this story.

[Ashante Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm heartbroken and uplifted at the same time. I almost gave up on this book several times because there is a lot going on. I'll admit the beginning I wasn't posting too close attention to the story but once I started over, it all started to make sense. this of not a typical love story. this story is still moreso in the past, the present and the future as Lares is speaking to a young woman and telling her a story about his life, her grandparents and her parents. as the story moves along we learn exactly who each character is and what they mean to the story. there's not much romance in the normal sense of the word but as far as historical novels go, it's right on the money. I listened to the audiobook and honestly I would have to say that it would sound better with multiple narrators but otherwise I did end up really enjoying the book. it is really long so if you plan to read it then tuck in and prepare for a long ride and grab some tissues.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

An epic tale that drew me up into the lives of Aurelius and Valery as they learn that their fathers have brokered a betrothal without their knowledge, little realizing just how connected the two families are. Valery is the perfect wife for Aurelius, in that she is a strong personality and does not suffer fools gladly. She is also apt to take her revenge when insulted, but her groom-to-be is equally able to defend himself. A match born out of sorrow, it is only towards the conclusion that the truth finally emerges and I found myself crying copious tears as healing comes to broken hearts. This is an amazing romance and I look forward to reading more about descendants of the man they call Lucifer. I received a copy of this well-written and exciting novel as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Anne-Mammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was delighted to find KLV in such good form. The unusual structure of the book, in effect one long flashback from the Prologue to the Epilogue, works well and is not confusing at all. Her style, about which I have often complained, was actually much less terse and oh wonder!, we had descriptions of nature, people's looks and clothing. None of this got in the way of the story and the character development of the main protagonists. I wonder who is going to be the main hero of the next books in this series, perhaps the Lares' other sons ? I particularly the way the knights supported Maxwell at the death of his father and the sensitive way the question of homosexuality was dealt with.
Perhaps the 2 pet geese were superfluous as was the first encounter of Aurelius and Valery by the lake. These are only minor points though and I am looking forward to more stories from this series.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathryn continues to give us the most amazing love stories!!! This first book in the Highland Legion storyline of the dun Tarh family is a multi-generational story of true love. We have the grandfather Lars, then the son Aurelius, the granddaughter Gabriela, and many others.

There is an amazing cast of characters - Lars, Davina, Mabel, Aurelius, Valery, and Gabriela.
It's a story showing the true meaning of love and sacrifice, and that True Love is a promise for the future.
Kathryn included so much in this story - the horrors of war, passion, trust, secrecy, betrayal, sadness, loss, and humor especially through Sunny and Moonie.

Once you start reading, you will not be able to put this book down.
I received an ARC of this book and chose to post a review.

[Shirley Hamlod · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing story this is. Just when I think I’ve found my favourite book of Kathryn’s, she writes another heartbreaker! When I read the write up of this book, it tells you to enjoy with a box of tissues! OMG, absolutely do you need tissues! I had to read the last chapter twice because I wanted to experience it again! At first, I couldn’t understand why Kathryn hadn’t written this as two separate books, one for Lares and one for Aurelius, but it wouldn’t have had the same impact because the past and present collide in this brilliant story. Without Lares’ story, Aurelius’ story wouldn’t affect you in the same way! I read this on Kindle, but this is a book I must buy to hold in my hands! Wow!

[Carole Burant · Rating 5 out of 5]

You'd think by now that I would know to always have a box of tissues nearby when I read a Kathryn Le Veque book!!! I really was sobbing near the end, that one scene just took a hold of my heart. The whole story was so heartwarming with wonderful characters and many scenes that had me chuckling and some that had me crying. As the author notes, we experience the many types of love that a person can feel in this story.

This is not only Aurelius and Valery's story, it's also Lares, Davina and Mabel's story. Brilliantly written, this has fast become one of my favourite Kathryn Le Veque stories and it certainly doesn't hurt that it all takes place in the Highlands!!

I now look forward to the next books in this brand new series!!

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highland Born

Lord, how do I begin this review. This is a true love story of Valery and Aurelius. However, the story began with Valery's mother (Davina) and Lares (Aurelius's father) who truly loved each other and were torn apart by Davina's father. Fast forward Lares marries Mabel they find happiness, love and have a family. Davina married, had a daughter but never felt the depth of love she had for Lares. This was an outstanding book, and then came the closing chapter and all I will say is that was one special ending that I will never forget. That really got to me and I am telling you make sure you have tissues! Please read this book it is awesome.

[Cindy C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an awesome beginning to a new series! Highland Born will grab your attention and keep you reading until the very end.
Kathryn Le Veque has written a story that's filled it with a great cast of characters that I adored, they will hold your attention as their individual personalities become more than just part of the tale they come off the pages and pull you into their story, sizzling passion, family unity and with laughter and tears. With setting descriptions and action sequences that are wonderfully vivid that brings the story to life.

I received a free ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

[Cindy Coker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love a good Kathryn Le Veque book and consider myself a huge fan. This book was good however, it was more about a story of the parents than the h/h which is what the description says it will be. While the stories were good in their own right, i felt like we got less of the love story between the h/h because it had to fit within a timeframe for the parents. It honestly could have been two books and great ones. We definitely did NOT get enough of the h/h; and skip to an epilogue that shows that Aurelius and Valery have many children 20 yrs later. They deserved more of their own story in my opinion. The 2 love stories separately are worthy.

[Nancy Yohe · Rating 5 out of 5]

True love has many forms.

This story is different from any other KLV book I’ve read, but not in a bad way. There are multiple love stories included. Great character development and a storyline that covers decades. You definitely need the tissues for this one. Aurelius is an acclaimed English trained Scottish warrior/leader of men and the oldest of the dun Tahr siblings. Valery is the only daughter of the man Aurelius served in a recent battle with the French. Aurelius only recently found out that he is betrothed to Valery, an agreement between their fathers. The two of them are brought together for the first time just before all hell breaks loose in more ways then one.

[Bunga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kayanya ini baru pertama kalinya saya baca novel dari Kathryn Le Veque yang alurnya maju mundur maju cantik gini dan ternyata semuanya nyambung di akhir. Jadi buku ini ada dua kisah romance yang diceritakan, yaitu cinta segitiga Davina-Lares-Mabel dan Aurelius-Valery. Biarpun ini novel tentang Highlander tapi lebih banyak tentang drama keluarga dan romancenya. Di sini ga ada villain, adanya malah wabah kolera yang jadi klimaks, yang di sini disebutnya Blue Death. Overall, seru sih. Saya aja bacanya nagih karena penasaran. Menurut saya lebih bagus buku pertamanya ini daripada buku keduanya, Highlander Destroyer.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a way to start a new series. Ms. LeVeque has hit another one out of the part. A multi generation story, one that will continue, of love, romance, battles, drama, loyalty, heartbreak and more. Told by the Grandfather, he takes us on a poignant journey of the duTahr. Tears will surely fall, joy will be felt and the reader will fall in love with each character before the last page. It is so beautifully written that the reader because part of the story and feels a sense of family history like it's their own. I promise you do not want to miss this story or the series as a whole.