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A warrior who vows never to love again. The shy lady's maid who adores him from afar. An adventure that will bind them. Unrequited love and friends to lovers in Medieval Scotland—with a touch of fantasy.

Cassian Gaius is over one thousand years old, and cursed. After watching his lover grow old and die, he vows to remain alone until the curse is broken. But three hundred years later, his acquaintance with a lady’s maid blossoms into something beyond his control.

Aila De Keith has been in love with Cassian ever since he took up the role as Captain of the Dunnottar Guard. Unfortunately, the enigmatic warrior remains polite yet distant with her.

But when Cassian and Aila accompany their laird and his wife on a mission to Scotland’s occupied capital, their relationship changes. The man they serve makes dangerous enemies, and Cassian and Aila are thrown into an adventure that risks revealing both their secrets: his immortality and her love for him.

Book #2 in The Immortal Highland Centurion series, CASSIAN is a tale of friendship, loyalty—and the courage to love.

294 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 5, 2020

157 people are currently reading
77 people want to read

About the author

Jayne Castel

97 books406 followers
Multi-award-winning author Jayne Castel writes epic Historical and Fantasy Romance. Her vibrant characters, richly researched historical settings and action-packed adventure romance transport readers to forgotten times and imaginary worlds.

Jayne is the author of a number of best-selling series. In love with all things Scottish, she writes romances set in both Dark Ages and Medieval Scotland.

When she's not writing, Jayne is reading (and re-reading) her favorite authors, cooking Italian feasts, and going on long walks with her husband. She's from New Zealand, but now lives in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Sign up to Jayne's newsletter and get a free bundle of short stories! https://www.jaynecastel.com/

Jayne loves to hear from her readers - email her at: contact@jaynecastel.com

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5 stars
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35 (12%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
Profile Image for Bev .
2,248 reviews488 followers
November 8, 2020
I hoped for so much more with Cassian's book, I really did. See, in the previous book Cassian really intrigued me, but was rather bland in this book. I get the whole "he's closed himself off and is afraid to love again trope" but in Cassian's case it just wasn't working.

And then we get to Aila, the heroine. I can't be doing with dweeby, lacklustre heroines and Aila was limp in the first half of the book, which surprised me. This author has penned some really strong, take no prisoner heroines but Aila is definitely not one of them.

I kept going because (again) Draco intrigues me and I want to read his book. He's an arsehole, owns it and everyone knows that's what he is so I hope the author doesn't dilute his character in the next book.

2 stars for the first half and 4 for the second, I'm calling this 3 stars.
Profile Image for Nicole.
1,263 reviews101 followers
June 3, 2022
Cursed to never age, Cassian Gaius has endured over 1000 years and after watching his beloved wife die while he remained young and strong, he vowed never to allow himself that kind of connection again until the curse is broken. But 300 years after his wife’s passing, Cassian’s loneliness is acute and his passing familiarity with the lady’s maid of his laird’s wife is rapidly spiraling into a deeper connection.

Aila de Keith has known she loves Cassian since he became Captain of the Dunnottar Guard, but she’s frustrated by his aloof attitude towards her. When Cassian and Aila are thrown together accompanying their laird and lady to English-occupied Stirling Castle, their acquaintance deepens. When their laird’s diplomatic ineptitude puts them all in danger, Cassian and Aila must work together to survive and their secrets become harder to keep, though these issues lose some of their importance with English soldiers pursuing them and out for blood.

This wound up being so refreshingly different from what I’ve been reading of late. Here we have a pining heroine, but our hero is secretly pining too and fighting his feelings so hard as he tries to protect her by doing so. Of course, he realizes this is doomed to fail and eventually gives up. Cassian put up such a good fight against his feelings that for a while I didn’t see how these two could work together, but he and Aila wound up being incredibly sweet. They now have a lot to face together in addition to trying to break the curse and I’m looking forward to Draco’s story and the conclusion to this unique storyline.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Serena Books.
2,031 reviews107 followers
October 1, 2021
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'Estoy enamorada de un inmortal, un hombre que no puedo tener'.




•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers

•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen





CASSIAN de Jayne Castel Serie The Immortal Highland Centurions libro 2


Argumento:

Un guerrero herido que jura no volver a amar nunca más. La tímida doncella de una dama que lo adora desde lejos. Una aventura que los unirá. Amor no correspondido en la Escocia medieval.

Cassian Gaius tiene más de mil años y está condenado a vivir para siempre. Después de ver a su amante envejecer y morir, juró permanecer solo hasta que se rompa la maldición. Pero trescientos años después, su relación con la doncella de una dama se convierte en algo que escapa a su control.

Aila De Keith ha estado enamorada de Cassian desde que asumió el papel de Capitán de la Guardia Dunnottar.

Desafortunadamente, la enigmático guerrero se mantiene educado pero distante con ella.

Pero cuando Cassian y Aila acompañan a su laird y su esposa en una misión a la ocupada Stirling, su relación cambia. El hombre al que sirven crea enemigos peligrosos, y Cassian y Aila se ven envueltos en una aventura que corre el riesgo de revelar sus secretos: su inmortalidad y su amor por él.






Mí humilde opinión:

Cassian estuvo bien pero no superó el primero libro para mí.

Este sigue teniendo un buen ritmo con peleas de espadas e inesperados giros en la trama. Y tenía más drama. Hablaba de la pérdida de un ser amado. Cassian era inmortal y solo podía ver envejecer a su amor y quedarse para vivir con el dolor y la impotencia de no poder seguirla. Esto lo endurece y para no perder a nadie más se mantiene solo sin involucrarse con ninguna otra mujer.

Por otro lado está Aila, una muchacha tímida y soñadora enamorada de Cassian. Lo mira desde lejos pensando que nunca lo podrá tener. Así que también habla de los amores no correspondidos y lo que a veces llegamos a hacer en nombre del amor.

Cassian era un personaje que me dio mucha pena al comienzo y pude entender su punto de vista. Pero también era tan terco que me daban ganas de golpearlo! Aila fue un personaje que creció durante el libro, de solo quedarse callada a tomar coraje y hacer algo para conseguir el hombre que amaba. Al comienzo me molestaba lo cambiante que era, los enfados con su hermana eran tontos por ejemplo pero luego toma fuerza y se impuso.

La historia de amor era linda, hubo un momento desgarrador pero se resuelve sin muchas vueltas. Cassian y Aila no superaron a mis favoritos del primer libro pero no dejaron de ser dulces y apasionados.

Me gusta cómo escribe J. Castel, no me abruma con datos históricos, logra meterme en la historia y conquistarme con todos sus personajes. La mezcla de romance histórico y fantasía, tres hombres malditos de una legión romana pérdida atascados en las tierras de Escocia me tiene encantada.

Maximus, Cassian y Draco están a punto de resolver el acertijo de la bruja Picto para por fin volverse mortales. Sobre eso... me hubiera gustado que me mantuviera más en suspenso porque yo ya había resuelto el acertijo en el libro anterior pero de todas formas estoy emocionada por saber cómo se resolverá al final!

Draco es tan antipático que solo puedo esperar que mejore su personaje en su propio libro!
Profile Image for Carole Burant.
1,279 reviews37 followers
October 28, 2020
Once I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down. As is Jayne Castel's way, she weaves a spell on the reader with her words:) I have read the first book in this series and this second book is just as amazing! Cassian is one of 3 men who were cursed and have been immortal for over a thousand years. This is his story.

Even after 300 hundred years after losing his beloved wife, Cassian still mourns and has vowed to never let his heart care for another woman. How my heart went out to him!! When he meets Aila, she affects him deeply and no matter how much he tries to resist her, she starts to crack the walls around his heart. Theirs is such a beautiful love that overcomes so many odds and it all takes place during the dangerous times of Scottish and English wars.

I absolutely love the historical facts within the story, one can tell the author has done her research and adding her own imagination to it. I now look forward to Draco's story, I have no doubt it will be as awesome as the first 2 books in this series!!

I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Space Cowgirl.
4,133 reviews145 followers
November 7, 2020
Revenge of the Immortals🐺💪👊🔪

ADULT Historical Scottish Romance and Adventure with Betrayal🐺.
Scotland about 1301 AD. Sometime before the battle of Stirling with William Wallace and Longshanks ( Edward I, King of England👑). In this book, Edward is occupying Stirling and Castle Dunbar.
Cassian🐺💪👊🔪 is a mercenary, working as Captain of the Guard for his Laird, David De Keith👺. De Keith's older brother, Robert, is being held in prison by Edward. Robert De Keith 's wife has traveled to Stirling to ask Edward for her husband's release. David, The younger brother, a hot headed wastrel, doesn't want to "bend a knee" to Edward for his brother's release, among other reasons. He wants to stay Laird.

Cassian finds himself drawn to Aila💃💋, the personal maid of De Keith's wife. After Lilla, the love💘 of his immortal life died of old age 300 years before, Cassian🐺💪👊🔪 vowed to never let his heart be broken💔 again.

It is probably best to read these outstanding historical Scottish romances💕 in order, although there are references in this book to the riddle the three immortal Centurions🐺💪👊🔪 must solve in order to remove the druid's curse on them.

ARC Provided by Booksprout 🌱
I also got this ebook with KU.

This is a wonderful historical series by Author Castel📚. I highly recommend Maximus and Cassian, the two books📚 published so far!
Profile Image for Jaime.
1,806 reviews309 followers
June 26, 2021
An excellent series with an intriguing storyline. I was drawn in by the setting, backstory, history weaved into the romance, and of course the moment when the all too serious Cassian finally submitted and gave into his attraction to Aila.

Having recently discovered this author so far every story I have read has been amazing.
Profile Image for Lail.
267 reviews34 followers
November 4, 2020
Cassian: A Medieval Scottish Romance (The Immortal Highland Centurions Book 2) by Jayne Castel.
This book is another AWARD worthy story and its on my favorites and my reread list! I love and recommend this book for so many reasons! The writing draws me in and is all consuming! I didn’t want to be disturbed until I read the last word. Even then I didn’t want to leave. Cassian’s story had me at a fever pitch then sent me off an emotional cliff until I was beside myself sobbing. High adventure, great plots and storyline, intelligent, witty and addicting characters, and a sizzling passion that only a Scottish Centurion can give! And, did I mention a happily ever after?!
Happy Reading ♥️
Content: Adult. Some explicit steamy romance descriptions 4 out of 5 flames. 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Profile Image for Lori D.
4,082 reviews131 followers
November 23, 2020
Wow is all I can say. Jayne Castel uses her magical pen to tell a story that will capture you from the first. An immortal highlander looking to break the curse and live a normal life. Not looking to find love again, but then she comes into his life.

An adventure filled with all the elements needed as these two journey to find love. Excellent!
Profile Image for Anne.
546 reviews130 followers
February 9, 2021
Excellent story and characters. Highly recommended
Profile Image for Becki.
149 reviews4 followers
November 2, 2020
I loved this second book in the series more than the first. We actually get to witness Cassian and Aila fall in love. We are intimately connected to them in a way I didn’t feel with Heather and Maximus.

I love the way the author has furthered us along in the mystery of the riddle. Things are heating up and I can’t wait to see if I’m right about the White Hawk and Dragon.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for bibliolatry.
296 reviews
October 29, 2020
Another phenomenal book. I just couldn't put it down.

This book is perfection. The characters, the action, the historical background, are all amazingly good. Jayne Castel writes so clearly and concisely with no long-winded or unnecessary passages, that it is easy to follow the story seamlessly, even in the midst of battle scenes, I didn't need to stop and reread anything that was unclear. That is gifted writing!

I didn't think JC could top, Maximus, (Book 1 in The Immortal Highland Centurions Series), but I liked this one even more. She has a gift for writing griping, epic, historical novels with characters that are heroic, admirable larger than life, but still believable.

Background:
Three warriors, survivors of the legendary Ninth Roman Legion who fought against the Picts in ancient Scotland, are captured and for their punishment, are cursed with eternal life. Although it sounds like a dream come true, it isn’t. They live with feelings of sadness, loneliness, and always feeling that they don’t belong.

Cassian is the second of the three immortal friends. He had a wife (300 years ago) whom he loved very much, but since he was cursed with immortality, he remained young while she grew old and died. He has been living with this pain ever since, and refuses to give his heart to another.

In the first book, Maximus, (while fighting his feelings) falls in love with Heather. In this book, Cassian falls in love with Heather's sister, Aila, but he too resists it. These centurions know the pain of outliving their loved ones and can't go through it again, but fate brings Cassian and Aila together during dangerous times between the Scottish and English. Cassian protects Aila and the Laird's ladies from the English by escaping from Stirling Castle. Their escape is absolutely thrilling.

I was concerned that Cassian would forget about his long dead wife, Lilla, after falling in love with Aila, but that didn't happen. It was the perfect balance of honoring his first wife, while falling in love with Aila. This quote from the book exemplifies just how sensitively it was handled:

“I’m scared,” he admitted huskily. “Scared of losing you … and scared we’ll never break this curse. I can’t promise you things will turn out as we both want … but I can vow I will never leave your side.” A tear trickled down her cheek. “Ye must have loved yer wife very much,” she said huskily, “to grieve for her as long as ye did … I hope I can do her memory justice.” His mouth twisted, and he shook his head. “You don’t need to. I did love Lilla … but she’s been gone a long while now. You stand in no one’s shadow, Aila, remember that.”

It was so beautiful and moving to watch Cassian struggle to understand and fight his growing feelings for Aila. He says to her, "You stepped under my guard, Aila De Keith, and I've been fighting a losing battle ever since."

Now that Maximus and Cassian have found love, it is Draco's turn in Book 3 to find his own soul mate. I am devastated that I have to wait until December 3, to find out how the curse will be broken, and I am certain that it will.

I cannot recommend this book enough. This series is one of my favorites.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Nessa.
3,954 reviews74 followers
December 22, 2020
THIS WAS OKAY. I THINK THE PASSION WON ME OVER BECAUSE THE ROMANCE BETWEEN THE TWO WAS SO SAPPY, AND UP TILL THE END, I STILL DIDN'T QUITE BELIEVE IN IT. WASN'T SOLID ENOUGH SOMEHOW.

ALIA made me cringed several times throughout the story NOT because she's a bad character but she's a reflection of myself when I was younger. I think most every woman with a shy bone in her body would know what Alia was feeling when having a one-sided crush/love/infatuation with a man. What Alia did differently was to break out of her shell and carpe diem the hell out of Cassian, and that's something I could respect about. Alia has loved Cassian from afar for a long time now, but he shows no signs of knowing or even interest. It's baffling and very disappointing, until one night everything changes. The more Alia feels sad about not having his attention, it fuels her might to get him to notice and eventually, she knocks on his bedroom door. Frankly, she's not an imposing or grand character. Like a mouse, you'll barely notice her in the background despite her beauty. She's suitable for Cassian that way I suppose. I'm not usually one for shy, timid characters but I could sympathize for Alia, and rooted for her to win her love. It's good to note that she gradually becomes courageous and was made of sterner stuff when faced with danger. No swooning mistress here.

CASSIAN is the type of character I love to read about SANS the whole pining for his dead wife thing. Dead wives are a pain in the ass, because sometimes the heroes are so focused on the past, that they just hurt those in the present, including themselves. I'm glad Cassian got his head out of his ass sooner rather than later. Serious as a heart attack, Cassian is quite accomplished being the Captain of Guards, and he's also determined to close off his heart, never to feel the pain of love loss again. When he has bottled up centuries of loneliness and just being alive for so long, it's only a matter of time before it bursts and all it needs is a gentle touch. Alia's just right up his alley, so it's no miracle that he'll like her BUT what I couldn't buy is how he's never truly noticed her before, and bam one time he's suddenly giving her attention, and then falling in love? No. No. No. That was too quickly done for me that it's NOT BELIEVABLE. Like I said, up till the end, everything just didn't feel real or solidified.

OVERALL the characters LACKED presence in the story. The only part giving me a run for its money was the sex and passion, now that was the only STRONG EMOTION in the story. And most likely the one memorable thing I can get from this story.
23 reviews
November 2, 2020
Another winner by Jayne Castel!!! This is Book 2 in her "Immortal Highland Centurion" series and what an emotional rollercoaster ride it is! It is Cassian's story, one of three Roman Ninth Legion soldiers destined to roam Scotland after being cursed with Immortality by a Pict Druidess. He's lived 1000 years, 300 of which were in mourning for the death of his beloved mortal wife of 50 years. He's hardened his heart against getting close to any woman again and having to go through the torment of watching them wither and die all while he stays in the prime of life. That is until he meets Aila, a lovely, shy, but strong-willed maid to the Laird's wife and has been in love with Cassian from the moment she first saw him. He's now Captain of the Guard at Dunnottar Castle and has vowed to keep his distance from her. Aila is consumed by her unrequited love for Cassian and vows to overcome her shyness. As circumstances change she is emboldened to make Cassian notice her and their passions are unleashed. They are thrown into a great adventure across Scotland where their secrets...her love and his Immortality...are revealed.

From the passing of Cassian's wife (which had me in tears!) to the angst and emotional turmoil felt by Aila and Cassian as they fight their feelings for each other, this book is such an emotion-packed journey. I love how Ms. Castel weaves real historical people and facts into her novels. From William Wallace and King Edward Longshanks to real events and locations like Dunnottar and Stirling Castles, along with a dash of her special creativity, she brings Medieval Scotland to life!

I can't wait for Book 3, Draco's story, and finding out if they solve the Druidess's riddle to end the curse. Oh, didn't I mention that? Yes, there is a riddle and Maximus (Book 1), Cassian and Draco have been on a quest to solve it. Hopefully, Draco will be the final piece of the puzzle to end the curse! Looking forward to what this gifted author has in store for us next!!!





I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Martha B..
836 reviews11 followers
November 4, 2020
Life without love is no life at all.

The opening prologue of Cassian is one of the saddest I've read, but it is necessary in order to understand Cassian's walled off emotions. As I continued reading this engaging and completely absorbing novel, it was easy to understand why only Aila's quiet and shy soul could penetrate Cassian's calloused heart and thereby teach him to love again. In this somewhat standalone story their happy ending is threatened, but the satisfying epilogue sees the happy couple enjoying their bliss before the “Hammer of Scotland” comes down hard. This is a three book series, which means the over-arching problem/mystery won't be fully solved until the end of the third and last book in the series.

Please allow me to make one more observation. There is an old saying that says, 'the best lie is a half-truth'. Which is why I feel the first two novels in The Immortal Highland Centurions series are both so believable.

After years of reading era specific literature, I've noticed how truly challenging it is for authors to write historically accurate fiction set within a specific time period. Jayne Castel is a master of researching all the details that will be woven into her imaginative fictional plot that is rich with colorful characters and heart-pounding scenes.

Content 411: This book contains a bit of light swearing that's appropriate to the time period, as well as a couple of moderately described sexually intimate scenes, that fit contextually within the plot. There are also several violent scenes, which are also appropriate to the Medieval period.

Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book from the author via BookFunnel. I am voluntarily submitting my honest review.
Profile Image for Alison.
861 reviews5 followers
November 8, 2020
Cassian
The Immortal Highland Centurions #2
Jayne Castel
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cassian Gaius is older then he looks. In fact he's over one thousand years old and cursed with immortality. He fell in love so long ago, but after watching his lover grow old and die, he vowed to remain alone until the curse is broken. But now 300 years later, his acquaintance with a lady's maid quickly blossoms into something beyond his control and he isn't sure if that's such a smart move.

Aila De Keith has been in love with the handsome captain of the guard ever since Cassian took the job. Sadly though the warrior remains polite yet quite distant with her.

But when they go on a mission to Stirling, their relationship quickly changes. The Laird they serve makes dangerous enemies and is in no way diplomatic. After a rash decision made by their Laird Cassian, Aila, the Laird's widdow and Lady Elizabeth have to run out of a secret entrance in the dark, bitter cold night, and make their way back to Dunnottar on foot.
This adventure is quite risky because they both have secrets that could be revealed. His immortality and her love for him.

Jayne Castel never ceases to astound me. This was the perfect book to be the Middle book in the series because next up will be Draco and I have a feeling it will be good. Aila and Cassian are both very strong characters who will not back down from anything. Watching their love grow like a newly blooming rose was really enjoyable. I also enjoyed how Aila went from what seemed like a quiet girl to a bold lady who spoke her mind. All in all this story was am amazing read and I urge you to read it too. This book will take you on a beautiful tale of love. Ms. Castel I can't wait for Draco's story.
Profile Image for Letschat1974.
821 reviews10 followers
November 8, 2020
4 Stars (Jayne Castel, Ashe Barker, Cecelia Mecca, Kerrigan Byrne)

story with a little ‘Scottish magic and historical tales’

my personal markers for a great read...1. smart and engaging writing, 2. Humorous, 3. sexy interactions and 4. stories with family/friends.

I love series around family members or a group of friends. I love the series even more when the author intertwines those characters throughout the book series (it’s a pet peeve when authors don’t do that because what’s the point of the series and introducing the characters if they are not going to interact throughout the series). You get max and heather participating in this book and Drago.

I’m very much looking forward to the third book about Drago and Gavina (I enjoyed more the 2 of them in this book then the actual book 2 H/H). Their ‘connection’ reminds me of Monica McCarty book The Viper #4 (Lachlan and Bella).

writing style is easy to follow, humorous moments, the give and take dialogue enjoyable as well as action pack.

I’m not a huge fan of ‘internal dialogue’ in books. I can only take so much before I start skimming through pages and I found myself doing that with this book/series. But nothing that that was to annoying for me.

romantic/sexual content is written well throughout the book (kissing, oral, love making) I’d rate it 2/5 in hotness and steam.

The development and interest in main characters and secondary characters was enjoyable (enough written about next book H/H to grab your attention). I struggled to really see the true connection of the H/H for this book; they weren’t the best pairing.

would recommend the book and series. this book was more a 3.5 for me.



557 reviews5 followers
November 14, 2020
Jayne Castel brilliantly brings this intriguing and wonderful adventure to life beautifully! Maximus was a tough act to follow but Cassian is my favorite so far. I love Jayne’s writing and her ability to pull you into the story. This is the second book in “ The Immortal Highland Centurions” series. A well written story filled with thrilling adventure, danger, intrigue and a most beautiful romance.

Aila and Cassian are clearly meant for one another but being cursed with immortality, yet human and watching his wife grow old and die has taken a toll on Cassian’s heart. And yet Aila has loved Cassian since he first arrived at Dunottar Castle becoming captain of the guard. Through Jayne’s gifted writing we feel the pain and sadness Cassian feels and the angst that lies between Cassian and Aila. We feel the desire they have for one another.

The romance was so perfect, so moving and so emotional I couldn’t help but cry. Aila loves Cassian endlessly, without reservation and determines to make herself known to him.

The characters are just fantastic! The writing is so smooth and flows so seamlessly from one book to the other. I can’t wait for a Draco’s story! I particularly loved how Jayne so masterfully weaves the story around true historical events. Her imagery and descriptive writing brings both the characters and Medieval Scotland to life. Her dialogue is both witty and romantic. Her ability to draw on your emotions is characteristic of what a gifted author she is. Don’t miss this wonderful series, you’ll be glad you didn’t!

Thank you so much Jane for this wonderful tale of love fated to be.
Profile Image for Emma.
2,864 reviews39 followers
November 11, 2020
The blurb of this book was the reason for reading this book through Booksprout. I am fascinated by the Scottish lore and legends especially the Pict who few really know anything about. I am also fascinated by the curse causing the three men in the story to be immortal with a deadline to figure a riddle out to break it. This is the second book and it is about Cassian. Vowed never to fall in love again he is unusually attracted to Aila. She was in love with him all along but she was shy and withdrawn never attracting attention to herself. Her parents fiercely cosseted her from any outside influences. In the beginning of the story I came to dislike Aila. First, she would think she was a coward then she would determine to be brave then she became a coward again. Then she thought she was too timid then thought she could be confident. The back and forth put me in a tizzy. It was really annoying. Thank goodness later in the story she finally realized who she was and stood up for herself. Cassian was at six and sevens when it came to Aila. But finding he could no longer resist loving her. In the meantime, Cassian, Maximus and Draco kept trying to solve the riddle. This really an exciting read. I just had a problem with Aila in the beginning but then came to like her later. The great news was that Aila put forth an idea that could possibly be the last clue of the riddle to rid the men of the curse. I can't wait to read Draco coming in December 2020.
70 reviews2 followers
November 3, 2020
Ancient Romans sound more British than Celtic
by Puccagirl73
Spoilers Tag just in case. This is whole my opinion and should not be taken as demeaning the author. I am warning if inconsistencies in Medieval novels annoy you. I would suggest reading Jayne's other works. I have read Jayne Castel before and like her writing. Unfortunately, I get annoyed by inconsistencies and accents in a novel that do not mesh or make sense. I understood that Cassian's wife would know his true name, but he would have adapted a different name to blend into Britannia as Cassian Gaius is very clearly not Celtic at all. I also have nothing against using appropriate accents in a novel as long as it makes sense, but Cassian again is an ancient Roman and writing him without a Celtic accent may be a way to differentiate him from the other characters but it just bugged me and I could not get past the first chapter. I hear the character when I read and an ancient Roman in Scotland would sound Scottish not British. I like the characters but time is too precious right now to be annoyed when reading so I apologize to the author for not finishing your novel.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
636 reviews
November 5, 2020
SETTING: 1301 in Scotland, with King Edward I on the hunt for William Wallace. Our trio of immortals are all at Dunnottar Castle, trying to solve the Riddle that will free them from the centuries-long spell.

CRITIQUE: Once again, we take a journey to the past via the eyes of fictional people viewing and experiencing real people and places of that time. A delightful setup and well written story, carries us easily from book 1 and proceeds to tell its own story. The secret of the riddle is cracked a bit further open, and a love story is well told. Action and drama keep the reader turning the pages. Our H and h reach their HEA, and the stage is being set for the third warrior to find his love in the next story.
This is the second of a trilogy of books, and I was well pleased with it. I fully intend to read the 3rd volume when it becomes available.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Cherie S.
1,121 reviews18 followers
November 5, 2020
She Was Living In A Dream World. He Was Living In A Cursed World.
Brokenhearted, Cursed, Spellbinding Romance
This story is so intense on so many levels that there are not enough words to describe it properly.
There is sensuous tension, descriptive intimacy, heart pounding terror,
humor, love, thrilling escape and so much more.
The characters are so likeable and relatable.
My heart went out.to Iris and Cassian during their struggles with the curse
Many facets to the thrilling intense story which involves
some of the characters from the first book Maximus and Draco.
They are still searching for clues so they can break the curse against the 3 immortal warriors.
Extremely well written intimate scenes that had me glued to my chair. Heat level 4 out of 5.
Mature reader.
I highly recommend reading Maximus (book1) first.
Profile Image for Jayne Butcher.
1,378 reviews15 followers
November 5, 2020
Oh this is so good! Cassian had loved his wife deeply and was inconsolable when she died. You see, he is cursed with being immortal. He vowed to never love again, and that was three centuries ago. Aila has loved Cassian since she first saw him, but he never seemed to notice her. It is a volatile time in Scotland and she and he find themselves together on a mission that involves travel, diplomacy and courage. One thing leads to another, and .... This story has a quick pace, lots of danger, pulsating emotions, deceit and heartache. It also has amazingly descriptive passages that make it easy to visualize, a variety of characters ranging from masterful to insipid, and a tee up for the series finale. This is one trilogy that you definitely want in your library.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Fiona.
137 reviews2 followers
November 7, 2020
Warning!,,,,,,, if going to read book 2 of 3 in series make sure your day is clear with nothing to disturb you! You will not be able to put this one down either till done!
Cassie is still some 300 years later still very much in love with his deceased wife and has no interests in woman and remarrying. He has built a cold icy wall around his heart. But soon he is throwen together with Alia a lady’s maid on the journey to Stir,I got Castle. But along the way the group faces trouble and they must work together to get them there safe. By doing this Alia is able to start to u thaw Cassien’s heart . By continuing to work together he begins to see her as a women and they are drawer closer together.

I enjoyed the first book and I enjoyed this one just as much. So looking forward to book 3!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
855 reviews2 followers
November 4, 2020
This is the second instalment of The Immortal Highland Centurions.
Cassian Gaius is a Roman Warrior, who was cursed by a Pict Druidess, along with two other Roman captives. Cassian married once before and was so heart-broken when she died of old age that he swore never to love again.
Aila De Keith has been besotted by Cassian since he arrived at the Keep, but he doesn’t seem to notice her. Aila has watched her sister marry for love and she wants the same thing.
When they have to flee Stirling in the night, secrets are exposed and feelings are hurt.
This is just as exciting a read as Maximus, the first instalment, I can’t wait for the final instalment to find out if their curse is broken.
I voluntarily received and reviewed an ARC copy of the book.
473 reviews2 followers
November 8, 2020
A perfect mix of history and fantasy, this second book in the series will keep you turning pages. Set in Scotland in the early 1300s, the Scots are trying to keep King Edward of England from taking their country. It only takes one man who tries to kill Edward, "Longshanks," to bring wrath down on the people. Entwined in the tale is a beautiful love story. Aila De Keith falls in love with Cassian, who is an Immortal soldier from the legendary Roman Ninth Legion. He and his two friends are desperately trying to break the spell of immortality, so they can live with the women they love. But can they solve the riddle?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Avid Reader.
817 reviews7 followers
November 3, 2020
I loved the first book about Maximus and this one follows straight on. Cassian although immortal fell in love and married and then lost his wife to the inevitable old age and it broke him. He vows to never fall in love again. Aila is Heather's younger sister and watches with longing the devotion between Maximus and her sister and wishes for Cassian to look at her the same way. A trip into enemy territory creates opportunities to learn more about each other. A great book full of action, betrayal, strong women, brave men, arrogant men, magic and romance. I cannot wait for the final book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Elsie Pitt.
1,753 reviews13 followers
November 6, 2020
I adore this series! it is written very well and I am not sure I have read any other books like this series! The character development is superbly done and includes a very significant backstory with visual world building. This combination equals a different and significant story delving into a Medieval Romance like none other! I like how this developed and was very smooth with the writing. If you have not read this series yet you are missing out! Get it! It is on my to reread shelf. I recommend this author and this series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
318 reviews3 followers
November 6, 2020
Cassias is a thousand years old after being crushed by a druidess along with two others Maximus and Draco He fell in love and watched the love of his life grow old and die. And it broke his heart . Before her death Lilla told Cassian to work out the riddle that would set them free. Cassian must find away to go on and figure out the riddle.
What an incredible and captivating story the characters were amazing well written and intriguing you find yourself so drawn in to the story. I’m truly enjoying this series can’t wait to read Dracos book

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,600 reviews8 followers
November 7, 2020
This was my first read in this series and it completely stands alone. I liked the theme of a Roman centurion cursed to immortality distancing himself from others after outliving those he loved. Aila loves Cassian, but he is polite but aloof. The romance is emotional and a bit angsty. The adventure Cassian and Aila embark on with the Laird and Lady is exciting with plenty of intrigue, twists, and turns. Cassian continues to resist his attraction to Aila. Will she be able to breach his walls? Lovely and unique romance that I highly enjoyed and recommend.

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
Profile Image for Bridget Love to read Lewis.
2,513 reviews30 followers
November 17, 2020
A slow burn

Aila has been in love with Cassian or infatuated since he came to Donatoor! Heather her sister tries to warn her that she doesn't understand what she's getting into and Cassian swore to never love again after his first wife of 50 years died! Aila is tired of being coddled and takes matters into her hands! Seduction always has a price and it comes with a steep price indeed! When lives are at stake Cassian begins to see Aila in a whole new light! Love finds us in unexpected ways and running for your life with 4 women might just be what they need! They also share secrets and get another piece of the puzzle involving Drago! I love this series!!
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