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Highlander: The Legends #1
The Beast of Lismore Abbey
Lara is a peasant without home or family, without even a surname to call her own. After the siege of Berwick, from which she barely escapes, she and dozens of others attach themselves to the fleeing Scots’ army. She has even less now, being only a camp follower, forced to disguise herself as a man rather than be expected to earn coin on her back. Whispers invade the camp about the coming of the Beast of Lismore Abbey, telling of his prowess upon the battlefield, of his heartlessness. Her very first glimpse of the beast is of a naked man rising from the sea. No beast here, but a god.
Magnus Matheson rides into the leaderless camp, attempting to cull soldiers from the weary ranks. He meets Lara and wonders immediately what fool would ever believe this was not a female. He is compelled to offer to her his protection, if she will wait for him at Lismore Abbey.
Having greater ambitions than a life as leman to a celebrated chieftain, Lara refuses and watches him leave with his freshly tapped army, which he will deliver to William Wallace.
Unable to put her from his mind, Magnus seeks her out months later, disheartened as he has never been when he can find her nowhere.
Upon his return home, he finds that she is there after all, though not, she tells him, with any intent to become his mistress. Magnus is a patient man though, and she’s already shown what pluck and passion she possesses. He means to conquer her, body and soul, but finds his own heart is in jeopardy of being captured.
Magnus Matheson rides into the leaderless camp, attempting to cull soldiers from the weary ranks. He meets Lara and wonders immediately what fool would ever believe this was not a female. He is compelled to offer to her his protection, if she will wait for him at Lismore Abbey.
Having greater ambitions than a life as leman to a celebrated chieftain, Lara refuses and watches him leave with his freshly tapped army, which he will deliver to William Wallace.
Unable to put her from his mind, Magnus seeks her out months later, disheartened as he has never been when he can find her nowhere.
Upon his return home, he finds that she is there after all, though not, she tells him, with any intent to become his mistress. Magnus is a patient man though, and she’s already shown what pluck and passion she possesses. He means to conquer her, body and soul, but finds his own heart is in jeopardy of being captured.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2022
659 people are currently reading
265 people want to read
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May 12, 2024I couldn’t manage to reach chapter 4.
It was complicated, plenty of names and their roles, details that I found unnecessary and my interest was lost in the verbose writing style.
Dnf @ 11%
It was complicated, plenty of names and their roles, details that I found unnecessary and my interest was lost in the verbose writing style.
Dnf @ 11%
October 8, 2022
This isn't one of those Highlander stories with swashbuckling action, rather it's an interpersonal journey for the H and h. When reading this kind of book I always wonder how I would fare under the same circumstances that medieval Scottish characters faced. I dare say, not very well, so I can really relate to this one.
Our heroine Lara is so beaten down by her lot in life that she's lost all hope. She's depressed and suicidal in a time when therapy didn't exist and women were little more than a commodity to be used and discarded at the will of others. Magnus our hero, happens upon her hiding out from English marauders in a makeshift camp tucked away deep in the forest. He sees she has shut down but senses she still has an inkling of spirit behind her walls and he yearns to resurrect it. Only Magnus believes in her and can see her potential while everyone else has given up on her. This man, who is called The Beast is really quite the opposite. He's protective of Lara, but persistently and gently prods and encourages her to be all she can be. He believes Lara can love again, and trust again, and have a full life. A life that hopefully can include him.
There's a surprising amount of history in this story... history that I suppose will link all the books in this series together. It's not boring, but it is foundational. There's also a nice transition to book 2 in the epilogue that I now can't wait to read. One of the many things Ms. Ruger does so well is to give us variety in a genre that can so easily become repetitive, but her stories never do. Highlanders surely fought as many internal as external battles. This book is about one woman at war with herself and the “beast” who leads her to become her own conquering hero.
Our heroine Lara is so beaten down by her lot in life that she's lost all hope. She's depressed and suicidal in a time when therapy didn't exist and women were little more than a commodity to be used and discarded at the will of others. Magnus our hero, happens upon her hiding out from English marauders in a makeshift camp tucked away deep in the forest. He sees she has shut down but senses she still has an inkling of spirit behind her walls and he yearns to resurrect it. Only Magnus believes in her and can see her potential while everyone else has given up on her. This man, who is called The Beast is really quite the opposite. He's protective of Lara, but persistently and gently prods and encourages her to be all she can be. He believes Lara can love again, and trust again, and have a full life. A life that hopefully can include him.
There's a surprising amount of history in this story... history that I suppose will link all the books in this series together. It's not boring, but it is foundational. There's also a nice transition to book 2 in the epilogue that I now can't wait to read. One of the many things Ms. Ruger does so well is to give us variety in a genre that can so easily become repetitive, but her stories never do. Highlanders surely fought as many internal as external battles. This book is about one woman at war with herself and the “beast” who leads her to become her own conquering hero.
December 16, 2022
This is the first book of the series, Highlander: The Legends, and it is off to a fantastic start. You can't miss the sparks that fly between Magnus and Lara. Magnus is known as The Beast of Lismore Abbey, but there is so much more to him, as he is kind, patient, and cares for others. Lara is an orphan and she has escaped from the English and is hiding in the woods. That is where Magnus finds Lara and offers her his protection and tells her to wait for him back at Lismore Abbey. Lara has had to deal with a lot of pain and difficulties in her life, causing her to build up walls and tough exterior. But Magnus is patient with her giving her the room she needs to heal.
While there is some action and adventure, this is also an emotional story of personal growth, friendship, and a growing love. The characters were amazing and really pulled me into the story. It was a very beautiful story and I am glad to have had the opportunity to read it.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.
While there is some action and adventure, this is also an emotional story of personal growth, friendship, and a growing love. The characters were amazing and really pulled me into the story. It was a very beautiful story and I am glad to have had the opportunity to read it.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.
November 24, 2024
I really enjoyed this romance by a new to me author. The story and romance felt significant and was not marred by silly misunderstandings. Lara is forced to flee her home as the English come into Scotland in order to subjugate the people. This takes place in the time that Robert Bruce is trying to hold onto his crown. The English are brutal and many have been killed. Lara and 4 other refugees from her town band together in order to protect themselves.
They are forced to make camp in the forest with other refugees and live a fearful, meager existence. Some Scottish knights pass through the forest including the formidable Magnus Matheson, aka The Beast of Lismore Abbey. When trying to find some solitude at the loch on the edge of the forest, Lara stumbles upon Magnus bathing. Their connection is instantaneous, but Lara fights it. She has endured a difficult life - first at the orphanage, then fostered to a cruel couple. She also married an unfeeling man and had an infant son, but both were savagely killed by the English. She does not think that she deserves any pleasure or happiness. Lara is so numb, that she does not care if she lives or dies.
Magnus understands that she has experienced much trauma in her life, but he still feels beholden to her. He tries to demand that she take care of herself, but she is not easily persuaded. He feels that it is up to him to free the woman who came out during a passionate kiss. He is so sweet and gentle with her. He longs to know everything about her and to take care of her, but she is unwilling to reveal her secrets. He never pushes her, just tries to gain her trust. I really loved how patient he was with her and how willing he was to wait for Lara to open up on her own accord.
This was such a nice romance and I loved reading how their relationship developed.I thought it was interesting how they set up the next book in a longer form epilogue. It made me read it next!
They are forced to make camp in the forest with other refugees and live a fearful, meager existence. Some Scottish knights pass through the forest including the formidable Magnus Matheson, aka The Beast of Lismore Abbey. When trying to find some solitude at the loch on the edge of the forest, Lara stumbles upon Magnus bathing. Their connection is instantaneous, but Lara fights it. She has endured a difficult life - first at the orphanage, then fostered to a cruel couple. She also married an unfeeling man and had an infant son, but both were savagely killed by the English. She does not think that she deserves any pleasure or happiness. Lara is so numb, that she does not care if she lives or dies.
Magnus understands that she has experienced much trauma in her life, but he still feels beholden to her. He tries to demand that she take care of herself, but she is not easily persuaded. He feels that it is up to him to free the woman who came out during a passionate kiss. He is so sweet and gentle with her. He longs to know everything about her and to take care of her, but she is unwilling to reveal her secrets. He never pushes her, just tries to gain her trust. I really loved how patient he was with her and how willing he was to wait for Lara to open up on her own accord.
This was such a nice romance and I loved reading how their relationship developed.I thought it was interesting how they set up the next book in a longer form epilogue. It made me read it next!
September 19, 2022
Magnus is Laird of Lismore Abbey and also on a mission for Robert de Bruce. He rides often to aid the king and recruit men to the cause to rid Scotland of the English!
Lara is an orphan and has endured horrible trauma and pain for a woman still young.
She has been beaten, starved and mistreated and even left as a foundling.
It is the events after her first marriage that have left a stillness and non feeling state that she inhabits.
She shows no emotions and does not remember how until Magnus!
Magnus loves a challenge and sees something in this ragtag family Lara is attached to!
Even with a knife to her throat Lara was numb and showed no emotion!
Magnus gives her and the “family” a chance to heal and live in constant fear by going to live at the abbey while he and other soldiers go do the kings bidding!
If you want raw, angst and fruity emotions that leave you speechless for the pain then start and finish this book!
If it want ordinary then don’t read it! It will tilt you and your world on its axis! You will cheer for the couple knowing that if you survive and conquer this much pain you deserve happiness!!
Bravo!! OUTSTANDING!!
Lara is an orphan and has endured horrible trauma and pain for a woman still young.
She has been beaten, starved and mistreated and even left as a foundling.
It is the events after her first marriage that have left a stillness and non feeling state that she inhabits.
She shows no emotions and does not remember how until Magnus!
Magnus loves a challenge and sees something in this ragtag family Lara is attached to!
Even with a knife to her throat Lara was numb and showed no emotion!
Magnus gives her and the “family” a chance to heal and live in constant fear by going to live at the abbey while he and other soldiers go do the kings bidding!
If you want raw, angst and fruity emotions that leave you speechless for the pain then start and finish this book!
If it want ordinary then don’t read it! It will tilt you and your world on its axis! You will cheer for the couple knowing that if you survive and conquer this much pain you deserve happiness!!
Bravo!! OUTSTANDING!!
September 18, 2022
Magnus and Lara.
I loved Magnus from the beginning. Even though he is known as the beast of Lismore Abbey, he was quite calm, observant, and caring of others. Lara, an orphan, homeless and running from the English yet again, is living in the woods with others who escaped the English. That’s when Magnus and his soldiers found the camp and were recruiting soldiers for Robert the Bruce. Lara has so much pain and so many secrets that she has built a seemingly unbreakable wall around herself for protection. When their camp is invaded by the English agAin, Magnus convinces her to go to his home at Lismore and stay there for safety while he continues his mission. This story is full of action, grief and loss, pain, personal growth, friendship, lots of patience on the part of Magnus, and of course a growing love to break down walls.
I loved Magnus from the beginning. Even though he is known as the beast of Lismore Abbey, he was quite calm, observant, and caring of others. Lara, an orphan, homeless and running from the English yet again, is living in the woods with others who escaped the English. That’s when Magnus and his soldiers found the camp and were recruiting soldiers for Robert the Bruce. Lara has so much pain and so many secrets that she has built a seemingly unbreakable wall around herself for protection. When their camp is invaded by the English agAin, Magnus convinces her to go to his home at Lismore and stay there for safety while he continues his mission. This story is full of action, grief and loss, pain, personal growth, friendship, lots of patience on the part of Magnus, and of course a growing love to break down walls.
September 19, 2022
Lara is a peasant without home or family, without even a surname to call her own. A wall of no emotion. orphan, homeless and running from the English yet again, After a Siege she barely escape she an older woman, a husband and wife and young man all pretend ro be family. She meet the Beast who wants her to go to leave the camp in the forest and go to his home, Lismore, and stay there for safety while he continues his mission.
Slowly throughout you start to learn her story. This story is full of action, grief and loss, pain, personal growth, friendship, lots of patience on the part of Magnus, and of course a growing love to break down walls.
I loved this story and can't wait to read the next in the series.
Slowly throughout you start to learn her story. This story is full of action, grief and loss, pain, personal growth, friendship, lots of patience on the part of Magnus, and of course a growing love to break down walls.
I loved this story and can't wait to read the next in the series.
January 20, 2024
This is a compelling story about survival for Laura who was an orphan who was then pressed into service to a couple who beat her and worked her . She then married for a place to live at an early age. She then lost her husband and infant son when the English invaded the village while she was at a wedding. Magnus came in a wooded area where survivors of the multiple attacks on various villages had gathered. He was bathing in the water when he spotted Laura watching him. She always wondered away from others seeking solitude. He found he could not be away from her. This became their unique love story. They saved each other from the pain and sorrow of their lives. This book has a lot of violence as one would expect during that time period. It also shows that love and patience can conquer all.
September 13, 2022
worth saving
Who would have thought that a fierce warrior going by the name of "beast" hides a kind, sensitive, caring and loving heart? Magnus is determined to bring love into Lara´s life and he won´t take no for an answer, although it requires a lot of patience to get Lara who has been treated harshly by life and has lost any hope for something good to come her way to trust and to love.
I didn´t enjoy the passages about battle and politics too much, despite knowing they are important to show the reader how harsh times were.
I received this book as a review copy.
Who would have thought that a fierce warrior going by the name of "beast" hides a kind, sensitive, caring and loving heart? Magnus is determined to bring love into Lara´s life and he won´t take no for an answer, although it requires a lot of patience to get Lara who has been treated harshly by life and has lost any hope for something good to come her way to trust and to love.
I didn´t enjoy the passages about battle and politics too much, despite knowing they are important to show the reader how harsh times were.
I received this book as a review copy.
September 5, 2024
I enjoyed this book immensely
I like the characters especially Laura As her story unfolds through this book You go sometimes from thinking wow what a weird girl to oh my god she went through that. I enjoyed characters the author brought into the I enjoyed characters the author brought into the story and just had me keep reading to learn more about each person as a story infolded Which was a story of real death and emotions The authors still kept the fact The history of the Scottish. Couldn't ask for a better book to read.
I like the characters especially Laura As her story unfolds through this book You go sometimes from thinking wow what a weird girl to oh my god she went through that. I enjoyed characters the author brought into the I enjoyed characters the author brought into the story and just had me keep reading to learn more about each person as a story infolded Which was a story of real death and emotions The authors still kept the fact The history of the Scottish. Couldn't ask for a better book to read.
October 7, 2022
Fabulous
This book is fabulous! Of course, I now want to read more of Magnus and Lara and read John and Ava's story. It is a book you can't wait to finish, but also regret finishing it. It is an emotional story of loss and heartache for Lara but Magnus brings love and confidence. I am ready for the rest of the series. Rebecca Ruger is a brilliant writer that has quickly moved up on my favorites list.
This book is fabulous! Of course, I now want to read more of Magnus and Lara and read John and Ava's story. It is a book you can't wait to finish, but also regret finishing it. It is an emotional story of loss and heartache for Lara but Magnus brings love and confidence. I am ready for the rest of the series. Rebecca Ruger is a brilliant writer that has quickly moved up on my favorites list.
April 23, 2023
wonderful
Rebecca Ruger’s best books are the ones where there is subtle keen observations of the H and h, the story is slow-burn and each character’s back story slowly emerges. Magnus is a wonderful hero, kind, worshipful, handsome and patient while the beautiful but damaged Lara opens her heart to him. There is a lot of quiet humour and growing passion. Great story, can’t wait for the next in the series!
Rebecca Ruger’s best books are the ones where there is subtle keen observations of the H and h, the story is slow-burn and each character’s back story slowly emerges. Magnus is a wonderful hero, kind, worshipful, handsome and patient while the beautiful but damaged Lara opens her heart to him. There is a lot of quiet humour and growing passion. Great story, can’t wait for the next in the series!
September 20, 2022
Rebecca Ruger’s storytelling puts you right in the story with all the emotions that go with it. I felt like this was a different story than what she normally writes, but still a great read. The characters were very easy to fall in love with and cheer them on to their HEA. Now I have to wait until November for the next story of the “Highlander: The Legends” series. I hope I make it.
January 20, 2023
not a favorite
Although I have read most of this author’s books and have enjoyed them this one simply seems lost. Found myself skipping entire chapters, seems the author couldn’t find a story line but kept trying to piece things together. Characters seemed to wander around looking where they belonged some just wandered away completely.
Although I have read most of this author’s books and have enjoyed them this one simply seems lost. Found myself skipping entire chapters, seems the author couldn’t find a story line but kept trying to piece things together. Characters seemed to wander around looking where they belonged some just wandered away completely.
June 13, 2023
4.5⭐️ Such a beautiful story. I really liked that Lara and Magnus weren’t teenagers. Lara being 27 was very cool. She also really went through it in this book. We see her struggle through the loss of her child and trying to find something to live for. Magnus was so patient and sweet, especially for being nicknamed The Beast. I loved their romance so much. A nice slow burn.
November 14, 2023
I loved the book, but....
When I first started the book I was afraid it was not going to be the book for me. But then all of a sudden I couldn't put it down. I loved how our hero slowly pulled Lara out of her shell. The ending was a little rushed and would have enjoyed a little more story. But I am hoping the next book will do better.
When I first started the book I was afraid it was not going to be the book for me. But then all of a sudden I couldn't put it down. I loved how our hero slowly pulled Lara out of her shell. The ending was a little rushed and would have enjoyed a little more story. But I am hoping the next book will do better.
December 11, 2023
Magnus and Lara
This was such a good story about the life Lara led before she met Magnus and how he changed her life. The time period when Robert the Bruce was king and fled Scotland has always interested me. I love how Magnus patiently loved and cared for Lara until she truly felt his love.
This was such a good story about the life Lara led before she met Magnus and how he changed her life. The time period when Robert the Bruce was king and fled Scotland has always interested me. I love how Magnus patiently loved and cared for Lara until she truly felt his love.
June 15, 2025
A good plot, but for me pacing is slow. Magnus is great, Lara is different from other heroines. The sufferings of Lara are predictable and not detailed like 27 years sufferings are mentioned within few lines and not in detail and for these sufferings revelation you have to wait till the end of the story...
September 16, 2022
I understand why Lara was the way she was but it made for tedious reading, especially when she didn’t have her change of mind until so close to the end. The book wasn’t bad but said tedium made me consider DNFing a few times. I did read it all though.
December 31, 2022
Good historical love story
This was a good book. I was glad Lara was finally able to get past some of her grief. Magnus was a good husband and loved her dearly. I never saw what they named their son.
This was a good book. I was glad Lara was finally able to get past some of her grief. Magnus was a good husband and loved her dearly. I never saw what they named their son.
June 28, 2023
Beast that fell in love
Such a wonderfully written story with such heartache and misery you just didn’t know if it could be overcome. We all need a beast to conquer our fears and misery. Great read, Rebecca Ruger
Such a wonderfully written story with such heartache and misery you just didn’t know if it could be overcome. We all need a beast to conquer our fears and misery. Great read, Rebecca Ruger
July 1, 2023
Lara fled her village during an attack and found refuge in the forest, but suffers from survivor’s guilt. Magnus rescues her from harm and wants to protect her, but getting Lara's heart to open again is another battle.
July 25, 2023
The Beast of Lismore Abbey
I love its authors books. This one, it seemed as though it was a one-sided love, it seem to take Lara so long to realise her love for Magnus. his patience was astounding. I wanted to just shake her.
I love its authors books. This one, it seemed as though it was a one-sided love, it seem to take Lara so long to realise her love for Magnus. his patience was astounding. I wanted to just shake her.
January 4, 2024
I thought that the story started out slowly but it caught me up in the third chapter. I did like the story which I read as part of an anthology, it can be read as a stand alone story with a HEA ending. I would recommend this story to history buffs with a liking for romance.
August 10, 2025
surprise
What a pleasant surprise! I began the book not expecting anything more than a pleasant quick read. The characters were developed quickly and strongly. And action was from the got go. Now I have to read the next book!
What a pleasant surprise! I began the book not expecting anything more than a pleasant quick read. The characters were developed quickly and strongly. And action was from the got go. Now I have to read the next book!
September 19, 2022
Excellent
This is a very good story. I enjoyed it from beginning to end. I enjoy Scottish history with lots of love
This is a very good story. I enjoyed it from beginning to end. I enjoy Scottish history with lots of love
October 2, 2022
An excellent read now waiting for next one in series
June 21, 2023
good read
She was alone , afraid, and grieving, he was not what she would have expected to be, not a beast after all but a very loving man who made her his world!
She was alone , afraid, and grieving, he was not what she would have expected to be, not a beast after all but a very loving man who made her his world!
June 25, 2023
3.8 stars
ebook-to-read
November 14, 2023Part of the Highlander Collection: Now & Then box set
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