Audio: The Highlander who Protected Me - Vanessa Kelly

Book 1 in the Clan Kendrick series

Author Vanessa Kelly

Narrated by Ruth Urquhart

Publication date Oct 30, 2018

Running time 13 hrs 3 min

Historical romance

For review

My Thoughts:

Royal is one of those wounded heroes. And with that I mean his leg aches from a war injury, a bad one. Who wants a second son with a limp?

Ainsley was, oh my, she was the sassy one. But she was also a spoiled darling of the ton. Still, she was a good clever woman with some tongue on her.

These two met in a previous series, where he tries to elope with her and she is all in your dreams! Which I never understood, but now I do.

Instead we get to see their first meeting and how he could never forget her. Then they meet again in Glasgow in that other series I mentioned. But this one really begins after that. He pining for her and she hiding a pregnancy! Whaat I thought? What happened? Because her family does not even know, so something must have happened and obviously nothing good. I did feel for her, poor woman. And she would have been blamed every time. It is always the woman's fault.

The book does take some time to get going. She gives him her baby because no one can know. The secret she is hiding is easy to know, but there is some other big secret too, but honestly that secret was not big and could have been dealt with. I also did not get why the father would have had any say. It was his words against hers, and Royal who said it was his kid. Oh well, drama and a baddie is always needed.

It could have been shorter. Maybe take away some of the dialogue. Shorter is always nice.

Conclusion:
A good book. A good baddie that you want to kick in the nuts. Two people that love each other, but take ages getting together. And one cute baby. I also liked that she was pregnant, you do not see that around a lot in regency books. It dealt with harsher things in life.

Narrator

I really like Ruth Urqhart. Her accent is wonderful. I have listened to a few of her books and they are a joy.

Sample

Full Synopsis

Lady Ainsley Matthews, heiress and darling of the ton, was expected to make a magnificent match. Instead she's hiding on a remote Scottish estate, terrified that her vicious former fiancé will use her pregnancy to force her into marriage. One man can help her—Royal Kendrick, son of a distinguished Highland clan. Though a mistake drove them apart long ago, Royal is the only person Ainsley trusts to protect her baby—even if that means agreeing to never see either of them again . . .

Scarred in body and soul by war, Royal suddenly has a purpose—caring for an innocent babe and thereby helping the woman he can't stop loving. But when Ainsley ultimately returns to Scotland, determined to be a real mother to her child in spite of the risk, there's only one solution: marriage. And only one likely outcome: surrendering to the desire that's simmered between them for so long, no matter how dangerous it may be . . .

The Highlander's Princess Bride - Vanessa Kelly

The illegitimate daughter of the Prince Regent might be expected to pursue various dubious professions. Actress, perhaps, or artist’s model. Even courtesan. Victoria Knight, however, has become a governess—a respectable choice, until she travels to Scotland to meet her new charges. The younger brothers of Nicholas Kendrick, Earl of Arnprior, aren’t children at all. They’re brawny, wild Highland men. As for the Earl, he’s handsome, guarded, and far too compelling . . . especially for a woman hiding a dark secret.

Nick needs a proper teacher to transform his unmarriageable brothers—and a sensible, 

straight-laced wife for himself. Miss Knight seems to fit the bill on both counts. But he soon discovers there is more to Victoria than he thought. It’s not just her notorious origins, or the danger that’s followed her all the way to Scotland. It’s the fiery loyalty beneath that sedate façade. This, the real Victoria, is the woman Nick is starting to desire so desperately. And what an earl wants, he’ll use every seductive means to get . . .

Kindle Edition, 352 pages
Expected publication: October 31st 2017 by Zebra
The Improper Princesses #3
Historical romance
NetGalley

My thoughts:
Highlander, princess, yes the title pulled me in. Obviously. 

Not that Victoria is a real princess, nope. She is a bastard who has never met her father. Her mother a glorified barmaid and she herself a right proper governess. Until...yes that thing that made her leave and take a new position.

Nick has lots of brothers and they run wild. The tortured one who needs his own book. The Doc. The Sick one (oh he was lovely, so sweet!), the X. And the rapscallion twins.  They have forgotten their manners and do need a few lessons. Oh and do not forget grumpy old grandad. Haha, this castle was a a hoot. As for Nick, well he is your normal laird with a few secrets of his own.

She is sent to care for one but gets the whole clan and the hijinks that ensures. 

It was amusing at times but it also dealt with some more serious things that I can not mention, spoilers and all. And then there are these two getting closer and living happily ever after.

It did make me want to read those other two books in the same series. Seems England is filled with royal bastards.

Enjoyable.

Cover Thoughts

Cute

A Gentleman for All Seasons Anthology

The tiny village of Hemshawe is the sort of place where nothing ever happens…until a handsome ex-soldier and his matchmaking sister let the imposing manor house at the edge of town. The friendly Londoners shake up the staid people of Hemshawe, and villagers see each other in a new and oh-so-appealing light. 

Suddenly long-sparring enemies become lovers, a town festival heralds a new start for a fallen woman and a dandy, and a man who has given up on love gets a second chance with the woman he never forgot. And the matchmaker herself? She won’t rest until she finds her own happily-ever-after… 

A Madness in Spring by Kate Noble 

Adam Sturridge has made Belinda Leonard’s blood boil since childhood, and the feeling is mutual. But when a would-be matchmaker arrives in the village of Hemshawe, she’d determined to erase the thin line between love and hate. Now, Belinda and Adam are faced with falling for someone they’ve always considered an enemy — can they overcome old prejudices and discover how to rub each other the right way? 

The Summer of Wine and Scandal by Shana Galen 

When viscount’s son and dandy Peregrine Lochley is temporarily exiled from London to the country for his misdeeds, the last thing he expects is to encounter an intriguing woman. But Caroline Martin has a secret to hide, and it just might be too scandalous for even this debauched rogue. 

Those Autumn Nights by Theresa Romain 

Ten years ago, wealthy Eliza Greenleaf broke lowly soldier Bertram Gage’s heart—but the last decade brought changes in fortune to them both. Now that he’s made his mark on the world, a twist of fate brings the Greenleaf family under his power. Will this war-hardened officer triumph over his former lover…or will Bertie and Eliza give love a second chance? 

The Season for Loving by Vanessa Kelly 

Miss Georgie Gage, matchmaker extraordinaire, is resigned to life as a spinster—almost. When notoriously aloof bachelor Fergus Haddon arrives from Scotland to spend Christmas with the Gage family, Georgie thinks she’s finally found her own perfect match—if, that is, she can get the handsome Highlander to agree! 

My thoughts:

A Madness in Spring by Kate Noble 

Enemies to lovers, yay. Yes I adore that. They were enemies for silly childhood reasons though, but enemies none the less. Belinda and Adam has teased each other for 15 years, but then a matchmaker shows up. Haha, good for her, they obviously liked each other behind all that you are so annoying. So let's make them realise that.

I liked her, I liked him, I liked the dance between them. A nice spring story.

The Summer of Wine and Scandal by Shana Galen 

Here comes the summer story. Peregrine, a real dandy, meets Caroline, who is not worried when she gets muddy. She thinks him a dandy (duh), he likes her. But she has a secret, and trust me this was a SECRET. It made me sad, I felt so sorry for her. Cos it is a SECRET. But it's also a romance and they lived happily ever after. Nice

Those Autumn Nights by Theresa Romain 

Autumn comes and Bertie meets Eliza, the woman he used to love. Who chose her family over a poor soldier. But then he rented her family home cos they got poor, and he was all, ha, look at me now.

But again, this is a romance, so they will end up together after some drama. And all is well.

The Season for Loving by Vanessa Kelly 

The last one is one for Christmas. Georgie, who helped all previous couples end up together, wants freedom of her own. But then this sexy brooding Scot shows up. And she likes him, but he is all my past! Alas, we cannot. But then they lived happily ever after.

Oh I enjoyed this! I liked that it was set in the same village, the same people were around, sure new people showed up so they could find love, but the it was like I knew the village and those in it. I also liked that it was one story for each season.

Conclusion:
A sweet anthology, that does not feel like an anthology as everything is connected and continues :)

Kindle Edition, 356 pages
Expected publication: November 10th 2015
Historical romance
For review

2 Xmas novellas- Historical romance style

With one more errand to go—the purchase of a hunting falcon—Andrew Blackshear has Christmas completely under control. As his sister’s impending marriage signals the inevitable drifting-apart of the Blackshear family, it’s his last chance to give his siblings the sort of memorable, well-planned holiday their parents could never seem to provide. 

He has no time to dawdle, no time for nonsense, and certainly no time to drive the falconer’s vexing, impulsive, lush-lipped, midnight-haired daughter to a house party before heading home. So why the devil did he agree to do just that? 

Lucy Sharp has been waiting all her too-quiet life for an adventure, and she means to make the most of this one. She’s going to enjoy the house party as no one has ever enjoyed a house party before, and in the meanwhile she’s going to enjoy every minute in the company of amusingly stern, formidably proper, outrageously handsome Mr. Blackshear. Let him disapprove of her all he likes—it’s not as though they’ll see each other again after today. 

…or will they? When a carriage mishap and a snowstorm strand the pair miles short of their destination, threatening them with scandal and jeopardizing all their Christmas plans, they’ll have to work together to save the holiday from disaster. And along the way they just might learn that the best adventures are the ones you never would have thought to plan. 

My thoughts:

Xmas freebie was on my mind as I downloaded this book and at once I went to my nook.

Reading about a couple, oh forget this, I can't rhyme.

Andrew needs a hunting bird and meets Lucy. She wants to go to a xmas party, he is all proper and stiff.

Long story short, he saves the day so she can attend the party but boom! they get stranded and get to know each other. And fall in love :)

Cute and fun.

Kindle Edition, 188 pages
Published December 4th 2014 by Cecilia Grant
Blackshear Family 0.5
Historical romance
Own

Down through the years, enchantment touches a tall gray house in Grosvenor Square. The legend of Lady Winterson’s Christmas ball promises true love and happiness to one lucky couple. Who will feel the magic this winter?

1803 - The Seduction of a Duchess by Shana Galen 

Rowena Harcourt, the Duchess of Valère, never forgot the handsome footman who helped her escape the French Revolution. For fourteen years, Gabriel Lamarque has loved Rowena—now at Lady Winterson’s Christmas ball, has fate finally delivered a chance to win her hand?

1818 - One Kiss for Christmas by Vanessa Kelly 

Nigel Dash is London’s most reliable gentleman, a reputation he never minded until he fell in love with beautiful Amelia Easton. Unfortunately, Amelia sees Nigel as a dependable friend, not a dashing suitor. At Lady Winterson’s famous Christmas ball, Nigel vows to change Amelia’s mind—by sweeping her off her feet.

1825 - His Christmas Cinderella by Anna Campbell 

At the season’s most glittering ball, a girl who has never dared to dream of forever after discovers a Christmas miracle.

1830 - The Last First Kiss by Kate Noble 

Susannah Westforth has always loved Sebastian Beckett – but he’s only ever seen her as a friend. When Sebastian takes his Grand Tour, Susannah transforms herself into a woman he’ll notice. Now Sebastian is back, just in time for Lady Winterson's Christmas ball – but the last thing he expects to see is his little Susie, all grown up...

You’re invited to join the whirling dance at Lady Winterson’s sparkling Christmas ball, where miracles happen and true love shines forever. How can you resist? 

My thoughts:

1803 - The Seduction of a Duchess by Shana Galen 

It was a good short story. I got the backstory and could just fall into the world. Also it was nice that an older woman found romance for once. Wohoo for her! And with a younger man ;)

The story does mention people from her series, but it works splendidly as it is.

1818 - One Kiss for Christmas by Vanessa Kelly 

This was a sweet story where the beta gets the girl. And I liked Nigel, sure he was dependable, but hey when did that turn bad? He was wonderful :) I am glad she finally saw the light.

1825 - His Christmas Cinderella by Anna Campbell 

A Cinderella story, where I went all awww, how sweet! A girl of meager means gets her Lord :)

1830 - The Last First Kiss by Kate Noble 

I did like this one, he came back, and she was all changed and he was all no! You are my little Susie! But oh no, she was a woman now. And he fell fast and then they lived happily ever after.

I liked these short stories! Cute, fun and they all took place during this Winter Ball :) Perfect before xmas.

Kindle Edition, 166 pages
Published October 10th 2013
Historical romance
Own

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Vanessa Kelly - Secrets for seducing a Royal Bodyguard

I am a part of Vanessa Kelly's Blog Tour for her new book, and we will start with an excerpt :) and after that you will find the giveaway

For a few infernally long seconds they glared at each other, their rasping breaths shattering the clammy closeness of the room.   She shook beneath him, her body slim and lithe beneath the fragile silk of her ball gown.   A heated tendril of scent reached his nostrils, an elusive whisper of roses and summer warmth.   Her chest rose and fell in a pattern of fractured breaths, plumping the fullness of her breasts over the top of her low-cut bodice.

The candle on the crate beside them sputtered and flared, throwing light on her face.   A hectic flush rose in her cheeks, driving a wash of pink across her pale skin.   Her lips, plush and bow shaped, trembled open in a travesty of invitation, and for one demented instant Aden fought the urgent need to taste them, to plumb the sweet temptation they offered.

And then she drew in a breath, preparing to scream.   He whipped up a hand and covered her mouth, disgusted with his lapse in discipline and what it must have revealed to her.   She might be the kind of spoiled beauty he disdained, but he’d consign himself to the darkest hell before he frightened her or harmed a hair on her head.

“Hush, Lady Vivien.”   He lifted slightly, giving her more room although he kept his hand clamped over her mouth.   “Sir Dominic Hunter sent me.   I’m going to get you out of here, but you can’t scream or keep fighting or your captors will hear.”

Her gaze darted to the door and the corridor beyond, then flashed back to his face.

“The guards won’t trouble us,” he murmured in response to her unspoken question.   The terror that glazed her eyes dimmed a notch.   She blinked rapidly as if to chase away her drug-induced confusion.

He held her gaze, willing her to trust him.   “If I take my hand away, you must not cry out.   You will endanger us both if you do.   Understand?”

She stared up at him, eyes rounded with fear.   He could practically hear the turning of the cogs and wheels in her brain and feel her body go still as she weighed her decision.

Blast.   If she continued to fight him, a sharp tap to the jaw to knock her senseless might be the only safe way to handle her.   But then he saw the clearing in her eyes and sensed the beginning of a wary acceptance of him.

“Yes?” he whispered.

The flush leached from her face.   She gave one sharp, economical nod and then settled under him, as if waiting for him to respond.   Cautiously, he removed his hand from her mouth, straining an ear for any noises.   He deliberately pulled his awareness away from her, focusing his instincts, trying to sense traps that might await them in the corridor beyond.

  “Who are you?”   Her voice was a throaty croak.   “You know Sir Dominic?”

“Yes.   I’m a friend.”   Right now she didn’t need to know more than the basics.

-------------------------------

Giveaway Details:

One ARC of CONFESSIONS OF A ROYAL BRIDEGROOM, book two of The Renegade Royals series, and one copy of HIS MISTLETOE BRIDE per the total number of stops. (US/Ca only) Please see Terms & Conditions on the Rafflecopter widget.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Vanessa is also hosting a giveaway on her website for a reproduction of the original art for SECRETS FOR SEDUCING A ROYAL BODYGUARD, and original sketches of the heroines from LOST in a ROYAL KISS (#0.5) and SECRETS for SEDUCING a ROYAL BODYGUARD (#1).  

Link to contest on Vanessa’s website:   http://www.vanessakellyauthor.com/contest/

IN MATTERS OF DESIRE, HE’S THE PERFECT TEACHER…

Accomplished spy Aden St. George prefers to stay away from the frivolous ton, especially after the way his mother was used by the Prince Regent. But his latest mission compels him to guard unconventional, vibrant Lady Vivien Shaw. Rescuing her from kidnappers was easy. Resisting her beauty is not. Duty demands he keep an eye on her—and naturally, his lips soon follow. For someone who views entanglements as a weakness, this is pure, delicious folly…

Though grateful for Aden’s help, Vivien has secrets she must keep hidden. Yet with her abductors still at large, she needs Aden’s protection almost as much as she craves his touch…

Genre: Regency-set historical romance

Tone: witty, sexy, emotional 

Heat Level: hot

Elements/Tags: historical romance, royalty, Georgian era

Publisher: Kensington Zebra

Publishing Date: January 7, 2013

Series: The Renegade Royals, #1

Format: digital 

Words: 432 pages

Goodreads: 

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1ee58Gp

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1eH7m5J

iTunes: http://bit.ly/K8DkKy

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1ijIdi0

BAM: http://bit.ly/1ijIcKY

Meet Author Vanessa Kelly:

Vanessa Kelly is an award-winning author who was named by Booklist, the review journal of the American Library Association, as one of the "New Stars of Historical Romance." Her sensual, Regency-set historical romances have been nominated for awards in a number of contests, and her second book, Sex and The Single Earl, won the prestigious Maggie Medallion for Best Historical Romance. Vanessa's next series, The Renegade Royals, is due to hit the shelves in November with an introductory novella, Lost in a Royal Kiss. Book One in the series, Secrets For Seducing a Royal Bodyguard, will release in January, 2014, and Confessions of a Royal Bridegroom will be out in April, 2014.

When not dreaming of plots for her next Regency historical novel, Vanessa also writes USA Today Bestselling contemporary romance with her husband under the pen name of V.K. Sykes.   She's also a member of Rock*It Reads, a group of bestselling traditional authors who are self-publishing, and of The Jaunty Quills.   

website:  http://www.vanessakellyauthor.com

blog: http: //www.vanessakellyauthor.com/vanessa-blog/

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vanessakellyauthor

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/VanessaKellyAut

goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2728107.Vanessa_Kelly

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/vanessakellyaut/

Jaunty Quills:  http://jauntyquills.com/

Tour Stops:

http://events.litconnect.com/secrets-for-seducing-a-royal-bodyguard-by-vanessa-kelly/

Additional Event:

Facebook Celebration: January 7th; 7:30pm - 9:30pm EST

https://www.facebook.com/events/619602208099582/