The Highlander Who Protected Me

Vanessa Kelly

Oct 2018 · Clan Kendrick Book 1 · Zebra Books

About this ebook

This ebook contains a bonus epilogue!

Bestselling author Vanessa Kelly returns with an enthralling new series about the men of the Kendrick clan—and the women who claim their hearts . . .

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

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

Praise for Vanessa Kelly’s Improper Princesses series

“A thoroughly satisfying Regency romance.” —Publishers Weekly

“An enjoyable, thoughtful romance.” —Kirkus Reviews

Ratings and reviews

There are no victims only survivors. Kelly dreams up a stunningly, captivating tale of heartache, bravery and romance. Royal and Ainsley are a little bit broken but no less heroes. Both are looking to find their place in a world judgment, cruelty and war. They find that place in each other's hearts. The Highlander Who Protected Me is a slow burn. Love kind of sneaks it's way into your heart. The battle is hard won, but the fire is never-ending.

Lady Ainsley Matthews, heiress and darling of the ton, was expected to make a magnificent match to the Marquis of Cringlewood. Instead she’s hiding on a remote Scottish estate, terrified that her vicious former fiancé will use her pregnancy to force her into marriage. Royal Kendrick is the only person Ainsley trusts to protect her baby—even if that means agreeing to never see either of them again. Royal badly injured ay Waterloo the previous year has been drifting but suddenly has a purpose—caring for an innocent babe and thereby helping the woman he can’t stop loving. But when Ainsley ultimately returns to Scotland, determined to be a real mother to her child in spite of the risk, there’s only one solution: marriage. This is the first book of a new series but follows on from The Highlander’s Princess Bride from the ‘The Improper Princesses’ series. We met Ainsley & Royal in that book which was Nick & Victoria's story. I found this book very hard to put down & luckily for me I was on a long train journey & it was amazing how fast a four hour journey sped by. Whilst I loved much of the book & was thinking a five star read I felt let down by the ending. There were so many loose ends & everything was left hanging. I hope they are resolved in the next book which I want to read now.I also felt so sorry for Royal that he was once again put in an untenable position by Ainsley & I seriously wondered how he could still be besotted with her - but they say love is blind! I loved the Kendrick brothers & hope they all have their stories. I adore Angus & as he's with Royal I hope he'll feature heavily in the next book. I didn’t warn to Ainsley when I first met her & my opinion didn’t change I found her self centred, spoilt & secretive My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Royal Kendrick and Lady Ainsley Matthews are thrown together for a purpose which evolves to something more. Excellent story line and characters . Enjoy this author. Ebook from netgalley and publishers with thanks. Opinions are entirely my own.

About the author

Vanessa Kelly is a bestselling author of historical mystery and historical romance. She has won multiple awards, including the prestigious Maggie Medallion for best historical romance. She is a USA Today, Barnes & Noble, BookScan, and Amazon bestseller several times over. To date, her books have been published in eleven languages. After receiving her MA in English literature from Rutgers University, Vanessa spent several years in the Ph.D program at the University of Toronto, studying women authors of the 18th Century. She worked as a researcher for many years, and currently resides in Ottawa, Canada, with her husband. Visit her at VanessaKellyAuthor.com.