Review - - Highland Defender

Highland Defender
by Julie Johnstone
Renegade Scots - Book 2
Publisher: Darbyshire Publishing
Release Date: December 26, 2018
Reviewed by PJ
 

To protect herself, she’ll deny her powers. To save her, he’ll break every rule he’s vowed to live by.

Lillianna de Burgh knows all about the legend surrounding the women in her family—that true love awakens the gift of sight within them. But given the horrific betrayals the power has brought her ancestors, she wants no part in true love or the supposed gift. Avoiding her fate seems simple enough since men have proven time and again that they wish to use her, not cherish her, even her own kin. Thankfully, when she flees England to escape her evil uncle, she finds herself in the company of a seemingly hardhearted Highlander who thinks the legend nothing more than a myth. As they travel together, she comes to discover that behind Angus's cold facade lies a fierce and honorable protector, whose mere touch ignites the passion within her. Yet, the more she tries to resist it, the more she seems to fall.

Renowned Highland warrior Angus MacLorh lives by three principles: put country above self, protect family at all costs, and never become entangled with a lass—not again. So when his future king needs him to accompany the far-too-lovely Lillianna to safety, Angus agrees, confident he can keep her at a distance, as he does all women. Yet the gentle, fiercely determined lady intrigues and tempts him at every turn, and when his greatest enemy captures her, he finds himself breaking all his rules to save her.

As the fight for the Scottish throne embroils Lillianna and Angus deep in danger, enemies near and far hunt them, threatening their very lives. When the truth of the legend finally comes to light, can a woman determined to escape her destiny and a Highlander bent on facing his future alone overcome the barriers they’ve created and trust in their hearts to lay claim to the most glorious of loves?

My thoughts:

I have no doubt that I would not have enjoyed living in  medieval times yet it's one of my favorite time periods to lose myself in within the pages of a romance novel and Julie Johnstone is one of my favorite authors who bring it to life. 

Once again, Johnstone uses meticulous research and vivid descriptions to immerse readers in the tumultuous struggles between Scotland and England during the 1300s. She then creates complex characters who engage my emotions, bringing me along on dangerous adventures of body and heart. I found myself almost immediately intrigued by Angus (I do love a strong and protective Scot) and Lillianna (such a joy to watch her grow into a strong and confident woman), both individually and as a couple. As they grew closer and their thoughts, fears, strengths, and vulnerabilities were slowly revealed, I became even more deeply invested in their journey and hopeful for their eventual happiness. Secondary characters are also introduced who I'm hopeful we will see more of in future books in the series. 

Fair warning: there's plenty of action, deep emotion, intrigue, betrayal, and unexpected twists to keep you riveted to this story from beginning to end. Once I began reading, Angus and Lillianna refused to turn me loose until I reached the end. That's the mark of a Julie Johnstone book. 

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Do you enjoy medieval romance as much as I do?

Have you read any of Julie Johnstone's books? 

One person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, December 27, 2018 will receive an e-book of Highland Defender. 

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