I fell in love with the Kendrick family in the 3rd book of Vanessa Kelly’s Improper Princesses series. They’re the kind of family you can’t help but love yet you know you’d go crazy if around them too long. At the time, I wasn’t sure whose story I wanted next. I just knew that I wanted more of this crazy, loyal family. I’m thrilled it was Royal and Ainsley’s story. Royal really intrigued me in that last book. Injured and brooding, he was very hard to figure out, but it was clear Ainsley had an effect on him, and I couldn’t wait to see where that led. After reading The Highlander Who Protected Me, this Clan Kendrick series promises to be every bit as spectacular as the series that gave birth to this amazing family.

Royal Kendrick had fallen in love with Lady Ainsley Matthews the moment he met her. Her vibrant beauty and lethal wit drew him in and he desired her more than anything he’d ever wanted. But he knew his desire was all he’d ever have of her. He was just a common second son. A man with a mangled leg and a moody temperament. Ainsley was an heiress. The darling of the ton. And she was promised, if not officially yet, to the Marquess of Cringlewood. Ainsley admired Royal for his bravery and sacrifice. He was as blunt and bad-tempered as she and she enjoyed the acerbic humor and witty banter they shared. She trusted him and saw him as a good friend, though that was all they could be as her father would never consider Royal as a suitor. He was intent on a match with Leonard, the Marquess of Cringlewood. Unfortunately, the Marquess was a vile, cruel man who forced himself on Ainsley leaving her pregnant and with no choice but to flee to Scotland before Leonard discovered her plight and forced her into marriage.

When her friend Royal arrives to visit, Ainsley knows he is the only person she trusts to keep her baby safe. Though it will devastate her to place her child in someone else’s hands, it’s the safest place for her to be. Losing her child and losing Royal, the only man she’d ever thought she could love would be difficult, but it was the only way to keep the baby from a father who had no decency or compassion. Royal would do anything for Ainsley and agrees to raise the child as his own even though doing so would bring scandal on him.

Royal and the Kendricks quickly fell in love with the baby, and Royal, who’d felt he had no purpose after the war, found a new motivation for his future in raising the child. It doesn’t take long for Ainsley to realize she can’t bear being separated from her child, and she finds herself once again asking Royal for help. To marry her and raise the child together. Royal would like nothing more than to call Ainsley wife. But could Ainsley give up her wealth and status to marry a poor, crippled Scotsman? He’d been nursing a passion for her for two years. Could he be content to marry someone who may not return that passion? And most importantly, would marriage be enough to keep Ainsley and her baby safe from the Marquess of Cringlewood?

I adored Royal from the moment I met him in the previous series. Like all the Kendricks, he was loyal. But Royal has to be the most selfless man to ever exist! His injuries from the war left him in great physical and emotional pain yet he never complained. He was the peacemaker of the family, often having to referee between them. Whatever the task, Royal bore it. Again and again. Nothing mattered more than family. And Ainsley and her baby were family now.

Ainsley was harder to love at first. She was spoiled, though, in her defence, it was all she’d ever known until the assault by Cringlewood and the subsequent betrayal of her family. But she was brave to run away and put her child first. And she was smart to trust Royal. I felt sorry and afraid for the predicament she was in. Cringlewood had wronged her but she was the one who would suffer. Regardless of his actions, she’d be the one at fault.

Seeing Royal and Ainsley together made me realize how very much they needed each other. I admired Royal for how patient and encouraging he was with Ainsley as she struggled with motherhood. The tension and humor in caring for a baby helped me see how much they cared for each other. Royal never gave into his passion, waiting instead till Ainsley was ready. He didn’t push or demand but allowed her to move at her own pace. I admired Ainsley for giving up so much for her child. Coming to a land she rather hated and living with a family that drove her mad. Because of the assault by Leonard, she was unsure of the way Royal made her feel at times. It was fun and sweet to watch her battle between her fears and her desires. The intimate moments between her and Royal, when they weren’t interrupted by Angus, were steamy and playful. The slow build to Ainsley and Royal finding love made it that much more rewarding.

The “wonderful supporting characters that keep you laughing” award goes to Angus Kendrick. I couldn’t decide if I wanted to hug him or strangle him at times. But he brought so much laughter and warmth to the story. I gained a whole new respect and love for him in this book.

The magic ingredient in this story has to be the witty banter. The clever, romantic sparring created sparks that brought Royal and Ainsley alive on the page. Sometimes seductive and sometimes playful, it painted such a brilliant picture of these characters. Even the sometimes aggressive banter was perfect because it showed how intense the attraction was… I love that her characters can show wit and perfectly placed sarcasm even in the middle of romantic moments. There’s nothing like swooning and giggling at the same time. Their clever repartee kept the plot moving forward and ensured a fun-filled ride to their happily ever after. Vanessa Kelly never fails to make me swoon with her amazing characterizations and her intriguing stories. I am eager to see which Kendrick I get to fall in love with next.

Although I enjoyed the story, I found it very difficult to like Ainsley. She said she was selfish and she wasn’t far wrong. I will say she started to grow on me towards the end of the book. Whereas Royal was such a hero, he would be everything you could wish for, handsome, protective, loyal and caring. There were a number of very interesting secondary characters among Royal’s family. I loved the connection between all the members of his family. Things don’t go smoothly for Ainsley and Royal, secrets are kept and a determined suitor is also on the scene. I hadn’t read any of the previous books where some of the family were concerned but this didn’t spoil my enjoyment. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

What a great start to this new series! Vanessa Kelly writes such wonderful stories full of great characters and takes you on such an emotional ride.

Lady Ainsley Matthews is woman that every male in the ton wants as their wife and every female wishes she could be. Beautiful and rich, what more could Ainsley want....certainly not the ex-fiance her father wants her to marry.....even if he did force himself upon her leaving her pregnant! Instead, Ainsley hides out at her crazy Aunt's remote Scottish estate until after the baby is born. Until then she has to figure out what to do. Ainsley has always been drawn to Royal Kendrick, son of a distinguished Highland clan but knew her father would never approve such a marriage. Instead Ainsley asks Royal's help in protecting her baby. She wants him to take the baby as raise it as his own. Royal reluctantly agrees. He has been looking for a purpose in life since he came back injured from the war and now he has one. He may not be able to have Ainsley as his wife, but he has the next best thing, her child.

When Ainsley comes back into their life because she cannot stand to be away from her child, she puts everyone in danger. Royal realizes that the only way he can protect Ainsley and her baby is for them to get married. What starts out as a marriage of convenience quickly turns into something more. When both of them realize that they have strong feelings for each other, that is when the fun begins.

It was a joy watching these two realizing their feelings for each other. Ainsley can be so stubborn at times and Royal didn't usually fall for it. I just adored the way Royal's entire family came to protect Ainsley and her baby, especially Royal's grandfather, Angus....he was a hoot! I really enjoyed the ride Royal and Ainsley went on to get to their happy ending. It was fun, entertaining and sexy all wrapped into one story!

Publisher's Description:
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 . . .

My Thoughts:
Vanessa Kelly never disappoints this reader.
Her characters are well thought out and her stories amaze me.

Raped and left pregnant by her intended, Ainsley is hiding in the Highlands fearing retribution by her vicious former fiancé. The thing she fears most is that he will discover her daughter and use her to force a marriage between them.

Royal who has returned home after Waterloo suddenly has a purpose for his life. Caring for Ainsley's innocent baby daughter and ultimately her mother makes his life worth living again.

Will these two opposites find more than a mutual attraction.

I gave this heart wrenching story 4.5 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization.

This is a story that will at times bring tears and at others make you very angry and perplexed.

I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

4.5 Stars
The Highlander Who Protected Me by Vanessa Kelly is book One in the Clan Kendrick Series. This is the story of Royal Kendrick and Ainsley Matthews. We did meet the Kendrick's in 'The Highlander’s Princess Bride' so you will understand the family more if you have read that one but really this can be a standalone book.
Royal is hurt physically and mentally after the war. Royal's brother tries to help him deal with things but nothing changes until Ainsley gives him a new purpose in life. They had meet earlier but nothing came of it until they meet again and he learns she is with child. Ainsley has hidden her pregnancy from Marquess of Cringlewood who she fears. When Royal comes to her at her Aunt's she asked that he care for her daughter. Royal takes the child and starts to raise her as his own but Ainsley comes back in the picture giving him another chance with her.
I overall enjoyed their story but did feel a little distance with Ainsley and her handling of her issues. I look forward to other books by Ms. Kelly and more from this series!

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

Unfortunately, it felt almost impossible to truly enjoy this book without reading the books in the adjoining series. I thought this was the first book in a new series and thus could be read by itself. Not the case. There was a huge backstory between the two main characters that the reader really needs to know ahead of time or they are lost. I didn't understand what was going on and lost interest about 1/4 of the way through the story, due to my confusion. The heroine didn't seem likeable at all, and without understanding her history, it was hard to judge. And the hero's nonchalant attitude about the heroine's pregnancy didn't make sense, but again, had I read the other series it would probably make sense.

Maybe 3.5

Royal Kendrick met Lady Ainsley Matthews in London and was immediately smitten, only to learn that she was all but betrothed. He is hurt and angry and proceeds make a bad decision and then spends his time healing from the injury he got in Waterloo and brooding. When Victoria suggests that he go visit Ainsley, his life will never be the same.

Ainsley has been living in "exile" in Scotland with her Aunt since refusing to marry the Marquess of Cringlewood and being abducted by Royal months ago - she didn't want to elope, but the endeavor did ruin her, which in her mind was a blessing. She has a secret, one that could see her married to Cringlewood. Ainsley is pregnant with his child, the marquess forced himself on her and still she refused to marry him. She has been hiding her condition from everyone - until now.

When Royal learns of her pregnancy, nothing will stop him from helping her - but Ainsley is not going to make it easy for him and her secrets and failure to trust him will cause them both a mountain of trouble.

I so wanted to love this book, I fell in love with the Kendrick brothers in the previous book and couldn't wait for Royal & Ainsley's story, but unfortunately, this book fell short of my expectations and the ending nearly broke my heart. The book is well written and is emotional, but moments of lightness keep it from being a dark, depressing read. I loved Royal and enjoyed catching up with Victoria, the brothers and Angus. Ainsley had moments that gave me hope, but in the end, I blamed her for the way things ended.


*I am voluntarily leaving a review of an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*

Stoic and constant, Royal Kendrick makes an impressive hero. His honourable ways definitely strikes the right chord. Love the whole Kendrick clan whose various members make appearances throughout, especially the grandfather. The name of the series, Clan Kendrick, is so appropriate as this book goes beyond romance.

Lady Ainsley’s character is more challenging to pin down. She’s quite puzzling throughout the story. She seems to have an independent mind yet certain parts do not reflect this. Once Lady Ainsley stays true to her path, her appeal begins to shine.

I’d say Royal and Lady Ainsley complement each other perfectly. Her sarcastic banter and his ever-present affection go hand-in-hand. You can’t help but to root for their HEA.

*ARC provided by publisher through Netgalley

Simple: I absolutely loved this book. Romance, drama and a good background story. The storyline isn't trashy or anything like that. It's unique.

Ainsley is hiding at her aunt's in Scottland. She's afraid that her former finance will force her into marriage because she is pregnant with his child after he forced himself on her. Royal, one of the younger Kendrick brothers was in love with her before her engagement was made known to him. One day Royals brother makes him visit Ainsley but he didn't know about her pregnancy before, so it is an absolute surprise to him. She gives birth while she is at the remote estate of her aunt and asks Royal to raise her baby. She even agrees to never see her bundle of joy again. In the end, Royal leaves with the baby.
But will Ainsley really be able to never see her baby girl again?

It was such a wonderful story - there was everything and you had to love those two.
It's connected to "The Highlander's Princess Bride" - and I already fell in love with one of the Kendricks back when I read this novel.

*I got this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

I really enjoyed this fast-paced, romantic, action-packed book! Royal Kendrick is as dashing a Scotsman as there’s ever been...swaggering but sweet, boastful but tender. Royal has loved Ainsley forever, but she’s engaged to a nobleman, and seems out of his reach. I especially liked the banter between the two, both hiding their feelings and some secrets. Thd other characters, Angus in particular, are quirky and endearing. I felt like I was missing some back story, even though this was the first book in this series. Events were spoken about in a kind of jumbled way, and I wish there had been more continuity with important events that were hinted at but never fully explained.

I received a copy of The Highlander Who Protected Me from NetGalley for an honest review. I liked the book, especially the back and forth between Ainsley and Royal.
I also enjoyed the Kendrick’s family dynamics.
I can’t wait to read the next book in this Clan Kendrick series, hopefully Logan’s story.

This is my fair and honest review in exchange for this ARC. WOW, what a complicated, often sad and very engaging tale. It is a pretty safe guess that there will be a further instalment on this remarkable family saga. Well written.

Royal Kendrick knows that Lady Ainsley Matthews will never see him as a marriage prospect, she is a wealthy heiress whilst he is a maimed ex soldier and a younger son, without title or lands but that doesn’t stop him from adoring her. Two years after their first meeting she requests his aid and he vows to do anything to protect her, even if that brings scandal upon his own family. I enjoyed the way the relationship between Royal and Ainsley was slow to build. Ainsley has mental scars from being assaulted and Royal is the perfect hero, allowing her to set the pace of any intimacy.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Ms. Kelly has written a book that will keep you turning the pages. Royal is our hero who has the natural instinct to protect the ones he loves since he was a young child. He meets Ainsley at a ball and is intrigued with her ability to be direct and sharp tongued and she is not scared away when Royal surprises her by giving g her the same sharped tongued treatment she dishes out. But after he finds out she is as good as betrothed he leaves London heartbroken. Royal family is tired of him depressed state and his sister-in-law convinces him to go visit Ainsley at her Aunts estate where she has been "exiled" to after refusing to agree to marry the man her parents want her to marry and where she has been hiding a secret.

I absolutely enjoyed Rival's and Ainsley 's story. I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review.

this was a little of a mixed bag for me. I enjoyed the little bits of the Kendrick family interactions that we got to see as well as the interactions btwn Ainsley & Royal, you could just tell they were meant to be together early on. However 2 plot devices - secrets & misunderstandings - that I'm not a fan of were big parts of this book. there were a number of secrets (primarily on Ainsley's part) through out the story with only part of the whole coming out at time. Also the two were often 2nd guessing both themselves and what the other was thinking resulting in repeated self doubt and apologizing which got a little tedious at points. luckily that delightful banter back and forth between the two would come to the rescue. I look forward to the next Kendrick romance.

Lady Ainsley Matthews meets Royal Kendrick at a ball. She is beautiful and has many admirers. Royal, the brother to Lord Arnprior was a soldier at Waterloo. He has the scars and nightmares that go with it. When they meet, it is instant attraction and fireworks as they both are very opinionated. The one thing that stands between them is Lord Cringlewood. He is obsessed and wants to marry her. Royal returns to his family's estate in the Highlands, but never forgets Ainsley. She is at her great aunt's home in Scotland. When Royal visits, he finds that she is pregnant and afraid. There is no one she trusts more and asks him to take her baby because she knows he will keep it safe. Royal is a real hero to all who know him.. He takes the baby knowing that he will never see her again. The Kendrick's take care of their own and the baby is safe. When Ainsley returns to Scotland, will be be able to keep her and the baby safe? Lord Cringelwood is still obsessed and dangerous. I really liked the story. I went back and re-read.several parts because they were very well written and swoon worthy. There are parts of this book dealing with abuse. I received this book from Net Galley and Kensington Books for a honest review and no compensation otherwise.The opinions expressed are my own.

This is the first book in awhile that I’ve sighed at the end and hugged the book. As silly as that may sound I. Loved. Everything. About. This. Book!!!
Royal Kendrick came home from war injured and a brooding angry man. His family and clan are the only things he cares about. When he meets Ainsley Matthews she brings light to his very dark soul, if only she would have him. When she abruptly leaves to stay at her aunts Royal knows there’s somethings amiss.
Ainsley Matthews is hiding some terrible secrets that will ruin her and her family. She’s hiding away in hopes of figuring out the best way to fix her problems. When Royal appears he just might be the answer to her prayers.
Royal sees Ainsley for the person she is and not the one she pretended to be for the ton. He was the only person Ainsley trusted but she tried very hard not to drag him down with her until she had no one else to turn to.
Royal is a strong honorable highlander, he loved his family and he has a great sense of humor and whit. He loves Ainsley enough to let her go, he only wanted her to be happy and he will do all he can to protect her.
Ainsley’s whit and sarcasm, the banter between her and Royal was so great that I cheered for their romance. Her immense humor never failed to make me laugh. She was strong enough to admit her failings and to admit when she was wrong.
This is a awesome start to this spinoff series and I can’t wait for the next book. I’m really hoping that Logan is next I think his story will be just as heartbreaking as Royal and Ainsley’s.

I love the crazy Kendrick clan. Royal is so great the way he protects his family and how he wants to protect Ainsley, even if it means he won't be with her. They argue all the time, but he loves her so much and wishes that she would love him too. Ainsley has problems and lots of secrets. Royal will help her and keep her secrets no matter the cost to himself. Ainsley has given up so much and so has Royal. Will they be able to figure out a way for them to be together, keep Ainsley's secrets and keep her safe? The whole family comes together to help them. Will it be enough?

The Highlander Who Protected Me (Clan Kendrick #1) by Vanessa Kelly Why can I only give this 5 stars? Thanks to the publisher and #NetGalley for letting me preview this book. Vanessa never disappoints I hated to put this book down to eat, sleep, carry on my life... This is Royal and Ainsley's story... they both have had tragedy in their lives they need to overcome... add in a villain..evil and disgusting ... uncaring parents.. and a wonderful Clan Kendrick and Angus.... Tears of all kinds, laughter, danger, heartache, LOVE, sex ... all get us to a very HEA. I am so looking forward to more books in this series....