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.

NO. Actually, maybe, but just as a hate read? The number of pages the hero spends explaining the cockamamie plot to secondary characters is truly hilarious. Seriously, the "Plan" in this book is idiotic. If a plot is dumb, realize it and move on! Don't keep writing for another 300 pages.

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....

I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. The Highlander Who Protected Me is the first book in Vanessa Kelly’s new series Clan Kendrick. I do think that you should read Improper Princesses book 3 The Highlander’s Princess Bride first though because you will meet many of the characters in this book and you will enjoy this one more as a result. Royal Kendrick is a second son with few prospects, a grievous war injury and his heart belongs to Lady Ainsley Mathews beautiful and spoiled way above his reach. The sparks that fly between these two are incendiary. The dialogue between them is everything and there is a line that I’m going to paraphrase badly ... but it resonates with me ... because they had no expectations of each other they were able to be their true selves with each other. Both of these characters grow because of their relationship with each other and so the HEA is very satisfying. Another thing that struck me was that although the author was quite realistic about how few options women had at the time, Ainsley was a strong character despite all of that without it being anachronistic. I enjoyed this story very much and look forward to reading the rest of the series. Mild to medium steam. Publishing Date October 30, 2018. #NetGalley #TheHighlanderWhoProtectedMe @VanessaKelly

This book is fast-paced and enjoyable.  As is usual with Vanessa Kelly, it's a very well-written and well-researched book.  I highly recommend...both for the fun story as well as the entertaining characters.  I can wholeheartedly say...you will enjoy it.

Royal and Ainsley had an instant connection almost since the beginning of the time they met.  Lord Cringlewood has been an instant frustration almost since the beginning of the time Royal and Ainsley met.  

The love and trust between Ainsley and Royal is so strong, but not acknowledged until well into the book.  We can see it as readers but Ainsley does not see it. The witty banter and argumentation between these two just keeps getting better.  Royal even acknowledges that he knows Ainsley is being honest with him when she is fussing at him the most.

Grandda/Angus keeps things interesting with his interference, his protectiveness of Tira and his feud with Ainsley.  They even tried a couple of times to get along.  Makes for interesting reading.

Although a difficult subject, Ainsley’s assault by her former fiance, Lord Cringlewood plays a tremendous part in the book.  Her strong desire to protect Tira shows her deep love for her daughter.  Ainsley’s mother is part of the tremendous problem for women who have been assaulted.  Her mother kind of connects it to the relationship she has with Ainsley’s father – proper wives promised to obey their husbands when they married.  Ainsley has a very forward thinking view of wanting to do anything except marry the man who assaulted her.  Her idiot mother claims it is a misunderstanding.

Royal took his cues from Ainsley.  His love for her is what lead him to take Tira and hide her.  Ainsley’s love for him was in that trust she showed by giving him. Tira.  Ainsley was just no where near recognizing what she felt for Royal, not yet.

I loved the ending of the book.  It happened quick and seemed appropriate due to the circumstances.  Hopefully, Logan’s book comes next and has him finding his HEA and a life with his son.

I liked to premise of this book, but didn’t really get into the story or the characters. This was unfortunate because I wanted to like it! I was continually frustrated with Ainsley, the author kept reminding us she was spoiled and selfish and I don’t think she ever redeemed herself.

Most of this story was great just the mid middle to a few chapters toward the end were getting a bit stale. You can tell how much love Royal has for Ainsley but for her she was too selective with her ‘love’ she would push him away or pull him closer within a sentence, plus the lies she kept hidden until he forced them out of her and even then she kept parts away. I do t fell a connection between Ainsley to Royal but his to her yea but her love wasn’t there. Even to her own child she gave up for 5 months, she acted like a women that don’t even know how to handle a baby when she did for the first few days after the birth, it’s like she never held her own child before but she did. I felt she was scatteredbrain for most of this.  Told from both POV and the ending is like a HFN since they were leaving for Canada to be in hiding along with his granda. 
Trigger for some is Ainsley was rapped and will grossly tell how her so-called fiancé Cringlewood took her after he backhanded her.

3.5 Stars

Oh, this historical had all the makings of an epic romance. Royal is a delicious Scottish male who has seen his share of tragedy. He bears the scars of war, but Ainsley changes his life forever.  I had such high hopes for these two lovebirds. I instantly liked Ainsley in the beginning.  I felt Royal and her were well matched, that is until, Ainsley makes few bad decisions.  Poor Royal wants to marry Ainsley but she has other ideas. Her sweet baby's life will be changed forever. Royal finds himself thrust into the role of father and protector of a baby girl, without Ainsley at his side.  Although Ainsley and Royal finally find a way to be together, I thought she was a bit selfish and immature. Royal had to keep changing his life around in order to help her out. I'm thrilled they find their HEA, but I wish Ainsley had made better choices after the baby was born. I look forward to reading more in the Clan Kendrick series.  There were many interesting secondary characters in the Kendrick clan that need their own stories told.

This is the second novel I have read by Vanessa Kelly, and I am quickly becoming a fan! I loved reading about Victoria and Nick, so I was worried I would not like this book as much. From the very beginning I fell in love with Royal’s character. He was very devoted to his family, and truly cared for them more than himself. I did not like Ainsley at first, but as the story progressed, she developed into a strong, compassionate character. The secondary characters were fabulous (Angus is my favorite!). They added depth to the story and helped to shape the main characters. Royal and Ainsley’s story was a true love story.   I would recommend this novel to anyone who loves a good Scottish romance!

So, I have to admit, I requested this to read from NetGalley because I confused Vanessa Kelly and Kelly Bowen. So, it wasn't quite what I expected. It was still an interesting novel. I was really frustrated with the heroine for not trusting the hero, even though I understand WHY she didn't trust him yet. This was a hard book to read, particularly at this time, since the heroine is a survivor of sexual assault. Like, I mainly read romance to escape from the news, and I was reading it mainly during the Kavanaugh hearings... so ... yeah. It was a hard book to read. I did enjoy it, although it doesn't feel over, and I'm sure the drama will continue to unfold in the next book, which I am ALSO excited to read.

So yeah. Pretty interesting.

Royal Kindrick is a typical highlander.  To us, it's a great thing, to Ainsley Matthews, it is not a great thing.  I started this book because I received the ARC copy from Netgalley, but I feel like to really needed to go back and read the rest of Vanessa Kelly's highlander books.  This was a good, traditional highlander romance, even though I wanted to deck Lady Ainsley throughout the book.

I usually fly though Vanessa Kelly's books because I can't wait to see what happens next, but that was not the case with this book. As much as I wanted to like Ainsley Matthews especially with what she went through at the hands of Cringlewood, I found her to be so annoying and unlikeable. Her treatment of Royal was horrendous and yet he still loved her. He was just too good to be true especially with all the lies and secrets that Ainsley kept from him.

The one highlight in this book was Royal's Granddad Angus. He was such a memorable character and the only one who called out Ainsley for her bad behavior. That was the fun part of the book.

This is a superbly written, gripping, fast-paced, suck-you-in kind of story. The characters make you love them or dislike them, but you aren’t neutral about any of them. It is the first book in the new Clan Kendrick series, but it is really a follow-on from The Highlander’s Princess Bride from the ‘The Improper Princesses’ series. 

The Kendricks are a boisterous, close-knit, loving Highland Clan. The family consists of seven brothers – Nicholas (Nick), Logan, Royal, Graeme & Grant (twins), Braeden and Kade plus their irascible grandfather Angus. We learned their history in The Highlanders Princess Bride and I certainly recommend that you read it – you don’t have to read it to enjoy this one, but you really get to know them all in that book. Since that book, I have been sitting on pins and needles just waiting for this one because Royal was such an intriguing character – you know – dark, moody, brooding, wounded war-hero. I didn’t care for Ainsley in that book and I still didn’t really care for her in this book. Frankly, I felt sorry for her predicament, but I found myself thinking that Royal would be much better off in the long run if she just went to London and stayed there.

Royal met Ainsley not long after he returned from the war where he had almost died. Nick, his older brother and clan chief, had dragged him all the way from the Highlands to London to see a series of doctors. He had attended a ball because Nick thought he needed to ‘get a life’ and quit brooding. Then, he saw Ainsley and thought she was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen. They flirted, but the evening ended badly. Fast-forward to the following year and Ainsley is staying just a half-days ride from the Kendricks. Royal decides to visit her, but he isn’t prepared for what he finds. He knew something wasn’t right with Ainsley when she had passed through on her way to her great-aunt’s home several months before, but he hadn’t pursued it. Now, here she was, sitting in her aunt’s house and she was very, very pregnant. 

Ainsley went into labor shortly after Royal arrived and delivered a beautiful little girl. She asks Royal to take her daughter, keep her safe and raise her as his own. She tells Royal a part of the story, but not all, and Royal finally agrees. Royal puts up with the gossip and scandal of bringing ‘his’ by-blow into his family home and raising her. He’s squared his shoulders and weathered it all and they are finally content – not happy, but content. Then Ainsley shows up again and, of course, trouble follows.

Some of what I didn’t like – well, mostly it was Ainsley. She used Royal because he loved her and would let her walk all over him. She was selfish, spoiled, overbearing, opinionated, and she wanted it all. She wanted Royal to protect her and the baby, but she didn’t tell him the whole story. She was defensive and argumentative all the time –especially with grandda. She supposedly loved Royal, but, well, she didn’t do anything until the very end of the book that made me think she cared for him at all. Then, there was grandda, but I do have to say I liked him better in this book than the last one. He was an old curmudgeon who loved his grandson but constantly interfered to keep Royal and Ainsley apart – even after they were married.

Another thing I didn’t like was the ending. It cost Royal yet again – at that point, I thought he had surely paid enough – but no. It also didn’t feel complete – we were just left hanging with some things still unsolved. I assume (maybe) we’ll get the wrap-up in the next book – which will probably be Logan’s because he was a main feature in this book. 

Add in some very modern conversation styles and the use of words such as Spoilsport, Corker, and Fussbudget which all seem to stem from the late 1800’s and not the early 1800’s. I didn’t look up all of the words that struck me as anachronistic. There were some ‘old sayings’ that I didn’t think came from the Regency period – but they might have – “shake a stick at” or “she’s a corker”.

All-in-all, I enjoyed the book, but I had a really hard time caring for Ainsley or understanding how Royal could be so besotted with her. I hope you will enjoy it too!

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"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."

Royal Kendrick injured his leg during the war and has become the brooding sexy Highlander. He fell in love with Lady Ainsley Matthews the moment he met her a few years ago. Lady Ainsley Matthews, heiress and darling of the ton is compromised by the Marquess of Cringlewood who’s supposed to be her fiancé.  Rather than protective of her he abuses her and her father banishes her to Scotland.  She decides hiding on a remote Scottish estate, terrified that her vicious former fiancé will use her pregnancy to force her into marriage. Royal has asked Lady Ainsley to marry him and she always refuses, but she knows she can depend on Royal to protect her and her child.  Royal is the only person Ainsley trusts to protect her baby even if that means agreeing to never see either of them again. It is clear that Ainsley and Royal have feelings for each other in this adventure into the Highland as they both try to protect her daughter, but can they protect their hearts or will they embrace a love they both yearn for and the happiness they both so richly deserve. 
Vanessa Kelly has written an excellent story and I know it’s one you will greatly enjoy as you read about Royal and Ainsley.  This is my honest opinions after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.

Vanessa Kelly's The Highlander Who Protected Me is a heart achingly lovely romance. I have become a huge fan of Ms. Kelly's books and her latest doesn't disappoint. 

Royal Kendrick can't seem to settle in, he is restless, maybe a bit depressed and off kilter. He was injured in the army, happy to come home with his leg, but he walks with a limp. The only bright spot in his life lately was his thwarted elopement with Lady Ainsley. He may just be in love with Ainsley. Too bad they can't stand to be in the same room together for five minutes without a fight.

Ainsley is a diamond of the ton, she is beautiful and has a large dowry. She also has a shocking secret. One that could ruin her forever and has far-reaching consequences - no spoilers here. But she turns to Royal in her hour of desperation knowing he won't fail her.

And he doesn't. Royal will do anything for Ainsley. He will marry her to protect her and his family. She may not realize that she is all he has ever wanted.

This is one emotional roller-coaster book ride. Ainsley and Royal have some tough circumstances to work through and overcome. Danger from outside and the danger that they may just lose their hearts to each other. Very lovely story, great passionate scenes and real emotions and heart ache. Highly recommended - I have thoroughly enjoyed all of Ms. Kelly's books - pick this one up.

I loved the banter between Lady Ainsley and Royal Kendrick. They both have their issues but they are so much easier when they are together. I had a hard time with Ainsley at the beginning because I felt she was spoiled and whiney. However, I stuck with it and ended up loving this book and how the two brought out the best of each other.

I love visiting with the Kendrick’s and this story was especially heart wrenching. “Loyal Royal”, gruff on the outside but no one is more sure hearted.  Waterloo changed him. Left for dead on the battlefield, Royal keeps his physical pain hidden and goes through the the motions of life until he sees Lady Ainsley Matthews. A diamond of the first water, he is attracted to her beauty but Ainsley is unlike anyone female he’s ever met. They openly trade insults without harm. He sees more to her than her outward beauty. After discovering she’s all but betrothed, he does what any self respecting highlander would do...he kidnaps her for a hasty marriage in Scotland.
Lady Ainsley Matthews is bored and lonely. She hates being the center of attention and has perfected the art of nonchalance and barbed wordery. But she has her secrets and a kidnapping was just the diversion she needed to make her escape.  But how to shut her heart down to Royal? He’s the only man that’s ever made her really feel. Leave him she must and she does. She must protect him from herself and her enemy.
Months go by and Royal sinks further into despair. He hides it well but his family sees it. When they suggest he go visit Ainsley, who is weathing out the scandal a days ride away, they have no idea the can of worms they are about to open.  
Vanessa Kelly has given us another great story in the Kendrick Saga. There are secrets to overcome, villains to subdue, and family that always has the best intentions. A strong plot and family you want to be a part of make this a thoroughly enjoyable read. But have your hanky ready, the last chapter had me in tears.❤️

A romance of a Scotsman and an English Lady. An unexpected baby, a lady needing a hero, and evil Lord Cringlewood threatening to take them away. Ainsley and Royal almost eloped before a secret kept them apart. Now Ainsley needs Royal more than ever to protect her and her child. Trust will be their foundation, love will keep them together. One of the sweetest and protective heros.❤️