I really enjoyed this story, though it took me a few chapters to really get into the characters. It seemed rushed for the romance right off, but once the story got past the burning of Lor Caresten’s village, and you have him traveling to the fight guild known as Ludus Caledonia, his character becomes much more rounded, and you feel his pain, his motivation, and his love for the the woman from the Kieth clan that his clan has been rivals with generations.

Isabail Keith is a character that is a strong female who is believable to have existed in the time period, though she would have been atypical of most women. Though I feel the story was focused more on the story of Lor and his revenge, I loved it when the point of view was more from Isabail’s perspective. I would have loved to have had more scenes with her, including the gap years from when the two first meet as children, and when they meet again as adults.

I also felt the background stories of some of the minor characters were well done, and could have had their own stories. Which, since this is first in the series, might actually happen. It would be fun to explore them further. Especially those from the Ludus Caledonia.

Overall, this was a well done romance with enjoyable characters, and a well told narrative. If one is reading this, and feels like I did in the first couple chapters, hang on, the ride gets way better. It is worth sticking with the story.

I have not read from this author before, but this first in series whets my appetite for others by her. I highly recommend this book as a nice romantic getaway.

The first book in a new series taking place in a fighting school in Scotland.

Lor and Isabail meet for the first time when they are just children, but meet again years later.

Their story is full of angst, secrets, miscommunications, sadness, hope and love.

I really liked how strong and capable Isabail was. Full of life and she knew how to get her ways with being a brat. Lor was a strong and honest man and it was wonderful to see him coming into his full potential.

I wouldn’t have minded to see more about the fight guild.

This book takes the reader through a fabulous journey from innocence to grief, to revenge and finally to a HEA. The romantic connection between Lor and Isabail is apparent from the start and is sweet and touching. Their relationship is that of equals and she helps him in his quest to become a great fighter. I like that Lor is conflicted and that his struggles are not overshadowed by reason.

Lor Careston is a peaceful smithy who has trained alongside his beloved grandfather. They live in a small Highland village close to a troublesome rival clan. Our hero met some of that clan when he was still more boy than man and that meeting put a stamp on his heart. When tragedy strikes he knows he has to make a big change to his life.

Isabail Keith is the firey daughter of the clan leader. She and her brothers ran wild as children, causing problems for others. Our heroine has always been clever when it comes to the tactics needed in a fight but that is not enough to help her clan when war threatens.

This is a grand highland adventure and romance. The characters are all strong , brave and so interesting.

This book grabs the imagination on the first page and keeps you wanting more. I can already see that this new training school for warriors is going to be the source of many more fabulous books and I'm looking forward to reading them all.

I loved every page.

“In this life or in the next, I’ll always be true tae ye…”
“I love ye…until the end of all things, I’ll love ye and only ye…”

Lor Careston is a humble smithy living with his grandfather. Despite his size, fighting has never been his first choice. Always preferring to work out disagreements with his brain rather than his brawn, Lor is content with his life in the quiet Highland village where he and his grandfather live and work. But when his village is raided and burned to the ground leaving death and destruction of both his grandfather and his home, Lor remembers a tale told to him about the Ludus Caledonia, an elite training compound where worthy men may sign on years of service to become highly trained warriors. With vengeance in his heart, Lor leaves all behind to be taught to fight in order to gain his retribution…never dreaming that the path he has set to travel will lead him in an entirely different direction…

Isabail Keith, the daughter of the Chieftain of Clan Keith, has given up on finding love. What man would want a warrior for a wife? That is until her path crosses once again with Lor Careston…with Lor she is accepted for being both fierce and beautiful. Lor doesn’t judge her for her choice in being trained for battle, and willingly asks for her guidance. Over time, Lor and Isabail find a love that will last a lifetime and beyond…

Oh, dear reader, I did so enjoy the first installment to Kathryn Le Veque’s Scots & Swords series! If you are a fan of her medieval romances, be prepared for the same epic adventure and swoon worthy hero! Looking forward to the next in the series and highly recommend!



**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **

I wasn't sure going in how much I would like this book.
Turns I liked it very much. My only concern was the time period it was set.
I fell in love with Lor and Isabail . They had great chemistry together. I enjoyed their first meeting.
A lot of action. Enjoy reading books with strong heroine and sensitive hero.

Highland Gladiator (Scots and Swords Book 1) by Kathryn Le Veque 4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Creative storyline of a smithy who trains to be a gladiator warrior for vengeance, and a heroine who’s battle trained, strong, intelligent, and resilient. I enjoyed the multiple plots filled with angst, secrets, lies, danger, deception, intrigue, and the sweet passion of romance. If you love historical romance you’ll love this one!
Happy Reading ♥️
Adult Content.

Kathryn is an amazing writer. Fast paced, action packed and page turning. I couldn't put this book down.

Romance, vengeance, and gladiators? Yes please. This was a fun read that kept my attention til the very last page. I liked that you could read from both Izzy's and Lor's POVs. I absolutely adored reading about their love story from childhood to adult. I also thought that Lor's journey of seeking justice was a great one to read. Overall this was a fantastic read!

Oh man. This was the medieval romance I have been wanting! Revenge! Badass heroine! Breathtaking romance! I cannot wait for the next in this series.

Ahhhhhhh this was just such a wonderful book and I just thoroughly enjoyed myself. I didn’t want to put this book down. I just fell in love with this wonderful story and it’s wonderful characters. I will most definitely be reading more stories from this wonderful author.

Another enjoyable historical read by Ms. Le Veque! I like how she combines history with romance, feisty heroines and irresistible heroes! Isabail and Lor meet when they are young and we see how their romance blossoms as they grow, from infatuation to love. However, their clans do not mix and they keep their meetings secret. Lor was a blacksmith, with no interest in learning to fight, but that changed. Lor becomes hardened by the murdering of his village, seeking vengeance on those who killed his grandfather. Lor becomes rather tangled between his revenge and love for Isabail. Isabail never thought a man would see beyond her unladylike abilities, but she has no interest of sitting on the sidelines. She is knowledgeable in defending herself and knows what she wants and lets nothing get in her way. When you find the one you love, you never let them go and Lor will have to decide what means more to him.
I received this novel as an ARC from net galley and the publisher. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This story felt incredibly fast-paced, the details seemed glossed over, and there was a lot of telling not showing happening. I tried to get into the characters but they seem very surface and I wasn’t feeling their connection at all. I was excited about the story and loved the synopsis so I was looking forward to it. However the execution was not what I was expecting, it felt very basic writing-wise with no real depth and I found myself growing bored, wanting some real grit and details. I also found the third person POV confusing at times because it was hard to figure out who was talking. I’m sorry to say this book was not for me.

This book was INTENSE and exactly the high-voltage escapist romance I needed right now. If you like badass men with beautiful brogues and the people that they love, then this is 100% for you!

An Epic tale of Love and Trust
This is the story of Lor Careston and Isabail Keith and their journey together to find love and trust with one another.A vividly descriptive and picture perfect love story of two lost souls who come together amidst turbulent times. A very well written saga of loss,revenge,love and trust,Kathryn has outdone herself once again.The Epic medieval romance is back to hit you where it matters-into your heart.You are transported to the world of Ludus Caledonia where the lure of money and position makes men from all walks of life into fighters and some men into winners,but only a rare few find something beyond the love of a fight.
The love of a good woman.
In the world of Ludus Caledonia this rare few will find their happily ever after.
An awesome read where you experience the anguish,heartbreak and happiness of the characters along with them.Cheers to the author for once again giving her readers an enthralling and captivating story.
Without a doubt,recipient of 5 stars 🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Highly recommended reading 😊