Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Expected publication date July 27th 2021.

This is the third book in the Scots and Swords series. It follows the story of Magnus also known as "The Eagle" we were introduced to him in the earlier books, and I was always interested to learn his story as he was always full of tricks and mischief but also well respected by the other members of the Cal. Magnus is a mighty warrior within the Ludus Caledonia, he has a reputation for speed despite his small stature makes he a feared opponent. Not to forget his bulging muscles. We find out in the book that he is actually the bastard son of a Duke who has royal blood running through his veins. Years before he managed to escape the clutches of his evil Uncle who brought him up believe his Father the Duke wanted nothing to do with him or his Mother who was a lady in waiting to his wife.

In a chance meeting he bumps in to his Aunty and her Sons betrothed Diantha de Mora, who it turns out is also a pawn in his Uncles game. She manages to escapes his clutches and runs to Magnus for help getting back to her family in Spain.

One think I really like about the author, is her ability to write about characters you can't help but route for. They never moan about their lot in life, but instead just get on with it and excel themselves into making a better life for themselves and those they hold dear. This is another great story with wonderful colourful characters. It was also nice to see the other Cal members and their families features in the books, so we can see how their relationships are blossoming also. We also get to see a softer side to the Cals owner in this, he gives up a glimpse of his past life and heartache at loosing his wife. Another great addition to the series.

posted under wrong title. This review was meant to be posted under The Dark Spawn. will update once read.

At this point, there should probably just be a historical romance category called “Le Veque”!

In true Kathryn Le Veque fashion, this book satisfies the niche for super old (medieval) historical romance. It follows a similar plot to her other works, and is a satisfying read for fans of her work.

The only reason it missed a 5 star for me was that there wasn’t quite enough work done with Mangnus to make him feel like a hero who wasn’t a narcissist. There was one line early in the book where he was thinking about what the heroine meant to him, and he decided to “make” her like him. Combined with his narcissism in other aspects of his character, it turned me off to loving him as a hero. If you’re into very alpha males, you’ll definitely like this book, and it was definitely enjoyable... that one piece just fell flat for me.

I also greatly enjoyed the relationship between Magnus and the fighter clan. At one point, they were trying to teach him how to “romance” a woman, and I was laughing, mentally chuckling in my head and saying “you dummies”, which is one of my favorite reactions to a hero’s antics.

Overall, a great read, and definitely a staple for Le Veque romance!

Another enjoyable read by Ms. Le Veque. Two people are brought together by the same man that kept them captive. Magnus is a fighter for Ludus Caledonia. He has not lost a fight and is a favorite among the crowds and the women. Everything changes for him when he meets Diantha, a woman from another country being held captive for the wealth she has. She is kind and compassionate, something Magnus has never experienced and is drawn to that. Diantha is also stubborn and wants to earn her way, something Magnus understands well. But their enemy desires them, for different reasons and will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Magnus and Diantha will have to trust each other as well as those they consider friends if they want to have a live together.
I received this novel from net galley and the publisher as an ARC. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Ohhhh a Highlander story... I was thrilled just from the title. This book did not disappoint. It's the lovely story of Magnus and Diantha. First, we meet our hero--strong, handsome, and traumatized from all sorts of dark baggage. He was kidnapped and held hostage by his Dad's cousin, Amboise,, just because he was the nephew of the King. Never mind he was illegitimate... he was mistreated and used as a pawn to control his father for YEARS. Whew! So, we love him already as he has fought through all of this dark experience to be the top professional fighter and troubled-hero-ripe-for-love. He literally bumps into Diantha and he's done for. We know it... he kind-of knows it too as he is struck by love at first sight. Unfortunately, she is a guest/hostage/prisoner/soon-to-be-forced-bride-of-the-disgusting-son-of... guess who? Good ole Amboise. Now what? No spoilers here, but their story of their love is well written and intriguing. The only complaint I have... is with the word "querida", which is Spanish (Castillian) for beloved. Only, it's the feminine form the Spanish speaker uses repeatedly to apply to her husband, and it should be "queridO." I know... I use it for my hubby. My "queridas" are my female friends and family members. Please edit this and the book will be perfect! I am looking forward to reading another story from this author.

This was a nice story. It was a quick read and not overtly complex, but I really enjoyed it. Magnus and Diantha were good characters, and they were cute together. The found family trope was a nice touch too. I liked the writing, but I did find a couple mistakes in the Spanish sentences that were annoying. Overall, this was a quick fun read and a sweet romance.

Kathryn Le Veque can sure weave a tale that will leave you enchanted from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Marcus and Diantha's story, talk about two lost souls that definitely need each other!! Well written with plenty of action and I enjoyed seeing many characters from the other books in the series have a part in this one as well.

Marcus is now the fight club Ludus Caledonia's top gladiator and yes, he's arrogant and selfish but he has every reason to be. He can be forgiven when you learn of his childhood. It isn't until he meets Diantha, who has run away and needing his help, that he starts thinking of someone else instead of just himself. As they get to know each other, a true love forms between them and the importance of love, family and friends becomes so very special. Danger surrounds them, though, but they are prepared to fight!!!

I must mention the "little bee", I loved that part of the storyline!!

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.