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Vanessa Kelly
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The Highlander Who Protected Me (Clan Kendrick Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Vanessa Kelly (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 992 ratings
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 . . .
 
Praise for Vanessa Kelly’s Improper Princesses series
 
“A thoroughly satisfying Regency romance.” —Publishers Weekly
 
“An enjoyable, thoughtful romance.” –Kirkus Reviews
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  1. Book 1 of 6
    Clan Kendrick
  2. Print length
    434 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Zebra Books
  5. Publication date
    October 30, 2018
  6. File size
    1.2 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 6 books in this series.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Brilliantly written, deeply emotional, altogether splendid!” —USA Today Bestselling Author Collette Cameron on The Highlander wo Protected Me
 
“Sensuous romance, elaborately developed characters, and a fast-moving plot make this historical very satisfying.” —Publishers Weekly on The Highlander who Protected Me

About the Author

Vanessa Kelly is the award-winning and USA Today bestselling author of The Improper Princesses series, The Renegade Royals Series and The Stanton Family series, in addition to other historical romances. Named by Booklist as one of the "New Stars of Historical Romance," she is a Maggie Medallion winner and is well known for developing vibrant Regency settings, appealing characters, and witty storylines that captivate readers. 

When she's not dreaming up plots for her next Regency historical novel, Vanessa is writing USA Today Bestselling contemporary romance with her husband under the pen name of V.K. Sykes. 

You can find Vanessa at vanessakellyauthor.com or at vksykes.com. For all of Vanessa's latest news and contests--and to receive a free story--please sign up for her newsletter on her website. 

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B079KSS17G
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Zebra Books (October 30, 2018)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 30, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.2 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 434 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 992 ratings

About the author

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Vanessa Kelly

Vanessa Kelly

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Vanessa Kelly is a bestselling author of historical mystery and historical romance. She has won multiple awards, including the prestigious Maggie Medallion for best historical romance. She is a USA Today, Barnes & Noble, BookScan, and Amazon bestseller several times over. To date, her books have been published in eleven languages. After receiving her MA in English literature from Rutgers University, Vanessa spent several years in the Ph.D program at the University of Toronto, studying women authors of the 18th Century. She worked as a researcher for many years, and currently resides in Ottawa, Canada, with her husband.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
992 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoyed the story and found it heartwarming and emotional. They appreciated the Scottish background and character. However, some felt the pacing was slow and the book dragged out. There were mixed opinions on the character development, with some finding them wonderful and funny, while others felt the heroine was self-centered. There were also mixed opinions on the humor, with some finding it hilarious and entertaining, while others got tired of Ainsley's sarcasm.

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Story qualityReadabilityHeartwarmingScottishnessCharacter developmentHumorSelfishnessPacing
33 customers mention "Story quality"27 positive6 negative

Customers enjoy the story's quality. They find the plot engaging with comedy, drama, and suspense. The adventure and love story are interesting to them. Overall, they describe the book as a high-quality Regency/Scottish romance novel.

"...I would highly recommend this book it is so well written the story is enthralling...." Read more

"...What an amazingly brilliant sweeping story by Ms. Vanessa Kelly!..." Read more

"...I really loved reading a storyline with a pregnant heroine that doesn't follow the usual trajectory...." Read more

"...Both H/h are incredibly well done and the plot is excellent. The descriptions of Scotland make me even more determined to visit someday...." Read more

30 customers mention "Readability"30 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's readability. They find it engaging with unexpected twists and turns. Readers describe it as a good start to the Clan Kendrick series.

"...I enjoyed this book and seeing all the Kendrick Men again. Royal was one of my favorites and I am so happy that he got his own story...." Read more

"...That it is hard not to get caught up in how beautifully it is written and the characters themselves...." Read more

"...I highly recommend this book and suggest that, if you haven't already, you read the 'The Highlander's Princess Bride' which is the story of Royal's..." Read more

"This was a good book with some great characters. It makes you want to cry and laugh quite a bit...." Read more

9 customers mention "Heartwarming"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book heartwarming and emotional. They describe the characters as caring, thoughtful, and loving. The story makes readers cry and laugh, with a lively cast of lovable and funny minor characters.

"...There are parts that will make you teary-eyed, swoon, laugh, and just all out fall in love with some of the characters!..." Read more

"...He was just wonderful he loves with his whole being, his forgiving loving heart and raises a child that isn’t his, what’s not to like?..." Read more

"...He is fierce toward his enemies, tender toward those he loves, and, oh boy, he wears a kilt! What more could a woman ask for?..." Read more

"This was a good book with some great characters. It makes you want to cry and laugh quite a bit...." Read more

3 customers mention "Scottishness"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy books with Scottish or Irish backgrounds. They find the character their favorite Highlander in any book.

"...He is my new favorite Highlander in any book...." Read more

"Good read, I really enjoy a good Scottish book. Would recommend it, fun reading. Read fair!t quick, didn't want to put down" Read more

"Great book, I can’t wait to read more I. The series. Love books with Scottish or Irish background...." Read more

25 customers mention "Character development"17 positive8 negative

Customers have different views on the character development. Some find the characters wonderful, funny, and lovable. They appreciate the Irish and English characters. However, others feel the heroine is annoying and hard to care for.

"...I really felt for her character and really adored being able to watch her character grow and become a more likeable and relatable as the story..." Read more

"...All the secondary characters are also vividly portrayed and Royal's grandfather, Angus, stole my heart...." Read more

"...One more thing, even the villain is terribly despicable. But I don’t want to include any spoilers. You would just have to read the book yourself...." Read more

"...There are also sufficient breadcrumbs dropped about other family characters you can’t help but wish to read the next book." Read more

8 customers mention "Humor"5 positive3 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the humor. Some find it funny and entertaining, while others get tired of Ainsley's sarcasm and useless dialogue.

"...There are parts that will make you teary-eyed, swoon, laugh, and just all out fall in love with some of the characters!..." Read more

"...It makes you want to cry and laugh quite a bit. Looking forward to the rest of the series. Spoiler below..." Read more

"...The book drags out. So much useless dialogue with intentions of humor that falls very flat...." Read more

"...Angus was absolutely hilarious. He was the special factor in the book. I'm assuming another book is in the works that explains the long term outcome...." Read more

4 customers mention "Selfishness"0 positive4 negative

Customers dislike the character's selfishness. They say she's self-centered.

"...She really made the story unlikable for me. She's awful, selfish, vain and vapid...." Read more

"...Unfair. But, my biggest problem is Ainsley. She is one of the most selfish and self involved characters ever created...." Read more

"...Maybe it will get better as it goes, but she is so selfish and unreal I just can't imagine it getting better so I'm putting it in my collection "..." Read more

"...She was very selfish and self centered. This man loved her no matter what and she spurned him at every turn." Read more

3 customers mention "Pacing"0 positive3 negative

Customers find the book's pacing slow. They say the scenes move slowly and the book drags out.

"Scenes moved slowly as the author had the verbal exchanges between the main characters unnecessarily loquacious ...." Read more

"...Vanessa Kelly fails in the romance department. The book drags out. So much useless dialogue with intentions of humor that falls very flat...." Read more

"It was a good book but I love romance. It started slow and then Ainsley became so whiny I almost didn’t want her for Royal...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Carlene Michalk
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thoroughly enjoyed this
    Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I have loved all of the books that I read by this author. And, she did not seem to disappoint me in her latest installment. I enjoyed this book and seeing all the Kendrick Men again. Royal was one of my favorites and I am so happy that he got his own story. There are parts that will make you teary-eyed, swoon, laugh, and just all out fall in love with some of the characters!

    Ainsley, she’s in a bit of a predicament, she is pregnant and trying not to get found out in order stay away forced marriage. She has her own scars that she had gotten from her old fiancé. And of course she’s pregnant of all things!When Royal charges back in her life,He gives her so much hope and it was adorable watching these characters play out with one another. And how their flames still burned even though they left on bad terms before all of this happened.

    Royal, A wounded soul he wonders if life is basically worth living anymore. He had Trumatic experiences in the war leaving him with a wounded leg and a broken soul. Ainsley brought some light to him and made him think that he could actually live again even though he would never be the same as he once was before the war. Oh my gosh, I love his character so much. How he was so loyal to both Ainsley and his family. Who wouldn’t want a man like that?

    ***Slight spoilers I guess ***

    This is the first book that I ever read with involving a baby. I never thought I would enjoy something like that but, I ended up loving this book so much. It was nice Royal took over as the father of the baby despite his broken heart. But, the little baby brought him and his family happiness. I also had to swoon at that.

    As I said this is one of those second chance romances that you will absolutely root for the couple. Royal and Ainsley simply could not stop loving each other no matter how bad things got. They equal each other out perfectly, and their relationship basically brought a smile to my face.

    One more thing, even the villain is terribly despicable. But I don’t want to include any spoilers. You would just have to read the book yourself. If you are a lover of Scottish romances or historical romances in general I would highly recommend this book it is so well written the story is enthralling. I had a real good time with this one!I am desperately awaiting the next clan Kendrick book!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Roslynn
    4.0 out of 5 stars Unrequited love of a lady and her highlander
    Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    When Lady Ainsley Matthews meets Royal Kendrick sparks fly; but Ainsley is English, an heiress plus a darling of the ton and Royal is the son of the distinguished Highland Kendrick clan. The attraction between Ainsley and Royal is immediate but situations and most of all family is determined to keep them apart. Ainsley at first must leave Royal because to care for him is forbidden. When Ainsley asks for Royal’s help to keep her daughter safe Royal puts everything at stake including his family name. When Ainsley comes again for Royal’s help there is only one thing he must do to save Ainsley and her daughter, marriage. Still there are secrets that threaten to keep them apart; will Royal and Ainsley risk everything for their love despite the cost?
    What an amazingly brilliant sweeping story by Ms. Vanessa Kelly! That it is hard not to get caught up in how beautifully it is written and the characters themselves. Yes, it is hard not to fall for Royal the brave resilient handsome hero. He was just wonderful he loves with his whole being, his forgiving loving heart and raises a child that isn’t his, what’s not to like? He takes on so much and he just totally endeared me to him that really I was just cheering him on. On the other hand Ainsley bothered me on so many levels. I didn’t understand her at all plus she leads Royal on and then leaves him repeatedly. I got annoyed at the times when she left him with her issues and responsibilities when she could have figured out a way for them to be together. Sure why she leaves are perfectly valid reasons yet it managed to make me mad anyway. I also didn’t feel the relationship between the two or that Ainsley really cared about anything but herself so to me she came across as being very selfish. Ms. Kelly writes with such heart that even though I found some things that weren’t to my liking I still enjoyed the story and do want to read more about the Kendrick’s!
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • L. Trim
    3.0 out of 5 stars Uninspiring
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 28, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I felt that this story could have been edited down by quite a few pages as there was a great deal of long conversation. While the basic story was ok if a bit unlikely, there was too much American cant in the book. The heroine was a bit silly and self centred. It was the first book by this author that I have read and I was unimpressed.
    Report
  • Candace N.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic!!
    Reviewed in Canada on November 14, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    This was one of the most beautifully written stories I have ever read. The characters and story completely came alive. I was so emotionally involved in this story. I ugly cried through at least half of the book...wow...and laughed through the rest. The story was engaging, devastatingly heartbreaking and hopelessly romantic all rolled together. Royal Kendrick and Ainsley were a perfect match, I couldn’t get enough of them. Royal was literally the perfect hero. Painsley Ainsley was exactly that... A infuriating pain... but in a good way. I really enjoyed her character. The bickering between Ainsley and Royal and Angus was ridiculously hilarious. I just really loved this story so much and cannot begin to praise it enough. I have never wanted to reread a book so badly and I JUST finished it!!! Absolute page turner.
    Report
  • Martina S
    5.0 out of 5 stars This authors book is an automatic buy for me.
    Reviewed in Canada on December 18, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    If you haven’t read anything by this author I would encourage you to do so, if you have then you already know how great her books are.
    Report
  • Andreea Srom
    3.0 out of 5 stars What happened with the author?
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 11, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Compared with the other books of Vanessa Kelly this sounded like a joke. I would rate her other books a 4-5 stars and this one only 1-2 honestly.
    I will give 3 stars because i will compare it to other romance authors , but I was expecting this story to be more entertaining given the characters strongheadedness, they had so much potential for a more intriguing story...
    It was to much explaining i felt like an idiot reading it...
    When i first started reading vanessa kelly i said to myself that her books are worth the price because of the way she is keeping you glued to the book you can't put it down till you know all the story... but this one is worth more like a 99p book (it took me a week to finish it while i read another in 3-5 hours.)
    Sorry for Royal he could have had his story told better.
    Report

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