A fun story by Celeste Barclay following a proven plot pattern that works well for her easy to enjoy romances. Lovable characters with great secondary characters.

Thank you for allowing me to read/review

3 stars

Lady Cerys Kerr has had a rough life! Her mother died when she was a baby so she was raised by a very unloving father. Her father arranged a marriage and she thought she was in love with her betrothed, but he was tragically killed before their wedding…and everyone blames her! So her father and uncles forced her to be a lady-in-waiting for the queen and she was expected to spy and send them information.

Blake Sinclair is a flirt, but when he meets Cerys, he is captivated! He knows within a few days that he would like to marry her. But, being from rival clans won’t make it easy! But when circumstances force Blake to come to Cerys’s rescue, their relationship is put on the fast track! Most of the book is an epic adventure where they move from one danger to another and discover along the way that they depend and need each other.

This was just such a sweet, gentle romance. Don’t get me wrong, their was passion and adventure, but Cerys and Blake were just the cutest couple! He really was a bear and it was just what poor, abused and neglected Cerys needed! I was engaged the whole story and couldn’t put it down. Just like the first book, I devoured it in a day! Now onto the next one!

Tropes
Historical Romance, Medieval Era, Scotland, Gamma Hero, Highland Warrior Hero, Protective Hero, Titled Hero, Abused Heroine, Virgin Heroine, Outdoor Steam, Bath/Shower Steam, Friends to Lovers, Cinderella Trope, Suspense/Danger/Murder

Having just returned from battle in the name of the true king of Scotland, Blake Sinclair is now set to spend a couple of weeks representing his powerful family at the royal court in Stirling. But with the king exiled to France, the court is a strange place and not at all friendly to Highlanders, leaving Blake to wade into sticky political matters he’s never had to face before.

Cerys Kerr has been in a strange position of her own for the past two years, nominally a lady in waiting to the queen, but with no real duty since the queen is also in France. She’s a keen observer and often hears more than she’s meant to. When she sees Blake at court for the first time, she notices him immediately and it’s not long before they’re drawn together to try to uncover an insidious plot that could ruin the independent Scotland they’ve been fighting for. Blake and Cerys are forced to trust each other if they hope to escape Stirling alive and protect the freedoms generations of Sinclairs have fought for.

Cerys and Blake had to face a lot of challenges to get to their hard-won HEA, but I loved the fact that they faced everything together as a team. Even as they were still working out what exactly their feelings were, they trusted the connection they so obviously had and gave it a chance without trying to deny it. I loved that. There was plenty of drama and action coming from other parts of the story, so I was glad that the actual relationship between Cerys and Blake remained pretty angst free. Some of their decisions don’t quite make sense to me and I’m still puzzling them out, but regardless, these two relied on one another and their open communication, even about potentially awkward subjects made them seem much more mature than their years might lead one to believe and I was very much here for it. I adored how protective of Cerys Blake was. She could definitely hold her own when she needed to but I always melt when the hero stands up for his heroine to her awful family and Cerys’ family definitely fit the bill in this one. This book was heavy on both action and steam, and it really drew me in so that I tore through it and didn’t want to put it down. I adored the strong family ties the Sinclairs had and their openness with demonstrating affection. I’m loving this second generation that is more careful about who they go to bed with and I’m looking forward to the next book.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I love a good highlander romance, and Celeste Barclay does a beautiful job crafting a highlander soulmate romance that has a layer of depth that feels rooted in history. This is the second book in the Clan Sinclair Legacy which is about the younger generation of Sinclair's from another series. This book can be read as a stand alone, Barclay does a nice job of keeping the reader aware of the family members that are from past books. Barclay's world is built around historical and fictional figures which gives her plotting and characters a well rounded and dimensional feeling. Barclay's writing is well paced and accessible. If you love a sweet romance, importance of family, historical moments interwoven with fictional elements, intrigue and mystery, then this is the book for you and well worth the read.

Blake, is a warrior who has just returned from the battlefield, now he finds himself in the royal court of the exiled king where he meets Cerys, a lady in waiting to the queen. Cerys and Blake find themselves in a marriage of convenience that soon blossoms into something more. And they both have to learn to work together to uncover the plot to destroy the hard fought Scottish Independence.

Cerys is observant, bold and shrewd and makes the perfect partner to Blake who is smart, quick witted fighter. These two learn to trust each other, work hard together and communicate in order to overcome the obstacles thrown in their way. I love the way that Barclay explores their understanding of each other as well as uses intimacy as the perfect backdrop for them to develop a strong and trusting foundation. I love that they both easily fall into a pattern with each other and learn to work with each other's strengths. I also adore the fact that Blake comes from a family of men who fall hard for their women. Blake believes in love and he does not fight the love that he feels for Cerys, he lets it grow into something deeper. Barclay really does a lovely job of building a strong relationship between these two that they trust the other to do what is best in the moment. They both trust the other to make the right decisions and know that they will be strong no matter what is thrown in their path. I love that they are never torn apart in a third act conflict, instead they are driven together in order to save the freedom they have fought for.

Definitely recommend this highlander romance! If swoony moments and a great level of steam balance with the perfect amount of intrigue and mystery is something you love in your romance than look no further!

Cerys is so tired of her family and can’t take much more. Blake is getting ready to settle down and as soon as he walks by Cerys he is ready to pursue her. Cerys is a strong woman who doesn’t want to just settle. When Blake starts to show up where she is she starts to relaize he is not like most men. He is willing to do anything for her, even kill when they are attacked. They start to develop a great relationship and they are being targeted after Cerys overheard a conversation about some families going agains the king. Will they be able to make it back to Blakes home safely? I was given an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I Loved It! Gripping and Suspenseful. I love when a book grabs you right from the start and takes you on a heart-stopping journey as in Highland Bear. With visits from characters who you found a special place in your heart for from the first series was really enjoyable. Blake finds himself at court to represent represent his clan and Blake is rethinking his view about marriage when he spots Cery. One look at the tall brawny Highland and Cery is intrigued but, not everything goes smoothly at court and Cery and Blake find themselves caught in a web of danger, family unity, highland feuds, deceit and power play in. Celeste Barclay has written a fantastic romance that brims with tension-building twists and turns, characters that come off the pages and pull you into their emotional ride that keeps you involved until the very end, sizzling hot passion, witty banter, with an action packed plot, trials and tribulations and as the tensions builds and court intrigue escalate with uncertainties abound that will keep you guessing until the end in this outstanding story!

I am grateful for the opportunity to receive an advance review copy in exchange for an honest review through Netgalley.

I had previously read and enjoyed all five books in the The Clan Sinclair series. The Clan Sinclair Legacy is about the grandchildren of Liam Sinclair and Kyla Sutherland. This is book 2. Since I hadn't read Highland Lion when I received Highland Bear, I felt compelled to read it first. That is why I am a bit late writing this review. Highland Bear (The Clan Sinclair Legacy, #2) was published Tuesday.

Even though I read the previous series and book 1, this could be read as a standalone. However, if you have a KU membership, I think they are all available if you are like me and prefer to catch up and read in order.

Celeste Barclay has mastered the art of the almost perfect man that turns monogamous for love. All the Sinclair men are handsome, smart, kind, loyal, grow in wisdom, fit, strong warriors, and great in bed. In the first series, they attained that skill by having sex with hundreds of women. Many of the relationship challenges were very similar.

In this Legacy series, the men are less promiscuous, learning sex skills with probably dozens rather than hundreds of women. I greatly appreciated this improved characteristic in Blake Sinclair, even though he was still a flirtatious ladies man.

I thought Cerys Kerr was a great heroine too. Not only was she beautiful and kind, she was also brave and bright. She was more than just smart. She thought clearly in moments of high stress and danger.

I highly recommend both books in The Clan Sinclair Legacy series. They retained the erotic sex scenes and lifetime monogamous love I have come to expect from the author while adding unique storylines set in researched and well executed historically accurate times. I appreciated the extra layer of depth with real historical figures as secondary characters. I also enjoyed the setting, which moved from Scotland to France through the course of the story. This felt more epic and literally longer in page count than any previous book I have read by Celeste Barclay.

Blake and Cerys unexpectedly find themselves in a fight for their lives. Every book in this author’s collections are always entertaining. She brings the characters to life with their own individual personalities and their own story. From an unfortunate first encounter until the touching conclusion you will become transfixed with the excellent writing and imagination.

Blake, while representing his clan at the court, meets Cerys, a maiden that he finds hard to resist. When a connection and an attraction between them begins to develop, it comes with many problems as they are from rival clans. Blake and Cerys' story is filled with drama, romance, and lots of action as a plot is discovered to overthrow the Scottish King. While each story is a standalone, for readers of previous books, they will find connections and a couple of people from previous stories making an appearance. It does not detract from Blake and Cerys' story in any way, but is an added enrichment going forward. Never failing to give her readers a great story, "Highland Bear" is the second book in the Clan Sinclair Legacy with all the feels and page turning story that readers have come to expect from Celeste Barclay. **I was gifted "Highland Bear leaving my review based on my reading. 5 Stars!

I am enjoying this book and series and the coming together of the characters. She keeps you interested and steamy.
Abandoned at court and her mean spirited family.
Blake and Cery’s relationship starts as a physical connection. From the fierce, fiery attraction, deeper feelings develop as the characters discover more about themselves and each other. Must read.

The love at fist sight story line had me hooked from the beginning. However, there was a lot of reference to family ties and relatives that I found very distracting to the storyline. But if you are a fan of the other books this would have all made sense.

Celeste Barclay’s “Highland Bear” (The Clan Sinclair Legacy Book 2) is absolutely fabulous!

Celeste Barclay is an extraordinary writer with a gift for being able to express the deepest of emotions in her books with such finesse and this story is a testament to her writing ability. She draws you into the political intrigue and chaos of the court of the the exiled king with such ease you imagine yourself there in the midst of the danger and intrigue. I was thoroughly captivated from start to finish!

Blake and Cerys‘ we’re amazing characters whose love story developed naturally. Their chemistry was sizzling and they played off one another so well. They were both to be admired for their strength, honor and integrity. I was so taken with their story.

With such fascinatingly honorable characters, a storyline that will draw you into all the drama, danger and intrigue of the court you feel the intensity and excitement, a beautiful love story that’s both passionate and sweet, this fabulous author renders a fine story worthy of a cinematic experience. With each new book she continually outdoes herself as she takes her readers on a new thrilling adventure.

The author’s writing skills are excellent. She creates a story of complex narrative, deftly drawn character development, rich worldbuilding, and a riveting conclusion. The imagery, the dialogue, the narrative the entire story was incredible.

Thank you so much Ms. Barclay for this extraordinary romance. You have a magnificent way of transporting your readers to another time and place!

Hooked! What a great book and story! The author has an effortless writing style that is engaging and reels you into the story.

Scotland 1337

Prepare to find yourself drawn into this wonderful story from the first page! As always this author combines history and fiction perfectly and the characters come alive!

Two people, from warring clans find themselves drawn together in political intrigue, secrets, action, adventure, and of course, finding an unexpected attraction... If they can only survive the turmoil!

As always, the Sinclair's are an amazing clan, which such support and a strong family. I cannot wait for more!

I have read a lot of Celesta's books. You can count on them drawing you in from page one. This one is no different. I could not put it down. Of course, with one of the Sinclair men who are all handsome as sin, and Hugh. Blake comes from a family of warriors, strong big Highlanders. All the Sinclair are known for their love matches when this was not the norm in most clans. All love their wives and families don't mind showing it.
Blake makes a statement about women and drink when he and his family finally makes it to Stirling Castle. They had been chasing supporters and were hot and tired. Unfortunately, he is overheard by
a young, beautiful lady also. Cerys couldn't miss the highlanders at the stable with them all being Hugh and looking alike, they were very impressive till she heard what one of the young man said.
Cerys now thinks Blake is like all the other man at court a rogue and womanizer. Too bad as he is just about the most handsome man, she has ever seen.
When Cerys and Blake met again it is in a place she should not be. As these two soon find out there is much more going on at the Castle and both get involved just by caring about the other. There is a lot of mystery, intrigue, murder , and treachery for them to figure out alone with their attractions and feelings
for each other. There is a draw between them from the start.
This is a fast-moving story with lots going on. It will have you at the edge of your sit, spill some tears and cheer for our couple too. You don't want to miss this one trusts me.
I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.

I received this book as an arc from the publisher. All opinions are my own. If you have read her previous series, you will recognize some of the characters in this book. But it isn't necessary, it can be read as a standalone.
The blurb tells most of the plot, so I won't repeat that. I found the characters were interesting, especially Blake. He was a true hero for the heroine.
They're lots of adventure, drama, intrigue and romance. The heroine has a terrible family. She was strong throughout though. The steam is probably 3 out of 5.
I recommend this book to anyone wanting intrigue with their romance.

Blake Sinclair is fresh from the battlefield having fought alongside his father, Magnus, and his uncles and cousins. Sent to accompany Sir Andrew of Moray back to Stirling, Blake intends to avail himself of the various entertainments the town offers. But he finds the royal court, absent its exiled king, is far less hospitable to Highlanders than it ever was. Cerys Kerr is making the best of being relegated to serving as a lady-in-waiting to Queen Joan who is exiled in France. Underestimated by the men swarming throughout Stirling Castle, Cerys is both observant and shrewd. When she meets the towering Highlander amidst courtly intrigue. Blake and Cerys become embroiled in a plot that could destroy the hard-fought Scottish independence.
This is the second book in this spin off series, it’s easily read on its own but I absolutely love catching up with the Sinclairs. I loved both Blake & Cerys & became (once again) totally invested in their rocky journey to a HEA. I was drawn in from the start & shed a tear at the wonderful epilogue. I was taken on a plethora of emotions, I laughed. I cried, I gasped & I sighed. There's plenty of action, which had me on the edge of my seat. Then there's the chemistry between Blake & Cerys, which was off the scale. I also love the mix of fact & fiction. A very well written, enthralling captivating read – roll on many more books in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

*Disclaimer: I received an early copy of Highland Bear in exchange for an honest review

As the author has requested reviews not to contain plot spoilers, my review will be brief and about my experience with the book rather than any critique about plot line.
Highland Bear, written by Celeste Barclay, was an easy read from start to finish. The plot flowed rather nicely from beginning to end and had me wanting to keep reading to see where the characters’ journeys would take them next.
After reading Highland Bear, I felt like I knew the main characters fairly well. The author tried to add phonetics in some of the spelling to resemble a Scottish Highland accent, to help the reader feel like they were listening to the main male character speak; I applaud Ms. Barclay for making the effort to do so. However, some of the dialogue between the two main characters felt a little too “book formal” in context compared to the stylistic approach of the Highlander accent. I’m not quite sure how else to explain it, but the book at times felt like it was at odds with itself, as to how dialogue should be approached and written. That aside, I did enjoy the plot line, and makes me want to research the Sinclair Clan before my upcoming trip to Scotland!
I would read another book written by this author. There was definitely some steamy scenes which is always an important part of a romance novel!

Highland Bear by Celeste Barclay
The Clan Sinclair Legacy #2

Romance and intrigue in this story set in old Scotland when King David II of Scotland lived in France and Baliol tried to take the throne. A standalone story that tells of a new generation of Sinclair men and the women then find to love forever.

What I liked:
* Cerys Kerr: queen’s attendant, spy for her family, difficult backstory, caring, warm, wise, strong, and capable - she falls for Blake
* Blake Sinclair: strong, lethal, battle-tried, caring, warrior, falls for Cerys and never looks back
* The Sinclair men and how they are battle scarred but true to their families
* The setting and era (1300’s in Scotland and a bit in France)
* That it is true to the history of the time
* The horses and how they ended up with the names they were given
* The romance that grew between Cerys and Blake
* That I could see the two together and they seemed a good match
* That the two communicated with one another well
* Thinking about how life might have been back then…and being glad I live now instead
* All of it really except

What I didn’t like:
* Exactly what I was meant not to like – Cerys’s family, the traitors, and knowing how difficult life must have been.

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in tis series? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Oliver Hebe for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

Book:Highland Bear
Author: Celeste Barclay
Series:The Highland Sinclair Legacy
Publisher: Oliver Heber Books
Release Date:May 17, 2022
Print Length: 347

Stirling Castle, 1337
War of Scottish Independence

This is the second book in The Highland Sinclair Legacy series. This book is set during the beginning of the second war of Scottish independence. King David II is thirteen summers and married the Queen Joan who is sixteen summers. Their marriage has been set since he was four summer Queen Joan was seven.

This book is about Magnus and Deirdre Sinclair’s son Blake. Blake Sinclair is a gentle giant of a man when things are calm. However, when in turmoil, defending his fellow warriors, or those he loves, his loyalty is to his country on the battlefield! This hero is definitely a Bear of a man and his large size could definitely be intimidating! He just returned from battle fighting next to his clan members, and relatives on the battlefield. He was to to go to court and eventually meet with up with Scotland’s guardian, Sir Andrew of Moray, in Stirling, with other clan leaders as he and his brother Torquil, were to represent his clan without elder clan members present.

The first time Blake see’s Lady Cerys Kerr who is one of the exiled Queen’s lady-in-waiting and is the niece of Brighde Kerr. Blake is instantly attracted to her, it was like a moth to a flame. Now Blake was a man who could capture any woman easily with a glance and smile. Yet Lady Cerys seemed to have no interest in Blake which was very unusual, as the lassies usually fall at his feet! As time goes by they both start to fall for each other even though Lady Cerys knows there is no future for them sadly, but Blake being the optimist plans to fight for this woman-as he has never felt this way for any lass. He wants to at least give them a chance. Wives of enemy clans was no stranger to the Sinclairs! He wants what his parents have and marry for love.

What he doesn’t know is that their clan’s are enemies due to events in the past-where people tried to keep Blake’s parents apart. Which nearly cost Magnus and Deirdre their lives, furthermore even his father knows his son won’t be accepted easily-if even at all. As the Kerr’s truly hate the Sinclairs, partly because of their close relationship with the royal family. Magnus does not want him and Cerys to deal with the heartbreak he and Deirdre went through, which included a long separation even though they had hand fasted and had to murder in self defense!

Cery’s has secrets she can’t share with Blake as she was put in the position as one of the Queen ladies because her Grandfather and Laird wanting her to spy and gather information at court! It was to put the Kerr’s at a dishonorable advantage. It was so the Kerr clan could threaten or blackmail certain people in the future. Blake does not care who her parents are until he see’s her own father publicly humiliate her! It was when her father realizes Cerys has a friendship with a Sinclair! Blake is shocked a father would treat a daughter with so much hatred and dishonor! As the Sinclair’s protect their women and put them first above everyone! He so badly want to kill the man but instead he puts Cerys under Sinclair protection! No matter if he and Cerys and have a future together or not. He had to get her away from her cruel, hateful, and despicable family as they were nothing but monsters!

Totally by accident Cerys had gone to the stables to hopefully bump into Blake, it is where she stays hidden and overhears a treasonous incriminating conversation with a few other clans that will put her life on the line if caught. It is where she hears a plot that could endanger the exiled David the Bruce II (Robert the Bruce’s son). It would also keep the the pretender King Balliol on the throne! The shocker is that some of these clans are supposed to be Bruce supporters and have been spying on the Sinclairs to get information. Now will Cerys tell Blake and reveal the truth? Will she ever trust Blake and open her heart being betrayed by men her entire life? Read and find out.


Barclay weaves true history with a fictional romance with another generation of Sinclair family member that her readers will enjoy. You can read as a stand alone book or in series order. A book I enjoyed and recommend.

Disclaimer: I received an advanced readers copy from Oliver Heber Publishing. I voluntarily agreed to do an honest, fair review and blog through Netgalley. All thoughts, ideas and words are my own.