When I started reading this book I was a little puzzled, but keep reading. The first story will have a strong connection to the main love story of Aurelius dun Tarh and the daughter of the Earl of Birdlington, Valery de Leybourne. Neither knew of the betrothed contact for a year, until Aurelius was informed on the battlefield in France. Valery, when Aurelius comes to Lydgate Castle. With charm, honesty and affection, he and Valery form a bond, but darkness comes to the castle. What was once a celebration for a marriage, becomes a veil of death. Descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

I have recently started to read the intriguing historical romances by Kathryn Le Veque and I have to say, I am hooked! Now I have to go all the way back to the beginning of her stories because I am curious to see how things have come to be … need to read about, Dragonblade!

While I work on this authors backlog of stories she continues to turn out fantastic stories. I really enjoyed this book and felt like I was pulled back in time experiencing the story right alongside the characters. I love that her stories completely capture my attention and the vivid descriptions allow me to feel like I am traveling Scotland!

5 Stars

A beautiful night in 1380 at Castle Hydra, Scotland Lares dun Tarh watches over his granddaughter Gabriela. Lares tells her he has an extraordinary story to tell her. Lares tells Gabriela of her strong handsome father Aurelius returning from the Battle of Crecy in France with not only his brothers and Lord Adams Wolsingham who followed him into battle. Adams decides to honor Aurelius by betrothing him to his only daughter and child Valery. Adams said he will be glad to inherit a son even if he is Scottish and Aurelius will be that man willingly. Aurelius is at first apprehensive to the betrothal but will do his duty even though he is forced into a marriage because he will not only be a Scottish Earl but an English one as well. When Valery meets Aurelius, she despises him because of how distastefully she is portrayed. The betrothal between the two might even be ruined because of rumors before it’s even begun. Still Aurelius wants the marriage more than ever never realizes that trouble and danger looms ever closer as their wedding approaches.
Wow! What a truly exhilarating breath-taking moving historical romance that is wonderfully told! Sure, the book is broken up into three sections, but they all fit so well together! The tale is amazingly descriptive, so each scene is visually stunning and easy to imagine. The writing shines with nary an error noted even though I don’t pay too much attention to that either. The characters whether they are major or minor shimmer with life. Even the odd pets take on a personality all their own! I even love the cover, which again is not something I look at too closely. I usually don’t think of Ms. Kathyrn Le Veque as a Scottish historical romance writer, but she really knows how to write in this genre and quite well too! Aurelius is just the perfect book boyfriend hero that is just an utter dream! He’s absolutely perfect and can do no wrong. While Valery the headstrong feisty stubborn heroine is his perfect match. Even though their verbal sparring is so much fun. Hopefully there will be more Scottish romances in the future and about the family because I surely will read them.

What an amazing love story told through the loving words of Mabel to her granddaughter Gabriela. I loved the way wrote the story in its simplicity. I was able to follow and keep track of the main characters throughout the book. I truly enjoyed reading of how Mabel and Julie’s met. Then the story of their oldest child Aurieles and Val meeting. To say the least the couples meet in the most interesting ways. Aurieles is a bad bad bad boy. How he taunts Valery at the lake was one of the many steamy parts of their love story. I loved this book a lot. It’s very entertaining and a whole lot of fun to read.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

This was a very unique story told from different generations and different people. It was heartbreaking and times and funny at others. You will fall in love with these characters and feel their pain and joy along with them. I was given a copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Medieval, Scottish, Historical Romance

In this epic story, we have two romances in one. There is Lares, who is said to have called Lucifer, and in church of all places. Is this true? It is amazing what people will do for love, but to know what really happened, you must read this entertaining story.

Lares’s story is not the main one in the book, however. It is Aurelius who takes up most of the book. He and Valery take us on quite an adventure. Their marriage is arranged, and at first, the lady is fine with it. Then, she hears unkind words said about her, and Aurelius must grovel for a while. As love blossoms, the two have a few challenges that might have you reaching for that box of tissues. I enjoyed this medieval Scottish romantic adventure and would recommend it.

What an awesome beginning to a new series! Highland Born will grab your attention and keep you reading until the very end.
Kathryn Le Veque has written a story that's filled it with a great cast of characters that I adored, they will hold your attention as their individual personalities become more than just part of the tale they come off the pages and pull you into their story, sizzling passion, family unity and with laughter and tears. With setting descriptions and action sequences that are wonderfully vivid that brings the story to life.

I received a free ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

Book: Highland Born
Author: Kathryn Le Veque
Series: Highland Legion, Book #1
Publisher: Dragonblade
Book Length: 383 Pages
Overall rating: 5/5 Stars
Blog Rating: 5/5 Saltire Flags


This is more like the two stories that weave together but it explains a lot. It starts off as Scotsman, Lares Dun Tarh is a grandfather explaining the meaning of love and all it entails to his granddaughter Gabriela on her wedding day. It is 1313 Lares and Davina are madly in love so he asks her father’s permission to marry but he is kindly denied. He discovers she’s supposed to marry an older man who is a widow that Davina did not even know about.

They decide to marry without permission, except the church denies them as it was the middle of the night and they are denied! Lares is desperate so he pretends he is possessed by the devil trying to terrorize the church so he would scare them and force the Priests to agree to marry them! Except it is just when both of their fathers barge in where Lares looks pretty deranged drawing the devils pentangle in the dirt. They are both separated by their fathers warriors and never to be seen again! From this day on Lares is known as Lucifer due to his actions of this day where he was only acting desperate to marry the woman he loved!

Lares' father sends him to a church as punishment where he is beaten and abused, he works as a farmer and prays on his knees to make up for his sins. This is where he meets and falls in love for the second time in his life with another English lass named Lady Mabel Coleby Douglas-de Waverton. Now two years later his father dies, being his heir he can have his freedom and leave this church of torture forever he is the Earl and marries Mabel. They end up having a wonderful life with ten children, eight braw sons and two beautiful daughters.

The second story is about their eldest son Aurelius Dun Tarh. It is 1346 and they had just been in the Battle of Crecy and he was a war hero that everyone admired and respected. He is to be rewarded by the honorable warlord, the Earl of Wolsingham, who has no male heirs and is surprised to learn his father and Wolsingham arranged a betrothal between Wolsingham’s daughter and himself. At first Aurelius is furious until he realizes he met this Bonny spitfire who stole his clothes previously and is definitely intrigued! As no one had previously ever seen Wolsingham’s daughter Valery de Leybourne or his wife. A daughter whose two best friends are her two pet geese that brings a lot of hilarity to this emotional story.

Valery was excited to be getting married like so many of her friends until she overhears Aurelius' jealous brother saying horrible things about her and the marriage! Thinking her husband said these awful, unkind statements about her and the arranged betrothal. This lass is not one to turn the other cheek, even her pet goose is involved in her wee game of revenge! As things were only starting to get interesting between beautiful and intelligent Valery and the handsome and charming Scottish war hero Aurelius. However she is very attracted to her Scottish husband-to-be and Aurelius thinks she is the most beautiful woman he has ever seen physically and also one of the most intelligent women he has ever known too. Soon Wolsingham realizes this has turned into a love match and realizes they must get married as soon as possible before his daughter loses her innocence or worse becomes pregnant!

This is a unique and heartbreaking story about both love, heartbreak and family. It is definitely emotional so definitely bring a box of tissues as readers will definitely need it. It is a heartwarming story with so many twists and turns and obstacles both good and bad. I absolutely loved Highland Born, what a remarkable start to a brilliant series! I can’t wait to read the next book in this extraordinary series.

The Highland Legion Series By Kathryn Le Veque
Highland Born
Highland Destroyer
Highland Slayer
Highland Guardian
Highland Protector
Highland Champion
Highland Sentinel
Highland Invincible

Disclaimer: I received an advance reader copy from Dragonblade publishing. I voluntarily agreed to do an honest, fair, review and blog through Netgalley. All words, thoughts, ideas are my own.

In Highland Born, Kathryn Le Veque weaves a captivating tapestry of love, legacy, and identity within the dun Tarh family, descendants of the elite Ninth Hispania. Set against the rugged Scottish highlands, the narrative unfolds through the complex life of Lares Rayan dun Tarh, known as "Lucifer," and his conflicted son, Aurelius. Born a Highlander but shaped by English upbringing, Aurelius becomes entangled in an unwanted betrothal that unravels family secrets. Le Veque's storytelling prowess shines as she masterfully navigates through generations, with Grandfather Lares recounting the tale at his granddaughter's wedding. The characters, notably Aurelius and his formidable bride Valery, are richly developed, embodying the intricate dance of passion, misunderstandings, and familial bonds. With its emotional depth and unpredictable twists, Highland Born stands as a testament to Le Veque's ability to transcend traditional historical romance, delivering an epic and resonant narrative that lingers in the hearts of readers.

An epic tale that drew me up into the lives of Aurelius and Valery as they learn that their fathers have brokered a betrothal without their knowledge, little realizing just how connected the two families are. Valery is the perfect wife for Aurelius, in that she is a strong personality and does not suffer fools gladly. She is also apt to take her revenge when insulted, but her groom-to-be is equally able to defend himself. A match born out of sorrow, it is only towards the conclusion that the truth finally emerges and I found myself crying copious tears as healing comes to broken hearts. This is an amazing romance and I look forward to reading more about descendants of the man they call Lucifer. I received a copy of this well-written and exciting novel as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

Best book of 2023!

I've read literally dozens of books by this author over the past few years, and have absolutely loved every one of them. But this one is so good, it's on an entirely new level. This is the first book (by any author) that actually made me cry. Tears of sorrow, tears of joy, tears of relief.

There's so much going on in this book, covering three generations of two families, and spanning the years from 1313 to 1380. Words aren't enough to express just how much this book moved me.

It centers around the romance between Valery and Aurelius, who find themselves betrothed to each other by their fathers, neither of whom knew of the decades-old connection between their families. As much as I loved Aurelius - and make no mistake, he's a perfect hero and divine book boyfriend - I have to say I loved his father, Lares, just a little bit more. The father's story bookends the main romance beautifully, and I just loved reading about him every time he was on the page.

As much as I loved our heroes, I admired and rooted for the memorable collection of strong-hearted women. Valery, Mabel, and Davina each brought a lot of heart and love to their friends and families and I loved each one of them.

This is the first in a new series for this author, though she cleverly includes familiar faces and names as she connects each new family to existing lineages in her canon. Reading one of her books is an experience like no other, and this one is a truly outstanding example of her enthralling world-building. I highly recommend this exquisite romance. I voluntarily reviewed and ARC of this book.

Kathryn continues to give us the most amazing love stories!!! This first book in the Highland Legion storyline of the dun Tarh family is a multi-generational story of true love. We have the grandfather Lars, then the son Aurelius, the granddaughter Gabriela, and many others.

There is an amazing cast of characters - Lars, Davina, Mabel, Aurelius, Valery, and Gabriela.
It's a story showing the true meaning of love and sacrifice, and that True Love is a promise for the future.
Kathryn included so much in this story - the horrors of war, passion, trust, secrecy, betrayal, sadness, loss, and humor especially through Sunny and Moonie.

Once you start reading, you will not be able to put this book down.
I received an ARC of this book and chose to post a review.

Aurelius and Valery have me glowing. One, to see them happy is pure joy, and two, because I’m in love. So perfectly opposite and yet so perfect together, a giant cinnamon roll with a heart of gold and a fearless warrior with a giant spirit, they’re an irresistible combination.

Magnificent, Love Story Not to Miss:
I have to take my hat off to this amazing author who has created a new series of a highland clan that captured me completely. I wish I could give this book many more stars than 5.
This story actually takes us through three romance stories that are all connected to make this book magnificent and if you think that is too strong of a word to describe this story; it is not.
This story brings be back to the beginning of the dynasty series of the DeWolf family.
I wish I could describe this book better, but others will surely do better I am.
The book has 3 parts. The beginning caught my attention and is quite a story all its own, but it sets us up for the for the next segment. The second part is filled with new beginnings for the two newly betrothed. Aurelius and Valery slow growing romance is fill with humor, witty banter, and of course desirous attraction that soon leads us into part three. This is where this book takes the reader into a betrayal and sadness, an intense catastrophe, many revealed secrets and confessions, revealing a love beyond belief. 
You wonder now about the third romance. That dear readers you will discover when you read this fascinating story.
The very heartfelt ending had me shedding tears for several pages until the story jumps to the future for the final HEA ending, we all look for.
✔Cover 5 stars:
✔ Special Mention: Sunny and Moonie. They gave us a few interesting and enjoyable moments, but what happens to all their droppings🤷‍♀️

A great new Clan to meet and enjoy from our Queen of medieval romance. This is a Scottish family with unusual roots and connections with some of our English heroes.
This book starts with a grandfather explaining true love to one of his granddaughters on her wedding day. The main story though is about Aurelius dun Tarh and Valery de Leybourne. We travel from the mud and blood of the battlefield to a beautiful castle. The brothers are dedicated to each other, but full of mischief. I'm certainly looking forward to their stories. Our heroine has a pair of very unusual pets that are more effective than you might think as guards.
There are many giggles but you will need a box of tissues towards the end. Make sure you have time and peace to read this because once you pick it up , you won't want to put it down.
I loved every page.

Wow, what a way to start a new series. Ms. LeVeque has hit another one out of the part. A multi generation story, one that will continue, of love, romance, battles, drama, loyalty, heartbreak and more. Told by the Grandfather, he takes us on a poignant journey of the duTahr. Tears will surely fall, joy will be felt and the reader will fall in love with each character before the last page. It is so beautifully written that the reader because part of the story and feels a sense of family history like it's their own. I promise you do not want to miss this story or the series as a whole.

The love stories of generations.
Aurelius is the oldest son and hereditary Earl.
He becomes betrothed to an Earl’s daughter Valery after a battle.
As they meet and get to know one another, other love stories become entwined with their own.
His father, her mother, a granddaughter.
Some sad and touching moments so that I actually had tears in my eyes.
A true celebration of life and love with a great start to the dun Tarh family saga.

This was an excellent story about different generations and a love that spans time. He has loved two women, Davi in his youth and Mabel his true partner for life. Talked about the children they had and raised, and the ones married. This was a true love story. HEA.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

I loved this because it was so different, and also very fleshed out with so much information about the family and characters involved.

It was so full of their lives, from the start of the Grandads story, through the son, and onto the Granddaughter, told as a tale of love from the Grandfather at her wedding.

What a tale, an epic journey, covering quite a few different places, couples and romances.
Just wonderful!

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

Highland Born by Kathryn Le Veque features her first Highlander hero, well, two really. It is 1313 and Lares and Davina are in love. As Lares attends her father to ask for his blessing, he is kindly but definitely denied as she has been betrothed to another. He doubts she knows and that is confirmed when she meets him in the bailey, where they pretend to argue but in reality are making plans to run away together. They are caught and because Lares had thrown a tantrum and called upon the devil, his father drags him to a faraway abbey, as much to protect as to punish. Two years later his father is dead, he the is earl, and he has just met the woman who will be his wife. In 1346, the war with France is over and as a reward for Aurelius, the son of Lares, The Earl of Wolsingham tells him that he and his father have arranged for Aurelius to be betrothed to his daughter, Valery. At first Aurelius is not certain but determines to, at least, explore the possibility. They meet in an inauspicious way, but quickly fall in love, as we knew they would. Through much adversity their relationship grows stronger.

Aurelius is a hero in everyone’s eyes. He is an endearing character as well as a complicated and sometimes, arrogant man. Very well-written character. Valery is her own woman. She is beautiful and compassionate, but will not be told what to do. A character worthy of her mate. Plenty of twists and turns to both this romance, and the original one. It is a tale worthy of Le Veque’s genius with storytelling. It is full of passion, misunderstandings, history, and so much more. It is a wonderful telling of a story full of both romance and tragedy. An excellent book.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Highland Born by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #KathrynLeVeque #HighlandBorn