Highland Defender

Julie Johnstone

Dec 2018 · Julie Johnstone

About this ebook

To protect herself, she’ll deny her powers. To save her, he’ll break every rule he’s vowed to live by.

Lillianna de Burgh knows all about the legend surrounding the women in her family—that true love awakens the gift of sight within them. But given the horrific betrayals the power has brought her ancestors, she wants no part in true love or the supposed gift. Avoiding her fate seems simple enough since men have proven time and again that they wish to use her, not cherish her, even her own kin. Thankfully, when she flees England to escape her evil uncle, she finds herself in the company of a seemingly hard-hearted Highlander who thinks the legend nothing more than a myth. As they travel together, she comes to discover that behind his cold facade lies a fierce and honorable protector, whose mere touch ignites the passion within her. Yet, the more she tries to resist it, the more she seems to fall.

Renowned Highland warrior Angus MacLorh lives by three principles: put country above self, protect family at all cost, and never become entangled with a lass—not again. So when his future king needs him to accompany the far-too-lovely Lillianna to safety, Angus agrees, confident he can keep her at a distance, as he does all women. Yet the gentle, fiercely determined lady intrigues and tempts him at every turn, and when his greatest enemy captures her, he finds himself breaking all his rules to save her.

As the fight for the Scottish throne embroils Lillianna and Angus deep in danger, enemies near and far hunt them threatening their very lives. When the truth of the legend finally comes to light, can a lady determined to escape her destiny and a Highlander bent on facing his future alone overcome the barriers they’ve created and trust in their hearts to lay claim to the most glorious of love?

 

Ratings and reviews

I loved reading the story of Liliana and Angus’ amazing story in Highland Defender by Julie Johnstone, book two in her Renegade Scots series, two very worthy characters. Angus was the laird of the MacLorh clan after the death of his father in a battle; a battle in which Angus believes he failed his father by being distracted by a woman. Angus carried his guilt with him, everywhere he went, determined to never again fall under the spell of a woman. His focus was on freeing Scotland from the rule of England. Lilianna de Burgh is the daughter of the seer of the MacLeod clan. Her father and uncle have tried to use her for her powers, to see the future, and are still trying. In order for this to happen, they must find the amulet that will awaken those powers or fall in love to awaken them. Liliana has sworn to never fall in love or marry, especially after witnessing the abuse her mother received from her father. As a favor to the leader of the rebelling Scots, Angus takes a message to Ettrick Forest on the way to escorting Liliana to Scotland and the MacLeod clan. Along the long and dangerous trek, these two learn about each as they also deny their mutual attraction. This definitely makes the trip intriguing and entertaining. This just could be what Angus and Liliana need to change their views on love and marriage. Ms. Johnstone wrote an emotionally rich and moving story transporting her readers to the land of historical Scotland. She provided a tale rich with sexual chemistry, amusing banter, and endearing characters that are not to be missed. I found both Angus and Liliana loveable heroes. I highly recommend The Highland Defender to other readers. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Highland Defender I didn’t think Julie could top her Highlander Vows series and then she wrote Outlaw King, well I thought nothing could beat that then she does it again with Highlander Defender! I just love the tough, fierce, big hearted men and the incredibly strong women she writes about. It also incorporates elements of historical fact with the romance story throughout the book. It tells the story of proud Highlander Angus, who is loyal to Robert and the fight to free Scotland but who has also know heartbreak that caused him to close his heart to women. He is Laird to his clan and has siblings to keep safe from rivals and the English King. Our heroine is Lillianna who throughout her life has never know love or had anyone she can trust apart from her cousin Elizabeth. Men, including her own kin have only ever wanted what they believe she could give them in terms of the prophecy and a mystical brooch. They are both thrown together, each without trust and denying what is within their hearts for fear it could rip them and their families apart. We are taken on a journey where enemies try to force their hand, but ultimately they find out that opening their hearts does not lead to disaster. Their bond is forged and through that Lillianna and Angus find their HEA. Whether you are new to romance or looking for something different I cannot recommend Julie enough. She writes stories that are inspiring but also have humor, love and lots of adventure. A fantastic read, can’t wait for the next in the series. Loved it

Highland Defender is the second book in this new series by author Julie Johnstone, and what a series it’s becoming. Well written, imaginative, and twisty! I loved the first book Outlaw King and this one is a wonderful continuation of it. This is the story of Lilliana de Burgh and Angus MacLorh. Lilliana is the cousin of Elizabeth de Burgh, wife to Robert the Bruce. Angus is Laird to his own clan and friend and follower of Robert. Robert and Angus are pretending to be loyal to Edward, King of England, while organizing the Scots to rebellion. Angus has sworn never to fall in love again. He doesn’t mind a roll in the hay, but only with a woman who expects nothing else. He was distracted by a scheming woman once, and his father died as a result. His mother followed her husband in death soon after. The woman betrayed him, and her father attacked his castle and killed his father while he rode to protect her. He swore never to let his focus fade from his duty ever again and for years has kept that oath. Lilliana is the legendary daughter of the seer of the MacLeod clan. She’s the focus of a legend that has men trying to use her powers or win her heart to get those powers. She has sworn never to fall in love or marry for that matter. Her father and uncle have tried to use her to get her powers and are still trying. To do so, they must find the amulet of legend that will awaken those powers or make her fall in love to awaken them. Robert has asked Angus to take a message to his men in Ettrick Forest, that the King’s men are coming. He also tasked Angus with escorting Lilliana to Scotland and the Macleod clan. They must travel together for a long time to do this. The wonderful experience of learning about each other along with the denied, but mutual attraction makes this trip intriguing and fun. It is, however, also dangerous. That’s the basic setup. Author Julie Johnstone has written another thrilling tale of the highlands that will entice you into this world. It’s a wonderful and exciting read that I loved! It’s full of danger, sensual and growing love, and even a bit of magic. I urge you to begin and continue this series…quite a ride!

About the author

As a little girl I loved to create fantasy worlds and then give all my friends roles to play. Of course, I was always the heroine! Books have always been an escape for me and brought me so much pleasure, but it didn't occur to me that I could possibly be a writer for a living until I was in a career that was not my passion. One day, I decided I wanted to craft stories like the ones I loved, and with a great leap of faith I quit my day job and decided to try to make my dream come true. I discovered my passion, and I have never looked back. I feel incredibly blessed and fortunate that I have been able to make a career out of sharing the stories that are in my head! I write Scottish Medieval Romance, Regency Romance, and I have even written a Paranormal Romance book. And because I have the best readers in the world, I have hit the USA Today bestseller list several times.

 

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