Highland Legend

The steamy but simplistic third romance in Le Veque’s Scots and Swords series (after Highland Defender) again immerses readers in life at the Ludus Caledonia, 1400s Scotland’s premiere fight club. Magnus Stewart is the peacock of the Ludus Caledonia and he’s come by his arrogance honestly. The bastard son of a duke, he was held hostage in deplorable conditions throughout his childhood by Ambrose, Duke of Ayr, an adversary of his father’s. Freed seven years ago, Magnus now fills his life with wine, women, and the winnings from his fights—until a face from his past shakes him to his foundation. Diantha de Mora, the daughter of a warlord from Navarre, was also held hostage by Ayr, who’s now trying to marry her off to his son. She escapes and comes to Magnus for protection. He’s willing to pay her way home to Navarre, but she wants to earn her own fare and offers to tend to Magnus’s home to raise the funds. The characters and setting are beautifully shaded—especially the feeling of brotherhood among the members of the Ludus Caledonia—but the plot is disappointingly straightforward. Readers will long for more narrative complexity, but the sweet, spicy romance and familiar faces will please series fans. [em]Agent: Sarah Younger, Nancy Yost Literary. (July) [/em]