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The Highlander's Hidden Heart
** Extended Edition ** As a child, Jackston Forbes made a promise to lovely - and pushy - Lizelle Menzies. A man of his word, Jackston never forgot that promise. Through the years of experience and growth, Jackston has become a powerful warrior, now returning to his home in the highlands to assume his place as his father's heir. But along the way he meets a young woman who will test the strength of his vow to marry Lizelle, and when he discovers the brutal and petty woman Lizelle has become, it becomes a difficult choice for him - will he remain true to a childhood vow or will he follow his heart? ( Originally published in The Forbidden Highlands collection 4/2017, this is an extended version never before published.)
71 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 25, 2017
211 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Le Veque
324 books2,087 followersJuggernaut Indie author Kathryn Le Veque is a 'tour de force' in publishing.
Kathryn is a critically acclaimed 21-time USA TODAY Bestselling author, a charter Amazon All-Star author, an Indie Reader top seller, and a #1 bestselling, award-winning, multi-published author in Medieval Historical Romance with over 100 published novels.
Among her many accomplishments, she is the CEO of Dragonblade Publishing, the #1 Historical Romance e-book publisher on Amazon. In 2020, Kathryn collaborated with Sourcebooks publishing for a Medieval Fight Club series set in Scotland.
Kathryn is a critically acclaimed 21-time USA TODAY Bestselling author, a charter Amazon All-Star author, an Indie Reader top seller, and a #1 bestselling, award-winning, multi-published author in Medieval Historical Romance with over 100 published novels.
Among her many accomplishments, she is the CEO of Dragonblade Publishing, the #1 Historical Romance e-book publisher on Amazon. In 2020, Kathryn collaborated with Sourcebooks publishing for a Medieval Fight Club series set in Scotland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 29, 2018
As a 12-year-old, Jackston Forbes accidentally gets himself engaged to Lizelle, a 9-year-old spoiled little heiress. 13 years later, his father expects him to either uphold the promise he inadvertently made or show up, talk to her father and get himself out of it honorably. Jackston really doesn't want to marry, but having not seen Lizzie in 13 years, he decides to talk with her first. Jackston quickly learns that she's a cruel, mean woman who treats her servants like dogs. He most especially notices her treatment to Rora, a young serving woman that Jackston feels an attraction for and a connection to. And while he finds himself contemplating the unthinkable and actually offering marriage to Rora, he first has to get himself out of an engagement he doesn't want.
This was well-written and a nice, quick easy read, but didn't really do much for me. I'm sorry to be in the minority here. It had an interesting and unique premise of a guy having to get himself out of an unwanted betrothal and finding himself falling for someone totally unsuitable. But I didn't feel like there was enough length in the story to really build a relationship between Jackston and Rora. It relied very much on that instant connection they had and they barely had any time to actually interact before he was ready to take her home and marry him. And I was far more interested in how Jackston would put the smack down on Lizzie instead of their romance. There was also a slightly uncomfortable moment as he's kissing her in a barn and realizes the power difference between them and he does the right thing, asks her if she wants him to stop. She doesn't give a clear answer though (only that they shouldn't because she'll get in trouble) before he's off and kissing her again. I don't know that it was clear enough consent. And because this was a clean romance, I wasn't entirely sure if they'd consummated the relationship or not...so I couldn't fully know if he abused his station (especially since he hadn't yet decided to marry her). But whatevs.
I understand that the epilogue is probably added on to this extended edition, but it didn't really add to this story unless it was setting it up to be a series. Rather than wrapping things up nicely, this sets up a problem and a solution that feels like it's starting a story for their eldest son. The epilogue did not feel like an epilogue.
This was well-written and a nice, quick easy read, but didn't really do much for me. I'm sorry to be in the minority here. It had an interesting and unique premise of a guy having to get himself out of an unwanted betrothal and finding himself falling for someone totally unsuitable. But I didn't feel like there was enough length in the story to really build a relationship between Jackston and Rora. It relied very much on that instant connection they had and they barely had any time to actually interact before he was ready to take her home and marry him. And I was far more interested in how Jackston would put the smack down on Lizzie instead of their romance. There was also a slightly uncomfortable moment as he's kissing her in a barn and realizes the power difference between them and he does the right thing, asks her if she wants him to stop. She doesn't give a clear answer though (only that they shouldn't because she'll get in trouble) before he's off and kissing her again. I don't know that it was clear enough consent. And because this was a clean romance, I wasn't entirely sure if they'd consummated the relationship or not...so I couldn't fully know if he abused his station (especially since he hadn't yet decided to marry her). But whatevs.
I understand that the epilogue is probably added on to this extended edition, but it didn't really add to this story unless it was setting it up to be a series. Rather than wrapping things up nicely, this sets up a problem and a solution that feels like it's starting a story for their eldest son. The epilogue did not feel like an epilogue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2018
As a Child, Jackson Forbes had made a promise to lovely and pushy Lizelle Menzies. As a man of the word, Jackson never forgot that promise, through the years of experience and growth, Jackson has become a powerful warrior. Now returning to his home in the highlands to assume his place as his father's heir, however, along the way Jackson meets a young woman who will test the strength of his childish vow to marry Lizelle. When he discovers the brutal truth, that Lizelle has become a spoiled and petty woman. This has become a difficult choice for Jackson, will he remain true to the vow made to spoil Lizelle or to the young woman who has stolen his heart, Rora.
July 28, 2017
The Highlander's Hidden Heart - 5 Stars -Jackston and Rora's story, I thoroughly enjoyed! It is about a young boy's promise to a very young lass. This young boy goes on to be a successful Knight. He is ambitious and still wants to see the world. He returns home to be reminded of his boyhood word. This is a real dilemma for him. Decisions need to be made. Forbidden things to consider, as well. Paths are never straight... Sometimes obstacles veer us in different directions...Or is it that Fate creates our best path? A story of hope, love and devotion that knows no station.
July 31, 2024
Voy a editar un poco el titulo: "El pene no tan oculto del Highlander".
I'm going to edit the title a bit: "The Highlander's not-so-hidden penis."
August 13, 2017
I didn’t have the chance to read this novella in The Forbidden Highlands. Nevertheless, it’s a novella, and I’m not partial to shortened versions of a story. I enjoy the deep characterization and subplots found in Le Veque’s longer stories.
Okay, that being said, I, nevertheless, found the story enjoyable. I suspect everyone has a hidden heart. What's yours?
A boy of 12 cannot know his mind. Nor can he make decisions which will dictate the rest of his life.
Yet, Jackston is being railroaded into marrying a girl he knew as a young lass. He agreed to marry her once he comes of age. No contract is written, yet only the word of a young boy. Lizelle was spoiled as a youngster, her father bowing to her every whim. When young she is a spoiled girl, as adult she is equally spoiled, with a mean streak.
When Jackston comes back from battle, as a knight, he must face Lizelle and her family. When he tries to let them know how he feels about honoring a youth’s commitment, he doesn’t have the chance. Both Lizelle’s father and Lizelle work to make it impossible for him to make his wishes as an adult known.
Jackston feels honor is so important. He’s a knight. His actions are reflected upon his family. Can he dishonor his family by denouncing he was but just a lad and shouldn’t be held accountable for such a big decision?
Do I marry Lizelle as I once promised to do? Or do I forsake me parents’ honor and run?
Feeling corralled he goes to the stable to sort things out. He meets Rora, a servant to Lizelle. He remembers her from the day he gave his commitment to Lizelle, so many years ago. She’s beautiful inside and out. He’d rather marry her. However, can he dishonor his family with a marriage to woman of low birth? He doesn’t want her as a mistress. He respects her too much. These are real conflicts.
The quandary eats at Jackston. But circumstances work to his favor. He stands for honor, after all.
The Highland’s Hidden Heart is nicely written with a uniquely Le Veque feel. Again, as mentioned earlier, characterization and subplots are impossible in such a short story. However, the story, with its strong message, leaves the reader feeling fate takes care of good people and happy-ever-afters still happen.
Okay, that being said, I, nevertheless, found the story enjoyable. I suspect everyone has a hidden heart. What's yours?
A boy of 12 cannot know his mind. Nor can he make decisions which will dictate the rest of his life.
Yet, Jackston is being railroaded into marrying a girl he knew as a young lass. He agreed to marry her once he comes of age. No contract is written, yet only the word of a young boy. Lizelle was spoiled as a youngster, her father bowing to her every whim. When young she is a spoiled girl, as adult she is equally spoiled, with a mean streak.
When Jackston comes back from battle, as a knight, he must face Lizelle and her family. When he tries to let them know how he feels about honoring a youth’s commitment, he doesn’t have the chance. Both Lizelle’s father and Lizelle work to make it impossible for him to make his wishes as an adult known.
Jackston feels honor is so important. He’s a knight. His actions are reflected upon his family. Can he dishonor his family by denouncing he was but just a lad and shouldn’t be held accountable for such a big decision?
Do I marry Lizelle as I once promised to do? Or do I forsake me parents’ honor and run?
Feeling corralled he goes to the stable to sort things out. He meets Rora, a servant to Lizelle. He remembers her from the day he gave his commitment to Lizelle, so many years ago. She’s beautiful inside and out. He’d rather marry her. However, can he dishonor his family with a marriage to woman of low birth? He doesn’t want her as a mistress. He respects her too much. These are real conflicts.
The quandary eats at Jackston. But circumstances work to his favor. He stands for honor, after all.
The Highland’s Hidden Heart is nicely written with a uniquely Le Veque feel. Again, as mentioned earlier, characterization and subplots are impossible in such a short story. However, the story, with its strong message, leaves the reader feeling fate takes care of good people and happy-ever-afters still happen.
October 21, 2019
Jackston Forbes made a vow to Lizelle Menzies when he was a lad of twelve but the families hold him to it. Now grown, he goes to see Lizelle and finds her spoiled and mean to her servants. He tells her she would bring shame to the Forbes name and he will not marry her. After years of living in England, Jackston doesn’t want to return to Scotland but his father has died. If he doesn’t return to claim Blackbog Castle, it will be taken over by the other clans and the name of Forbes will disappear.
At the dinner held at the Menzies manor, I was wondering when Jackston would speak up and quit letting people walk over him. He finally did and saved the beautiful servant girl he first saw when she was five. He never forgot her hazel eyes.
This was a short novella of 61 pages. Good story but too short.
At the dinner held at the Menzies manor, I was wondering when Jackston would speak up and quit letting people walk over him. He finally did and saved the beautiful servant girl he first saw when she was five. He never forgot her hazel eyes.
This was a short novella of 61 pages. Good story but too short.
August 3, 2017
Just lovely.
The Highlander's Hidden Heart" by Kathryn LeVeque has such a sweetness to it. I also read it as part of a collection of stories titled "The Forbidden Highlands". Two children in the same village, Jackston and Lizelle, are playmates. 'Lizzie' extracts a child's promise from 'Jackie'. Years later, after Jackston has been out in the world and become a man, and a celebrated knight, he comes home. Does the man keep a boy's promise?
Is there something more his hidden heart truly desires? Does he find it in the eyes of another? This is a lovely story, and yet it also asks a question of honor. I loved it!
The Highlander's Hidden Heart" by Kathryn LeVeque has such a sweetness to it. I also read it as part of a collection of stories titled "The Forbidden Highlands". Two children in the same village, Jackston and Lizelle, are playmates. 'Lizzie' extracts a child's promise from 'Jackie'. Years later, after Jackston has been out in the world and become a man, and a celebrated knight, he comes home. Does the man keep a boy's promise?
Is there something more his hidden heart truly desires? Does he find it in the eyes of another? This is a lovely story, and yet it also asks a question of honor. I loved it!
September 17, 2017
This is a delightful novella and hopefully a prequel to more stories about the Forbes family and their history. As with all of Kathryn Le Veque's books, the characters are strongly developed and their personalities are such that it's easy to become emotionally invested in them and their outcome. This is the first time I believe that I've listened to Nick Cracknell as a narrator. I must say, I most definitely give him 5 stars for his wonderful performance in bringing the story and characters to life. I look forward to hearing more of his work. This is an awesome audiobook and easy to recommend, especially to any who are unsure if they will enjoy the audible experience.
November 30, 2020
What's in your heart
Jack aka Jackston was a hero who fought bravely and waa Knighted! He made a promise as a young lad to marry Luzzie! She has grown into womanhood but us a angry spoilt shrew! Rora is her servant who has been mistreated several times by her mistress! Jack learns early how vicious and cruel Lizzie has become after meeting Rora her servant! Jack is wined and dined the moment he sets foot in the castle! Rora knowing how her mistress is warns Jack his attention will cause her harm he ignores her! In that moment I could not like Jack...he does redeem himself. Or does he....read on!
Jack aka Jackston was a hero who fought bravely and waa Knighted! He made a promise as a young lad to marry Luzzie! She has grown into womanhood but us a angry spoilt shrew! Rora is her servant who has been mistreated several times by her mistress! Jack learns early how vicious and cruel Lizzie has become after meeting Rora her servant! Jack is wined and dined the moment he sets foot in the castle! Rora knowing how her mistress is warns Jack his attention will cause her harm he ignores her! In that moment I could not like Jack...he does redeem himself. Or does he....read on!
July 29, 2017
True to himself
I'm hoping we see more stories of Forbes of Blackbog. A young man's rash promise becomes a black cloud over his head when he returns to his Scottish home. Not wanting to marry, he finds himself backed into a corner. He comes to a young lass's rescue and realized he only wants to marry for love.
I'm hoping we see more stories of Forbes of Blackbog. A young man's rash promise becomes a black cloud over his head when he returns to his Scottish home. Not wanting to marry, he finds himself backed into a corner. He comes to a young lass's rescue and realized he only wants to marry for love.
August 1, 2017
Hidden Heart found Love
I enjoyed reading about Jackston Forbes story from a young 12 year old to a knight with a 19 year old son. In the story you find that his love of England was greater than Scotland. His refusal of marriage to Lizelle ( a Spoiled Brat) to his marriage to Rora. This is a very good story.
I enjoyed reading about Jackston Forbes story from a young 12 year old to a knight with a 19 year old son. In the story you find that his love of England was greater than Scotland. His refusal of marriage to Lizelle ( a Spoiled Brat) to his marriage to Rora. This is a very good story.
October 2, 2017
The Highlander's Hidden Heart
Here is another wonderful story by Kathryn Le Veque. It's a story about giving your word about something as a child and not really understanding what you promise evolved and growing up as a man and wanting to keep that promise. It's a wonderful short story. I hope you will enjoy reading this book as much as I did.
Here is another wonderful story by Kathryn Le Veque. It's a story about giving your word about something as a child and not really understanding what you promise evolved and growing up as a man and wanting to keep that promise. It's a wonderful short story. I hope you will enjoy reading this book as much as I did.
November 6, 2017
The Highlanders Hidden Heart
Kathryn Le Veque has introduced another novel with a new house "The House of Forbes". Do we dare to look for a new series from a favorite author? This short novella is a true Le Veque style story. A good read for only a couple of hours of your time. No regrets for readers who read this one.
Kathryn Le Veque has introduced another novel with a new house "The House of Forbes". Do we dare to look for a new series from a favorite author? This short novella is a true Le Veque style story. A good read for only a couple of hours of your time. No regrets for readers who read this one.
August 3, 2017
Short but sweet
This was a sweet story just a little short. As you put it it is a novella not a novel. Enjoyed the characters Jackson and Rora's Love Story . Hope one day Donnan story will be written.
This was a sweet story just a little short. As you put it it is a novella not a novel. Enjoyed the characters Jackson and Rora's Love Story . Hope one day Donnan story will be written.
August 28, 2017
Wonderful Novella
I don't usually like to read novellas but Kathryn Le Veque can tell a good story even in a short story. The story of a servant and a nobleman was complete and lacked nothing in my opinion
I don't usually like to read novellas but Kathryn Le Veque can tell a good story even in a short story. The story of a servant and a nobleman was complete and lacked nothing in my opinion
September 4, 2017
Storyline
Good storyline but need bit of a romantic catch for Rora and more of the wicked witch vs angel. More lust at first sight than love. And the bullied father somehow he should have never pushed his b of a daughter into the arms of a honorable men.
Good storyline but need bit of a romantic catch for Rora and more of the wicked witch vs angel. More lust at first sight than love. And the bullied father somehow he should have never pushed his b of a daughter into the arms of a honorable men.
September 11, 2017
A very moving book.
This is a story that shows a man's courage in his professional and personal life. It is a book that both women and men would enjoy. I found it to be very interesting to read and to watch the struggle of a boy becoming his own man.
This is a story that shows a man's courage in his professional and personal life. It is a book that both women and men would enjoy. I found it to be very interesting to read and to watch the struggle of a boy becoming his own man.
March 10, 2018
Loved it!
I have one problem with this story, it was too short! Kathryn's books are so wonderful I never want them to end. I recommend reading all her books, she is the best author I've ever read.
I have one problem with this story, it was too short! Kathryn's books are so wonderful I never want them to end. I recommend reading all her books, she is the best author I've ever read.
December 12, 2018
I thought Rora and Jacston's story was very poignant. There was also a hidden morality and integrity to it. I was happy to read that Jackston followed his heart and not anyone else's and that chivalry was depicted as it should be.
April 9, 2020
This was a great little novella. A Knight who knows his heart is no truer than that of a man who let unjustice goes unanswered. This Knight went to break a vow marriage made as a child. That is when he noticed that the heart of the woman his was suppose to marry was mean and dark.
May 20, 2020
Short and sweet
As a kid he made a promise to marry his childhood friend as he grew up and seen the world he comes home to see his childhood friend is a wicked spoiled lass . Even finds love where he least expected it.
As a kid he made a promise to marry his childhood friend as he grew up and seen the world he comes home to see his childhood friend is a wicked spoiled lass . Even finds love where he least expected it.
August 3, 2017
A short quick story. Very good.
August 13, 2017
Too short
Very good as always! The only problem is, it was too short! But oh how I love her stories! Maybe we will get a story about the son now?
Very good as always! The only problem is, it was too short! But oh how I love her stories! Maybe we will get a story about the son now?
September 9, 2017
Romance Fool
Loved the story but would have liked to see a longer book or another to follow the story of Jackson and Rora in more detail.
Loved the story but would have liked to see a longer book or another to follow the story of Jackson and Rora in more detail.
September 11, 2017
I imply loved it!
Sweet story good writing and very enjoyable. I do recommend it. Always like a smile on my face when I finish a novel. Can't wait to read more!!
Sweet story good writing and very enjoyable. I do recommend it. Always like a smile on my face when I finish a novel. Can't wait to read more!!
September 11, 2017
Quick, Easy Read
Lovely short story. Typical Kathryn Le Veque, romantic and happily ever after. She weaves a tale pulls you in and saps you to the finale.
Lovely short story. Typical Kathryn Le Veque, romantic and happily ever after. She weaves a tale pulls you in and saps you to the finale.
September 21, 2017
Was short but good.
I wish it had been longer going thru the story of Jackston and his wife. Not going straight to year 20. But was good.
I wish it had been longer going thru the story of Jackston and his wife. Not going straight to year 20. But was good.
May 22, 2018
Quick read.
December 15, 2019
Great story and characters.
October 26, 2020
A Hidden Heart
This is a nice story of a knight that learned from a lovely servant girl that the true measure of a person is their character.
This is a nice story of a knight that learned from a lovely servant girl that the true measure of a person is their character.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews