Maximus

The Immortal Highland Centurions #1

by Jayne Castel

A lost Roman centurion. A courageous Scottish widow with an uncertain future. One night of passion that changes everything. High adventure and epic love in Medieval Scotland—with a touch of fantasy.

Maximus Flavius Cato should have died in 118 AD—the year the Ninth legion was lost forever in the wilds of Caledonia. Instead, a Pict druidess curses him and two others with immortality. Over a thousand years later, as he struggles to solve the riddle that holds the key to breaking the curse, Maximus has an encounter with a comely tavern wench. His immortal life will never be the same again.

Heather De Keith has made a lot of mistakes—but marrying a bad man was her greatest. After her husband never returns from battle, she’s forced to take up work serving ale in a local tavern. Stubborn pride prevents her from returning to her kin at Dunnottar Castle. But when an enigmatic stranger comes to her aid one evening in the tavern, Heather lets attraction overrule good sense. The night they spend together spurs her to make the decision she’s put off for too long. It’s time to go home.

Pursued by a vengeful laird's son, Maximus and Heather flee north to Dunnottar. However, once on the road, they soon realize that neither of them will finish this journey with their hearts unscathed.

From the author of the Amazon bestselling Brides of Skye and The Sisters of Kilbride series comes an exciting new Historical Fantasy Romance series about three immortal warriors and the brave-hearted Scottish women who will change their lives forever.

Genres: Historical Romance, Fantasy, Historical, Romance, Medieval, Paranormal, Historical Fiction

324 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2020

About the author

Multi-award-winning author Jayne Castel writes epic Historical and Fantasy Romance. Her vibrant characters, richly researched historical settings and action-packed adventure romance transport readers to forgotten times and imaginary worlds.

Jayne is the author of a number of best-selling series. In love with all things Scottish, she writes romances set in both Dark Ages and Medieval Scotland.

When she's not writing, Jayne is reading (and re-reading) her favorite authors, cooking Italian feasts, and going on long walks with her husband. She's from New Zealand, but now lives in Edinburgh, Scotland.

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Reviews

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting spin on the whole immortality trope

[Monique · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this. On the one hand I really liked writing style. I think the dialogues suited the era and also everything seemed researched very well. The historical note at the end has been informative and it showed how much time and effort the author put in that.

But on the other hand, the charachters were kind of unlikeable. The main couple started out fine but their relationship greatly lacked in romantic aspect. I picked up this book as historical romance, so I was really dissapointed by insta lust in ch 3 (I think), and don't get me started on their first time, when he practically put it in dry (or maybe not because she's oh so horny for him) and call it a night. Being a thousand years old immortal, I would think he had learned by now what foreplay is but I guess my expectations were too high. Honestly, if I wanted a disaster one page long sex scene, I'd just go re-read Pillars of Earth. And next sex scene happen only on 75% and is equally unsatisfying. Also, his immortality was a chance for some good angst but she learns about ot before they are together and then when she insta love falls for him, she's just totally fine with that. Good Lord save me 🙄

This book would truly be so much better as a historical fiction without any romance because I was more invested in William Wallace's rebelion than in this couple.

[Serena Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

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'Incluso después de que deje este mundo, mi amor por ti resonará por la eternidad ... y un día, cuando rompas la maldición, nuestras almas se encontrarán de nuevo. Te esperaré, Maximus. Hasta el fin de los tiempos ... siempre te esperaré'.




•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers

•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen





MAXIMUS de Jayne Castel Serie The Immortal Highland Centurions libro 1


Argumento:

Una noche de pasión puede cambiarlo todo. Cuando un centurión romano perdido se encuentra con una valiente viuda escocesa, la vida de ambos cambiará para siempre. Gran aventura y amor épico en la Escocia medieval.

Maximus Flavius ​​Cato debería haber muerto en 118 d. C., el año en que la Novena legión se perdió para siempre en las tierras salvajes de Caledonia. En cambio, una druida picta lo maldice a él y a otros dos con la inmortalidad. Más de mil años después, mientras lucha por resolver el acertijo que contiene la clave para romper la maldición, Maximus tiene un encuentro con una atractiva moza de la taberna. Su vida inmortal nunca volverá a ser la misma.

Heather De Keith ha cometido muchos errores, pero casarse con un hombre malo fue el mayor. Después de que su esposo nunca regresa de la batalla, se ve obligada a trabajar sirviendo cerveza en una taberna local. El orgullo obstinado le impide regresar con sus parientes en el castillo de Dunnottar.

Pero cuando un enigmático extraño acude en su ayuda una noche en la taberna, Heather deja que la atracción anule el sentido común. La noche que pasan juntos la impulsa a tomar la decisión que ha pospuesto durante demasiado tiempo. Es hora de irse a casa.

Perseguidos por el hijo de un laird vengativo, Maximus y Heather huyen hacia el norte, a Dunnottar. Sin embargo, una vez en la carretera, pronto se dan cuenta de que ninguno de los dos terminará este viaje con el corazón ileso.





Mí humilde opinión:

Amé cada momento del libro!

Tenía esta serie de Jayne Castel en espera y me arrepiento solo de no haber leído este libro antes!

Maximus engancha desde la primera página y te embarcas en una gran y emocionante aventura con los protagonistas esquivando y afrontando peligros, resolviendo el misterio de una maldición y encontrando un amor épico!

La autora no solo hace un gran trabajo con los elementos sobrenaturales en una trama de romance histórico, añadiendo lugares y nombres reales de ese tiempo sino también crea protagonistas y personajes secundarios increíbles e inolvidables. Que los héroes sean guerreros romanos y las heroínas escocesas me encantó!

La historia de amor tenía todas las emociones para mí, me reí, enfadé y enamoré con Heather y Maximus. Me gustó que todo comenzara con un encuentro de una noche y el desarrollo de su relación desde allí durante el viaje de ella a casa lo disfruté como loca.

Ellos eran personajes fuertes y decididos con una química por las nubes. Lo que más me gustó era lo honestos que eran los dos por más doloroso que fuera lo decían. La verdad se ha convertido en una de mis parejas favoritas de libros en este momento!

Este es el primer libro de una trilogía, Maximus y sus dos amigos están cerca de romper la maldición, así que, si bien Maximus y Heather tienen un final feliz aún no sé si es para siempre.

Así que seguiré con el próximo libro para averiguarlo!

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed it. Loved the premise of it. And I liked the hero and heroine. And time period and the insertion of real life characters and that we get a bit of history from the author in the back of the book. It did go on a little too long near the end but I really liked the story overall. And I can’t wait to read the next two books about the other two men and their potential love interests.

[Laura Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was just ok

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good read. Wonderful characters and an excellent story.

[Lail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maximus: A Medieval Scottish Romance (The Immortal Highland Centurions Book 1) by Jayne Castel
An “AWARD” worthy novel!
This captivating read was the CPR I needed to revive me from mundane catatonic fog I’ve found myself in.
Besides the book’s gorgeous cover, it is beautifully written with amazing attention to historic detail that masterfully constructs a vivid medieval setting where you’ll meet a great cast of characters you’ll love and love to hate. The story contains fierce fighting and battles, dark secrets, a immortal curse with fascinating twist, a soul saving riddle, angsts, love and loss, and a steamy all consuming romance, intertwined with some real historical events, places, and people seamlessly woven throughout the storyline. I found this story refreshing as it captured my attention from the beginning and held it beyond the last page, where I found myself devouring the authors notes, historical references, and any other information I could find about other up coming books in this new the series. I highly recommend this this book, which is now one of my favorite books this year and I look forward to the next book in the series. Happy Reading♥️

Content notes: Some explicit steamy romance descriptions 3-4 out of 5 flames.
Adult content;War, fighting descriptions. Some references of inappropriate beastly behavior against women, which sadly was once common behavior for the time (I.e. waitress’s unwanted touching, grabbing, or groping by drunk bar patrons, unwanted sexual advances, etc.).

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Rome’s Ninth legion perished in the wilds of Scotland in 118, their commander Maximus Flavius Cato should’ve been among them. Instead he was captured along with two of his fellow soldiers and cursed with immortality. After more than 1000 years, he’s still trying to solve the riddle that will break the curse. His travels lead him to cross paths with a feisty tavern wench and nothing will be the same for him again.

Heather de Keith always seems to find herself at the center of trouble, the greatest of which was brought on by her disastrous marriage. When her cruel husband fails to return from battle, Heather is relieved, but finds herself forced to work as a serving maid in a tavern to survive. She’s too stubborn to admit her mistakes and return to her family at Dunnottar Castle but finds herself increasingly harassed by her late husband’s kin. When a handsome stranger steps in to save her from unwanted attentions, Heath lets the connection she feels with him overwhelm her sense. After a passionate night, Heather knows it’s time she returned home.

Maximus is also bound for Dunnottar, so the two travel together, pursued by the laird’s revenge-seeking son. When other distractions fall away, both Maximus and Heather realize their budding connection will not be so easily quelled.

This new series is off to such a great start. I think this book was unlike anything I’ve read. It had a very epic and fantastical feel, while at the same time remaining grounded in Scottish history. Maximus was grumpy and resistant to his feelings for Heather at first before giving in and just deciding to go for it with her. Heather made no bones about her feelings for Maximus, and even though there were several obstacles in their way, they tackled them together and it only made them stronger. I thought this story was lovely and I’m looking forward to the rest of this series and the hopeful breaking of the curse.

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

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Pride is a lonely companion, and it steals time like a thief.”- Maximus.
Reading the first book in this series...it felt like I was actually there, experiencing it all! The author was able to weave history and the present time of the book perfectly. Maximus and Heather’s relationship weaves slowly together as well. A curse, death, attacks, riddles, betrayals, surprises and a few lessons learned along the way bring them closer together. And a glimpse of The Wallace is mixed into this series, which I found fascinating! This book does have somewhat of a conclusion, but the story does continue, intermingling all the characters. If you read the first, you’ll need to read the second, which I’m looking forward to. Jayne Castel NEVER disappoints. I loved and enjoyed the ‘feel’ of this book. I did receive an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Hope you enjoy Maximus!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Avid Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book which is a blend of history and magic. The idea of living forever may appeal to some but this story shows what a curse it really is. I loved the character of the jaded Maximus trapped within the borders of Scotland for centuries but always feeling like an outsider. Heather was a great character with her fiery, stubborn nature resulting in her making some rash decisions she paid for for years. There was lots of action, historical context, romance and a riddle to solve. A brilliant start to a new series and I cannot wait for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mia Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jayne Castel writes fabulous stories of Picts and Celts and Highland hero’s that take your breath away. Against all rights and reason Maximus Flavius Cato should have perished with his legion of soldiers. Maximus, a Roman Centurion Commander, and two of his other Centurions are badly wounded, captured by the Picts and cursed by a Druid witch to live eternally or until they can solve the riddle within the curse. Doomed to wander the earth and and feel the pains of death only to awaken alive again, doomed to loneliness because relationships can be revealing , doomed to wander as nomads in search of the elusive means to break the curse.

What a great theme for a series! Cursed with immortality, three Roman centurion’s doomed to wander the earth as nomads until they decipher the riddle and break the curse.

In William Wallace’s Scotland, Heather de Keith, who’s found herself widowed when her cruel husband (thankfully) is killed in battle. Too stubborn to return to her family who disapproved of her marriage, she is forced to become a barmaid.

Upon seeing Maximus, Heather is drawn to him immediately, knowing there’s something about him, feeling the need for him. And when the handsome Maximus sees her harassed by her deceased husband’s family he steps in. Consumed by her emotions Heather spends the night with Maximus, a night that sealed their fate. Deciding to return home to Dunnottar Castle they are pursued by her husband’s vengeful family. And so the journey begins and what a journey, fraught with danger, adventure, vengeful pursuers and the magic of love.

Oh my stars, I absolutely loved this tale, masterfully written, beautifully imagined! This is a fantastically wonderful story! Skillfully weaving Scottish history into an everlasting love story Jayne has woven a magical tale that will titillate your senses and take your breath away.

I loved the characters! There’s such a sizzling chemistry between Heather and Maximus. Heather is strong, brave, stubborn and a sassy, outspoken Scottish woman. It doesn’t hurt that she’s beautiful and Maximus can’t help but come to her aid. Maximus is a perfect hero, a man tempered by time, strong, brave, handsome, and sexy, a loner distancing himself from relationships, avoiding having to watch loved ones grow old and die while he remains young and untouched by age, and avoiding unwanted suspicions of the time.

I love that Jane his way over in Scotland history into the tapestry of her story. She has such a lovely way of transporting the reader to the past. Her colorfully descriptive prose and her imagery is magnificent! I was so immersed in the story to the exclusion of all else, captivated by these fascinating characters, the enthralling storyline and the beautifully expressed love the characters shared.

Thank you so much Jayne! You have a lovely way of bringing the past alive and transporting your readers to another time and place!

[Letschat1974 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars (Jayne Castel, Ashe Barker, Cecelia Mecca, Kerrigan Byrne)

my personal markers for a great read...1. smart and engaging writing, 2. Humorous, 3. sexy interactions and 4. stories with family/friends.

I love series around family members or a group of friends. I love the series even more when the author intertwines those characters throughout the book series (it’s a pet peeve when authors don’t do that because what’s the point of the series and introducing the characters if they are not going to interact throughout the series). Looking forward to the next 2 books in this series.

story with a little ‘Scottish magic and historical tales’

The development and interest in main characters and secondary characters was enjoyable (enough written about next book H/H to grab your attention). I really did like the H/H for this book; very well paired as a couple.

writing style is easy to follow, humorous moments, the give and take dialogue enjoyable as well as action pack.

I loved the writing around the women empowerment (it wasn’t over the top for me). Badass women rock.

I’m not a huge fan of ‘internal dialogue’ in books. I can only take so much before I start skimming through pages and I found myself doing that with this book/series. But nothing that that was to annoying for me.

romantic/sexual content is written well throughout the book (kissing, oral, love making) I’d rate it 2/5 in hotness and steam.

would recommend the book and series.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rome's missing cursed and forgotten legion faut the Picts of Scotland in 118 A.D. What happens when you mix history and fantasy and vengeance
A curse for 3 soldiers by a pictish priestess whom have been forgotten to time 1,000 years of death and immortality all that needs to be done to end it solve the riddle is Heather and answer to Maximus curse or will new enemies keep them apart. I loved the beginning of this book you could almost see the battle and what came after Maximus a soldier in the Roman Legion is both fierce and disgusted by the very people he fights for but willing to give his life for a cause that is already lost his and Heather's story is a trip threw time with a dash of romance and danger is a love that waited 1,000 years to happen. Loved this and I cant wait for the next story in this series.


I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review.

[sherri jones-teachout · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doomed to live for eternity. Maximus and his two comrades were cursed over a thousand years ago to live for eternity until the world ends. But if they solve a riddle they can break the curse. Now after a thousand years they have solved one line of the riddle and hope this is the year they can break the curse. Because the life they have now means no family, no wife, no kids. When Maximus meets and saves Heather he has found someone he is willing to gamble on and marry, even though she will age and he won’t. But her “decease husband” is resurrected, and he wants her back even though he left her years ago and never told her he still lived. Heather doesn’t want him back as he was cruel and abusive. Can Maximus save her, and can she help him break the curse? I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Elizabeth McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maximus and two of his Roman men were spared and a pict witch cursed them to be immortal to be chained to Scotland until they could solve a riddle. Over a thousand years had passed and they were still no closer to solving the riddle when Maximus met Heather. Heather was needing to return to her hometown because she thought she was a widow. Maximus and Heather had an undeniable draw to one another even though they fought it they always ended up back in each other’s arms. The interesting and exciting journey and romance of Maximus and Heather was filled with danger, fighting, mystery, running, intrigue, plots and love. Fun read

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a terrific start to a new series, "The Immortal Highland Centurions", by one of my favorite authors, Jayne Castel! This first installment, "Maximus", tells the story of three soldiers of the Ninth Legion of Rome sent to fight a losing battle in Scotland in the year 118 AD. The soldiers are captured and expect to die but a Pict Druidess curses them with Immortality and a riddle to break the curse. They travel for over a thousand years trying to solve the riddle with no success, dying painful deaths multiple times only to awaken healed. They try to keep their distance from people as it's too painful to form attachments only to watch loved ones wither in old age and die but they stay young forever. Until one fateful day when he crosses paths with Heather, a strong, prideful woman who believes herself a widow and is working as a tavern maid. Meeting her changes his life as circumstances throw them together. They try to deny their feelings but destiny has other plans for them.

I'm not usually drawn to paranormal books but since it was written by Ms. Castel I gave it a chance and I'm so happy I did! It is so well-written it makes the immortal factor totally believable. This book has everything...Scottish history, sizzling romance, the quest to solve the riddle and wonderful descriptions that made me feel I was really in medieval Scotland! It grabbed me from the very beginning and didn't let go. My only criticism was it had to end. It left me wanting MORE. Ms Castel outdid herself again and I can't wait for the next book! Do yourself a favor and read "Maximus"! You will adore him, as I did!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathy Tatum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maximas Immortal Highlander

Wow, Roman soldiers in the highlands, death everywhere, a Pictish Witch, a spell for immortality, romance, love, vengeful men stalking Heather, Max intervened hope to fulfill a riddle that could end the curse, involving Haleys Comet. Maximus Flavius Cato should have died that day with the other 5000 of his fellow soldiers. Instead he and 2 others were cursed by an evil Pictish witch to become immortal. They could not live long in a place where people would notice they never aged, so they became nomads, dying over and over for a thousand years, feeling the pain only to awaken the next day to a healed body to start over again.
1000 years later, Maximas has become a trapper. While bringing his furs to sell he stops at a tavern and meets Heather Dr Keith, a waitress. He finds her appealing but while eating supper bullies come into the Tavern harassing Heather. Max intervened and this sets them on a journey to try to out run the bullies, get her home and for Max to meet up with his friends to try to figure out the riddle before the comet disappears for another 75 years.

Exciting novel, in a series that I know I will read over and over. Another 5 star riveting novel by Jayne Castel.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in a fantastic new series. It has you hooked from page one and is so hard to put down. The series will follow Maximus and his 2 friends who were survivors of the Ninth Roman Legion who fought the Picts. All three were captured and a warrior picture put a curse on the three. It was a curse of immortality and can only be broken if they solve the riddle.
In book one we get to meet Maximus who is living away from people and society by being a trapper. He longs for a normal relationship and life but knows this is not to be the case. This is a very superstitious time and it would be noticed he never ages or that he heals well after being hurt,which will led to him being cast out or labelled a demon.
While on his travels he is in a small village pub, here he meets Heather a barmaid. She was being harassed by the lairds son who also happened to be her presumed dead husbands cousin. He saves her from this and they leave town together . Heather goes with Maximus as he was going to the same town as where her parents live. Here the adventure begins filled with trails, mystery and a blossoming love. But will that love prevail when they reach their destination?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lynn P · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first in her new series, The Immortal Highland Centurions is a fantastic read. I love the way the prologue starts in the middle of a battle. Maximus is "knee-deep in gore, splattered in mud, and surrounded by clinging mist, with the howling of Pit warriors in his ears..." As a reader her descriptive writing puts me directly in the middle of the battle. I can see, feel and hear the effects of what is happening. After a hit in the head, Maximus finds himself captured and bound in a hut with two of his fellow warriors. A druidess witch puts a curse on the only surviving men. This was a great beginning and the prologue ends with a riddle that must be solved for Maximus and the other two warriors to resume a mortal life.

1183 years later finds Maximus in a tavern. So starts his story in this series. Again, I love the descriptions that allow me as a reader to be a part of the story. "Heavy oaken beams crisscrossed overhead, trapping a pall of acrid peat smoke." I can picture and smell this tavern. Here he meets Heather, a young woman who has been forced to work in the tavern after her husband is missing from battle. When men start to harass her, Maximus steps in to help her. This starts their relationship and gets him an enemy. So their story begins.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Martha B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Convergence of History, Legend, Magic and Forever Love

Maximus, the first book in Jayne Castel's new series is so unique, I am having a difficult time writing a review to adequately describe my experience.

Don't be fooled by the yummy cover or the historical period. First and foremost, Maximus is a forever love story. That said, the backdrop of Heather and Maximus' saga is a marvelously woven tapestry of history, legend and magic. The fictional characters are masterfully mixed with known personalities from the past, as well as a mysterious unsolved legend. But what would a legend be without some powerful Pictish bandrúi magic.

I totally enjoyed Maximus, and by the end of the happy and satisfying epilogue, Heather and Maximus managed to find their future together That said, this is only the first book in the series, and the over-arching mystery will not be solved until the final book.

Content 411: In addition to some mild swearing, there are a couple of detailed sexually intimate scenes.

Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily submitting my honest review.

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic story! Maximus is one of three men cursed with immortality....and to them it is a curse. They are desparately trying to solve the riddle that will free them, but have been unable to do so for over one thousand years. Maximus meets Heather, who inadvertently tends to be trouble magnet, and his life will never be the same. This book is amazingly creative. It is full of emotion, action, surprises and danger, with old beliefs and history intricately woven in. It is the first story of a trilogy that is certain to exceed all expectations. I highly suggest that you grab this book and immerse yourself in something that is truly special!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maximus
The Immortal Highland Centurions #1
Jayne Castel
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Maximus Flavius Cato has been made immortal. He really should have died in 118 AD which was the year the Ninth legion was forever lost in the wilds of Caledonia. But alas that was not to be. Instead a Pict druidess has cursed him and two other men with immortality that can only be broken by solving a riddle. Now over a thousand years have passed and he still feels no closer to breaking the curse. Then one night Maximus has his first encounter with a beautiful tavern maid, but little does he know that his immortal life will never ever be the same again.

Heather De Keith has made plenty of mistakes, but marriage to a mean man has by far been the worst. After her husband never returns from battle, she has no other choice, but to take up work serving ale in the local tavern. She hasn't ever returned to her family at Dunnottar castle because she didn't didn't leave on the best of terms. But one night at the tavern a stranger comes to her aid helping her and next thing she knows they are in bed together. Little does she know that this stranger is immortal and her life will never be the same again either.

Follow Maximus and Heather as they fight for their very hearts, souls, and lives.

Oh my goodness this has to be the best book from Jayne Castel that I have read yet. It's absolutely fabulous. This book had so many surprises that I never knew what was going to happen next. Maximus was everything you would want in a hero and more. Even though he was immortal he could still feel pain yet he put himself in danger time and time again. Heather was your feisty proud Scottish Lass who didn't back down from a fight and she proved herself over and over. Ms. Castel you have literally left me speechless with this outstanding start to a new series. I can't wait to read the rest.

[SKM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maximus and Heather are perfect together. Both are strong, brave, and working hard to overcome a past.

Maximus meets Heather and instantly had to save her. They spend the night together then begin to travel to Heather's home. Heather in turn has to save Maximus and learns his secret, he's immortal.

The story has twist and turns, emotional moments that leave the reader breathless, passionate but well written sexual scenes, and an storyline that leaves you begging for the next book.

This was a great book and I cannot recommend enough. It is an amazing beginning to a new series and does what all first books should do, leaves us craving more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alexandra Laughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a lot - I liked the relationship that grew between the characters, the mystery of the “curse,” the fast paced story, and the historical aspects. In the negative column, I felt that the author was a little guilty of telling instead of showing at times, and I cringed at one of the later romantic scenes, just because it seemed a little contrived, which I don’t think was what the author was hoping for. Lastly, because this is a series, there are some unanswered questions, which makes sense but was a tiny bit disappointing. Overall, though, it was a fun read with a tender romance and a good story! I didn’t notice any errors in spelling or grammar and it was well written.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Diane DuBenske · Rating 5 out of 5]

WONDERFUL!!!!!

I don't even know where to begin. This book leaves you breathless and in wonder of how Jayne has managed to tell a romance story with just the right touch of fantasy that draws you in from the very beginning. It takes off right from the very beginning with our H and h in the grips of lust for each other. From there the story is told of the mere mortal and her love for an immortal warrior and, of course, how she learns of his immortality and how they cope with this 'small' problem. You will fall in love with Maximus and Heather as they try to grow their love for each other yet not knowing how their future will unfold or if there is actually a future for them. I read this book in one night and have already reread it. It is a love story for those who want a 'touch of wonderful fantasy' in their book. I can't find enough praise for this book and so look forward to the next two in this series. I highly recommend!!!!!!!!!!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I have absolutely loved every single thing I've ever read by Jayne Castel, but this might just be my favorite so far. The characters were brilliant, the plot was wonderful, and the steam... *swoon*... I especially appreciated that Heather was strong, clever, caring, and not prone to any TSTL moments despite countless opportunities. Blending Roman warriors with medieval Scotland was a creative twist that made the book even more delicious than it would have been otherwise. Courage, trust, acceptance, sexism, domestic violence, humility, pride, family, friendship, loyalty, politics, toxic masculinity, carpe diem, justice, hope, and love were some of the undercurrents in this bingeworthy tale. It ends in a SFN cliffhanger with a HFN and hopefully Every After for Heather and Maximus, and I'll be the first fangirl in line for the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of Maximus, but that did not affect my review.

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cursed with immortality along with two friends/fellow centurions trying to solve a riddle that will break the curse.
This is Maximus story....
Vowing to never get close to anyone ...... that is until he meets Heather
Although it felt rushed at times I really enjoyed this story ... I liked the empathy between the main characters, how both overcame their pasts to look to a future together.... needless to say I’m looking forward to the next book and the next adventure....

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carole Burant · Rating 5 out of 5]

If this first book in the new series "The Immortal Highland Centurions" is any indication, this series will be EPIC!!! Oh how I love the characters, the whole concept of this story and the history! Jayne Castel has outdone herself once again.

Maximus and two other warriors from the year 118 AD have been cursed by a Pict druidess to be immortal and only the solving of a riddle can set them free of the curse. Over a thousand years have passed since that fateful day and it's now the year 1301 and they are still searching for the answers to the riddle. One can't even imagine living that long, having to watch your loved ones get old and die and yet, you don't change whatsoever. This is the reason Maximus has vowed never to fall in love!!

When he meets Heather, though, his heart can't help but be involved, no matter how much he tries to resist! Heather finds herself in dire consequences after becoming a widow and having to work as a serving maid in a tavern. Pride keeps her from returning to her family home she had left after a horrible argument with her parents. Then one day a stranger walks into the tavern and her life is changed forever.

This whole story is quite an adventure and you won't want to put the book down. Immortal Centurions, William Wallace, the fight for Scottish freedom, the curse, the riddle, the romance, oh yes, you'll absolutely love it!!!

I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[bibliolatry · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an Outstanding Story! I Absolutely Loved It!

Jayne Castel's latest book, Maximus, captivated me from page one. It is a unique and well written book which I just couldn’t put down, and when I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about it.

Three warriors, survivors of the legendary Ninth Roman Legion who fought against the Picts in ancient Scotland, are captured and for their punishment, are cursed with eternal life. Although it sounds like a dream come true, it isn’t. They live with feelings of sadness, loneliness, and always feeling that they don’t belong.

The first book in the series, is entitled Maximus, named after that character. There will be two more books focusing on the other two friends, Cassian and Draco.

Maximus has shut himself off from society, living far from towns as a trapper, He is tired of living because he cannot have any kind of relationship with another human being. If he did so, they would wonder why he never ages or dies of sickness or wounds, and during these superstitious times, he would be cast out as a demon.

Against his better judgment, while he is minding his own business during a rare visit to a village inn, he comes to the defense of Heather, a widowed bar maid, who is being assaulted by the local laird's son. Thus begins the adventure that will bind them together, in spite of the difficulties they will encounter, and will fall in love.

Heather is a brave, out spoken young woman who seems to attract trouble. Maximus cannot help but come to her aid each time. Not only is there a lot of romance and action, but the history of that time period and the places they visit make this story incredibly fascinating. I kept stopping to look up the places they visited.

Maximus, Cassian and Draco have to solve a riddle to end their curse of eternity. I tried to Google the clues to see if I could solve it too, and I couldn't, but I learned so many interesting historical facts from doing so.

I found the book captivating and I CANNOT wait for the next book in the series. I HIGHLY recommend this book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tracy]

ARC Review:
This is a generous 4 star . I found this particular book a disappointment. Normally Ms. Castel endeavours to give the reader more historical background to place and characters. Dunnottar castel ,William Wallace ,King Edward of England are of huge historical importance but they are given the merest introduction. The main characters I found were difficult to care about as they were barely developed . Heather was too often referred to as "trouble" by Maximus and she described herself as "stubborn" she was rather difficult to like. Maximus was the silent brooding type and together their "chemistry" was difficult to believe. I carried on simply because I wanted to know if the 3 centurions solved the riddle an intriguing premise but not enough to read the next books in this series

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.