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Highland Bodyguards #10

Deceiving the Highlander

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A spy determined to protect her secrets. A Highlander hell-bent on the truth. All’s fair in their game of deception.

When an English spy working for Robert the Bruce falls inexplicably silent, Will Sinclair is sent to determine if she needs protection. But if he discovers her allegiances have turned…the Scottish cause must come first. Yet instead of answers, he finds a beautiful but mysterious woman who refuses to explain herself. Will has been betrayed before—which cost him an eye—so the last thing he’ll tolerate is a traitor. Can he uncover the truth before he loses his head—or his heart?

In the four years Eleanor de Monteney has worked as a spy in the English court, never have matters been more delicate—or dangerous. The last thing she needs is a rough-edged Highlander jeopardizing all her carefully constructed plans. Worse yet, in order to get close enough to assess her loyalties, he claims to be her fiancé. To protect her secrets, Eleanor must keep Will at arm’s length, but the smoldering desire between them threatens to ignite into an all-consuming blaze. With the fate of two nations hanging in the balance, will her deception cost them everything?

This full-length Scottish historical romance is part of the Highland Bodyguards Series, but also can be enjoyed as a standalone novel. Pick up your copy today!

416 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 28, 2019

266 people are currently reading
88 people want to read

About the author

Emma Prince

54 books272 followers
USA Today bestselling author Emma Prince whisks readers away to another time and place with her steamy historical romances—where the passion is legendary, the adventure never ends, and the happily ever afters are guaranteed!

After several years as a college English instructor (where she savored her “fun books”—usually historical romances—on the side), Emma turned her love of page-turning, richly historical stories into a career. She lives in drizzly Seattle with her husband, their daughter (the wee lass) and a crazy cat named Oban (after the town in Scotland or the whisky made there, depending on who you ask).

Emma loves connecting with readers! Sign up for her newsletter at www.EmmaPrinceBooks.com and be the first to hear about the latest book news, flash sales, giveaways, and more. Plus, receive a free historical romance story when you join.

Follow Emma on Amazon and BookBub for alerts on sales and new releases. Or join her on Facebook for loads of fun at: www.facebook.com/EmmaPrinceBooks.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for &#x1f989;Maggie Whitworth.
3,254 reviews113 followers
March 29, 2019
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
💋💋
With tears still streaming down my face I have to say that this has been one of the best series I’ve ever read .
I’m so sad it’s finished, but wow, what a journey it’s been .
The story of Robert The Bruce and his Bodyguards will stay with me always and be reread many times , thank you so much Emma .
This book however is about the last of the Bodyguard to find peace , Will.
He’s a gruff , bad tempered highlander, with one eye , he believes he’s past his best, but
when The Bruce sends him on a mission to find , protect, or kill a spy that’s possibly defected to Edwards side , he’s not happy ,convinced he’s not the man for the job .
The Bruce knows better.
Eleanor is the spy , she’s gone quiet and stopped reporting to her superior, is she still faithful to Scotland, can she still be trusted, and why is Will so taken with her , she’s brave , and beautiful , I’d say that’s two good reasons.
This is such a brilliantly written story it keeps you right on the edge all the way through, Emma has given her fans a blinder of a final book , the tension and underlying passion between the two lead characters is stunning.
I couldn’t stop reading .
Being a big fan of this series I will admit to crying during the prologue, so moving and such a fitting ending to the series.
I highly recommended this book and the whole set.
If you’ve not read them , what are you waiting for !
Profile Image for Dee Deacon Foster.
421 reviews20 followers
May 14, 2019
Emma Prince writes a fabulous tale set during the tumultuous times of Robert the Bruce. Her writing captures the strife and uncertainty of the times; as proven by the hero not knowing if the heroine is a traitor and the heroine trying to prove herself while providing security for a member of the enemy’s inner circle. Hang on to you seats because you are in for a wild ride as these two go head to head on their way to their happily ever after.
Profile Image for Alison.
850 reviews5 followers
March 23, 2019
Deceiving the Highlander
Highland Bodyguards, Book 10
By Emma Prince
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Will Sinclair is a member of an elite group of Highland bodyguards that serve Robert the Bruce. When an English spy has fallen silent over the last couple of months, Will is sent to determine if she is in trouble and needs help or not. But if he discovers that she has become a traitor to the Scottish Crown well then the cause will have to come first. Instead of the obvious answers he expects to find, he finds a beautiful and mysterious woman who absolutely refuses to explain herself. Will has been betrayed before and that cost him an eye so the last thing he'll accept is a traitor.

Eleanor de Monteney has worked as a spy for the Scottish in the English court for the last four years, and matters have never been more delicate or dangerous. The last thing she needs is some Highlander showing up, pretending to be a Lowlander jeopardizing all of her most carefully laid plans. Worse yet, in order to be close enough to see where her loyalties lay, he has claimed that he is her fiancee. To protect her secrets, Eleanor has to keep Will arm length, but the spark of desire that they both feel threatens to become ann all consuming raging fire. With the fate of two nations hanging in the balance, with her deception be the ultimate sin and cost them everything?

Emma Prince writes a novel that is so rich with history that you can't believe you are actually reading historical fiction. This novel was absolutely amazing. From the minute I opened it I was lost. It was a real page turner that didn't take me long to read at all. When I saw that I had a book from Ms. Prince I jumped right into it because I know how great her novels are. I would highly recommend this novel to historical readers everywhere.
Profile Image for Petula.
3,081 reviews86 followers
March 29, 2019
Will Sinclair is one of Robert the Bruce's corps if bodyguards. He has been wounded and living on his own estate until his King calls on him for a very special assignment.
He will have to spend time in the depths of the enemy camp to discover if they have been betrayed.
Eleanor de Monteney is an English woman in service as lady in waiting to Queen Isabella. It has taken her years to work her way into the trust of the unhappy Queen.
Who is she really looking out for, England, Edward, Isabella, Scotland or just herself???
Lots of political intrigue and danger for both our lead characters. Will our hero have to make the ultimate life and death decision or will someone else take that from him??
This is part of a very exciting series, but each book can be read on it's own. I have read and enjoyed each one.
Profile Image for Lori D.
4,079 reviews130 followers
April 2, 2019
The latest story in the Highland Bodyguards is Scottish Historical romance at it's best! Emma Prince has outdone herself again with this fast paced exciting and emotional tale during the time of Robert the Bruce. She incorporates the history and characters seamlessly and takes you on a fantastic journey not soon forgotten!
Will Sinclair, a member of the Bruce's Bodyguard Corps, consider's himself not at his best due to having lost his eye when he was betrayed. But he is sent on a mission to the English court to find one of his spies, Eleanor de Monteney, who has been out of contact. The concern is either she has been found out or worse, she could have turned on them since she is an Englishwoman. If that is the case, there is only one outcome Will will have to carry out.
Eleanor cannot believe it when a large one eyed highlander shows up claiming to be her fiance'. What? Her parents had supposedly arranged the union and she plays along. So Will gets close to her and the tension spikes to pull off their charade with his focus to find out what is really happening with her. Why has she not sent a message to the Bruce as usual?
The attraction is there, but who to trust, how to pull off this deception with the Queen so close and all of the political intrigue at every corner?
A masterfully written story that will remain one of my favorites. I am sad this is the end of this series, but fear not! There are more amazing stories to come from this author, I have no doubt!!(Please hurry!)
251 reviews7 followers
April 8, 2019
Another Visit With People I Care About

Another book in the series about people I have come to care very much about, and their Cause. I love stories that include The Bruce. Will, the hero was a very strong, honorable, loyal man, with a past That had been very painful. He had a lot to overcome, physically, and had to learn to trust again. Eleanor, the heroine was a very strong, intelligent woman with several secrets. It is a unlikely romantic relationship. The book had intrigue, adventure, romance with a little dose of spice. I had a hard time putting it down, always wondering what would happen next, and what the secrets were. The story was very interesting, including a King, and his Queen, who also had secrets. I enjoyed, and recommend this book, as I do the complete series. I found best to read in order, but can be read as a standalone book.
61 reviews
June 4, 2019
I am so sad to see this amazing series come to an end, but it couldn't have wrapped up any better. This was the perfect conclusion to the series, as well as an incredible stand-alone read. Like all of Emma Prince's books, this one was filled with danger, intrigue, romantic tension, heat, action, and of course a satisfying happily ever after for the hero and heroine. Will's past has made him distrustful and hard-edged. His clashes with Eleanor, an Englishwoman spying on the King and Queen of England on Scotland's behalf, were electric. I loved their back-and-forths as they fell for each other in spite of themselves. I couldn't put the book down until all was revealed and made right by the end. And I loved that all the characters from the rest of the series made an appearance. The perfect ending to a fantastic series!
Profile Image for Ann L.
4,783 reviews39 followers
April 1, 2019
What an exciting story this is, it is has secrets and subterfuge as Will Sinclair is sent by the Bruce as part if the Corp to find and if necessary protect/silence spy Eleanor. What he was not expecting was actually falling for the lass, even though she still had secrets and wouldn't let on what she was up to and as it is so nicely put, the enemy of your enemy just might be your friend. Ok, that might be a bit cryptic, but if you grab a copy of this all will become clear, there is also a bit of a history lesson included in a roundabout way, but mostly this is an unputdownable romance and one I can recommend to all lovers of the Highland Warriors.

I received a copy and I am voluntarily leaving my own honest opinion
Profile Image for Ann Gonzalez.
1,497 reviews15 followers
April 6, 2019
A perfect end to a series

I have enjoyed this series immensely. I can not believe it is at an end. I will definitely re-read this series. The Author's Note was interesting and full of information.
As for this book, I was thrilled to finally be reading Will's story. I've been wanting to read his book since Kirk's story. It took a strong woman to earn Will's trust. Eleanor was a perfect heroine and partner for Will.
I look forward to reading many more books by Emma Prince. She is talented and writes some of the best Highlander\ Scottish romances that is so good you don't realize you learn a little history as well. Highly recommend this book, this series, and this author.
Profile Image for Lela.
277 reviews
August 18, 2023
I love Tim Campbell's voice.

I've started jotting down my thoughts as I listen to the story, less as a "review" and more because I have a brain injury and I'll forget what my initial/after thoughts on a story are.

Initial thoughts: "I really liked Will before Kirk slashed his eye, and even though he had become cynical and bitter, I had a lot of hope for him... but Geez he has become really unlikeable. I feel so bad for Eleanor, because every time she offers up some truth, he returns hateful distrust.

Aw, poor David. Eleanor taking up David's cause is a beautiful reason for her to join the cause. The poor squires and the two ladies in waiting- and the fact that those deaths were real- is so tragic. Squires are just boys, so it was warfare meted out on women and children.

Eleanor rode a mare named "Satin" when she and Will went for a ride and he told her about his eye. My mare is named Satin, and I've never seen her name pop up in another book.

I was thinking the menagerie would play a bigger roll that just comparing Will to the lion- Idk, I feel bad for those animals. It seems the queen would rather them have been set free, and I would like to think she ordered it done after she took over.

I'm not sure where I stand on Kirk protecting him, which I get that he was, but was there no other way? I remember wondering why Kirk didn't just knock him out, but I also get that he needed to give him an injury that wouldn't allow him to follow them. I just hate that it had to be his eye.

I don't understand why Eleanor thinks that ignorance is more protection than telling this experienced and well trained warrior the full truth. Knowing the truth, the full truth, allows people to make informed decisions and REDUCES risk.

Will is supposed to be smart... but bruh, are you telling me that he put the name the Queen muttered in the garden with Roger, as the R in the missive, but for some reason jumped to the conclusion that he was Eleanor's lover, just because the letters were in her room? He thinks the Queen would put herself in danger with a scant number of guards, all for a lover of ELEANOR? And he jumps to the conclusion that Eleanor is lying after she said that they could talk about it in the morning- why wouldn't he assume, as normal people would, that plans had changed? Or something spontaneous had happened? I get that he's bitter, but damn. And Kirk never lied to him... he just didn't tell him that he was part of the body guard corps.

Also, the plot by Isabella was NOT what I saw coming. I thought maybe the secret Eleanor was keeping involved the queen, but I did not count on the daring rescue or the plot to overthrow the king. I am glad that they were able to pin Mortimer's escape on Conrad though- that guy was a douche and the Thames carrying him away is just the icing on the cake for me.

Ohhhhh the epilogue! What a great way to end the series. Everyone was there, all ends tied up. Beautiful. Will being the one to read the treaty was fitting since he was the one who put it in motion.

I know they aren't part of the story, but I really enjoyed the author's notes, explaining how the history ties in to the story, her research and what she learned. It's so cool.

All in all, a good series. Hats off to both Emma and Tim Campbell (though there are two smaller novels-Graeme and Fillan- who are not on audible yet, and thusly I didn't get to experience them... I need Tim Campbell to read them for me).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Melinda.
839 reviews6 followers
July 27, 2019
This was the perfect story to conclude a wonderful series.

Will had turned bitter from the loss of sight in his eye thanks to what he believed was a betrayal of trust. A fellow member of the Bodyguard Corps, Kirk MacLeod, had maimed him when Kirk went undercover during a mission.

The loss of sight had hampered Will's ability as a warrior. He no longer had depth perception to shoot arrows or throw daggers but he still was a good and loyal warrior for the Bruce.

Then he is sent into England to determine if a spy, who had gone silent, was in danger or had turned to the other side. His job was to eliminate the threat if the latter was true and protect her if she was in danger.

He thought it would be easy but Eleanor was a beautiful and accomplished spy. He had a hard time determining what she was up to. What was worse, he found himself falling for her.

Eleanor was playing a dangerous game, except it wasn't a game. It was life and death. She was the favorite lady in waiting for Queen Isabella of England. She was working on a plan that would ultimately help Scotland but couldn't tell Will because she thought he would spoil the plans somehow and the last time she had shared a secret, her fiance had been executed. She knows if Will determines she is untrustworthy, it could mean her life.

This was a great ending to the series. I will miss the characters and stories but I will continue to read other works by Emma Prince. She has a wide knowledge of Scottish and English history and blends fiction and non-fiction together seamlessly.
244 reviews2 followers
August 24, 2021
This last book in this outstanding series was the perfect end.
Will Sinclair is still angry with a betrayal years before which cost him his eye, he finds it extremely hard to let go, and though he feels he is less of a warrior because of this, Robert the Bruce has every faith in him for not only his quick mind, but his strength as well when he sends him on a secret mission to the English Court.
The beautiful Eleanor de Monteney has been spying for the Scottish king but has been silent for months as she has become involved in an extremely dangerous plot, which could potentially be the winning triumph for the Scots.
Being at stubborn loggerheads with each other, not only jeopardises their individual missions but their hearts as well in this humorous, emotional and passionate adventure, with twists and turns in every chapter.
This tale of adventure, betrayal and love captures one's imagination, with yet again Emma Prince weaving her magic around these characters, the storyline and the historical detail, which is spot on for the time.
I have absolutely loved these characters, their honour, lives and love stories, and I am sorry to finish this wonderful series.
1 review
August 24, 2019
Love Emma Prince! Her Highland bodyguard series is fantastic, it contains history, great plots, and lots of steam!! Although the series is 10 books + a couple of not so good novellas, all the books plots are completely different! They are standalone, but are all connected. I thoroughly recommend starting with no. 1 and working through them. I've just finished no.10 and am so sorry to have come to the end, but greatly relieved to have found The clan Sinclair trilogy. Having been introduced to the Sinclair brothers and Clan in the Bodyguard series I feel like its an extension of the books and am excited to start the first book.......
22 reviews
November 24, 2023
Good Plort & Story

Please stop taking God's name in vain. There really are a lot of other words available.
Sometimes you use a completely wrong word. Sometimes you use word just wrong--close but no cigar. Other times words are left out, I'm sure accidentally. Sometimes you use really big words, and it's just goofy. If you want to be ready good, you'll take this advice. You have good writing skills & storyline, but this will polish your writing.
33 reviews
March 29, 2019
Option

It was not a word until 1600, but it keeps showing up. When you write that word into your books doesn't it sound odd. Guess not. Don't editors recognize it as odd. Guess not. Just me. It's so 21st century and used so much makes me sick when I read it in 14th century medieval stories.
189 reviews
April 29, 2019
Great ending.

This was a great ending to a great series. I loved each and every book in this series and highly recommend them to anyone who loves historical Scottish romance. Awesome characters and story line that grabs you in from the first chapter till the end. Also, wonderful history review at the end of each book.
120 reviews
May 6, 2019
Deceiving the Highlander

Anything written by Emma Price is time well spent. Everything is very descriptive from details about clothing, physical characteristics of the main characters. The intrigue of the on-going feuds between the Scottish and the English was very interesting. Liked the short paragraphs which made for faster and ease of reading.
14 reviews
November 26, 2023
Highland Bodyguards Series Praise

What an impressive history lesson wrapped up in ten entertaining Highlander love stories. Each story was for me "unputdownable". Thank you Emma Price for these great stories and the interesting adventures and struggles through this period of history between Scotland and England.
111 reviews
March 29, 2019
Again

Another well written book, great story which makes you feel a part of. I hope it's not the last one in this series but I have a feeling it may well be, but Emma has written others thank goodness!
Thank you Emma
Chubbs
Profile Image for Kathy Brickert.
3,452 reviews16 followers
March 31, 2019
Wow

Another great story filled with historical treats to finish out the series! Great story by a wonderful author! Loved it! Glad we ended with Will's story! He deserved the best! Looking forward to what comes next?! I know it will be great! Great read!
18 reviews
April 1, 2019
One of the best...

After reading all of them, I would say it is one of the best in this series of highland stories. I am sorry the Bodyguard Corps has to end. Definitely worth the time and money to read. 👍
44 reviews1 follower
April 3, 2019
An authentic read

I have learned so much about history reading her books. Even though they are wonderful Scottish historical reads, they intertwine so much realistic history. Always a 5 start read.
3 reviews
April 10, 2019
Excellent Series

Loved all of the 10 books. Hopefully more will come.
Sad to have finished this latest book about Will.
I need more Highland Bodyguards books haha. I’ll miss reading about all the books characters.
13 reviews
April 24, 2019
A Must Read

The last of The Bodyguard series is just as awesome as the first book. You will be engrossed see what happens next . I have enjoyed the whole series and recommend you to read them all. 😇
Profile Image for Sharon Olesen-Macleod.
128 reviews1 follower
May 7, 2019
I have loved every book in this series and I’m sad it’s finished! I love the historical facts that are woven through each book and admire Emma Prince’s dedication to the research she does to flesh out her stories.
Profile Image for Shirley Hamlod.
1,112 reviews7 followers
June 16, 2019
This is a brilliant last instalment of this series. The plot is complicated just like Will and Eleanor’s situation. Their story neatly ends the series with them instigating a peace treaty. This has an enjoyable story line as well as a serious undertone. Brilliant historic writing.
25 reviews
July 27, 2019
Will and Eleanor such a wonderful story

I recommend Emma’s books to everyone! The stories she writes are filled with strong characters, great historical facts and wonderful sizzling romance. Keep up the good work Emma. Can’t wait to read more of your works!
14 reviews1 follower
March 4, 2020
Amazing loved every book in this series

A must read...I couldn’t wait to read the next book. Emma prince does a fantastic job of weaving in real Scottish history with interesting characters
762 reviews2 followers
April 19, 2020
Will and Eleanor

They had a rocky start learning to trust one another. They played a role in Edward agreeing to make a treaty with Robert the Bruce. They also helped with Isabella's plan to break free Roger Mortimer.
Profile Image for Marjorie.
2,099 reviews4 followers
July 17, 2021
Great historical romance

I have read all 10 of this series and also reading things from Ancestry of all my families. I had a mayor of Bath in my late husband had some rebel Scottish people. He never new this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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