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Highland Heroes #1

The Guardian

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They ordered her to seduce him and cast him aside. He was commanded to protect her. No one told them to fall in love. They discovered that on their own. Now each can’t live without the other but together they risk certain death.

Book 1 - in the new series "Highland Heroes" is now available!

A Highlander’s duty....

A summons from court could be a dangerous thing especially for Graham MacCoinnich. He says what he thinks, and his clan’s treasonous rumblings coupled with their risky alliances cast both kith and kin in a dubious light. But King William’s order turns out to be anything but dire.

Surprising? Yes. Enticing? Without a doubt. The exquisite Lady Mercy Claxton, most cherished goddaughter of the king, requires a protective escort through Scotland and Graham is happy to offer his services.

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Highland Heroes
Book 1 - The Guardian
Book 2 - The Warrior
Book 3 - The Judge
Book 4 - The Dreamer
Book 5 - The Bard
Book 6 - The Ghost

296 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 19, 2019

882 people are currently reading
541 people want to read

About the author

Maeve Greyson

64 books650 followers
Maeve Greyson is a USA TODAY bestselling author, Amazon Top 100 bestseller, Amazon All Star, multiple RONE Award winner, and a multiple HOLT Medallion Finalist.

Her mantra is this: No one has the power to shatter your dreams unless you give it to them.

She and her husband of over forty-five years traveled around the world while in the U.S. Air Force. Now they're settled in rural Kentucky where Maeve writes about her courageous heroes and the fearless women who tame them. Sometimes her stories are historical romances, time travel romances, or escapist romantasies, but the one thing they always have in common is a satisfying happily ever after. When she’s not plotting the perfect snare, she can be found herding cats, grandchildren, and her husband—not necessarily in that order.

To learn more about Maeve visit: https://linktr.ee/maevegreyson

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
Profile Image for Gerbera_Reads.
1,685 reviews154 followers
July 21, 2021
Oh, this should have been a wonderful story for me. Many things came as a pleasant surprise such as half Japanese ancestry of our leading lady which I loved. There was plenty going on: villains, danger and some steam. But I really could not love it because of author's writing style: telling me and not showing anything. The MCs had no chemistry, I didn't feel the danger, passion or pretty much anything. When did they fall in love? Why?

There were so many unexplored issues that had the author addressed them would have made this story magnificent. Otherwise it was too fast paced insta love overly sweet at times made to fit resolutions story. I am disappointed. I thought I found new author. The two plot twists in the end were good though. Made it a little better for me. Therefore, 3 star rating. I am curious about the other brothers but her writing style is just not what I like in books I read. Sometimes chunks of time were missing. The saccharine way that both MCs talked about their love after being together for all of a week? Gah. Don't get me started on the intimate scenes... Lack of historical background and world building didn't help either. *sigh* I tried...
Profile Image for &#x1f989;Maggie Whitworth.
3,254 reviews113 followers
November 16, 2019
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Very enjoyable read, my first from Maeve and I can’t wait for the rest of the series.

Must admit I did guess the end but that didn’t matter , the whole story was excellent and I enjoyed it thoroughly.

These two were electric together , the main couple were stunning , they sparked off each other continuously making the story brilliantly emotional.

Secondary characters were ones you can see with their own stories, and loved the maid Janie.

Great story and addictive reading.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
Profile Image for Moonlight &#x1f338;.
658 reviews97 followers
June 3, 2020
The scheme at the start of the book was Grand! (Evil as it was). Felt so good to see something different from the usual highland plots.

I liked Graham from the jump. Mercy was a wee bit... full of emotions and thoughts (don’t know what word to use. Sometimes she was docile, sometimes she was ANGRY, sometimes she was a lady, and so on. And the way her thoughts kept switching so abruptly... lol it was quite hard for me to place my finger on her character.
Profile Image for Petula.
3,086 reviews86 followers
November 18, 2019
Graham MacCoinnich is suspicious of King William of England's motives when he is summoned to the palace.  The Duke of Edsbury wants his daughter the Lady Mercy Claxton taken on a tour of Scotland,  and the King agrees.  Graham knows it must be a trap of some kind but can see no way out,  yet.  

Lady Mercy has been shunned by most of society all her life,  because of her mother's history and bloodline. Luckily she is favored by the King as his godchild. With her mother and brother now dead, Mercy must rely on the strength she has been taught to get her through what will be a very difficult journey.  

Political intrigue and jealousy means there is danger everywhere.  Our Highland warrior needs to be constantly on the look-out, not being diverted by a beautiful woman.  

A marvelous tension filled journey through the length of England.  Will they survive or will they bring war to the doorstep of his clan? 

You can't help but fall in love with all the characters, including the very smart horse.  

I loved this and can't wait to read the next in the series. 
3,255 reviews34 followers
November 16, 2019
The Guardian by Maeve Grayson is a thrilling adventure/romance piece set in Scotland in 1693. It encompasses the tale of Mercy, a young English noblewoman, and Graham, a landless Highlander. Graham has been summoned to the King of England where he is given the task of escorting and protecting Marcy as she travels through the Highlands, documenting the flora and fauna for publication. He has been asked to summon his brothers, Duncan and Sutherland, to accomplish this task. Marcy is the daughter of an English duke and his Japanese wife. She and Mercy's brother are now dead and her father has no love for her. Unbeknownst to all and sundry, Mercy plans to see shelter at a convent where she feels she will be at peace. Hers has been a life of trauma and gossip aimed at her because of her mother's past. Her last orders from her father were to make Graham fall in love with her and spurn him in the hopes that he would do something rash and there would be an excuse for the duke to attack his family and eliminate them all for good. More reason for Mercy to get herself to the convent as she could not be responsible for the deaths of these people. And the journey began...

What a good story! Graham is the quintessential Highlander, stoic and taciturn, determined never to marry. It did not take long for Mercy to turn his head. Mercy is a gentle and kind soul, ready to see the best in everyone, wanting to be as kind to people as she was to animals. They were a very unlikely pair. The Duke was evil and Mercy was not certain why and Graham simply believed no Englishman was to be trusted. Janie was Mercy's maid and not really a very good one, but supremely loyal and Mercy loved her as a friend and confidant. This story proved that some Englishmen could be trusted; men took the best care possible of their children, acknowledged or not; and love blooms in the most unlikely of places. I loved reading it. I highly recommend it.

I received a free ARC of this book from Dragonblade. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own.
Profile Image for Andrea Zuvich.
Author 9 books241 followers
August 29, 2021
The book didn't start out strong for me, and I thought about giving up around page 5, but I'm glad I stuck with it because the writing and story improved and I got to the point where I was eagerly awaiting my next reading session.

The main characters are interesting: the hero, Graham MacCoinnich, is the uber-sexy Scot who is everything a fantasy Scot should be, so there's that. Lady Mercy Claxton, our heroine, is noteworthy because she is the first half-East Asian, half-caucasian main character I've ever come across in a book set in the seventeenth century. Her mother was Japanese and this is an important aspect of her character throughout.

I had a little bit of an uncomfortable time with some aspects of this book, because it took very large liberties with William III, whom I have written about myself, and why was there no mention of his wife, Queen Mary II? Maybe I missed it. Anyway, that's probably just me and I was able to brush that off. It's not a nonfiction history book, after all, it's a historical romance and it does that well.

Next, I was left wondering about the motivations of one of the villains - what was their beef? I hope the hatred expressed by that character is explained in follow-up books because it seemed like there is a whole backstory we know nothing about.

In short, an exciting adventure with a dash of mystery and a lot of romance between two likeable characters. I sure enjoyed it!
Profile Image for Sandra Standefer.
411 reviews5 followers
November 19, 2019
Mercy Claxton is forced by her father to to travel to the highlands with Graham MacConnich under the guise writing a book on the flora and fauna of the highlands. What he doesn’t know is it is Mercy’s job to seduce him and this would incite a war. Having been ostracized by everyone at Court Mercy has other plans to accomplish on this trip, but falling I love with Graham is not one of them. This story takes you from courts to the highlands and just when you think you have figured it out it changes. This story has mystery, intrigue, love. I definitely loved Mercy and Graham and reading there story. This was my first time reading a book by this author and I definitely will be getting other books by her!
Profile Image for Debbie Brown.
2,035 reviews18 followers
November 19, 2019
Highlander mercenary Graham MacCoinnich is summoned to the court by the English King Edward. He’s been tasked with escorting the daughter of a duke and his goddaughter, Lady Mercy Claxton through Scotland. Graham knew there was much more going on than escorting her through the wilds of Scotland, but what political intrigue is the King instigating to his benefit. Lady Mercy’s one plan is to get away from her father and into a convent, but he tells her she is to seduce the Scot and then cast him aside. He hopes Graham will do something rash and cause a political war give and give him and James Campbell an excuse to wipe out Clan MacCoinnich. I love these characters and their journey is filled with twists and turns and a Highland love not to be denied. I loved this excellent story I loved and I voluntarily wrote a review.
Profile Image for Lori D.
4,079 reviews130 followers
November 19, 2019
Enter a world of political maneuvering and underhanded scheming woven around two pawns who are paired together in an intriguing tale that will pull you in from the first page.
Highlander and mercenary Graham MacCoinnich is summoned by the English King Edward to escort the daughter of a duke and his goddaughter, Lady Mercy, through Scotland. The goal is to keep her safe while she composes a book on the flora and fauna of Scotland. Sound like a trap of some kind? Oh yes Graham knew there was much more going on. At least he would have one of his brother's with him and yes, he was attracted to the beautiful Mercy.
Lady Mercy had one thought in mind. To get away from her father. But she had been given instructions from him to seduce the Scot and then cast him aside. What that might accomplish was terrible.
A journey with many twist and turns that will keep you turning the pages. I adored Graham (of course he was a braw highlander, who wouldn't?) and poor Mercy tugged at my heart. I cannot wait to read more in this series!
Profile Image for Barbara Michael.
333 reviews1 follower
November 21, 2019
Welcome to the Scottish Highland. King William is sending his beloved Goddaughter, Lady Mercy Claxton, into Scotland and needs a protective escort. The King decided that Graham MacCoinnich would be the perfect person for the assignment. Graham feels that this could be a dangerous assignment, but the offer of bags of gold, softens the offer. Little does he realize that the whole journey will be shrouded in secrecy and plotted against them by Lady Mercy’s father. Maeve Greyson has provided a wonderful adventure, colorful characters and a lot of excitement along the way. A real page turner and I cannot wait until the next adventure is ready to enjoy.
Profile Image for Denise.
251 reviews10 followers
November 22, 2019
Lady Mercy has been given a task by her unforgiving father. Seduce a man, incite the King’s wrath and destroy a family. Once she meets her guardian for the trip, she regrets her agreement. Graham has agreed to accompany the Lady to the Highlands. He is enamored with her unusual beauty. As they talk, she reveals that her mother was a pirate captive from Japan and that she had been purchased by her father. Graham begins to fall in love, as does Mercy. As they admit their feelings and plans, it appears as if someone in the entourage is not who they seem. Fighting unknown and known enemies brings them much closer and to a very happy life together.
Profile Image for Annette.
246 reviews3 followers
November 21, 2019
New to me author

And now one I will be keeping my eye out for. This book had no time travel in it so don't buy if that's your thing. Those is set tho in a time when kilt clad highlanders reigned.
I really loved the story line between Mercy and Graham. MacCoinnich brothers are all you could want. There is intrigue and villains plenty and the course of love is tougher by far. And I was listening to this at work and got teary eyed at a few parts. The author tugged and plucked the heart strings.
I am going back to get Alexander's story and can't wait for Duncan's after that teaser. Well done, Maeve!
189 reviews1 follower
December 29, 2019
Another winning read by a fabulous author. Talk about emotions. We have some of the worst feelings you’ve ever want to meet including our haroinfather although he wasn’t her true father. I’ll let you read about it and find out what I mean. And then we have our hero a strong wonderful Scott, and our king who will surprise you. And other characters which I’m hoping will appear and other books. Do you want sensual? Do you want romantic? Do you want sexual? It’s all here this is a book not to be missed
Profile Image for Lady Whitbrooke.
406 reviews16 followers
July 18, 2021
Sadly it’s my opinion that this book was VERY overrated. Seriously.
It was very mediocre until around 75% then it became downright depressing and guess what???? it had a very unsatisfactory ending, I mean you can typically overlook some issues if you get a great HEA and while I guess the author “thought” she was delivering that, it didn’t ring true for me. It took me 3 days to finish this book I did so out of pure stubbornness (not wanting to leave a book unfinished).
Summary Mediocre story, SEVERELY depressing climax and to me not so great HEA. Plot 5(1-10) steaminess 5(1-10).
20 reviews1 follower
November 21, 2019
Maeve Grayson as usual

FANTASTIC, great read. The story moved along, and kept me hooked. Wonderful characters. A light and easy read for those days when you need to just kick back and relax. There are scenes of physical love making, but they don't go overboard into what I would call porn or even soft porn.
156 reviews
November 21, 2019
Riveting

Political intrigue, a Highlander and a strong woman all come together in this story. The chemistry between the characters is strong and the setting traveling to the highlands of Scotland is beautifully described. Can’t wait for the next one in the series. Well written.
577 reviews5 followers
November 21, 2019
Love

I enjoyed reading this book! It is a story about a Scot by the name of Graham MacCoinnich and Lady Mercy Rowena Claxton. Graham is supposed to show Lady Mercy the Highlands but her father had other plans for her. This story is so good that I think anyone that enjoys reading this genre will enjoy this story also!!
273 reviews
November 20, 2019
Graham and Mercy thrown together as Graham escorts her on a trip into the highlands by the order of the King. Nothing but trouble follows but love still finds them. Good read.
Profile Image for Pink Roadster.
40 reviews
November 21, 2019
This was my first of Maeve's books. I asked to do this as an ARC and I did. It was a sweet delightful read. I will probably pick up the rest of series. Come see what happens between Mercy and Graham. You won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Fran.
477 reviews3 followers
August 18, 2021
If you haven't read the prequel to this series The Chieftain, then you're at a disadvantage to understanding why members of Clan MacCoinnich make the decisions they make and behave the way they do. I definitely recommend you read The Chieftain first. It's a good story and it gives you what you need to know to fully appreciate the whole series. This book could be a standalone but why not maximize your enjoyment of it?

I was really interested to read Mercy's story knowing a little bit about what happened to her in advance. Mercy is a unique female character—half Japanese, half English, trained to ride and shoot, having some knowledge of self-defense, and having favor with the King. As such she has been entangled in a convoluted plot to entrap one of the MacCoinnich brothers and give reason for King William to order his nemesis Clan MacCoinnich to be slaughtered. Mercy, Graham and their pitiful entourage are compelled by the King to travel from London to the Highlands on a bogus mission that is clearly a trap, and there is no point in the story in which the reader or the MCs should truly trust anyone outside the Clan. This is an intriguing and suspenseful story in which my only complaint is that Mercy could be too stubborn and impulsive to know when to hold back. The biggest highlight of the story is the beautiful and heartfelt wedding ceremony for Mercy and Graham. One of the nicest wedding scenes I've read in a while now.

As Highlander stories go, these are pretty good. Ms. Greyson presents unique storylines with classically believable Heroes and heroines, reasonably accurate historical details, good backstories, and absorbing romances. You'll enjoy the adventure. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Duncan's story. It sounds a little pirate-y, something I haven't read before.
Profile Image for Lauren.
1,438 reviews5 followers
July 27, 2025
Very enjoyable story but not without its faults.

Faults first, but don’t read unless you want to know a major plot point because severe spoiler in this part: So I just wish the author took the time to make this fit into the story more clearly. I guess prejudice was the assumed answer but it still doesn’t really warrant the scheming and the length of time spent carrying out this plan.

I liked Mercy and Graham. Them falling for each other was cute and sweet. And I’m glad they had a HEA.

The violence in the story was a little shocking especially because of the extent of the damage but I guess it makes the story more raw.

The fMC being half Japanese was a big surprise too. I guess it added an interesting difference from other books like this. I’m not opposed to reading the next book in the series but I probably won’t unless it’s offered for free as well.
Profile Image for Space Cowgirl.
4,133 reviews144 followers
July 21, 2021
A Scot 🐺🔪💪In The Enemies Court

ADULT Historical Highlander 🔪💪🏰Romance💕 and Adventure🔪🐎.Enemies to Lovers💘

This is the second book I have read about this family of highland warriors. The first book is " The Chieftain ".

Mercenary Highland Warrior, Graham Coinnich,🐺🍆⛲💪🔪 has been summoned to the inner sanctum of the English 👑King, William. He is ordered to escort, guide, and protect Lady Mercy, the daughter of The English Duke of Edsbury, on a tour of the highlands. She is going to sketch and record the plants and fauna of the highlands for a book that will be published by the King 👑, in honor of her late mother and brother.

This is sure to be a farce and a disaster, but Graham🐺🍆⛲💪🔪 realizes his performance will mean the safety of his clan. The 👑King is just looking for an excuse to wipe out💀 as many highlanders as possible.

Of course he will fall in 💘Love with the determined and high spirited Lady Mercy.

This is a somewhat different kind of highlander🐺💪🔪🏰 novel. Great 🌎world building throughout!
Profile Image for yueting ♡.
285 reviews8 followers
October 19, 2024
two-point-five stars

i read through the first 50% of this in one night - i was fairly hooked and i found the characters and plot intriguing. however, as soon as they set off on the tour, too many things started happening and i felt like the relationship between mercy and graham was too rushed. their initial flirtations were cute and fun, and maeve greyson introduced a couple of plot points between them that i was really interested in exploring further. but the panning out of them felt near-instant and not satisfying at all.

i took a weeklong break from this and came back to finish it, just so i could shelve it as finished, and so much plot and so much action was crammed into the last 20-30% of the book that it all kind of went over my head and none of it truly made the impact that i think greyson was trying to make. perhaps by that point i had already mentally checked out of the book though, so that's on me.
Profile Image for Bridget Love to read Lewis.
2,446 reviews28 followers
September 8, 2021
Much more than it seems

Graham was approached to come to court and escort Mercy the Kings god daughter to the Highlands to draw and create a book! Mercy was the "daughter" of a Duke. More of her parentage and the many complications are revealed later!
Mercy is no spoiled court daughter she is beautiful, kind and brave. I always go with my gut instincts. Never ignore that inner sense it had far reaching consequences! I was in tears because Mercy gave evil chance after chance. This love affair was filled with danger mercenaries hired to kill Mercy but Graham protected her but exposed her to evil bowing to her wishes! This story was deeply emotional rollercoaster! Tears at some points laughter at others!
318 reviews4 followers
December 21, 2021
Wow, Love this Japanese-English Heroine

This romance/adventure begins in London and heads to the Highlands of 18th century Scotland. Nicely written it is made all the more wonderful because the heroine’s mother is Japanese. As the adventure develops, the plots thicken and deceits and difficulties arise. Mercy shows how she and her deceased mother, both noblewomen, found strength and empowerment in spite of the bullying racism which surrounded them in the English court. Graham, the Highlander leading this expedition, is a great character as well as the others in well developed roles. Tastefully written and feels true to the period of time.
Profile Image for Amy.
498 reviews7 followers
April 3, 2021
Very interesting book. I really liked the story and I love how Graham stood by Mercy no matter what. Some very surprising things happened and can I just say I love Mercy's horse. There were times I laughed and shook my head. There were times I sighed and there were times my heart wanted to break.
I love Grahams family and how they accept Mercy and love and protect her as their own. I was surprised at a few twists and others I was like "I knew it!"
I would be very interested to read the other books in this series.
Profile Image for Sharon Osburn.
224 reviews4 followers
September 29, 2021
Excellent

The characters are outstanding the plot an amazing romance adventure with more twists and turns than a river in the Highlands. True love vicious villains and the courageous heroine. The story ends with a bittersweet happy ever after as she recovers from the wicked attack the sustained injuries remain with her. If there was anything I didn't like it was the ending and what had happened to the heroine. But it was okay. She was not annoying or spoiled brat. She was a beautiful soul. Enjoyed this book completely.
Profile Image for Ann Gonzalez.
1,499 reviews15 followers
May 13, 2020
Great Highlander romance

This was a great book. It was a little long and slow at times, but most of it flowed at a steady pace. I liked the characters. I liked Graham from his brother Alexander's book, The Chiefton. Mercy was a sweet character that was also strong. Reading this book makes me want to re-read The Chiefton . I have already downloaded book two and plan to start it immediately.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews

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