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The fiercer the battle, the sweeter the spoils

Sutherland MacCoinnich flirts his way into the hardest hearts and most forbidden beds. He’s such a charmer, even the lasses that he loves then leaves behind never hold any ill will against him. All the ladies adore him. All except one. As lovely as she is infuriating, the daughter of Chieftain Greyloch barely gives him a passing glance. When she does, it’s only to tell him he smells more like a horse than a Highlander. She even threatens to shoot him if ever sets foot on her land again. And to add insult to injury, the woman cost him a keg of fine whisky in a bet.

An enticing trinity of beauty, wit, and fire. She would be his. Forever.

If Sorcha Greyloch doesn’t marry soon, she’s sure to be the death of her father. Many a desirable suitor has come calling, but she has refused them all. She knows who she wants. She’s loved Sutherland MacCoinnich since the first time he darkened her clan’s door. But she’s not about to tell him that until she has him on his knees. After all, most men share a particular trait. They’re driven to possess what they think they can’t possibly have.

The womanizer of Clan MacCoinnich is about to be tamed by the one woman he feared he would never win, but unexpected danger lurks in Castle Greyloch. A danger that threatens the dueling lovers’ future.

**If you love stirring tales of braw Highland warriors and the wily women who tame them, then this is the perfect novel for you! Passion, intrigue, and romance abound in this next installment of the Highland Heroes Series from bestselling author Maeve Greyson.

245 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 17, 2020

229 people are currently reading
132 people want to read

About the author

Maeve Greyson

65 books651 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for &#x1f989;Maggie Whitworth.
3,254 reviews113 followers
November 13, 2020

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

Long awaited , Sutherland’s Story and we all knew it would be Sorcha. The fireworks fly with this pair.

These two have a wonderful chemistry together, almost explosive, their relationship is brilliant and so enjoyable to read about.
A great book that fits so well with the rest of the series. We see old and new characters. The brothers obviously, but Sorcha’s family too.

Set in the Scottish Highlands it an enjoyable adventure that’s a real page turner, constantly keeping you on your toes.
Can’t wait for Magnus’s book next .

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
Profile Image for A Klue.
1,500 reviews328 followers
February 13, 2021
This only referenced once as a past Bard like hero (Sutherland) slowly but surely started telling a different tale and singing a different tune when he freely and fully let love for the heroine conquer his long standing, self imposed fear of matrimony. Yeah, once this brawny, Casanova, handsome lad got over his butterflies in the stomach, scaredy cat, allergic to relationship, commitment phobia, he was all in for what fate and love had in store for him with Sorcha, the sassy heroine. He had actually been carrying a secret torch for her for some time. I have my doubts though whether that light was bright enough to keep him celibate during the off screen, past previous year they had not seen each other and were not a couple yet.

This leading lady wasn’t one to beat around the bush. In fact, she seemed quite ready to put this ladies man out of his own misery. So it rather surprised me Sorcha had a game plan of her own. Fortunately for Sutherland, it ended up working in his favor, even though he didn’t know a single thing about it.

The sub-characters seemed to play their roles well. I couldn’t help but picture the character Noah from The Village as the not all there, non-relation that was treated like family. I did stay fully engaged despite the almost too numerous murderous attempts.

We were reminded on occasion of Sutherland’s past manho history. Even he admits it comes back to haunt him in such a way he deeply regrets having earned it.

In addition to this book, I’ve only read “The Dreamer” so far, folks. You can bet your bottom dollar though I am verra interested in backtracking and reading the whole series. I believe at the time of this review posting they are available on Kindle Unlimited. But don’t stop there! I highly recommend Ms. Greyson’s Highland Heart series, as well (My Highland Lover, My Highland Bride, and My Tempting Highlander). I enjoyed those books, too.

Romance Safety Gang:

Title: The Bard, Series: Highland Heroes (Book 5), Author: Maeve Greyson, Pages: 245, pub date: 11/17/20, stand-alone but part of a series, attempted murder, perilous situations, very steamy scenes, some violence, sassy heroine, a tad reluctant at first Casanova hero who reforms himself, HEA, not a couple after brief meeting a year ago, romance safe enough for me.

Prequel - The Chieftain
Book 1 - The Guardian
Book 2 - The Warrior
Book 3 - The Judge
Book 4 - The Dreamer
Book 5 - The Bard

(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review. There is no affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author, publisher, NetGalley, or any PR firm.)
511 reviews
November 22, 2020
Excellent

The fifth story is absolutely wonderful. I couldn't figure out who it was until the end! Great suspense and love
156 reviews
November 18, 2020
Fantastic

I have absolutely enjoyed all of the books in this series but this one may be my favorite. The story is interesting and I like a little humor and interaction between the characters and you get this with this one. A fun story line and great characters. Don’t miss it !
77 reviews
November 19, 2020
Another great story in the series

Another great chapter in the MacConnaich's story. I truly enjoyed this and couldn't put it down. I can't wait for Magnus' story!
Profile Image for Carole Burant.
1,278 reviews37 followers
November 10, 2020
I just love seeing a strong and braw Highlander brought down to his knees by love:) I really enjoyed Sutherland and Sorcha's story, it's filled with passion and mystery, with a great cast of characters. I love Maeve Greyson's way of writing and am never disappointed with her books.

Sutherland has enjoyed the charms of many a woman but when he first sets eyes on Sorcha, it's love at first sight. It's the same for Sorcha but she certainly won't tell him that, she needs him to work for her trust and know that he will never wander. In most romance books, the hero and heroine don't declare their love until the end of the story but in this one, it's different, they declare their love halfway through and you cannot help but feel the passion they have for each other. When their lives are threatened, both will do everything they can to find out who is trying to kill them. There's a few twists and turns that will keep you on your toes!! Loved it!!

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Margaret Watkins.
3,566 reviews88 followers
November 17, 2020
From the opening chapter of this Highland romance, I fell in love with Sutherland. He's been an idiot and is quite willing to admit it if he can get past the pistol-wielding Sorcha Greylock. Sorcha's feisty demeanor and managing ways have put the backs up of some of the older men in the clan who still adhere to the belief that women should be seen and not heard. However, that is not the kind of wife that Sutherland wants or needs. Winning Sorcha over takes some doing and sacrificing his bachelorhood for the right to call her his own seems a small sacrifice. It would seem that not everyone is happy and when seemingly inconsequential accidents start to happen with increasing frequency, Sutherland discovers that his feelings for Sorcha run far deeper than he originally thought. The suspense in this plot gathers momentum as the story unfolds until it would seem that all is lost. I found I was unable to put this book down once I started reading and was fully engrossed throughout. Although part of a series this novel is nevertheless a standalone and comes to a very satisfactory close. I received a copy of this book as a gift through NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
1,648 reviews15 followers
November 21, 2020
The title has nothing to do with the story as far as I am concerned. So if you are looking for something whimsical/story telling character, this isn't about a Bard. But, if you are looking for a fantastic read filled with suspense and character's that walk off the page, this is it!

This is my 3rd story I've read of the series and is a stand alone. This author is amazing how she has all these twists and turns in her stories that keep you guessing until the end. Just when I knew who the villain was, BAM another curve ball. Kept the story so interesting, that I couldn't stop.

The character's are written with such depth they are not cookie cutter's H/h. The h likes the H but plays hard to get so he doesn't think she will fall at his feet. Some of the banter was very funny.

The story played out like a movie and I highly recommend it. Drama, suspense, twists, intrigue, great main and secondary character's all rolled into this well written story.

There is lovemaking, within marriage heat level 4 out of 5. Filled with passion and love and I felt a connection to them.

No cheating, no cliffhanger for our H/h but something with a secondary character. The next book is The Ghost and I can't wait for it to be released! We have romance and some spice. (ljb)
3,290 reviews39 followers
November 9, 2020
The Bard by Maeve Greyson is book five in the Highland Heroes series. Don't love the cover tut he story was quite good and very stressful to read. Lady Sorcha Greyloch and Sutherland MacCoinnich had met the summer before. She was convinced; he was attracted but not of a mind to marry. They came together again as Sutherland arrived to work out an agreement with her father about pasturing horses on their land. The MacCoinnichs could no longer grow their business without new pastureland. Lord Greyloch was unsure about this arrangement. The MacCoinnichs seemed to eager to absorb smaller clans with whom they had dealings. He didn't want it to happen to his. The only problem seemed that someone wanted Sutherland dead. When they failed, they tried again.

The Bard is as engaging as Greyson's other books. The characters are well-written and force the reader to like them. The navigation of the danger surrounding them was well thought out and easy to read and understand. The story was compelling and kept me worrying, although the outcome is virtually ensured. It was a thrilling journey to get to a place of peace and happiness. I recommend it as I do all the books in this series.

I was invited to read a free ARC of The Bard by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #thebard
Profile Image for Debbie Brown.
2,047 reviews18 followers
November 20, 2020
Sutherland MacCoinnich flirts his way into the hardest hearts has met his match and found his mate for life the infuriating Chieftain Greyloch’s daughter who has intrigued from the first sight. Sorcha Greyloch has tormented poor Sutherland and she’s led him on a merry chase. She’s decided he’s the only highlander for her, but he’s a womanizer and women come easy for him. Her father needs her to marry for the good of the Clan, marry a strong man, one who not only handle Clan business but his strong independent daughter. I loved this great adventure story of two strong characters battling each other and then together against a common enemy as danger awaits them at every turn in the story. I have voluntarily read and reviewed these excellent story.
Profile Image for Ann Gonzalez.
1,501 reviews15 followers
November 15, 2020
Just like the previous books in the series, this book was great. I have loved the characters in this series. Sutherland has always been a favorite. Finally Sutherland found a woman to settle him down. Sorcha was the perfect mate for Sutherland. There was a lot happening and it kept the book interesting and flowing at a good pace. I am now ready for Magnus's story.
Profile Image for Hanah.
222 reviews2 followers
November 20, 2020
Very entertaining

I enjoyed the book very much. I loved that Sutherland and Sorcha did not wait long to declare their love. The characters were likeable and they had loving relationship. I also liked the fact that the author did not focus too much of Sutherland’s sexual history even though he was described as a rake. The story was focused mainly on how they grow and deepen their relationship and solving the series of mysterious accidents happened to them. I can’t wait to read Magnum’s story.
60 reviews
November 18, 2020
Highlanders

I have just finished the Bard, I now have finished the series and not happy it’s done. I enjoyed each book and will probably go back and start over. I really enjoyed them all so much I couldn’t say which was my favorite
Thanks for such enjoyable reads. ❤️
Profile Image for Lori D.
4,080 reviews131 followers
March 12, 2021
What a kiss! "She inflamed him more than any woman had before.... If she didn't kill him with a pistol, she would surely kill him with the sheer obsession to possess her." Indeed Sutherland was caught by Sorcha!

If there were two who were ever meant for each other, it is this pair. Sutherland, handsome and a little too full of himself with all his conquest with the ladies, had finally met his match. Usually the lasses fell all over him, but not her and that intrigued him even more!

Sorcha knew after that kiss that he was the one for her. Fortunately, she realized it could not be made easy for him but had to be a challenge to win her hand. Let the games begin!

Filled with suspense, intrigue, humor and sparks flying off the page with the banter back and forth, this was a fantastic read!

Profile Image for Barbee.
791 reviews21 followers
March 24, 2021
The Bard
By Maeve Greyson

Series: Highland Heroes, Book #5

Publisher: Dragonblade Publishing

Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars

Scottish Highlands
Clan Greyloch’s Keep
March 1704

Sutherland MacCoinnich is every inch of being a ladies man and can win anyone’s heart. Yet even when he tires of each lass, they all seem to know what to expect and non of them fell like a woman scorned, ot filled with anger from his rejection. Nae each lass knows what to expect and just appreciate the time Sutherland did spend with each lucky lady. They all worship except one lass who dies not seem to know Sutherland even exists. That lass is of course the Chieiftain Greyloch’s daughter who is absolutely gorgeous put only gives Sutherland insults and even intimidates his livelihood stating she will shoot him if he ever comes on her land again! This spitfire has already hurt his purse from a wager. She is everything he wants in woman, she is funny, smart, gorgeous and full of fire. Sutherland can win any woman over except the one he truly desires and would cherish her forever.

Now the truth of the matter is Sorcha Greyloch has loved Sutherland MacCoinnich forever. As her father has wants to marry her off and of he does not he is sure to put him in an early grave. He has paraded many handsome men in from of Sorcha, but she has refused them all. Plus the Chieftain needs his daughter to marry, which hopefully will be from a strong clan which will only make their clan stronger. He only wants his daughter to marry a strong, brave man who can handle clan business yet wield a sword too plus handle his willful, independent daughter. She knows exactly who she wants but she’s not about to tell this womanizer that! A bit of “Taming the Shrew” in reverse, but it is the big libertine that must be tamed . However just when she has this Highlander where she wants him everything that they are hoping for is in jeopardy and at risk! What choice will these young star-crossed lovers have? Read and find out.

Another wonderful Maeve Greyson read that was absolutely exhilarating. I loved the cat and mouse feud between these two star crossed lovers. It was like taming the shrew but in reverse - with the man needing to be tamed. A truly enjoyable read I absolutely loved from start to finish. I highly recommend this book. You can read as a stand alone book if you have not read all the books it this series. Of course I recommend all of them , with the upcoming book The Ghost, which I can’t wait to read this too. I have been reading Maeve Greyson books for years and always have me glued to my seat and never disappointed. Another favorite author of mine.

Again another novel historical romance readers will love the breathtaking descriptions, brilliant dialogue, fabulous multidimensional characters and the plotting that just took my breath away!


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

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy and an advance reader copy from Dragonblade publishers. I voluntarily agreed to do a fair review and blog through netgalley. All thoughts, ideas and words are my own.






Profile Image for Stephanie Panach.
697 reviews12 followers
December 2, 2020
While this book is definitely a romance - it is also something of a Highland Mystery! Normally I'm pretty good at guessing the villain - but this one did keep me guessing! This book is also the fifth in a series - but it is really a standalone. While characters from the other books do make appearances, you don't have to read those books to enjoy this one. Sutherland MacCoinnich is the youngest of the the MacCoinnich brothers. He is also, pretty much, a player. He and Sorcha Greyloch met the prior summer when he pretty loudly boasted he was going to bed her within a week of knowing her and she threatened to shoot him as a result. Their meet cute - is pretty much meet-hate.

Beneath it all Sutherland really does pretty much immediately fall for Sorcha - and when they meet again he doesn't hesistate to apologize and take every step he can to make Sorcha his. Sorcha is a firecracker and doesn't take sh*t from anyone! She is very independent and could easily lead her clan herself.

From the minute Sutherland and Sorcha find each other - someone starts trying to tear them apart by hurting one or the other. It is a serious mystery as to who is the villain.

Overall - I enjoyed this book a lot and it definitely kept me guessing and interested throughout! If you like old school Highland romances this is a definite must read for you - as well as the rest of the series! I'm looking forward to reading more about Magnus next!

I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.
478 reviews4 followers
December 30, 2020
With each book that I read by Maeve Greyson, I love them more and more. This is book #5 in her Highlands Heroes series. I really liked the characters in the preceding books, but I loved Sorcha and Sutherland and their story. It is a tale featuring a feisty woman and a strong warrior who come together with a powerful love. Ha! But their is a wretch to mar their happiness. Someone is trying very hard to kill or least badly maim Sutherland. Unfortunately, Sorcha also becomes a target a time or two. Just who knows s behind all these "accidents""? Will they ever be able to fill safe? This story moves quickly from one incident to another, making it my kind of read, fast-paced with a lot of action. Of course, the author always teases us with the next tale in the epilogue. That one sounds really good as well. I received this eBook from NetGalley for an honest review.
Profile Image for Barbara Michael.
333 reviews1 follower
January 21, 2021
Set in the beautiful Highlands of Scotland this is the story of a flirt Sutherland MacCoinnich. He loves them and leaves them behind and the ladies still adore him. All but one. Sorcha Greyloch, daughter of Chieftain Greyloch
barely knows that he is alive. There is no love lost between them. However, Sorcha does have a problem that if she does not marry soon, her father will be terribly upset with her. This is a marvelous story of highland warriors and the women that try to tame them. A delightful read and I will re-read it again.
1,044 reviews4 followers
December 30, 2021
Sorscha and Sutherland.

Sutherland is the youngest of the MacConnich brothers. He is sent by his brother the Chief to Another clan to make an alliance. This clan is home to Sorscha, the one woman who has ever refused him. He can’t get her out of his mind. Sorscha has planned to marry Sutherland since their encounter the previous year. Once they meet again, things happen pretty quickly and they are betrothed and then married. Then attempts begin to be made on both their lives. The story is full of suspense and quite entertaining.
689 reviews1 follower
December 7, 2020
The Bard

The fun loving jokester of the clan blessed with a silver tongue capable of talking most any massive into his bed, Special, finally met his match and she threatened to shoot him. Sorcha, daughter of clan chief Grey lock, had over heard him make a bet that he would bed her the day he met her. One year later, she meets him with a pistol in her hand and she isn't accepting his apology.
90 reviews
July 10, 2022
Intriguing from start to finish!

Wow! What a story! I found this book so hard to put down. If you love romance, intrigue, mystery and tastefully sexy scenes, The Bard has it all. I have read four other of the Highland Heroes books so far, and I think this is the best so far. Thank you Maeve Greyson for such a wonderfully entertaining story! I look forward to reading more of your Highland Heroes stories, and I highly recommend them to other readers of historical fiction.
Profile Image for Brandi Mazaika.
1 review
January 18, 2021
Love the whole series, this one needs some editing

4.5/5
Story is great, romance is great, I'm attached to the characters.... All of my favorite aspects of a book.
I did find myself slightly distracted with a name change at the beginning of the book (Jenny and Janey interchangeably, settled on Jenny in a few pages) and a couple of typos. Otherwise excellent an excellent book.
80 reviews1 follower
February 19, 2021
The whole series is fantastic.

Wish I would have known about The Chieftain first. I comes before Book 1. Confusing, but I will go back to it. I like reading a series in order.
Profile Image for Angela.
569 reviews
March 24, 2021
Good and mystery story. I had an idea or 2 on who it was and wow I was amazed. I was really sadden how it turned out. But in the end, things turn out well.

Sutherland❤️Sorcha

Omg. I want to read about Mangus!! Hope the book will come out asap.
104 reviews1 follower
November 3, 2021
Love

Finding a soap mate is wonderful. I really liked this book to. It was very entertaining. People are not what they seem. Finding a bad person causing trouble has always kept me entertained. You will like this series. Make sure you start with book one.
Profile Image for Chele.
637 reviews
April 3, 2022
Great


Sutherland and Sorche are a force to be reckoned with.
Plots with in plots, many suspects,will they survive.
Excellent characters and setting.
5 Stars and I recommend this book to everyone.
Profile Image for Kathy Brickert.
3,483 reviews17 followers
November 26, 2022
Great story

A lady killer meets his match in this, the last of the Macconnich brothers to meet his match! But can he make it work? And,who is trying to kill them? Lots of mystery here! It will keep you reading!
4 reviews
January 11, 2023
love the plots

Always pleasantly surprised at the twists and turns and inventive plots of these books. I know, in the end, all things turn out right. And yet, I find I am often anxious how they will get there! Love the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews

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