Training men to be ruthless soldiers is a skill at which Highlander Teàrlach MacGregor excels. After he rescues a ward of the king, the beautiful Lady Madeline Crawford, the fierce warrior begins to yearn for a cottage of his own in the Highlands, with the sweet, delicate Madeline as the mother of his bairns. Madeline begins to see a side of Teàrlach that nobody else does. The strong, silent Highlander takes her to her first fair, teaches her to read, and bestows upon her a passionate kiss—her very first. But Madeline is informed that she is betrothed to another with the blessing of the king, making her and Teàrlach’s love forbidden. Teàrlach vows to make Madeline his, even if that means defying the king.
This was a pretty good book. It flowed well for a pretty standard premise. I really liked both characters. I recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

I just couldn’t get into this one- sadly a DNF for me. Normally I like these kinds of books, but I really didn’t enjoy the first few chapters and none of the characters appealed to me (I just didn’t really care what happened to them) so after try8ng several times I just gave up.

Thank you for the chance to review this book, however, unfortunately, I was unable to read and review this title before it was archived.

Oh I absolutely loved this book. It was the kind of sweet that makes your toothache. Right from the first page I was drawn in and hooked. What was even better was how Madeline grew. She went from being this timid, quiet girl who never spoke up, to this powerful woman who went after what she wanted. Tearlach was the perfect gentleman. He wanted the wee lass right from the start when he was working for her father. I loved watching him struggle with his wants and needs when it came to Madeline. There was such a strong back story with this novel i was holding my breath waiting for that penny to drop. You could read the suspense building in certain scenes. I wanted to scream at TEARLACH to open his eyes and notice what was going on. This author was new to me but now a favourite. I can’t wait to read more.

Tearlach McGregor is the right man to train soldiers how to be ruthless, especially since he can take on a number of men and come out on top in a fight. But the moment he rescues Lady Madeline Crawford, Tearlach begins to wish his life could be different and he could give her the life she deserves including love, family and happiness. Yet, when Madeline is informed she's betrothed to another, there's no way Tearlach can stay only to lose the woman he loves. However, Madeline is determined not to give up on them so easily, and as her wedding nears, will she be able to find a way out or will she and Tearlach lose their chance at happy ever after?

I've read quite a few Historical Romance this year, but this story is one of the best so far because both of the main characters were marvellous and had some tough obstacles to overcome; the dialogue was well-written and a wonderful combination of intense moments due to the deviousness of some of the secondary characters that will do anything to make Tearlach and Madeline realize it's not possible for the pair to be together and pleasing banter that had me liking every interaction between this couple, as they grow closer together and make the most of their time together. The way this story started had me worried for the heroine, because she's all alone and finds herself in trouble. Will anyone find her before it's too late? However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine come face-to-face for the first time that had me fascinated by this couple's growing relationship, as they're familiar with each other because he used to work for her villainous father, and Tearlach has always felt something for her. Will he be able to win Madeline heart?

Both the main characters had very interesting back stories with Tearlach being the fourth son of his family and not having to lead the clan, so it's made him take a different path in life. He's tough and confident when it comes to training men to be ruthless soldiers. He's also protective of the heroine and I liked that he would do anything for her, which is proven by what he does to ensure the heroine isn't being taken advantage of and that someone that's trying to use her for their personal gain doesn't get the chance. While the heroine, she's kind, caring, resilient and I liked that she had the courage to stand up to those that are wanting her to marry. I also liked how accepting she is of Tearlach's help, so she can learn things she was never taught growing up.

Overall, Ms. Watson has delivered a wonderful read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was a delight to read and just kept getting stronger, as the heroine did her best to tempt the hero. As for the ending, it had me crying happy tears as the heroine goes to great lengths to find her way back to the hero and make him realize that they're meant for each other. However, I loved how the secondary characters helped the pair find their way back to each other too, because no one is more suited for Tearlach than Madeline. I would recommend The Maiden's Defender by E. Elizabeth Watson, if you enjoy Historical Romance, the friends to lovers trope, the opposites attract trope, or books by authors Heather McCollum, Kathryn LeVeque, Lori Ann Bailey and Amy Jarecki.

This was a great Scottish Highland historical romance , well written with engaging and well written story and characters!

Full review will appear on Reader's Edyn on 12/07/17 at http://bit.ly/2ASmKwN

Madeline Crawford has been controlled by men her entire life. First her awful father who even had a reputation to back it up, then her guardian while she waited for he King to decide her fate. Always men and she never had a say. Instead she behaves in the way she is expected to, but she is fast tiring of having her life dictated to her, especially after she learns of her betrothal. Things get even more confusing when Tearlach shows up as the new trainer for her guardian. He had been her father’s head guard and had always been kind to Maddie, but kept a watchful distance so as not to incur her father’s wrath. He’d do nothing to risk her safety and when he discovers her current state of neglect, she sees a lot more of him as he takes on the role of protector and provider. Their love is undeniable, but to gainsay the King with her marriage looming over their heads is a risk she isn’t prepared to take.

Tearlach MacGregor has always wanted Maddie, but knew she could never be his. When fate throws them together again, he knows to tread carefully because despite their raging attraction, he is still a man of honor. He uncovers a plot regarding Maddie’s betrothal and pleads with her to protest to the King, but she refuses, so he does his best to save her from the heart-wrenching fate, knowing she can never be his. But that pesky fate has a way of intervening even when stubbornness tries to dictate vital life decisions.

Good grief! At some point I am going to start sounding like a broken record, but I have absolutely loved the new authors and historical romances I have come across lately. This novel was absolutely charming! My interest was caught from the start and it never wavered. You had a bit of everything within this story – the brooding hero intent on bearing his cross, the meek yet feisty female lead who ultimately turns savage in the face of losing everything she ever desired, the plotting evil guardian dictating far too much of her life, servants who adore the Lady, different family dynamics that come in to play later on, a fated and heart-melting love that seems almost hopeless, and I could go on! I never set the book down from the time I started it until the time I finished it. You can’t help but adore both Maddie and Tearlach and wish the best for them together as a couple. At one point you darn near lose hope. One thing I really enjoyed about this book is that the main characters didn’t try to deny their love. They acknowledged it – denied it in other ways – but made it a real thing between them and gave it life. Generally in romance the characters are refuting what they already know, or rationalizing it with lust, but that was not an issue here. It was actually quite refreshing. When it comes down to it, they each have to decide how far they would go to make a future a real possibility. Maddie has to make several decisions that lead her far outside of her comfort zone and Tearlach has to pull his head out of his rear end. He might be a mighty warrior, but his freshly wounded heart takes a bit to transition from tucked tail to man of action.

Initially, there isn’t much of a supporting cast, but as the story develops, more are added, which brings a new depth in. If you didn’t already love Tearlach and Maddie, the added bonus of family dynamic would have reeled you in the rest of the way. And now I want to read more about those MacGregor brothers. While there was a lot of back and forth between Maddie and Tearlach as to whether to be together or fight her betrothal, it also allowed for growth of each character – both conquering feats neither thought possible (Maddie more so than Tearlach). Ultimately, the book could have been wrapped up a bit earlier, but given the times and expectations of people, I understand the direction of the story. And what fun is an HEA that you don’t have to work for, anyway? 😊 I believe that those who enjoy HR with a Scottish twist that eventually comes around to an HEA will be more than pleased with this sweet romance. The highland brogue and Tearlach’s selfless acts of kindness for Maddie make it all the more endearing. I will be seeking out further books in the Ladies of Scotland series in the future for my reading pleasure.

Kindle version provided by Entangled/NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book; the story is easy to follow and the love is sweet. Teàrlach is the perfect match for timid Madeline, he has strong protective instincts toward her, and helps her grow into a strong woman. Overall, a very satisfying read.

My thanks to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC, for the opportunity to read and review The Maiden's Defender by Elizabeth Watson.

Tearlach is a warrior and trains men to be ruthless soldiers. When he rescues the Kings ward his mind turns to a wife and family but sees no chance in being with Madeline. Will he find a way to claim her as his own? I liked this Highlander read. The story is fast-paced with plenty of drama and the chemistry between Tearlach and Madeline is amazing. I was hooked from beginning to end.

Publisher's Description:

Training men to be ruthless soldiers is a skill at which Highlander Teàrlach MacGregor excels. He can kill three men with nothing but a sword and a couple of daggers. After he rescues a ward of the king, the beautiful Lady Madeline Crawford, the fierce warrior begins to yearn for a cottage of his own in the Highlands, with the sweet, delicate Madeline as the mother of his bairns.

Madeline begins to see a side of Teàrlach that nobody else has witnessed. The strong silent Highlander takes her to her first fair, teaches her to read, and bestows upon her a passionate kiss—her very first. But Madeline is informed that she is betrothed to another with the blessing of the king, making her and Teàrlach’s love forbidden.

Teàrlach, the famed fighter, vows to make Madeline his even if that means bringing down her corrupt warden, and Madeline knows that she must defy the king if she hopes to claim her Highlander.

Each book in the Ladies of Scotland series is a STANDALONE story that can be enjoyed out of order.

Books in the series
1. An Earl for the Archeress
2. The Maiden's Defender

My Thoughts:

I generally like most historical romance particularly anything situated in the early 1800's or earlier. Overall the book was well written even though there were elements that displeased me.

Madeline, although the lady in need of saving was just too much the simpering maiden for my taste. She let everyone run over her and push her around. She never tried to take up for herself. Every man in her life starting with her father and carrying through with the guardian that the king assigned her to took advantage of the fact that she thought she must obey no matter what.

She does without essential things and is selfless which is good, but she should not be going without. Her Guardian is stealing from her and has an agenda of his own.

When Teàrlach finds Madeline at the bottom of a cliff he is certain someone has tried to kill her. Embarrassment keeps her from telling him the reason for her fall was that she was admiring her first siting of a caterpillar. After all he has probably seen a lion's share of them
The love story is sweet with underlying treachery and a need for our hero to save the lady he loves.
I gave this book 4.25 of 5.0 stars for storyline and character development and a sensual rating of 3 of 5 flames.
This book is much more sweet than sexy.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this title from the publisher via NetGalley to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

the sequel to an earl for an archeress, the maiden's defender picks up on teàrlach macgregor's feeling for lady madeline crawford and gives them a chance to grow and blossom into something deep and meaningful and able to withstand any trial.

when teàrlach discovers maddie at the bottom of a ravine he is incensed to realize that she is being neglected by her guardian. having previously witnessed her father's abuse and neglect of her and her sister, teàrlach is unwilling to stand by and see her suffer any longer. and so he takes it upon himself to care for her, even as he realizes that this friendship can't go any further than that.

but you can't control who you love. and teàrlach was already half in love with maddie before he ever saw her again. and spending time with her now only strengthens the depth of his feelings for her. he would lay down his life for her in a heartbeat, give up anything to save her from injury. the only thing he cannot force himself to do is see her marry someone else.

and she is betrothed to her guardian's son. it is a marriage that has been blessed by the king and as loyal subjects neither maddie or teàrlach have the power to break the agreement. teàrlach is the fourth son of a highland clansman and maddie the youngest daughter of the imprisoned sheriff of ayr.

this moment marks a long and arduous separation for these two lovers, and by the time it ends and they are reunited, they are completely changed. but one thing holds true. the love they feel for each other is beyond anything—time, distance, old hurts—all of that can be overcome.

**the maiden's defender will publish on november 27, 2017. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/entangled publishing (amara) in exchange for my honest review.

There were elements of the romance between Tearlach and Maddie that I liked and disliked. I liked the chemistry and passion the couple had. It was obvious how much they cared for each other and I liked how protective Tearlach was of Maddie. However, I felt like there was too much back and forth on if they'd be together. Sometimes they seemed like they were going to fight their fate apart ( which I liked) and then other times, they just gave up (which irritated me). Maddie's epiphany came too little too late for me and I felt that all that came after was her doing.

What an enjoyable read this book was!I love Scottish based stories and this one hit the spot.Great characters,Tearlach whom I imagined looked like the cover model was a genuinely good guy and Maddie who got a raw deal in life because of her father needed to get ahea.Well paced book that had my full attention from start to finish.I read this book as an arc from netgalley and this is my honest opinion.

This is a lovely story, well written and I was intrigued from the beginning, Madeline and Tearlach may have the same problems as many highland stories, but E Elizabeth Watson, has done a good job in making this her own. Getting back to them, their chemistry is wonderful, I couldn't wait to see if they get their HEA and thwart the awful warden.

I received an advanced copy from Netgalley and voluntarily leave my own opinion

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
It was a really lovely story and I really liked ithe story of Tearlach and Madeline .
It is very well written.

Received in exchange for a honest review

I love Tearlach. that is the sweetest guy under that tough exterior. How he is with Madeline just has you melt.

Here Madeline is free of the shackles of her father but no hindered by the Lord who the king is having take care of her. He is a horrible cheat. And greedy to boot. But Madeline is grateful just for her freedom and doesn’t say anything. Seeing Tearlach again has her wary but as she gets to know him and she sees how kind and caring he is she falls in love. Tearlach shows Madeline respect and is honest with her. He doesn’t treat her as if she is beneath him but encourages her and sees her strength and beauty. He helps her learn and grow. She gains confidence and belief in herself because of Tearlach and how he is with her. They fall in love and are torn apart as well.

We get heartbreak and second chances. We see how kind, loving and forgiving Madeline is. How love can heal someone and have them gain their senses and fight as well. But also it has them let go so the other can be safe. Only sometimes when we let go we must come back because it is the right thing as well.

A really wonderful sweet romance that has the man believe in the girl and the girl believe in love in the end. One where they help each other heal and find strength in love and one another. And we see family show loyalty and love but also help one another no matter what.

The Maiden’s Defender by E. Elizabeth Watson
Ladies of Scotland #2

Madeline Crawford is a mouse…a mouse that has learned to creep around without incurring the wrath of her father. She is nothing like her stronger sister who appeared in book one of this series. Well, Madeline finds herself as the ward of the king with Lord DeMoreville the man in charge of taking care of her and he is a no good rotten scoundrel…to say the least. On her eighteenth birthday she is out and about enjoying the countryside when she takes a tumble and Teàrlach MacGregor comes to her rescue. The two knew one another in the past when he was working for her father but a new phase in their lives begins when they meet again. With Teàrlach on his way to DeMoreville’s stronghold and having seen the needs of Madeline he is appalled to find out what his new boss is actually up to.

This story has a man who is a fourth son with nothing he feels he has to offer, a woman that is browbeaten but with a dowry, an evil man pulling strings, romance, separation, loss and an eventual HEA for the two. Madeline grows as the story progresses moving from mouse to more and Teàrlach…well…he finally wises up but it takes a bit longer than it should have, in my opinion.

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.

3-4 Stars

What an amazing book!!! I loved it!!! Teàrlach and Madeleine's story is fantastic!! I hope Robbie's story is next!!!!!

Can a strong ruthless warrior and a sweet, naive lady come together? Tearlach MacGregor is more use to training men to be fighters than helping rescue a maiden, Lady Madeline Crawford. His last employer was her father and Tearlach has always admired her, but never felt he had a chance due to him being just a fourth son. Madeline's father has been taken to prison for treason and she is in the care of laid Henry de Moreville who happens to be Tearlach's new employer. He now becomes her protector with the hope he can stay close to her and possibly have a relationship. This is an emotional story on so many levels. Madeline has been brought up in an abusive household and does not speak up for herself. Now she is waiting for the King to determine who she will marry, Tearlach is honor bound almost to excess but with the two thrown together, a friendship and so much more has a chance to flourish. Loved this story and their long journey to finding happiness. Turning the last page only made me want to read more by this author!