The fantastic MacCoinnich Clan is back with the story of Alasdair and the woman that has always held his heart, even when he thought she was long beyond his reach. I fell into this series purely by chance when I found the first story and have loved these heroes every moment and this latest book is even better than some of the others. Alasdair Cameron is the Clan solicitor and has made a nice life for himself in Edinburgh despite the love of his life being lost to him year earlier. So he is stunned when his cousin informs him that she is suddenly working in a renowned brothel not 2 miles away from his home. Determined to prove his cousin wrong Alasdair arrives of the steps of the brothel and finds that Isobel truly is there, but she wants nothing to do with him and tries to send him away. Isobel can’t believe that Alasdair is alive and wants nothing to do with the man that left her to the hell and torment of her marriage to the Duke of Cuthbarten. She mad her escape form the abusive bastard to save the life of her son, her aunt, and herself, but she knows her time is almost up if she doesn’t get away from Edinburgh. Alasdair refuses to be pushed away again and when he forces Isobel to see him and tell him her story, there is no way he will allow her to go on the run—at least not without him and his protection. They have a second chance for their love and a life together, if they can stop the black Duke after them and truly find a way to defeat him without it costing them their lives of their freedom. This story was seriously a wild ride, with kidnappings, jail breaks, and so much more. Isobel was a sensational heroine willing to do almost anything to protect those she loves, including kill or die in their stead, but in the end her wit and fortitude won the day for everyone. She was brutally honest, sweet once Alasdair broke down her walls, and forgiving after he shared the story of his life. She lived a hard few years in her marriage, but at the core of her she never changed from the sweet and loving girl that Alasdair always loved, and I enjoyed seeing her find a way back to that peace. Alasdair is obviously and intelligent guy, being such a successful solicitor and business man, but to me the best thing about him was the way he stepped up for those in need of protecting and showed his heart and offered his shelter. There were definitely some moments f his story were is sobbed for his pain, but his stretch his undeniable and the love that he had for Isobel made him the kind of man that was undefeatable. The passion between these two was more of a slow simmer in the beginning, due to Isobel’s trauma and the misunderstandings of their pasts, but once they got past those little hang-ups, the connection and heat between them burned hot and bright. I am dying to find out which of the MacCoinnich Clan falls next and seeing the drama and madness that is sure to ensue with their love story. Another masterpiece of history romance that will keep you guessing until the very end, truly magical.

I was looking for good, fast paced historical Scottish romance. Well, I certainly found it in The Judge. Maeve Greyson is one of my favorite authors when looking for a Scot tale. After all, how can you top brawny men in kilts? This is her third book in the Highland Heroes series and fortunately for us readers, not the last. As with most series characters from previous books make an appearance and others get their HEA. That is one of the reasons why I love reading series, especially from my favorite authors. Alasdair Cameron gave up on love ten years ago when because of a sickness that swept through his clan, he could not get to his love in time to keep her from being married off by her father. Isobel was told he and his clan were dead. Alasdair thought Isobel was happily married, but in reality the Duke was a cruel, cruel man who imprisoned and tortured her and her five year old son. He threatens to take sweet Connor away and turn him into a monster like him. Isobel finds a way to escape, hiding away in Edinburgh with her elderly aunt and son. However, Alasdair also lives there so inevitably be fine into her. She not only thought he was dead, but on finding out he was alive, accused him of abandoning her to the evil that was her husband. After much quarreling, he finally gets to explain, but now the Duke has found them. While on the run, they discover their love never died. Will they be able to escape the Duke and his men? What about about when Alasdair becomes a wanted man, accused of kidnapping the Duchess and the heir or so the charges state. What follows is a run for their very lives, not just Alasdair but also Isobel after the Duke posts a bounty on their lives dead or alive. This is a fast paced story with danger, great characters, several very evil villains along with a few heroes. I couldn't read it fast enough to see what would happen. As I found from some other reads, an HEA is not always a given. Ms. Greyson keeps the reader in the dark until the very end. Ian is next, looking forward to reading his story.

The Judge by Maeve Greyson is the third book in the Highland Heroes series. It is the first book from the series that I've read.

I quite liked this book, it was formed in a way that was very different from other books in the genre. Normally, romances follow a certain path. Boy meets girl, they fall in love, something (normally silly feelings and stuff) pulls them apart before they finally come back together for a happily ever after. The Judge didn't take that path. The angst came at the beginning, the bond between the characters was unbreakable and the stakes were remarkably high.

This didn't always feel like a romance. It was written in dialect giving a real sense of the setting of the novel. In parts it was surprisingly brutal. There was a lot of violence and not all the characters made it to the end. The Judge is bold and brash. Maeve Greyson does not shy away from the violence of the time period, the last book I have read like that is Outlander which I read a good eight years ago.

Whilst this is a romance the story is very much about the characters especially Isobel who I really admired after a while. Her journey is one of strength and determination. It was nice to see a female character who didn't need saving, who was not afraid to get stuck into the fray and do whatever was needed to save her son Connor (who was so adorable). Alasdair is also great, he wasn't as well rounded as Isobel but he was still likeable. The romance was sweet but was not the main part of the story which I liked.

The Judge is a good historical romance for those who enjoy the genre.

Isobel cuthbertson is on the run from her cruel and sadistic husband of 10 years, she is determined to spirit away her son and her aunt from his evil clutches. Married off to a Duke against her will, she thought her true love Alistair Cameron would come for her before she was wed, unfortunately he didn’t, and she believes him dead of the plague. Alistair recovered from his illness, but too late to save Isobel, believing her lost to hi, he is a successful solicitor for his clan, with a prosperous and extensive estate. When he accompanies his kinsmen to the Chateau Delatate, he is amazed to find Isobel working as a hostess. This time Alistair is determined to save her, despite her stubborn refusal to rely on him. Soon they are working together to thwart the a Duke, can Alistair convince Isobel to give him a second chance to love and protect her.

This had an exciting plot, a very nefarious villain and lots of conflict and angst for the lovers to go through, which I always love.

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and all opinions are my own.

When she was betrothed to a duke by her selfish father, Isobel had no worries because of her unwavering faith that her true love, Alasdair Cameron, would save her. But he didn’t and she soon learned he’d died when the plague swept his clan, leaving her in a hellish, abusive marriage. Now she’s on the run with her son and aging aunt in an effort to keep the boy away from his cruel father. Her efforts bring her to Edinburgh where she finds Alasdair alive and begging to uphold his years’ old promises to save her now.

Alasdair Cameron has made a name for himself as a solicitor to two powerful Highland clans, but despite his wealth and sizeable estate, he is cold and lonely without the only woman he’s ever loved. Alasdair arrived too late to save her from marriage to another, then sacrificed his own happiness for hers when he saw how content she seemed with her new husband. But when his brother discovers the new hostess working at a neighboring brothel is none other than Isobel, Alasdair cannot stay away.

Isobel’s only hope of keeping her son safe is to reach the Highlands and she reluctantly accepts Alasdair’s help in doing so, all the while telling him and herself they can never be more than friends, even as she wishes for more.

This book was heavy on action and adventure and a bit light on the romance. Alasdair and Isobel had so much working against them and at times it was just too much, especially when brought on by rash decision-making, but it was nice to see them finally get their happy ending together. This was a very emotional story and at times hard to read because of it, but the characters were endearing, although I did struggle to like Isobel at first; she was ridiculously nasty to poor Alasdair, even after learning the truth, and still reluctant for him to help her. He had to apologize and put up with a lot from her that he in no way deserved. Also, I’m not sure I really buy how quickly Isobel encouraged Alasdair’s physical attentions given her history with abuse, but I suppose things are different with him and I can overlook it because her shrewish behavior toward him in the beginning was tedious. Honestly the amount of times Alasdair, Isobel, and their companions found themselves in danger got a bit old and repetitive after a while just from the sheer number of situations and the anxiety they induced. Nonetheless, this was a solid story and I’d like to read more about this family.

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

Good Highland romance. This second chance romance was very high stakes. I loved watching the hero and heroine learn to trust one another again and fight for their life together.

I enjoyed reading about the love that was between Alasdar Cameron And Isabel Tenseorth.
Alastair has loved her since childhood. Due to the sore throat sickness he was unable to save her from a very cruel
marriage to a Duke.
She finally escaped fleeing with her five year old son and her aunt. The Dukes plan was to kill her the is seven years after he receives more of is inheritance kill the son. Is there a future for them to live a happy life?
I would recommend this book!

I was thrilled to read Alasdair's book. I was wanting to read his book since he helped Duncan out. It was as exciting as I expected it to be. I enjoyed the characters. They were likable and make me want to read more about them. I love how the family is close and ventures back to Tor Ruadh. I like reading about how the previous characters are doing. After reading the excerpt, I am now wanting to read Ian's story. Waiting on Sutherland's as well.

My biggest problem with this novel was the fact the heroine lived 10 years married with an abusive man, ten years being in turns beaten, humiliated, threatened, strangled to the point of fainting, forced to have sex in front of diverse people, but the only consequence on her is the fact she vaguely fears a punch when she goes up against the hero. That’s all. She’s even the one initiating sex with Alasdair only days after their reunion, without any negative thought. Frankly, I prefer less Scottish accent in the dialogs and more realism in the characters’ behavior.

At the beginning of the novel Isobel seems to be angry with everyone: her father for having organized her marriage, her husband for his brutal behavior, the hero for not keeping his promise to prevent her wedding. Even after learning it took months of convalescence for the few survivors of the epidemic that wiped out her clan and the hero’s clan, she’s mad at him that he left her with her husband when he saw her several months after her wedding, because the guy should have known her smile was only a front… Sigh… She’s even ready to become a prostitute rather than accept his help until her fear of her husband drives her to yield… After that she proves to be very irascible, she goes banana each time things don’t go as she wishes, like when she sleeps with the hero for the first time with the ulterior motive of convincing him not to go and confront her husband, and afterward Alasdair still says it’s the only way for them to be together. The poor guy regularly finds himself making apologies for an anger he doesn’t understand – and doesn’t deserve either.

Alasdair as for him is happy to have found her again; he blames himself when he learns what she went through, and a good point: he hasn’t passed these ten years sleeping with everything in a skirt, contrary to what we see too often in Romancelandia. Above all he has the patience of a saint with her. The only point on which he doesn’t yield is concerning her husband, he wants her to fill for a divorce while she says it will only incite the husband to seek revenge against him – and she turns out to be right. He’s also a bit intrepid, leaving with just his brother to face the husband who’s a duke and has the British army’s support… All the while Isobel leaves with her aunt, her son, and just one of Alasdair’s cousins, for a several days long journey to seek refuge in the north, when they know the husband has put everywhere wanted notices with a big reward for bringing them back. In both cases if you think it’s gonna get ugly you’re right…

Add to this several unlikely and/or incredible situations, the fact their feelings are still present as before without the ten years of separation and the compulsory changes of personality being taken into account, and a lack of understanding between the heroes concerning their desires for the future. Oh yes, if you make the effort of placing an Armenian secondary character – the aunt – in Scotland, why only use her as someone to scold the heroine without anyone else understanding, without explaining her presence?

All in all this novel still isn’t unpleasant in spite of these points I talked about, but it’s clear it won’t go down in history. And in spite of my curiosity I don’t think I’ll read the story of the hero’s brother who should be in the next volume.

The Judge by Maeve Greyson is book Three in the Highland Heroes Series. This is the story of Alasdair and Isobel. I haven't yet read the previous books, so for me this was a standalone book. Isobel's father had married her off to an abusive husband who she finally was able to escape from along with her aunt and her 5 year old son. While on the run she ends up needing more money which leads her to be a hostess at Château Delatate. This is where Alasdair enters back into her life. Alasdair is now a respected solicitor who is still lost without Isobel. Alasdair had promised to save her from the arranged marriage but didn't and she thought he was dead. Can he save her now that she is on the run? Enjoyed their second chance at love story.

I could not believe what I was reading. Maeve Greyson has really found a home writing about the Highland Heroes. I enjoyed the first two books of her series; but I found that I lost myself in the characters, redemption, healing, and love that makes this book a terrific read. Alasdair and Isobel’s story are filled with amazing situations, warm and loving characters, a cruel Duke, and plenty of suspense to keep you reading. Thank you, Maeve.

Amazing. A highly charged, masterfully written story filled with everything I love about historical romance! Maeve Greyson pulls you into the beautiful Scottish Highlands, with characters that will steal your heart, but also some that make you beg they get their due. Lies, secrets, angst, a love that never will die with a hero to make you believe and a heroine who is strong beyond words.. and determined.
Alasdair and Isobel were always meant to be and the pull between them is unbreakable, until deception pulls them apart. But fate or the universe rights itself and they are brought back together. If only they can escape the depraved villain who will try to get her and her son back at any cost.
Prepare to not be able to move once you start the first page because this story will literally leave you breathless!

Book: THE JUDGE
by Maeve Greyson


Series: Highland, Book # 3

Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook of
1. Tartan Book Reviews
2. Purple Tulip Book Reviews
3. Celtic World of Historical Book Reviews
4.Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog

Overall Rating: 5 Stars and 5 Kilts


Edinburgh, Scotland 1698

Alasdair Cameron in the past ten years he’d conquered his past and overcome that had twisted him. Due to his MacCoinnich cousins, he had become one of the most respected solicitors in Edinburgh, working for two
powerful clans. Yet it has not been easy in the least as there was the massacre of Glencoe ‘where the butchering blackguard Campbell clan slaughtered many of his Cameron clan. This included his brother Ian’s wife who had been pregnant with his child. His brother was so distraught he feared he might take his very own life. Next came the throat disease that nearly wiped out the entire Cameron Clan, both he and his brother were deathly sick. The dreaded Campbell clan took over what was left. Both he and his brother both barely survived but it caused Alasdair to break a promise and lose the love of his his life!

Now ten years later this one thing missing from his life if love. As he had never gotten over the love of his life Isobel Cuthbarten who now was the Duchess of Temsworth. As her father sold her like an animal to the highest bidder, an abusive Sassenach Duke! He had promised Isobel that she didn’t need to worry as he would steal her away before the marriage ever took place. Yet he never came because he was sick from the throat sickness which is known as the plague. Though after he was healed he did travel to London to steal her away. Yet he saw Isobel and her new husband, taking a walk in their garden laughing with love in their eyes. It shattered Alasdair’s heart but at the time he had nothing not even a clan. He walked away broken hearted assuming Isobel was in love and happy with Archibald Cuthbarten, Duke of Temsworth. He had no idea it was a perverted game the Duke played, so others would assume Isobel and he were happy and had the perfect marriage! So no one would suspect him of physically and mentally abusing his wife! This gave Isobel a decade of horrible abuse, she believed Alasdair was dead, not coming to save her and hearing of his clans sickness disease. As her husband knew she loved Alasdair always tormenting her that he and everyone she loved was dead. That nobody was alive that cared about her and she was his prisoner forever.

His brother found life again at a brothel Château Delatate, that some call an elite gentleman’s club. He found happiness with a prostitute named Lettie. Lettie, who could be Ian’s deceased wife twin, as they looked exactly alike. Now his brother just claimed his beloved was living in a whore house! Just hearing Isobel’s name brought Alasdair to his knees bringing back all the heartache again. As he had loved her since they were children. Learning his beloved is hiding out and on the run from her vicious barbarous husband Archibald Cuthbarten, the Duke of Temsworth. This Duke was was very affluent among his peers who did not know about his insane perversions. Though Madam Georgianna and her business partner Fanny McGraw, the owners of Château Delatate were very aware of this Duke’s violence and perversion. As he had ruined one of her harlots who was never the same again so he was banned from their establishment forever. Why her German twin bodyguards Einrich and Delatate were here for added protection. Now Alasdair finds out Isobel, her Aunt and 5 year old son were on the run and in hiding from the vicious Duke. A man who wants to kill Isobel and find his only heir.

So now Isobel who refuses to see Alasdair finds out he didn’t keep his oath and and feels betrayed in the worst way! She blames him for forcing her to go through a decade of abuse from her sadistic husband. Alasdair discovers Isobel had only been acting as a hostess, as Georgianna and Fanny knew the type of monster the Duke is. They have been protecting her but now because she needs more money qiuckly to get to the highlands she asks to become one of her working girls. They try to talk her out of it after all she is a Duchess but only a mother trying to protect her son. Due to Alasdair helping the brothel owners in the past as a solicitor they reveal her plans. He tells them he will be her one and only customer forever! Will Isobel receive him as a lover or even a friend as she can’t forgive him, even though logically she knows Alasdair being that ill would not of been capable to aid her. When she hears he did see her when the Duke played his sick little games will it open her heart even a little? Can Alasdair convince her they are destined to be together forever? Will he accept another man’s son? Especially one as cruel as Archibald Cuthbarten? Read and find out if this couple has a HEA or is it more darkness and despair.


Again Maeve Greyson pens another, riveting, historical, action-packed, romantic adventure that is awe-inspiring, fast-paced, page turner. This ‘book includes all the elements historical ‘romance readers love! The plotting was amazing, as it had so many twists and turns too which was absolutely exhilarating too! The setting was beautiful, with amazing dialogue. The multi dimensional characters both good and bad. A book I highly recommend.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Judge-Highland-Heroes-Book-ebook/dp/B087415P8Z/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3Q9V95KTNN8YI&dchild=1&keywords=the+judge+by+maeve+greyson&qid=1590519651&sprefix=The+judge+by+%2Caps%2C148&sr=8-1






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My first book by this author. Thrilling Scottish romance. Alistair and Isobel second chance love story.
Alistair was supposed to return to get Isobel when things happen. Isobel is forced to marry thinking Alistair is dead.
Lies kept them apart, they must now fight evil to find their way back together.
Cute little boy.

An interesting story line depicts the coming of age of the characters. The love shared by the hero/heroine withstands the turbulent incidents life doles out to both of them. The bravery of Isobel is commendable and the love shown by a mother for child is touching and a highlight to the story.On the whole a book worth reading.

A definite must-read!
I was heart-broken by the tragedy that Isobel had endured. And for ten years! I might have liked that timeline to be shorter. But Alisdair to the rescue! Ever the alpha highlander, he swoops in the rescue Isobel from her cruel husband. There’s never a dull moment for Alisdair and Isobel, that’s for sure.
I can’t wait for more from Alisdair’s brother, Ian.
5 stars!!

A decent historical romance with interesting character development and sort writing. Does have some triggers for abuse.

When a dream and a promise is broken, can there be a second chance at love?
Maeve Greyson has written a gripping story that will draw you in as our H and h work together to get their second chance at love. The characters have such depth, and show such emotion and chemistry together throughout the story.
Be prepared to sit and read this story in one sitting. There are some amazing twists and turns to the story that will keep you reading until the very end. Great story!

A Fantastic Page-Turner

He promised her forever, but fate got in the way. For ten years, she suffered pain in silence, and finally, she broke out of her prison. She thought he was dead, so when she learned he lived, she wanted nothing to do with him. He broke his promise, and she lived in hell. However, things are not always what they seem, and fate had dealt them both a crippling blow. A chance encounter at a “secretive gentleman’s club” takes them on a journey of discovery. What happened all those years ago? Why didn’t Alasdair fulfill his promise to Isobel, and could she ever forgive him?

This book is full of romance and adventure. Just when you thought Alasdair and Isobel were safe, something new would happen. The duke’s reach was vast, and he would do anything to get his heir back. Could Alasdair and Isobel survive? There were thugs, miscreants, and even British soldiers after them. If you like books filled with action, adventure, and romance that will keep you reading until the very last page, you will enjoy this story. I thought it was excellent.

Alasdair Cameron lost Isobel once and he has word that she is now working at a gentlemen’s club. Determined to find her and make her his but things don’t work out the way he hopes. Isobel is not the woman she used to be, escaping a abusive marriage to a Duke she is is in hiding with her son. Feeling he has failed her Alasdair vows he will do anything to protect her and her son. Isobel was shocked at seeing Alasdair thinking he died long ago. Now that he is alive Isobel is having to come to terms with the feeling that he abandoned her and broke his promise to her years ago when he promised to come for her and never did. Both Alasdair and Isobel have to overcome some great hurdles to be together. I enjoyed reading this book. Lots of emotions with this one. Definitely recommend reading this book!