This is the second book but can be read on it's own as I hadn't read the first before reading this. Ross & Elise make a lovely couple he treats her better than anyone ever has which leads to trust and confidence on her side and an sweet HEA. A very well written quick read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Ross MacDougall is a Galloglaigh warrior. His only problem is keeping his hands off the ladies. Alexander MacDougall, Lord of Argyll, thinks to punish him for his last indiscretion. Ross is commanded to wed a lass brought in chains, covered in filth and starving. Most notable is the red stain on her cheek. Ross has a kind heart and decides he needs to rescue the lady. He makes his demands of MacDougall before the marriage. Ross never wants to go through the agony his father did after her death. He does not want to love, but it changes as Elise refuses to commit past spring and he longs for her commitment. A villain from the past could tear them apart, but Ross has a plan.
(137 pages)
Heat level 3.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Such a sigh-worthy book!

Oh my, if most men in this world were like Ross MacDougall we'd all be living the dream! He's such a terrific character - full of honor, chivalry, compassion, humor, and damn sexy as well. Never before have I wanted to be a half-starved escaped slave foisted on a man just to humiliate him, but damn if I didn't want to trade places with Elise a million times as I read this book!

Elise has quite a story - so much tragedy and trauma. She's seriously suffering from PTSD in a world where no one had any idea that was even a thing. Ross, however, recognizes what she needs and he vows to be her safe place in the world. Cue ALL the swooning!

Theirs is a rapidly-progressing romance due to the circumstances that brought them together, but Ross's steadfast heart guides them both through all the doubts and insecurities along the way. The conflict at the end was very satisfyingly resolved, and their HEA was absolutely perfect.

It's a short novella-length story, but packs a powerful emotional punch. I couldn't have loved it more. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

A surprisingly short romance to kill the time.
I wasn’t expecting it to be quite so short and therefore I thought that the whole “recovering from past trauma” went rather fast. But seeing as how everything was faster/shorter it fit in with the whole story.
The epilogue was very heartwarming, I was grinning the whole way through:)

When Ross MacDougall, fearless warrior, frequenter of brothels, and seducer of other men’s wives, receives word that the Lord of Argyll wishes to see him, he’s skeptical as his liege’s gifts are often dubious blessings & oftentimes, more like curses. Turns out he’s right to be leery. The reward is an Irish lass who looks like a grubby boy meant to work in the stables. And she's not intended to be Ross’s slave. She’s meant to be his wife. Men turn away from Elise O’Cleirigh because of the accursed red stain on her right cheek. Her father called it the devil’s mark. Her mother promised it meant nothing. All Elise knows is that it’s brought her nothing but suffering. This arrogant Scot looks to be no different from the others, and that’s fine by her. She escaped her first ruthless husband. But Ross is different, he even apologizes when he behaves like a selfish goat. He makes her want to be wanted.
The second book in the series & it’s easily read on its own. I really liked both Ross & Elise, they were perfect for each other, he became a faithful & committed husband, she gained confidence & learned to trust. A very well written quick read, I loved their journey to a HEA & look forward to the next book in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

I really enjoyed this story from Maeve, she write such emotional characters into her books. These two were perfect in the roles she chose for them.

A strong and driven Scot and a lady who brought out so much of his hidden side, his change from Womaniser to dedicated husband was immediate and to be commended .

A brilliant story and wonderful addition to this series. Great writing and reading.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

I do enjoy Greyson’s strong Galloglaigh Warriors. Strong Heroes not only in brawn but strong of heart as well. Not afraid to show tender care and affection like many fabled warriors. Ross is yet another example of the fine men of the MacDougall clan. These men lead their troops with fierce loyalty and while they serve their Laird, they are true to themselves as a family first. Protecting their women above all else. Elise is a woman who needs protection more than most, having been mistreated most of her life because of red mark on her face. Ever a superstitious people, most believe her to be cursed by the devil himself. When she is given to Ross as a bride, he sees past the slight others think he is being given and sees the woman who deserves to be respected and loved. The growth of their relationship is fast and real but the need to convince Elise that she is worthy is what makes him such a great Hero. He has to battle not just the villains of her past but also the demons of her mind in her own self-worth. Their journey is well told, and their passion is clear. I enjoyed this step away from the action of battle and into the battle of minds instead.

Great story, keeps you interested in each chapter. Keep up the good work love to read your books. I just cannot resists stories with tender but strong characters, such as this one.

I grabbed this book as I was looking for a new historical romance and this was only ok for me. I thought the story was interesting but the book seemed too short to really get into the character's stories. It felt a bit rushed in the beginning but again, I think that was due to the length of the book.

I thought Elise's backstory was interesting and would have liked to know more about her time between when she ran and when she was married to Ross. Also, Ross and his brothers appear to have some influence but nothing was ever really explained as to why...other than that they are the strongest warriors. It is possible that I missed this from book one as this is the second book in the series.

I thought the way Ross was with Elise was well done. He understood her reasons for distrust and didn't hold anything against her as she learned to trust him.

I thought this was a solid story and will check out other books by this author. I might also pick up book one just to see if there was anything I was looking for that was explained in that installment.

The beautiful cover of this book grabbed my attention, and I knew right away I had to read this story.
The characters in the book are described exactly like the cover shows.
The story is on the short side, but the plot is packed full of romance, and a huge amount of emotions.
Ross a strong passionate warrior and lover of women meets his match in Elise.
Elise is a person who has dealt with much cruelty but is also strong and holds her head up high.
To follow these two and see how their love blossoms was thrilling and very enjoyable.
Many eye-opening shocks, lots of passion, intriguing side characters, several cute and lighthearted situations. I especially enjoyed the cat situation. I actually had to laugh out loud.
Adult Advisory:
Cover: 5 Star
I am definitely looking forward to book 3
I did receive and early copy for my honest opinion

A Scot to Have and to Hold by Maeve Greyson is the second book of the Once Upon a Scot series. When warrior Ross MacDougall receives word that the Lord of Argyll is to reward him for the latest campaign, he is surprised to find out it is a woman meant to be his wife. Elise O’Cleirigh has been sold because of the red mark on her face, which people believe is cursed. She expects her new husband to be cruel like other men, but she is surprised to find he is kind. The two quickly fall for each other.

This is a fast read. I liked how Ross and Elise were together. I would have liked this book to be a bit longer, though.

Beautiful love story with many amusing occurrences, even while antagonists who attempt to make life difficult. I loved and laughed at his attempt to bring a smile to her face. Sweet much!

I received an ARC of this book via netgalley and leaving my review voluntarily.

This novel was a fun and quick read that centers around Elise and Ross, who are forced to wed as part of a cruel joke but find love with each other. My main quibble about the book is that it sort of skips the actual falling in love part. The first half of the novel is basically all set up of Elise and Ross starting to trust and understand each other, but it all takes place over the course of about two days, which definitely feels rushed. Then it is followed by a massive time jump that starts off with Ross declaring his love despite his entire character being described as basically a guy who loves sleeping with as many women as possible, but after one night with Elise, he's a one woman man.

I would have liked this to have been stretched out a little bit more and to actually see the two fall in love with each other and develop that trust in each other. Instead, the second half of the book basically just seems to skip from milestone to milestone, which felt a bit like whiplash.

ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Having met Ros MacDougall in book one, I was excited for his story. I think a feisty Irish girl was exactly what he needed. Ross and Elise were wonderfully written characters. In all honesty, I expected them to quarrel and rebel against the marriage more than they did. Ross can be such a sweetheart and treated Elise like a queen. This book has quite a few well-written steam parts. I have a most favorite part that I will not share and spoil for others, but know that Maeve Greyson adds all the extra details that truly make a great book even better. I am looking forward to book three.

Quick romance read. I really enjoyed this book, but would have loved more backstory on the characters! Everything felt a little rushed but it's not very long so maybe that was on purpose. Characters made you love them and the storyline was good. Overall a great choice if you're wanting a quick romance fix!