I'm dizzy because of how rushed the book was!
It genuinely felt like the author just told the whole story of Elspet and Valan in the last five minutes of lunch break!
One moment we are fighting the English, the next they miraculously fell in love, and then we are trying to throw off the evil relatives. All in the span of 40 or 50 pages.
Also, the assault scene toward the end should've come with its own trigger warning. It was horrible, and this is coming from someone who can stomach a lot of triggers.
The writing saved the whole thing but it couldn't make it a good book.
*I received an ARC of this book through netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

BOOK: A SCOT TO LOVE AND PROTECT
AUTHOR: MAEVE GREYSON
SERIES: ONCE UPON A SCOT, #3
LENGTH: 128 pages
PUBLISHER: Dragonblade
OVERALL RATING: 5/5 STARS
BLOG RATING: 5/5 SALTIRE RATING


A short fast pace story that I absolutely love. As Maeve pens another brilliant read about a widow Lady Elspet Maxwell whose husband died in battle so she took his place as Laird of Caerlaverock Castle.

Valan MacDougall and his warriors are sent to an attack on Clan Maxwell at Caerlaverock Castle and are surprised that Lady Maxwell is not an old crone but a young woman who is a strong fighter too. Now he wishes he never ordered that Maxwell women are not to be touched. Especially since Lady Elspet is so drop dead gorgeous well he does not always listen to his commands and is hoping this acting Laird is ready to play!

Another wonderful story that has a bit of everything in it from passion, betrayal, deception, intrigue, treason and so much more. Maeve Greyson pens another book Scottish historical romance readers will love! A book I highly recommend!

A received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade publishing for an honest review and blog through netgalley. All words, ideas and thoughts are my own.


https://www.goodreads.com/review/edit/61377281

Another thrilling love story. I loved the characters with their inability to give in to their passion for a heated love affair. The book was good as well as entertaining.

A nice quick read, instant chemistry between the leads, a badass warrior woman, and high stakes. Possibly a bit too quick, they fall in love very very fast, but it was cute and fun to read.

A Scot to Love and Protect (Book 3, Once Upon A Scot) – Maeve Greyson



I was given a copy of this book by the publisher in order to write an honest review.

Meave Greyson is an American author who has travelled the world while being part of the US Air Force. Meave writes a lot of historical romance novels such as her Time to Love a Highlander series.



Valan MacDougall was the Commander of the great Galloglaigh – men handpicked from Lord of Argyll’s vast army of mercenaries.

Lord Argyll, or more likely his dear wife Lady Christiana, sent Valan and his men to Caerlaverock Castle to aide in the siege being waged there by the English forces.

Once there Valan and his men arrive that he met, in quite a unique way, the Lady of the Castle – Lady Elspet and her young fiery daughter Beitris. Valan was instantly smitten with the Lady of Caerlaverock, enraptured by her wit and strength of will.

But no sooner had they ended the siege by the English forces then they were met with another enemy, an enemy closer to home.

The brother to Lady Elspet’s late husband – Euban. A man as grotesque inside as he was on the outside. Always having his eyes on Caerlaverock and Elspet’s daughter Beitris. The dear ladies only hope was Valan and the men of the Galloglaigh.

But if there is anything that they excel at – its saving damsels in distress when it is really needed, and also making sure their all needs are met and satisfied.



“A Scot to Love and Protect” is a short historical romance read, there was lots of action and some very intense scenes. Valan is your typical tall and well-built warrior who can also appear strong and gruff until he is faced with a fiery, stubborn and strong will – then he became soft as a teddy bear. It was wonderful that everyone got the happy ending they all deserved

Another great story by Maeve Greyson! I enjoy historical romance set in the highlands especially when they feature strong, sexy, brave highlanders! This book has all of those things and a passionate romance as well!

📚Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author/publisher via Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, comments, and interpretations of the story are my own and bias free. I did not receive any money in exchange for this review. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to review. Reviews are cross-posted to social media, goodreads, and blog. 🦄

*Arc given through NetGalley. This is my honest review*
As a lover of historic romances, this one did not disappoint. Just like the other Maeve Grayson books that I’ve read. This book was read in one sitting and instantly made me want to read another book of hers.

This is the third installment of the Once Upon a Scot series. The captivating series continue with Elspet and her struggle to fight for her deceased husband's clan. She is passionate about fighting for and protecting both her daughter and her clan. Valan and his men are sent to help protect Elspet's clan and end the attack. When they arrive, they did not expect to see a not so old widow holding her own and fighting with such fierceness. Sparks fly between Elspet and Valan and the attraction is strong. Full of twists and turns, suspense and intrigue, this story had me anxiously turning the pages to find out what happens next. The author does a really nice job of creating such vivid scenes and bringing the story and characters to life. It is an exciting story filled with passion, adventure, and romance and held my interest till the end. I'm really enjoying this series and can't wait to read the next installment!
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

A Scottish Romantic Adventure

Valan went to save a fortress, and he lost his heart. Elspet struck him with her arrow, but she did not stop there; she stole his heart, too.

Valan went to fight the English, but he found danger and treachery inside the walls he went to protect. Elspet stood by her clan, but would they stand by her in her hour of need? Danger was coming, and she and her daughter might not survive what’s to come. Valan might not be able to protect her. Could he find a way despite the odds? This story has treachery, intrigue, and suspense that will keep you turning the pages. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to those who like Scottish historical romance.

This is a wonderful love story about Commander Vallan MacDougall, who has been sent by the Lord of Argyll to Caerlaverock Castle. Lady Elspet Maxwell is the lady of the Castle who has been holding the Castle against those trying to overtake it. Mauve Greyson has written an amazing Series. The first two books in the Series have Vallan's two brothers, Thorburn and Ross, as the main characters.
I highly recommend this enjoyable story!

The last of the MacDougall brothers, Valan, finally finds his special person.. He is sent to Caeraverock to assist the Maxwell widow fight against the English attacking them. He thought he would find an old widow woman, but instead finds a young warrior woman. This is a fast paced tale. It is quickly read and certainly has enough action on each page to keep the reader entertained. A very nice finish to this series.

❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

This has been such a great set, I’ve loved them all.
Such dynamic and emotional characters with off the charts chemistry.

This is just the same, emotional, entertaining and romantic read.
If your a fan of the others, you’ll love this.

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

Rating: 3.5 stars

Only going to need to take a second here, folks, to show some love for this loyal, alpha good guy hero and his equally brave, protects her clan like a laird/at all costs warrior heroine. They are a perfect fit together. The plot thickens kind of predictably with bad guy drama and a reveal here and there that helps move things along to a solution and HEA, but not before things turn pretty dang grim for a brutal bit. Determination and wills made of steel set this main couple back on the path for their HEA. For this romantic at heart that is what romance themed tales are all about.

Title: A Scot to Love and Protect, Series: Once Upon a Scot (Book 3), Author: Maeve Greyson, Pages: 137, pub date: 8/30/22, stand-alone but part of a series, alpha good guy hero, Protector of her people heroine, evil bad guy drama, HEA, romance safe, some violence.

Book 1 - A Scot of Her Own
Book 2 - A Scot to Have and to Hold
Book 3 - A Scot to Love and Protect

(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not rewarded or compensated for this review.)

Who knew. . The brawdy highlanders can. E great friend, lover, protectors without being Laird. I have loved this series. The characters, oh the women were excellent. Must read series.

I recieved a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
While I appreciate the fast clip this book moved at this book just didn't work for me.
Elspet has taken care of Clan Maxwell since before her husband's death due to him always being off fighting. Now under siege by the English, valan has been ordered to protect the keep.
This is a relatively short book but I felt things were really rushed between elspet and valan. I also don't think this would have worked as a longer book.
I guess the plot just didn't work for me as a whole.

This was such a sweet yet dramatic read for being only around pages! It definitely kept me entertained and on the edge of my seat, it made me love the characters in such a short amount of time!

A Scot to Love and Protect by Maeve Greyson is a Highland romance featuring two middle-aged (kind of) people for whom it was love at first sight. Well, lust, certainly. Valan MacDougall was the leader of a group of warriors loyal to the Lord of Argyll and his wife, Lady Christiana, who was cousin to Elspet, the lady of Caerlaverock, which was now under siege, sort of, by the English. They were doing a poor job of it, however. Suddenly Valan was hit by an arrow. It was not more than a scratch but enough to make Lady Elspet feel guilty once introductions were made. There was an immediate attraction, one she did not intend to act upon. Things changed between them and as the battle escalated over the next couple of days and he realized what she had been through, his regard deepened. He would protect her and the castle and see where things led. As it turned out, things became more difficult than he could have predicted.

Greyson is excellent writing character-driven novels and she has a hit here. These are both reluctant lovers but more than capable warriors. There is much to war against between the English and her own clan, the Maxwells. While her husband was alive, but gone most of the time, they accepted her as laird, but now that he was dead, they wanted a man. Even a bad one, which was what they nearly got. Between them all they managed to fight but both Elspet and her daughter were so angry and betrayed that they didn’t care what happened to the remaining clan members and were happy to see the castle reduced to rubble. It was a poignant struggle. Well, done Maeve Greyson!

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of A Scot to Love and Protect by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #MaeveGreyson #AScotToLoveAndProtect

When Commander Valan MacDougall arrives at Caerlaverock Castle with his Gallóglaigh to break the English siege, they expect the resident widow, Lasy Elspet Maxwell to be overwhelmed with gratitude. But instead of an aged widow, they find a beautiful warrior defending her own walls and even shooting Valan himself with an arrow. In order to forgive her mistake, he requires a boon... just one kiss. But after, he realizes just one won't be enough and regrets his order that none of his mercenaries are to touch the Maxwell women. But the castle is at risk not only by the English, but by the clan itself, not satisfied with following a woman, but the only male is the late laird's evil nephew. To save the castle and clan, they must come up with an ingenious plan.
I liked the strong and independent character of Elspet that despite the tragedies in her life, stands strong to lead and defend her clan. Valan, despite his initial prejudices against a female leader, becomes her strongest defender. I really liked this book and even though it's the third book in the series, it can be read as a standalone.
I received an advance reader copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

Constable Valan MacDougal leads the Gallo'glaigh, handpicked warriors from Lord of Argyll's army, to fight the English at Caerlaverock Castle. Lady Elspeth, the lady of the keep is not what he was expecting. She and her daughter, Beitris, are both dressed for battle in armor and trained to fight. Drawn to Elspeth, Valan wastes no time in planning his seduction. She's a widow and is a willing partner. Weary of fighting the English and the betrayal of her own people, Elspet must decide if she should stay or leave after the castle is secured. From the first page there is no where else to go, but jump right into the story of battles within and outside the walls of the castle. Triggers: violence and assault against women.
Heat level 4. 🔥🔥🔥🔥
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

This is my second book by this author and there's just something about the way she writes her stories that I totally get into. As someone who hates insta-love, I have no excuse for how easily I accept her characters falling in love with each other and deciding to marry within a scant few days of knowing each other. But I do. I accept it and I roll with it because it just works for these characters.

Valan is a mighty warrior that has been sent to help defend a Scottish keep from the invading English. All he knows of the Lady there is that she is widowed with a daughter. And because the dead Lord was pretty old when he died, he assumed she would be of similar age. Imagine his surprise when he finds out she is much much younger. And that she is on the front lines shooting him with her arrows. To say he is immediately smitten with this brave and fierce lady would be an understatement.

Elspet has been doing all she can to try and protect the remainder of her people from the English, but it's becoming a loosing battle. When the Gallóglaigh arrive at her keep to help, she has a glimmer of hope. And meeting Valan has her desiring a man like she never has before. Which is another thing I have liked about the two books I've read by this author. Her characters are adults and they act like it. They don't beat around the bush and dance around what they want. They want each other and they understand their situations going into any sort of relationship.

I really did like these two together. Valan gave Elspet the strength she needed while also letting her still maintain control of her life and decisions. And Elspet is constantly impressing Valan with her strength and her character. The two of them also had some pretty horrible back stories that shaped them into who they are today, and helped them understand one another's pain more.

Turns out that Elspet has more to worry about than just the English though. Her husband's vial brother is fast approaching with the clear intent to claim the keep as his own and she has no doubt he has cruel plans for her and her daughter. So Valan and his second come up with a plan to protect them that would doubtlessly have worked...if the brother didn't show up first with worse news than any could have imagined. His actions against Elspet and her daughter are swift and horrible. And Valan and his men find themselves overwhelmed with numbers, caught, and locked up. But Valan and his men are smart, strong, and good at what they do. So it's only a matter of time before the traitor gets what's coming to him.

The ending was good and I was very happy with Elspet's decision of what she wanted to do. I admit, I was a little worried for a second because of some things she said, but she pulled thru and is finally choosing her own happiness.