Highland Guardian by Melissa Mayhue

Sarah Douglas is a successful romance novelist who’s come to Scotland hoping to overcome her writer’s block and to come to terms with her strange ability to sense the emotions of everyone she touches. But from the moment she arrives, her problems only intensify. From the stalker – who might be only a figment of her imagination – to her attraction to the darkly handsome owner of the cottage she’s rented, nothing goes as she had planned.

Ian McCullough is neck-deep in his own trouble. A half-mortal descendant of Faeries, he’s been a Guardian for more than six hundred years, but he’s never encountered a woman like Sarah. Assigned to protect her, he finds the job tougher than he could have imagined. Oh, he can handle the stalker, and event he renegade Faeries trying to kidnap her. But falling in love means forsaking his role as Guardian – which is something he could never do.

But there is no denying the passion that exists between the two souls fated to be together.

My Thoughts
Highland Guardian is another winner for Melissa Mayhue and she proves that whether writing time travel or contemporary, she knows how to write a compelling romance. She creates a fabulous world in this book (intertwining a mature faerie culture into modern times) and she has infused depth in both her hero and heroine. There is also an older woman/younger man plot which adds interest to the entire story. The novel is filled with romance and the loves scenes are totally hot, without being overdone. This entire book makes me want to jump on an airplane to Scotland and find a Guardian of my own!

Ms. Mayhue has created a strong supporting cast and we shall, no doubt, see their stories soon. Soul of a Highlander is scheduled for release this May, and I can honestly say that I will be first in line to buy it as it contains the story of Ramos & Mari, who we first met in Thirty Nights with a Highland Husband.

While certainly no Thirty Nights with a Highland Husband, Highland Guardian is a book that shouldn’t be missed.

Thirty Nights with a Highland Husband

By Melissa Mayhue

Back Cover

SCOTLAND, 1272. Connor MacKiernan, a descendant of the Fae Prince, is a warrior who lives only for honor and duty. Though he''s vowed never to marry, that''s exactly what he must do to save his sister. Enter a little Faerie magic, and the search for a bride is on.

DENVER, 2007. Caitlyn Coryell is having a really bad day -- she just discovered her fiancé with another woman! Imagine her surprise when she puts on some sexy lingerie and an antique pendant and Connor appears in her bedroom, begging for her help. He offers a simple yet outrageous adventure: travel to his time, marry him, and return home.

But nothing''s simple when Cate is trapped in the thirteenth century. The wedding''s delayed, someone''s trying to kill her, and in the middle of all this, she realizes she''s falling in love with a man who can only be her husband for thirty nights.

My Thoughts

I found my copy of Melissa Mayhue’s Thirty Nights at the library. I picked it up for two reasons; the cover was pretty and the title catchy. Normally not a fan of time-travel romance, I was delighted to discover that this book exceeded all my expectations. It was an excellent read, one that I did not want to put down.

The story begins in Faerie Glen where a powerful faerie, angered at the mistreatment of his daughters, curses all the male relations stating that they shall always care and respect his daughters and their offspring and that they will all bear the name Rose. With that, the Legend of the Faerie Glen has begun.

Connor McKiernan is need of a wife in order to save his sister from an unwanted marriage with a horrible man. Thanks to Faerie magic, and a little help from his aunt, he travels through time to find the perfect candidate. Caitlyn Coryell is a smart business woman who isn’t so lucky in love – having just discovered her fiancée in bed with his secretary. While drinking up a storm in her bedroom and wishing for excitement & love, she puts on an antique pendant. Suddenly, a handsome highlander appears and asks her to return to the 13th century with him, as his bride. Lucky for him, she agrees.

Only expecting to be in the 13th century for a few days, Cate is surprised when Artair, Connor’s uncle, complicates matters. He is not about to let Connor get away with this so easily and insists that the marriage should be managed in the old style complete with a reading of the banns and visiting the people. This means that Cate will need to remain in 13th century Scotland for a full month.

What happens next is a fun and adventurous story, a story filled with misunderstandings, political intrigue & family quarrels. The romance between Kate and Connor is a sweet one. It is a simple romance, not a lot of action which I’m sure left many readers wanting more. We also see the romance from Connor’s point of view which is a nice touch – it’s always nice to have the male perspective! Their romance is tender & funny and there are many witty supporting characters that add much flavour to the story.

Thirty Nights with a Highland Husband is a fantastic book and very well done for a first time author. I am looking forward to reading her next book which came out in October. We’ll also be seeing Mairi, Connor’s sister again in the near future as according to Melissa Mayhue’s website, Mairi also has a story to tell!