Maeve Greyson's time-traveling Scots are always a joy to read about. Joanna's Highlander is the second book in the Highland Protector's series and continues the saga of the MacDara family, protectors of the Heartstone. Readers who want a good time travel romance will love this one. When a transplanted tenth century Celtic warrior falls for a fiery red headed tour guide, sparks are sure to fly. Greyson's trademark quirky humor and her attention to detail shine.



What I liked:



Maeve Greyson is a favorite of mine of late. She has a way with a kilted man lol... I love the fact that she chooses to transplant her Scots to the future instead of taking a present day person and transplanting them in the past. It gives the story a whole new dimension. I mean tenth century Scotland is amazing to read about, but sometimes you need a good twist to get the readers attention and I think Greyson does that with this reversal of sorts. There are so many interesting things a hero might get into when it comes to figuring out how to live in today's world and in the south no less...



The overall arc of the book follows the story of the MacDara family, protectors of the heartstone. They have been sent forward in time to present day North Carolina where they operate a Highland themed amusement park. I was a little skeptical at first with this series because it seems so far fetched that a warrior family would be running a theme park lol... but it works. It just seems to make sense once you start reading it. It's quite an interesting idea and take on what professions a time traveler might take up in the future.



Grant was an exceptional hero. You know it's gonna be a good one when his weapon of choice is a war hammer. *swoon* He was not only a strong man, but he was a wounded man. He lost his wife and child in the battle that sent the MacDara family into the future and the reader will be able to feel his pain. He isn't a brooding hero, just one who has been hurt deeply. I loved seeing him start to open up again and rethink the possibility of giving his heart to another. Greyson did such an amazing job with that aspect of the story.



Joanna was my kind of girl. Sassy and smart. She's seen some hard times in life and in love and it makes her skeptical of Grant and his intentions. It's not just the Goddesses Grant has to worry about with this one. She's a real firecracker. Their chemistry together was fun and filled with humor and banter. They played so well off each other. Greyson was able to use her skills at those wonderful laugh out loud moments with this character. She was a joy!



What I didn't like:



As I said before a warrior family taking up the profession of theme park owners might be a little too much for some readers. Also the fact that Joanna might just not choose Grant seems unthinkable. But it all plays out in such a fun way. I think readers can suspend their ideas of the believable for some unbelievably hot romance.



Bottom Line:



This was a really fun book. I loved the characters and I want to know so much more about this world that Greyson has created with the MacDara family. The underlying arc of the series, is quite interesting and the love between Joanna and Grant sizzled on the page. I often wonder what it takes to write a good steamy romantic scene. This one has plenty and Greyson is a master at it.

Joanna Martin was an excellent pharmaceutical salesman, the man she was dating turned out to be married. Needless to say, she got fired. She started working with her friend, who ran a touring company. They managed to get a two-year contract to take tours around the Highland Life and Legends theme park. Grant MacDara is one of four sons, the second in line. He was born in the 10th century along with the rest of his family and had been sent here to save their clan. He wanted to woo Joanna.
In places, it is very funny. They have a great sense of humor. The characters interact with each other very well and are full of life.The plot was a little complicated and thought it was coherent, well written and read very easily. I loved it when he had to explain about the three goddesses. The author did a very good job with the book. I could not put it down.
I received this ARC

~~Reviewed by AnnMarie~~

Joanna’s Highlander is the second book in the Highland Protector series by Maeve Greyson. You can read this as a standalone story but I’d encourage you to read Sadie’s Highlander, book one in the series as a great introduction to the brothers and how they find themselves in modern-day America instead of 10th century Scotland!

When Grant MacDara was forced away from Scotland to America he was also forced to lose the woman who was to be his wife, who was carrying his child. In the 18 years since then, he’s never met a woman he could give his heart to, that is until he meets Joanna Martin.

Joanna has been physically and mentally abused in love and has promised herself to never fall for a loser again. When Grant starts flirting with her and showing his interest she is worried because she has heard how moody he is and how he and his family seem to be hiding secrets from the world. As much as she finds him staggeringly sexy, she can’t risk her heart by falling for somebody like him, can she?

Joanna and Grant’s budding relationship was a pleasure to read. Joanna loves Grant’s old-fashioned ways when it comes to wooing her, he is the ultimate gentleman, even calling her m’lady! How she could ever believe that he could be anything like her ex is beyond me. Their passion for each other was off the scales, and when they got going they really got going. My only qualm about their coupling is that it was slightly dom/sub with Grant telling Joanna she wasn’t allowed to move, or make a sound, and to not orgasm until he told her to. I just don’t think that Grant with all his wild warrior ways would want her to hold back at all. Without that their sexual encounters would have been perfect. Still, Joanna seemed to enjoy herself, so who am I to be negative about it ha!!

Alongside their relationship, there was the hysterically funny antics of the group of old women that Joanna was in charge of showing around Highland Life and Legends theme park, the perfect cover for Grant and his family! The old biddies were determined to match up Grant and Joanna, and the way they go about it made me laugh out loud often.

For me, the whole story was enjoyable and I thoroughly enjoyed it, but the best part of the book was definitely how it ended! I can’t tell you what happens, that would spoil it, but it involves a horse, a half-dressed highland warrior and Joanna. Perfection plus!!! I loved the first book in the series, I loved this second book in the series, and can’t wait to read the next one! Please, somebody, tell me that there are more to come!

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers’ copy of this book.

I loved Grant and Joanna's story!! They had been flirting with each other for over a year and Grant has finally decided it was time to make a more serious effort to win Joanna's heart. But because of being hurt in the past and things she as heard about Grant, Joanna doesn't know if she wants to take things further with him. She doesn't want to get hurt again and doesn't think she can trust her judgement. Can Grant make Joanna see that he is the perfect man for her?

This was a great addition to the Highland Protector series and I can't wait to see what Greyson has in store for us next!!

I feel relieved that I made it to the end of this book. That may be the best thing I can say, unfortunately. I cannot say I enjoyed it or found it compelling in any way. It really started off blah and end blah, which is unfortunate given its title.

****Warning, Spoilers Ahead****

This is a time-travel book, and it certainly feels like it is living in fantasy-land. Clan MacDara has to protect the hearthstone, which is important for all mankind apparently, and they are transported from 900 AD to twenty-first century North Carolina, that was 16 years ago, I believe. So the clan has been in North Carolina for a while now. Grant, the hero, is the second oldest. He fancies Joanna, and has for a year and a half. He doesn't approach for a date during this time because you never know, she may not be the one.
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Sounds reasonable. You do never know, but still he is falling for her through some light flirting.

Joanna is a tour guide, and she is guiding an unruly group of old knitting ladies, who think it is entertaining to ask Joanna if "those hooters real or store-bought?" and throw her and Grant together. We're not talking about owls, here:
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They are lewd and not amusing, and I honestly think I would consider some of their antics sexual harassment. It's OK, because they're harmless old ladies. Who cares about other people's feelings and personal space? So Grant and Joanna go on a "run" and 69 in the woods and then back to her place to screw and scream so everyone can hear, apparently. Don't worry about developing feelings and character development because what doesn't happen on page, happens before the book starts. It's very neatly done, and so the falling-in-love and sharing secrets and getting engaged happens within one week, most of that within the first couple of days. It's cool. I don't like reading about how characters get to love, just that they did. Add in a last-minute wrench to their happy ending, and it makes a great story.
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Sorry, I know there was some sarcasm thrown in there (just a wee bit), but there felt like nothing of substance to this story. It was just there, and I felt nothing beyond apathy for these characters and this story. I thought there was plenty that was cliche, but the real deal breaker for me was that there was too much that needed the reader to suspend belief with little or no explanation. It didn't feel real or relatable in order for me to get invested in the story.

*I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

DNF. I simply couldn’t get into this story. There’s a lot of extra matchmaking schemes that kept distracting me, and I just wasn’t interested. An intriguing concept. Just didn’t work for me, personally.

Highland warrior Grant MacDara and his brothers traveled forward to present day 21st century to protect the sacred Heartsone. Grant MacDara still dreams of tenth-century Scotland and is still grieving his lost love and unborn child. Joanna Martin is leading a group of senior citizens through his family’s North Carolina theme park, Highland Life and Legends when she catches his attention.
Joanna Martin has been burned by her ex-boyfriend when she lost her job so now she’s erected emotional walls and barriers to keep men from getting to close, but when she sees Grant her walls start to crumble. Joanna is the most irresistible woman Grant has ever met and she just might be worth the risk of loving again. Loved this story of two wounded souls who have to overcome their personal demons to finally find they can trust with their hearts. This is my honest opinions after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.

Present-day North Carolina sings with the passions of the Scottish Highlands as a fiery, time-traveling Celtic warrior takes a stubborn tour guide for a wild ride.
Haunted by lost love, Grant MacDara still dreams of tenth-century Scotland. Nothing can soothe his aching heart—until a sharp-tongued, redheaded beauty leads a tour of senior citizens through his family’s North Carolina theme park, Highland Life and Legends. Though she’s the polar opposite of the lass he left behind, Joanna Martin is the most irresistible woman Grant has ever met. But when he decides that she’s worth the risk of loving again, he tries so hard to hold her close that she nearly slips through his fingers.
Forced out of her job as a pharmaceutical sales rep by a conniving ex, Joanna is trying to make the best of her quiet new life. But one glimpse of Grant—who wields an ancient hammer like it’s just another appendage of his chiseled body—convinces Joanna not to give up on love. The one thing she can’t do is outrun her past as a loser magnet. And although Grant seems to be the last honorable man left on earth, this mouthwatering stud needs a crash course in twenty-first-century women before Joanna can trust him with her heart.

REVIEW

Words cannot even begin to describe how much I adored Grant. There was so much humor and romance in this book I absolutely loved it. Romance books like this one are the reason why I even pick them up. This book had a definite Martina Boone feel to it which had me hooked, as Martina is one of my favorite romance authors. If you need a lighthearted, fun read this one is for You! Do yourself a favor and get it asap!

Joanna's Highlander by Maeve Greyson is book Two in the Highland Protector series. This is the story of Grant MacDara and Joanna Martin. I have read the previous book (and loved it) but feel this is easily a standalone book.
Joanna has a awful ex who is making her life difficult and things are getting any better but then she meets Grant. But after such abusive time that she had can she learn to trust again? Grants seems like a perfect man but has old ways/beliefs that she gonna have to bring him up to date with.
Grant is homesick for his tenth-century Scotland the women he lost and the child they were meant to have. But when he sees Joanna she brings feeling back that he had been missing.
I really enjoyed this book and their story! Loved it!

Present-day North Carolina sings with the passions of the Scottish Highlands as a fiery, time-traveling Celtic warrior takes a stubborn tour guide for a wild ride.

Haunted by lost love, Grant MacDara still dreams of tenth-century Scotland. Nothing can soothe his aching heart—until a sharp-tongued, redheaded beauty leads a tour of senior citizens through his family’s North Carolina theme park, Highland Life and Legends. Though she’s the polar opposite of the lass he left behind, Joanna Martin is the most irresistible woman Grant has ever met. But when he decides that she’s worth the risk of loving again, he tries so hard to hold her close that she nearly slips through his fingers.

Forced out of her job as a pharmaceutical sales rep by a conniving ex, Joanna is trying to make the best of her quiet new life. But one glimpse of Grant—who wields an ancient hammer like it’s just another appendage of his chiseled body—convinces Joanna not to give up on love. The one thing she can’t do is outrun her past as a loser magnet. And although Grant seems to be the last honorable man left on earth, this mouthwatering stud needs a crash course in twenty-first-century women before Joanna can trust him with her heart.

Review:
This is the second book in this series of Ancient Highlanders who have been brought to present day to protect their sacred line. I have read the first book in the series and though I would recommend it, it is not necessary to enjoy this book. To me there was a different feel to this book. The first one was much more about protecting the Heart Stone. This one it is not really about protecting it as getting it to accept Grant and Joanna as a couple. I was still hoping for a little more action and supernatural aspect, but I really enjoyed the story. There was some angst in part to Grant's first love and his reluctance to go through that again. Joanna has her own issues because of a betrayal in her past love life and work. they both must work out their issues to come together as a couple. There was great comic relief in the form of the meddling old ladies on Joanna's tour group.
Overall I am enjoying this story and the series, I do hope there is a little more action and tension in the next book.
3.5Stars
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book provided by the publisher.*

I read a couple chapters, but was not getting into it. I didn't like the main characters and the story wasn't moving fast enough for my enjoyment.

Joanna Martin is in Brady, NC to help her best friend Lucia with her tour bus business. One of the places they tour is the Highland Life. Since she has meet all the MacDara clan, they have a 2 year probation contract. Grant MacDara from the first time he set eyes on Joanna, he knew he was going to woo her. The elderly ladies on the tour was a hoot. Everyone was trying to be matchmaker. Sometimes you can't fight fate. I loved reading about Scottish customs and how time traveling makes everything seem strange. Love 7 year old Tyler who steps up to be the protector of his Aunt Jo. I need to read the other books in this series.

Joanna's Highlander, book two of The Highland Protector Series, is a marvelous, fun read. Maeve Greyson has outdone herself with Grant and Joanna’s story. The beginning was too funny. Also, realistic which anyone who has spent much time with senior citizens would attest; filters just seem to melt away with age.

Grant has reluctantly and bitterly come to 21st century NC. His loss is great which neither time nor distance have changed that until Joanna. This is a woman who has also suffered loss through betrayal Besides the steamy physical attraction between the two there is the understanding of life on which they can build a lasting relationship. However, Joanne is in for some big surprises as the story progresses. Taking chances, secrets revealed and a reversal of the usual take on time travel make this an entertaining read.

The only improvement I would suggest for this book is the cover. It seems to me that the beautiful NC mountains should be showcased. The cover now shows a couple who could be anywhere and yet the setting is important to the story-line of the entire series. Anyone familiar with the NC Mountains would know of its Scottish history, along with the traditional Highland Games.

Delightful time travel romance! As with first book in series, the the heroine is wounded yet has strength she's not aware of; the hero is also wounded, alpha strong but vulnerable. The supporting characters helped make this an even more enjoyable read! (Grant's mom, sister, Joanna's friend and godson are captivating and familiar.) 3 1/2 stars. Would love stories for Lucia, Esme and Dwyn.
Voluntarily read ARC, thru Netgalley and publisher, for honest review.

The MacDara's are the most fearsome clan and they have been tasked with protecting the blessed Heartstone. The stone that gives hope and love to everybody living. They have mastered the weapons of old, the sword, hammer, shield, and spear, which they use to protect the stone at all costs. When under attack in tenth-century Scotland, the entire clan was whisked away to present day North Carolina with the stone, by the Goddesses. They know they have to learn to exist and thrive in this new environment to save all of humanity. They create a theme park based on Scottish legends and Highlander games.

Grant MacDara still misses his home back in Scotland and his still grieving the loss of his betrothed and his unborn child. He vows never to love again and be a pawn for the Goddesses. They didn't approve of his betrothed and their baby before, so why should he believe they would ever give him anything he ever wanted now?

Grant has had his eye on Joanna for almost two years. She runs a tour company with her sister, taking tourists to the theme park. Skittish about starting something with her after what the Goddesses have done to him, he tries to give Joanna a wide berth-even though something about her calls to him.

Joanna has been badly hurt by men in her past. She is attracted to Grant but she doesn't want to chance her tour company's demise by taking up with one of the theme park owners. She hasn't got a shiny record in the men department so she vows to stay away from the sexy Grant MacDara! Soon, attraction boils over with the help of some elderly knitting club grannies on tour of the park.

I had a fun time reading this one and there were some truly humorous times! The knitting club of grannies were especially a hoot! I also loved Joanna's nephew, Tyler, and his protectiveness of Joanna! There were some lines that had me cracking up for sure! I liked Grant and Joanna together and they sizzled as a couple! I wanted to see them both find some happiness in life. I also enjoyed how the MacDara's brought their morals and ethics into present day.

Joanna's Highlander is the second book in the Highland Protector series and I think it is a good installment. It can be read as a standalone because Maeve brings you up to speed at the beginning. I enjoyed the romance and the plot was equally entertaining! I highly recommend reading this, especially if you like reading about kilted heroes!

reviewed by Deb

This is the second book in the series. I did not read the first one, but the author helpfully included a Preface and Prologue with the back story of how this group from ancient Scotland ended up in modern North Carolina, (though why N Carolina, I'm not sure). The McDara clan was brought forward in time, before they could be wiped out to protect the Heartstone, fabled to fuel mankind's basic instincts- love, hope and courage. In the present, they created a Scottish like tourist park called Highland Life and Legends as their means of support, to protect the Heartstone and for the 4 brothers and 1 sister to find their mate and expand the clan.

Grant, the second oldest son, lost the woman he loved and their unborn child in the massacre before they were brought to the future, but their love had not been sanctioned by the Heartstone. After living in the future for sixteen years, Grant has still not given his heart to any woman, until he meets Joanne.

Joanna Martin was a highly successful and well paid pharmaceutical rep in Chicago, until she was betrayed by her boss and his brother, her boyfriend, who neglected to tell her that he was married with children. She then moved to Brady N Carolina to partner with her best friend, Lucia, in running a tour business, Carolina Adventures. Lucia is a widow with a young son. For the last year and a half, Joanna and Grant have been flirting with each other. After what happened in Chicago, Joanna doubts her ability to pick men, so Grant has been giving her time to get used to him, but he is tired of waiting.

If you are a fan of Sandra Hill's Vampire-Angels, you will enjoy this series too. It is a fun read.

**I received an ARC of this book in order to provide an honest review**

I really dislike leaving negative reviews but this was not a great book for me. I will start with the best parts of this book though.

A positive of this novel was the unique premise. An entire family of Scotsmen coming to modern day North Carolina? I’m in. Totally sold. Time-travel is a tricky sub genre but I was encouraged based on reviews of Ms. Greyson’s previous work.

I was put off right from the beginning. The authors note was disruptive and a little lazy. A preface, prologue, THEN author’s note before you even get to Chapter 1? Nah. You shouldn’t need an author’s note to make any book (even in a series) a standalone. Especially once the book has already started.

The writing and characterization is jerky. Joanna seems to erupt over small and strange comments. Grant abruptly switches between flirty and self-assured to bumbling and pandering. It’s an odd combination.

The author seems more concerned with adding scottish jargon than keeping consistent character attitudes. I got a little lost in some of the “funny” scenes.

The worst part of the book was the only true connection I could find between Joanna and Grant was sexual and Joanna’s reaction to each sexual situation was extremely annoying and off putting.

I sadly resorted to skimming just to finish this book. I adore time-travel romance but as I’ve said before, they are very difficult to get right and this one absolutely missed the mark.

Joanna's Highlander, by Maeve Greyson is an entertaining paranormal romance that mixes historical highlanders with contemporary times.

The MacDara clan is tasked with the honor of guarding the sacred Heartstone. Due to extreme difficulties and violence in 10th century Scotland, the MacDara family is transported to the 21st century in North Carolina.

Grant MacDara, a former Highland warrior, is now working at a Scottish historical theme park called Highland Life and Legends, which his parents and siblings own and operate while concealing their ancient past and continuing to protect the secret ancient Heartstone.

When Grant arrived in the 21st century, he was suffering and heartbroken from the recent death of his fiance and unborn baby. Even though it's many years later, Grant is still haunted by their deaths, yet has adjusted to his new life working a highland theme park. While attempting to rebuild her life, Joanna (and her best friend) lead tours at the Highland Life and Legends theme park. While trying to manage a group of unruly senior citizens, Joanna encounters Grant MacDara, and the group decides to become matchmakers.

Grant is determined to claim her, yet still uncertain (due to his part relationship and the Heartstone issues). Plus, Joanna has a difficult time with trusting people, so their relationship is challenging, despite their intense attraction. With a mix of modern day and historic highlander romance, it's an interesting story with captivating characters and humorous interactions, as well as with paranormal activities intermixed.

Since it's the second book in the Highlander Protector series, it's ideal to start with the first book, due to the overarching story and plentiful secondary characters mentioned. Previously, I reviewed (and highly enjoyed) the first book in the series, titled as Sadie's Highlander, and I'm looking forward to reading future books in the Highlander Protector series.

Joanna's Highlander is geared towards those who enjoy reading time travel novels in which mixes contemporary, paranormal, and highlander romances.


Note: I received this book from NetGalley, which is a program designed for bloggers to write book reviews in exchange for books, yet the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is sweetly romantic, unbelievably amusing and intriguingly suspenseful. Grant is determined, patient, insecure and chivalrous. Joanna is stubborn, wary, headstrong and snarky. Grant has been waiting for over a year for it to be the right time to woo Joanna. But 7 little old ladies, with their minds in the gutter, decide to play matchmakers. Grant wants it, but worries Joanna won't accept what he is. Joanna doesn't want it because she's just done with men, but she is wildly attracted to Grant. The storyline involves romance, hijinks, mystery and responsibility. There are a few unforeseen surprises, and quite a few unexpected funny moments. Maeve is one of my favorite authors and all her books should be on your TBR list.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.