Stone Guardian

by Maeve Greyson

Be careful what you wish for…

All he wanted was to change his fate.
All she wanted was a new beginning.
They both got just what they asked just not like they planned.


When the gods realize the beast they unleashed should never have been unshackled, they throw together modern-day Emma and ancient Torin to set the world aright. Now the mismatched pair must fully embrace their powers, meld them and send the demon back to his hell. But what Emma and Torin don't realize is there's a troubling side-effect to melding magic. Hearts tend to get tangled too even when the two souls aren't comfortable in each other's worlds.

Genres: Romance, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Time Travel, Fantasy, Historical Romance, Magic

336 pages, Paperback

First published February 13, 2014

About the author

Maeve Greyson is a USA TODAY bestselling author, Amazon Top 100 bestseller, Amazon All Star, multiple RONE Award winner, and a multiple HOLT Medallion Finalist.

Her mantra is this: No one has the power to shatter your dreams unless you give it to them.

She and her husband of over forty-five years traveled around the world while in the U.S. Air Force. Now they're settled in rural Kentucky where Maeve writes about her courageous heroes and the fearless women who tame them. Sometimes her stories are historical romances, time travel romances, or escapist romantasies, but the one thing they always have in common is a satisfying happily ever after. When she’s not plotting the perfect snare, she can be found herding cats, grandchildren, and her husband—not necessarily in that order.

To learn more about Maeve visit: https://linktr.ee/maevegreyson

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stone Guardian is my first book by Maeve Greyson so I wasn’t sure just what to expect. What I did get is a humorous, sweet, sexy and exciting paranormal romance.



Torin Grey lived 1000 years ago. He is the Chieftain of the Stone Guardians, set with the responsibility of guarding over the stones of Callanish. When Torin angered the old woman from the moors, he was put into a sort of sleep and brought back in present day in the Isle of Lewis in Scotland. Watching Torin try to accept the things we take for granted in day to day life, cars, stoves, microwaves, indoor plumbing, was pretty hilarious.



Emma Maxwell has accepted her life. She has dedicated her life to being a pediatrician and taking care of her sister, Laynie. Emma lost her adoptive parents years ago in a terrible accident on the water. So she is all Laynie has. But now she has accepted a year long position to help volunteer to get a children’s clinic up and running on the Isle of Lewis. She has a horrible fear of the water so what is she thinking, going to live for a year on an island? But, she has convinced herself that she can handle it. Little did Emma know that she too possessed the powers of the Stone Guardian and that there was a destiny beyond her wildest imagination waiting for her.

“She stood by the decision she made long ago: hide your feelings from the world and take care of everyone else. SHE was the strong one everyone ran to when anything went wrong. SHE couldn’t be the one to show a hint of weakness or reveal any inner fears. “



A terrible beast that I picture as a sort of dragon named Arach has been loose on the Isle. His killing and destruction is so widespread that only the magic of the two stone guardians together will be able to destroy him. The first time Torin and Emma meet, though, things don’t go very smoothly. But as Emma accepts her heritage, something else blooms between them. Could they be the fated love for each other? Or are their worlds too foreign to each other for either of them to accept?

“He wanted to be HER reason for breathing.”

I really did enjoy watching the relationship bloom between these two and let me tell you, there was some serious chemistry happening. When Laynie came to visit Emma she referred to Emma and Torin’s nighttime activities as “sex-a-lympics!” I enjoyed watching as both Emma and Torin had to face their fears and insecurities and trust one another. And Torin, “sigh” was so fun to read about. He is most definitely the way I would imagine a Scottish warrior in a kilt would be. Wink, wink!

This book was both fun and exciting and I enjoyed it very much. Thank you to Maeve Greyson for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stone Gaurdian
By Maeve Greyson
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Torin has been through some rough times. He has watched his mate die in a botched abortion and now he has tried to end himself as well, but the old woman of the moors has other plans for him and will not let him die so she puts him in a state where he will not wake whole for a very long time.

Emma is an American doctor who is going to Scotland to help open a child's center where kids can be seen and treated on an island in Scotland. She has left everything behind to do this including her sister, but everything is not as cut and dry as she soon finds out.

The gods have realized that the beast they unleashed should never have been released so ancient Torin and modern day Emma are thrown together to set the world to rights. Now Torin must help Emma fully embrace the powers she never knew she possessed and send the beast back to hell where it belongs. What Emma and Torin don't realize is that the gods have plans for the two of them as well. Plans that involve love and the giving of one's hearts to eachother freely. Will they be able to give themselves freely to eachother and love one another freely, or will it be to big a step?

Maeve Greyson is a master storyteller who will take you on a tale of love, loss, betrayal, and new beginnings all the while keeping your interest in this Highlander novel that is chalked full of fantasy. You never know what's going to happen next and it's a real page turner.

[Gerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely Scottish romance with paranormal/fantasy elements running delightfully throughout the story, popping up unexpectedly, yet at just the right time. Most of this story takes place in present day, on an island off the coast of Scotland. There are issues the hero and heroine must face and overcome, and the author does this in a believable fashion. There is humor, which I loved, and a nasty villain worthy of being a demon from hell. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can easily see myself re-reading it again. I highly recommend Stone Guardian.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great job!

I have enjoyed this book and watching Maeve's writing skills expand through her books. I truly did not want to put this o e down! Anyone who loves a good tale involving magic and finding your soul mate should read this one!

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5.0

There's something powerful about a story that involves a hero that has waited hundreds of years for his destined mate.

Read full review in the 2014 June/July Double Issue of InD’tale Magazine.

[Rainelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is an interesting read for you readers who love time travel romantic books. The writer did a good research of history on parts of her book. The characters are interesting and engaging. I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Khandi Tumeo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the characters. The story drew me in and demanded I get more.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is a great book to read forever

[Dominika · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was bored half to tears with this book. There were so many interesting things - gods and spirits, demons, magic - and yet it was one of the most uninspiring books I've ever read.

Torin is a great warrior from the past and Emma is a modern doctor, who came to Scotland to create a new clinic for children. Their task is to defeat a horrible monster from the other world, a demon called Arach. Emma doesn't believe in magic and she is quite shocked when she finds out about her destiny, but she soon learns a lot about her own powers.

As I said, I found the book extremely boring - to the point that I had to make myself read the next chapter. Emma was stubborn, her reactions were strange and quite illogical for me. Torin was better, he didn't annoy me much - I felt quite sorry for him; I can imagine how scary and tiring it must be to live in the 21st century for a person from the past. I hated the Arach's parts, definitely too many descriptions of roasted human bodies for me there. I think the ending was too quick and abrupt.

I didn't enjoy this book and I'm not going to read any other books by this author.

From my blog: https://dominikasreadingchallenge.blo...

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tale to remember

I don’t know where to begin with this story. At first I was confused, then I couldn’t let go. I had to continue with the story even though I knew what the ending would be. I had to make sure that the ending would be what I’d like. Next time I would like a prologue

[dashleea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Loved the characters involved in this story. Plot was different than anything I have read. Loved it and would love to hear more on these characters. Kind of left me wanting more.

[Laurie Hopkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

Emma certainly is stubborn. Torin, really had to work to get her to believe. Even with the evidence before her eyes, Emma still had a hard time believing. Good thing she figured it out.

[Beatriz · Rating 4 out of 5]

intertwiningly Love Stories

I really liked the way she interlaced the character's lives. The way everyone's destiny was fulfilled. I like that she left enough of a space to continue sequels or other books in the series.

[Kaleolani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok. First I really enjoyed all the mythology in this book. I would have liked a bit more talking about what had happened in their pasts. I absolutely hated the end. Yes, it was a happily ever after but OMG that's it? *sigh*

[Nancy J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful story

I just wish it had been a longer read, and I also wish she had been a little less stubborn! I wanted to travel with them. And I wanted the kelpies to be defeated. And I wanted the fae to be more present in their lives. Ah, so many wants...

[pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Didn't drag, good storyline. Enjoyed reading this romance novel. Would recommend to friends. Maeve Greyson is very good at her craft

[Mary K Carls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting

Loved it! Couldn't put it down!
I'm a Highlander nut. Well written.
Looking forward to her next book.
Great story!

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well crafted

Wow, what a love and that it crossed several millennia to happen. I couldn't stop reading this story of great love.

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magic

Emma and Torin take you on a small island adventure not to be forgotten. With a demon eons old to slay magic to destroy must be pure love. Sweet story telling.

[Suzette D · Rating 3 out of 5]

3👍

[Donna M Raszkiewicz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Couldn't put it down. Well done!

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stone Guardian
Celtic Myth and Legends -A Scottish Fantasy Romance
Maeve Greyson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Chieftain Torin Grey is a guardian of the realm portals that are hidden among the Outer Hebrides, and he has just found out what happens when a guardian challenges one of the gods. He was betrayed by his wife, whom he adored beyond reason. He ignored the gods' edict and dared to try to change his fate. Now he's in statis in a cursed sleep while everything he ever cherishes turns to dust. He thinks there can be no fate worse until he's awakened and brought forth into a world he no longer knows.

Dr. Emma Maxwell is a pediatrician who only believes in what sience can prove. She has raised her sister since their parents passed away so very long ago. She's gotten to the point where she doesn’t waste her time nor her energy on anything as unexplainable as emotion. Emma travels to the Isle of Lewis, where she will be starting a children's clinic with another doctor. She ignores the eerie pull of the Callanish Stones, chalking the sensation up to some scientific anomaly. But when she finds herself at these very stones standing face to face with a hansome Scot who keeps telling her she posses magic, her scientific explanations get harder and harder to find. Its got to be one of two things either Torin is literally crazy or the stress of leaving her sister back home alone while starting a clinc halfway around the world has finally pushed Emma over the edge.

Oh my gosh, this has to be the best book that I have read this year. It has everything you could ever want. Torin is one heck of a strong handsome hero and Emma is a fire cracker. I opened this book and was immediately lost in time. It was phenomenal. When Ms. Greyson writes a book you know it's going to be a winner, but this one took me by surprise and I loved every word of it.

[Cindy Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

Loved the characters, love how Marvel can take you right into the story so you feel like you are actually there.

[Traci · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the interest of full disclosure.....I received a free copy of this book in hopes that I would give an honest review.

The story line idea here caught me. What's not to like about the story of a highland chieftain being able to appear in the future to meet up with his soul mate? So the story line pulled me in but the writing / follow through didn't work for me. I felt like there were parts of the book that were dragging while important parts were rushed. Our two main characters, Emma and Torin, Battle the monster, he disappears, he is tracked down by someone else, her sister falls for someone we've been set up to dislike through the entire book, and Emma and Torin are brought back together to live their lives elsewhere all in the last 20-30 pages of the book. I just would have liked to have seen some of that given a little more detail. The end left me feeling like the author got tired of writing this and just gave it a quick wrap up.

That being said I floundered between 2-3 stars on this. I fell to the three side because I still really like the story idea. I may not have loved the follow through but I would try another of the authors books to see how it goes.

[Katie O'Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's sexier than a steaming hot guy in nothing but a kilt? How about a sizzling kilted warrior who's also a legendary guardian? He can wield magic, travel through time, and practically melt the paint off the walls with his kisses. And he's single.

Trapped in the shadows between time for over a thousand years, Torin is brought back to this life when a fiery young doctor arrives on his Scottish island. The instant heat between them sizzles right off the page, as Maeve Grayson weaves a tale that blends legendary Celtic creatures with steamy passion and complex emotions.

Told with a thick Scottish brogue, this is a story of two people who are stronger than they know. They must embrace their love in order for each to heal the scars from their past.

I love time travel stories, but this is my first paranormal highlander romance. And I loved it - I'll definitely be on the lookout for more!

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stone Guardian

Torin, a Stone Guardian wanted to be released from the torture of failing his clan. Emma, a doctor, was drawn to Scotland to work in a clinic. Torin was drawn to Emma as he knows what she knows not. Emma is also a Stone Guardian. Their magic together can end the misery of the monster beast threatening their lives. Torin must train Emma for the upcoming battle. Emma's sister Laylin comes to visit and gets involved with the infamous Dr. Alex. This is quite the story to read. I enjoyed it because it was different from the other Highlander books. I love the magical side of this story. It was a fun read!

[Jsga914 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Torin and Emma's chaotic love story

I liked the premise of their love story, I even understood Torin's want to be back with his clan. However, I disliked the ending. Tobin hadn't seen his clan for a millennia. He expected Emma to give up what little she had for a new "life" with knowing only one person. If there was no hope for him to be brought back to this reality, it needed to be explained better. I know I would want to be in the same world as my family. Story 5*, ending 2*.

[Mackenzie Crowne · Rating 4 out of 5]

My preference in romance is a sexy, fun contemporary but occasionally I enjoy traveling to a different type of world. Maeve Greyson always delivers and she's done so again with Stone Guardian. A solid contemporary with mystical elements, her hero is one sexy alpha with a heart, her heroine is a strong woman who knows her mind, the romance is spicy hot and her villain will scare the crap out of you. Well done, Miss Greyson.

[kathy kemmerer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these stories.

All the characters in this story are such fun. Emma and Torin are so meant for each other and they get to save the world from Arach. Emma is a very strong women little too strong sometimes but still love the story. Layinie and Alex are a good addition to the story. Will always be ready to read more of these stories.

[shannon Stubbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good

I like the romance and the magic in this story. The two fought against their stubbornness to defeat the evil monster. With romance thrown in, it made for an excellent story.