Highland Bodyguards Books in Order

Recommended Reading Path

For the most satisfying experience, readers should follow the series in its official hybrid order, which seamlessly weaves the novellas between the full-length novels. Because characters from previous books frequently reappear as secondary characters, following this order helps you keep track of the growing clan alliances and the progression of King Robert the Bruce's campaign for Scottish independence.

1. The Lady's Protector (Book 1, 2016) — Ansel Sutherland and Lady Isolda
2. Heart's Thief (Book 2, 2016) — Colin MacKay and Sabine
3. A Warrior's Pledge (Book 3, 2016) — Finn Sutherland and Lady Rosamond
4. Claimed by the Bounty Hunter (Book 4, 2017) — Kirk MacLeod and Lillian Fitzhugh
5. A Highland Betrothal (Book 4.5, 2017) — Graeme MacKay and Anna Ross (Novella)
6. The Promise of a Highlander (Book 5, 2017) — Logan Mackenzie and Helena de Monterey
7. The Bastard Laird's Bride (Book 6, 2017) — Reid Mackenzie and Corinne
8. Surrender to the Scot (Book 7, 2018) — Jerome Munro and Elaine Reid Mackenzie
9. Her Wild Highlander (Book 8, 2018) — Kieran MacAdams and Vivienne
10. His Lass to Protect (Book 9, 2018) — Mairin Mackenzie and Niall
11. The Laird's Yuletide Bride (Book 9.5, 2018) — Fillan MacVale and Charlotte (Novella)
12. Deceiving the Highlander (Book 10, 2019) — Will Sinclair and Eleanor de Monteney

Publication Order vs. Chronological Order

Unlike many sprawling historical sagas, the publication order of the Highland Bodyguards series aligns directly with its internal chronology. Author Emma Prince wrote the books sequentially to match the timeline of the First War of Scottish Independence (c. 1296–1328). Events such as the Battle of Bannockburn and the Siege of Berwick Castle serve as realistic anchors for the romances, meaning you will not have to jump back and forth in time to follow the historical narrative.

The Core Premise: King Robert's Elite Protectors

The series is built around an elite, secret corps of bodyguards handpicked by King Robert the Bruce. These warriors are tasked with protecting key figures, securing borders, and undertaking dangerous covert missions to aid Scotland's quest for freedom from English rule. The stories explore the heavy tension between duty and personal desire, as these rugged guardians find their loyalties tested by the fierce, independent women they are sworn to protect. Emma Prince crafts a signature blend of steamy, emotional romance, high-stakes political intrigue, and detailed historical backdrops.

Book-by-Book Breakdown

1. The Lady's Protector (2016)

The series opens with Ansel Sutherland, a fierce warrior charged with guarding an English lord's son. However, his mission changes when he crosses paths with the secretive Lady Isolda. Escaping a deadly assassin, they flee into the Scottish Highlands, sparking an intense romance amidst imminent danger.

2. Heart's Thief (2016)

Colin MacKay is a bodyguard focused on rooting out English spies. When he captures Sabine, a clever thief with dangerous secrets, he finds his defenses compromised. Their battle of wits transforms into a deep passion that challenges Colin's duty to King Robert.

3. A Warrior's Pledge (2016)

Finn Sutherland, a brooding warrior, pledges to protect Lady Rosamond. Rosamond is trapped in an arranged marriage that threatens her safety, and Finn must navigate political landmines to keep her safe, even as they fight their forbidden attraction.

4. Claimed by the Bounty Hunter (2017)

Kirk MacLeod is a lethal bounty hunter who is hired to track down Lillian Fitzhugh. As they travel together, Kirk realizes there is more to Lillian's story than he was told, leading him to choose between his mercenary mission and the woman who has captured his heart.

4.5. A Highland Betrothal (2017)

This bridging novella focuses on Graeme MacKay, who returns from the brutal Siege of Berwick Castle with a physical injury and a broken heart, finding that the woman he loves, Anna Ross, is betrothed to another. Tasked with escorting her to her wedding, Graeme must face his unresolved feelings.

5. The Promise of a Highlander (2017)

Logan Mackenzie is a protector sent to secure alliances. He meets Helena de Monterey, a resilient woman facing political threats. Together, they navigate court betrayal and the harsh reality of war, discovering a bond that could heal their past wounds.

6. The Bastard Laird's Bride (2017)

Reid Mackenzie, the illegitimate son of a clan leader, seeks to build a stable future for his people. He agrees to a marriage of convenience with Corinne, an English lady. Their initial distrust slowly melts into a powerful love, even as external forces threaten their union.

7. Surrender to the Scot (2018)

Jerome Munro, the son of a notorious traitor, is desperate to prove his loyalty to the Scottish crown. His mission leads him to the English border, where he meets Elaine Reid. Their forbidden love challenges political boundaries and forces Jerome to decide what true loyalty looks like.

8. Her Wild Highlander (2018)

Kieran MacAdams is a wild, unpredictable warrior sent to guard Vivienne, a lady harboring secrets that could shake the foundations of the war. Kieran's rugged charms and Vivienne's sharp mind create a fiery dynamic that threatens to consume them both.

9. His Lass to Protect (2018)

This groundbreaking entry focuses on Mairin Mackenzie, the first and only female bodyguard in Robert the Bruce's elite corps. She is paired with Niall, an Englishman who has pledged his sword to Scotland. As they undertake a dangerous mission in England, they must overcome mutual distrust and growing attraction.

9.5. The Laird's Yuletide Bride (2018)

A festive novella that brings warmth to the chilly Highland winter. Fillan MacVale meets Charlotte, a sheltered young woman who has survived years of oppression. Fillan vows to protect her and show her the joy of the holiday season, leading to a tender romance.

10. Deceiving the Highlander (2019)

The final full-length novel stars Will Sinclair, a bodyguard sent to investigate an English spy, Eleanor de Monteney, who has suddenly gone silent. Will assumes the role of her fake fiancé to uncover the truth, leading to a web of deception and intense passion.

Practical Reader Advice

Can the books be read as standalones?

Yes, each novel features a self-contained romance with a satisfying happily-ever-after (HEA), meaning you can read individual books out of order without being completely lost. However, the overarching historical timeline and recurring appearances of former protagonists make reading in order highly recommended.

Where is the best starting point?

You should absolutely start with The Lady's Protector. It sets up the formation of the Bodyguard Corps, introduces key recurring characters, and establishes the tone of the series.

What is the tone and steam level?

The Highland Bodyguards series is characterized by its high steam level, emotional intensity, and adventurous plots. The heroines are written as resilient, active participants in their destinies, rather than damsels in distress, while the heroes are protective yet respectful of the women's agency.

Related Series by Emma Prince

If you finish the Highland Bodyguards and want more from Emma Prince's medieval world, you should check out her other connected series:

• Sinclair Brothers Trilogy: Follows the romantic exploits of the Sinclair brothers and shares the same vivid medieval Scottish atmosphere.
• Four Horsemen of the Highlands: A series that focuses on darker, high-stakes romances featuring powerful warlords.
• Viking Lore Series: Explores the historical romance genre through the lens of Viking culture, featuring Norse warriors and shieldmaidens.