Le gardien (Le retour des Highlanders, #1) by Margaret Mallory

Jun 26, 2011 Catherine rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction-vixen-reviews, first-reads-arcs-won-a-copy, historical, romance, scottish-irish-celtic, scotland, boring, childhood-sweethearts-or-friends, read-2011, sucked, dnf, already-married, working-to-improve-marriage

*DNF*

I’ve reached my limit with this book. It is too irritating for me to continue. The hero is an immature, selfish pig. He leaves for five years after being forced to marry his childhood friend and ignores any attempts from his father to get him to come home. He’s angry that he was forced to marry Sileas—he’s horrified at being stuck with such a scrawny, unattractive girl—and he blames her for getting them into that situation. In his mind he’s not married since he didn’t consummate the marriag...more

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May 01, 2011 Xia rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

I loved this book. I loved Ian, Connor, Duncan, and Alex as well. Not to mention Sileas, the heroine who is so strong and courageous. This book was very well written. I loved reading the banter between Sileas and Ian. I really felt sorry for Sileas and for all she went through during the years Ian was gone. It was wonderful reading the two of them fall in love. Sileas made it difficult for him, but he deserved it. Alex, Connor, and Duncan were great secondary characters and I am looking forward...more

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May 04, 2011 Laura the Highland Hussy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: highlander-books

I didn't think the back of the book made this one sound all the interesting, to be honest, but man was I mistaken!

From the first word I was hooked. I read so late that my husband actually turned the light off on me! I put it down,and while the kids were at swim lessons, I picked up my Nook and kept reading. I felt so much anticipation from this one, I swear I have heart palpitations.

The book opens with 4 boys visiting a witch. I was intrigued. Next up is a forced marriage. I was interested. Then...more

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May 12, 2011 Crystal ♥ RBtWBC rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: request-blog-tour, best-of-2011

The Guardian is fiendishly good and a sensational start to a new series.

Ian MacDonald was forced to wed Sileas five years ago when she was but a child and him a young man, angered and blaming her for his misfortune he returns to France and the war there, all but forgetting the girl he left behind.
When Ian and his three best friends finally return to their homeland after the death of their Chieftain, they find it vastly different from how they left it and a tyrant in the Chieftain’s seat. But tha...more The Guardian is fiendishly good and a sensational start to a new series.

Ian MacDonald was forced to wed Sileas five years ago when she was but a child and him a young man, angered and blaming her for his misfortune he returns to France and the war there, all but forgetting the girl he left behind.
When Ian and his three best friends finally return to their homeland after the death of their Chieftain, they find it vastly different from how they left it and a tyrant in the Chieftain’s seat. But that isn’t the only thing that is different; the ungainly wife he refused to acknowledge is now a beautiful woman, capturing the attention of more then one male, including him.
Ian is determined to win her affections again but Sileas’ family is looking to take advantage of his long absence. Can he reconcile his new feelings for Sileas and prove his love before it’s too late?

If you love Scottish Romances then The Guardian is a must read!
Ian was an amazing character; a sexy and strong warrior, built, with black hair and blue eyes, just the way I like em’. He doesn’t start off winning the ‘Husband of the Year’ award but when peeling back his multiple layers throughout the story you find a heart of gold and man who will do anything for those he loves.

Sileas is probably one of my favorite heroines. She has been abused emotionally and physically but also suffers from that ugly duckling syndrome, being an awkward and gangly girl and blossoming into a gorgeous woman, though she still feeling insecure about her looks. Despite all this, Sileas, is still a strong woman; helping out with Ian’s disabled and disheartened father, assisting his mother in the day to day running of the house and lands and being a sister to Ian’s younger brother.

I thought it was hilarious, and so typical for a male, for Ian to think that he could walk right back into Sileas’s life and have her welcome him into her bed. He truly did not get it at first why she was giving him the cold shoulder. Hello, you abandoned her to your family to deal with nasty gossip for five years while you were out having yourself a grand time! Sileas doesn’t easily forgive but you really can’t help how the heart feels and despite all she still loves Ian. And in the end, I think Ian made up for his mistakes.

Their love story is heart warming and gets very steamy, it’s not an easy relationship and they have their fair share of bumps but the development of it was believable. Each character, main and secondary, where endearing and stood out, even the villains. It is also, a well-written story with descriptive world building that never bored and plenty of action and suspense to keep you turning the pages. It was fun and interesting and the plot has a few twists and turns in it. The ending was well done for the couple but leaves it open and expecting for the next novel in the series, which is Alex’s. And I cannot wait to see how that plays out!

http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub...(less)

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May 11, 2011 Terra rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I have so enjoyed this story. What's not to like about a dishy Highlander that is more than drool worthy. Margaret Mallory has done it again with another delicious book sure to rouse the hunger lust in all of us.

Ian MacDonald is tall, dark and handsome. Oh my goodness what a specimen of male perfection. Well, in all but the common sense part and in that he needs a smack upside the head. He is everything a lass could possibly want in a man with honor, courage and devotion to his clan.

Sileas is a...more

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Nov 26, 2011 Hbeebti rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: used

I really enjoyed this book! I came to love all the MacDonald Clan. Oh those cousins were the best. I have to say that Duncan is my favorite and I cant wait for his book. Ian was just something else. I adored him. He was always sticking his foot in his mouth. lol There was such great moments in this book from me wanting to smack Ian upside his head to feeling Ian's pain and anger. This had plenty of action and a whole lot of lovin once it happened. Sileas was a great character as well. I loved th...more

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Aug 26, 2012 Lisa Kay rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: authors-m, character-scottish-hero, genre-romance-historical, genre-romance-medieval, xyzcover-weapon, m-kindle, 2012-in-2012-group-challenge

★★★☆☆ Not really what I was looking for, so take that into consideration when looking at my star rating. Clobbering the hero over the head with a frying pan several times in an animated cartoon such as Disney’s Tangled is funny. In this setting for Romancelandia, it didn’t work for me no matter how much he deserved it. (The dweeb.)

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Apr 13, 2013 Gaby rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I liked the plot idea and everything that happens, but have to say it had so much more potential... For some reason, the feelings throughout the book didn't get me as they should, they just felt luke-warm to me... maybe because the situations were rushed, I don't know. I just would have liked better something more descriptive and deep.

I also liked both Ian and Sìleas as hero and heroine. I just think the writing could have translated and fleshed them better. AlthoughI think Ian acted like an as...more

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Mar 14, 2013 Amylynn Bright rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

As a young lass, Sìleas depended on Ian to play her knight in shining armor. But when his rescue attempt compromised her virtue, Ian was forced to marry against his wishes. Five years later, Sìleas has grown from an awkward girl into an independent beauty who knows she deserves better than the reluctant husband who preferred war to his wife. Now this devilishly handsome Highlander is finally falling in love. He wants a second chance with Sìleas - and he won't take no for an answer.

Margaret Mallo...more

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Mar 13, 2013 Freelfe rated it 3 of 5 stars

Voilà cinq ans que Ian est parti, après avoir été forcé d'épouser son amie d'enfance : Siléas. Le voici qui revient sur son île natale, prêt à défendre sa famille et son clan. Quelle stupeur quand il découvre que la gamine qu'il a laissé derrière lui est devenue une magnifique jeune femme ! Malheureusement pour lui, Siléas est bien décidée à ne pas lui pardonner aisément. Ian devra tout faire pour la reconquérir s'il ne veut pas la perdre...

Le gardien est le premier tome de la tétralogie Le reto...more Voilà cinq ans que Ian est parti, après avoir été forcé d'épouser son amie d'enfance : Siléas. Le voici qui revient sur son île natale, prêt à défendre sa famille et son clan. Quelle stupeur quand il découvre que la gamine qu'il a laissé derrière lui est devenue une magnifique jeune femme ! Malheureusement pour lui, Siléas est bien décidée à ne pas lui pardonner aisément. Ian devra tout faire pour la reconquérir s'il ne veut pas la perdre...

Le gardien est le premier tome de la tétralogie Le retour des Highlanders, publiée aux Editions Milady et écrite par Margaret Mallory. Un roman d'environ 450 pages où se mêle romance et intrigue politique.
Nos deux héros, Siléas et Ian, sont très différents.

Siléas est une jeune femme farouche, têtue mais fidèle et courageuse. Amoureuse depuis son enfance du beau Ian, elle ne lui pardonne pas de l'avoir laissé seule pendant cinq ans. Humiliée par les autres femmes, humiliée par le mariage forcé, humiliée par le dégoût qu’Ian lui a manifesté, Siléas demeure cependant une jeune femme intelligente et loyale à la famille MacDonald. Pourtant, elle devra faire un choix : rester avec Ian malgré tout, ou le quitter et perdre sa famille d'adoption. Malgré sa colère, elle est prête à laisser une deuxième chance à son mari. J'ai beaucoup apprécié ce personnage, qui est à l'image même de l'idée que j'avais d'une femme des Highlands : Une belle rousse au caractère bien trempé.
Et puis, nous avons le beau Ian, plutôt brutal, maladroit avec les femmes mais avec un grand sens de l'honneur. Sous sa carapace se cache un homme capable de sentiments, mais qui l'ignore lui-même. On apprend à le découvrir et à le voir comme Siléas le voit. S'il joue au con au début, il va vite découvrir que derrière ce mariage politique peut naître des sentiments sincères.

Le thème de la romance prédomine et on pourrait s'attendre à du déjà-vu. Bien que n'étant pas experte en la matière, les romances ayant tendance à m'ennuyer par ce côté ultra-prévisible, niais et déjà-vu, celle-ci m'a largement convaincu. Si on fait abstraction de l'intrigue politique derrière, j'ai trouvé cette romance plus élaborée et plus convaincante qu'une romance ordinaire. J'ai eu l'impression que rien n'était joué d'avance, que l'auteur pouvait nous surprendre. Je me suis aussi attendrie devant les maladresses, voire les stupidités d’Ian : son image de la femme en prend un sacré coup !

Mais ce roman est aussi historique. Certes, la part d'histoire reste minime et je déconseille ce livre aux gens qui voudraient en apprendre davantage sur les clans des Highlands, mais ce côté historique apporte intrigues politiques, actions et rebondissements au roman. Et ce côté rend le livre d'autant plus intéressant et prenant.
De plus, nous pouvons apprécier, tout au long du livre, une petite pointe d'humour qui ne manque pas de nous faire sourire : maladresses, pics, disputes... Et surtout, l'épilogue, que j'ai trouvé saisissant de tendresse mais qui m'a tiré un grand sourire !

Le roman se lit d'autant plus vite que nous y trouvons très peu de description et plutôt des dialogues ou de l'action. C'est un petit côté que je regrette car j'aurais aimé avoir davantage de détails sur les traditions, sur le paysage ou sur les fêtes... Mais c'est une romance avant tout et ce livre se lit sans prise de tête !

Conclusion :

Une romance historique prenante et sympathique. Bien que prévisible et quelque peu stéréotypée, j'ai trouvé que l'auteure sortait du déjà-vu avec l'aide de personnages attachants dotés d'un sacré caractère, d'une intrigue politique/historique captivante et d'un déroulement plaisant. Doté de petites scènes de sexe pour pimenter le tout, ainsi qu'une pointe d'humour, ce livre se lit agréablement, sans prise de tête et nous amène avec plaisir dans les Highlands.
Un livre idéal à lire au coin du feu, pour une lecture simple et agréable !(less)

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Sep 20, 2012 J.M. rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I read this in one day- I had so much trouble putting it down that I skipped time with my husband to settle in and read.

This book has everything I ask for in a Highlander story- a strong heroine, a very naughty villain, and of course- a sexy hunk of man in a kilt.

Admittedly, Ian was not a hero in the beginning. He was forced to marry his childhood friend after they were caught in a compromising situation. He was not happy about this and left her for five years. Not exactly the actions of a hero....more

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Jul 18, 2012 Audel rated it 5 of 5 stars

ce livre est mon premier sur les highlanders et je dois reconnaître que s'ils sont tous aussi bon je comprends pourquoi ce type de romance historique est aussi populaire.

Ce livre est un véritable coup de coeur, je l'ai lu quasiment d'une traite.

Il y a deux histoires en parallèle dans ce livre : la romance entre Ian et Sileas mais aussi les conflits entre les clans. Ainsi, notre héros est partagé entre sa femme qu'il essaie de conquérir et ses obligations entre le clan et ses 4 amis auxquels il e...more

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Feb 14, 2012 Linda rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Really enjoyed this which was my 1st M/Mallory book. Sileas the heroine has loved Ian since they were children. When she was 13, attempting to escape a forced marriage by her step father to an odious man in order for him to inherit her castle, she spends the night on the road with Ian. They are found the next morning by his family (who are the lairds of their clan) & forced to marry. Ian leaves in disgust after their marriange - she's barely 13! while he is all of 20? & stays away for 5y...more

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Jan 28, 2012 Felicia rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011-read

Received for review from NetGalley (requested by me)
Overall Rating 4.25
Story Rating 4.00
Character Rating 4.50

NOTE: A long time ago I used to devour Highland Romance like it was going out of style. However, I haven't read a truly straight up Highlander historical in a very long time. Margaret Mallory has managed to peak my love for them once again and make me count down to her next release in this series.

What I Loved: The Guardian is a book filled with great characters, plot, and storytelling. Si...more Received for review from NetGalley (requested by me)
Overall Rating 4.25
Story Rating 4.00
Character Rating 4.50

NOTE: A long time ago I used to devour Highland Romance like it was going out of style. However, I haven't read a truly straight up Highlander historical in a very long time. Margaret Mallory has managed to peak my love for them once again and make me count down to her next release in this series.

What I Loved: The Guardian is a book filled with great characters, plot, and storytelling. Sileas has to be one of the most capable leading ladies that a person could ask for in a historical romance. When the story starts she is very young, fleeing from a bad situation, and forced to marry the boy she has always had a crush on (he is older by about 5 years). He leaves immediately after the wedding and doesn't return for 5 years. In that time, Sileas has grown into a beautiful, smart, capable, and caring woman. She has taken care of his family, home, and ailing father. She manages to stand up to Ian and their romance plays out perfectly in the book.

What I Liked: The Guardian is a book full of great characters. There are too many to list without giving away too much of the story. However some of my favorites are: Alex, Conner, Duncan, and Naill (whom I am sure I misspelled his name). It is a great to see a strong "bromance" in a story with Alex, Conner, and Duncan. I think Naill is going to be just as strong as his older brother and his friends. The pacing of this story was also done just about right with very few lulls.

Complaints: Alex's book won't be out for awhile and that one looks very funny. Who could tame a man like Alex?

Why I gave it a 4.25: I felt The Guardian had all the elements that make a Historical Romance fun to read: good story, great characters, laughs, cries, and a good guys vs bad buys showdown. This was truly a throwback to all the great books I read in my teens and will be reading the rest of the series as it comes out.

Who I would recommend this book too: Historical romance readers. This was a fantastic read!(less)

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Jun 28, 2011 Sobia added it · review of another edition

So I got this via net galley and then forgot that I requested it, til today :)

Having said that, The guardian was also my first Mallory book. Altogether it was a pretty good book... By no means great, but fairly average.... I'm not about to run out and get the next book in the series, though if I come across a copy I'd definitely add it to ol' mount TBR, and save it for a rainy day.

The story wasn't anything out of the ordinary, though things didn't always go the way I thought they would. Add to t...more

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Jun 10, 2011 Judith rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

4.5 out of 5. Scotland historically has never really been an easy place to live. Someone is always made at someone else, and that means your family is involved and if your family, then your clan as well. So the Campbells, and the McLeods, and MacKinnons, and the MacDonalds, and on and on are always fighting for predominance and property and wives and so on and so forth. It is in this turbulent world that the MacDonald clan branch located on the Isle of Skye are having their troubles. And in this...more

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Jun 09, 2011 Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical, non-erotic

originally posted at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...

Ian knows he faces an uncertain homecoming when he reaches his Highland home. Five years ago he left in the dead of night to fight with his brethren on English soil rather than face his family and the innocent girl he was forced to marry. A lot can and has changed in five years. An ugly duckling has become a swan and a warrior is taught to look beyond the exterior to see strength that goes all the way to his heart.

Step back in time wit...more originally posted at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...

Ian knows he faces an uncertain homecoming when he reaches his Highland home. Five years ago he left in the dead of night to fight with his brethren on English soil rather than face his family and the innocent girl he was forced to marry. A lot can and has changed in five years. An ugly duckling has become a swan and a warrior is taught to look beyond the exterior to see strength that goes all the way to his heart.

Step back in time with the very talented Margaret Mallory for a Highland adventure that will eagerly turning the pages in this beautifully depicted journey of friendship, courage, love and romance. Ms. Mallory’s story had me hooked with the clever prologue that gives the reader a glimpse not only into Ian story but the already planned follow-up books.

Ian and Sileas' story was at first heart breaking with a period of darkness that eases into a beautiful and fulfilling ending brimming with possibilities. The writing is vivid and draws the reader right into a fast paced story filled with dashing sword fights, daring rescues, devious characters and some deliciously sizzling intimacy between Ian and Sileas…when she isn’t knocking him out with a skillet.

The plot is well laid out and develops throughout the story. Ms. Mallory does a wonderful job of using the Scottish brogue to keep the reader in the time period and setting. There are quite a few secondary characters but they are assets to the story and not simply page fillers.

You won’t want to miss this first book as it introduces the other three men who will have their own stories revealed in The Sinner, The Warrior and The Chieftan. This reviewer will be anxiously awaiting the next installment to see how Alex, the charming womanizer, fares against his fated love.

If a romantic Highland adventure is what you’re craving then pick up a copy of Ms. Mallory’s first book in the Return of the Highlanders series, The Guardian. This is one adventure you won’t want to miss!

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May 13, 2011 DKAY added it · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed

I was very excited to get this book. This is the third book that I have read by Margaret Mallory and another that I just couldn't put down. "The Guardian" is book 1 of the series Return of the Highlanders. I really liked the way it started with the fortune teller when they were boys and then the story just took off. I enjoy the way that the author tells the story with such detail and you get lost in the story and hooked before you know it. The characters are described very good and you get to kn...more

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May 10, 2011 Romancing the Book rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical, romance

Reviewed by Valerie
Source: eBook provided by NetGalley for review

Blurb: Four fearless warriors return to the Highlands to claim their lands and legacies. But all their trials on the battlefield can't prepare them for their greatest challenge yet: winning the hearts of four willful Scottish beauties.

PASSION IGNITED
After years of fighting abroad, Ian MacDonald comes home to find his clan in peril. To save his kin, he must right the wrongs from his past . . . and claim the bride he's long resisted....more Reviewed by Valerie
Source: eBook provided by NetGalley for review

Blurb: Four fearless warriors return to the Highlands to claim their lands and legacies. But all their trials on the battlefield can't prepare them for their greatest challenge yet: winning the hearts of four willful Scottish beauties.

PASSION IGNITED
After years of fighting abroad, Ian MacDonald comes home to find his clan in peril. To save his kin, he must right the wrongs from his past . . . and claim the bride he's long resisted. As a young lass, Sìleas depended on Ian to play her knight in shining armor. But when his rescue attempt compromised her virtue, Ian was forced to marry against his wishes. Five years later, Sìleas has grown from an awkward girl into an independent beauty who knows she deserves better than the reluctant husband who preferred war to his wife. Now this devilishly handsome Highlander is finally falling in love. He wants a second chance with Sìleas - and he won't take no for an answer.

Review: When the cover makes you swoon, what’s a girl to do??? READ! After the blurb definitely got my attention and I started reading, I fell hard for the characters in this book as I read and am so glad that there will be more books in the series.

One of the things I really loved about the sassy red-headed lass, Sìleas, is that she never gave up on her one true love, ever. She and Ian grew up in the same area and she often tagged along as he and his friends and cousins played. Time and again he would get her out of one mishap or another, until even he didn’t realize the impact it would have on their lives. Finding oneself sleeping under the stars with an impressionable unmarried girl is a no-no. Sìleas and Ian find themselves married in the blink of an eye so that her reputation is saved...

Fast forward to five years and Ian’s returning to a beautiful, bitter, lonely wife that ignores him yet she’s also the treasured daughter his parents never had and the sister his brother needed. To say Ian is confused is an understatement. I laughed when he realized the young girl he married had grown up in his absence and had other admirers. When his mom would mumble under her breath about men being thick skulled, I was chuckling with her. No matter how good his intentions, Ian is clumsy and continually puts his foot in his mouth anytime Sìleas is around him. This constant ring-around-the-rosy between these two characters was very entertaining.

Besides the tug-of-war happening between the supposed husband and wife, add in jealous suitors, naked maids, overprotective family members, interfering friends, and lots and lots of enemy clansmen from all around the region. Everyone seems to want Sìleas’ birthright, Knock Castle, including her husband. People get injured, killed, and betrayed as the power shifts between Ian’s cousin and his half-uncle throughout much of the story.

As well as having the area details and accents accurately portrayed, several customs and beliefs from the time are mentioned including women that have the power to heal and ghosts who make their intentions known. Will Sìleas and Ian ever come to an understanding and be happy? Who will ultimately become the head chieftain?(less)

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May 05, 2011 Mindy rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Guardian is a tale of childhood friends who are forced to marry due to a potentially compromising situation as well as the clan chief's tactical motivation. Neither are truly ready for marriage, and while Sileas has always loved Ian, he is angry to be married against he wishes and quickly escapes to France. When he returns years later, he finds himself in possession of a bride who has not only grown into her looks but has developed her independence as well. To win back her affection, Ian mu...more The Guardian is a tale of childhood friends who are forced to marry due to a potentially compromising situation as well as the clan chief's tactical motivation. Neither are truly ready for marriage, and while Sileas has always loved Ian, he is angry to be married against he wishes and quickly escapes to France. When he returns years later, he finds himself in possession of a bride who has not only grown into her looks but has developed her independence as well. To win back her affection, Ian must now prove his love for Sileas has nothing to do with her inheritance that is so crucial for the clan's safety.
Maybe it's because Regency is more my era but it was extremely difficult for me to finish this book (which was disappointing because from the description I thought I'd really enjoy reading it).I just couldn't make myself care about the characters. Sileas and Ian were one dimensional and boring, with no noticeable development for either. Sileas simply becomes beautiful and Ian decides he loves her. The end. Of course there were several incidents where Ian rescues Sileas from danger, giving ample opportunity for the author to redeem herself. However, Mallory failed to build anticipation EVERY TIME by giving away what was going to happen JUST before it happened. Minor Spoiler: When someone's wicked stepfather has been spotted with a patrol in the surrounding area, it's not a surprise when that someone gets kidnapped by him in the next few pages. And of course Ian was always right there to save her(not that I mind this tactic in general, the comte de Renard never fails to get my heart racing in Susan Carroll's The Dark Queen). Unfortunately events always worked out just a little too neatly for my taste. Overall, this book is heavy on the foreshadowing and dialogue(of the "he said, she said" quality) and light on the character development and descriptions. I should probably also mention that there is an abundance of romantic encounters, which, depending on how you feel about the characters, could either be moving or (as in my case) uninspiring. It's not a bad book but it's probably not one I would care to read again. Leaving all that aside, I will add that after reading the teaser for the next book in the series, The Sinner, I will most likely be giving Margaret Mallory one more chance.(less)

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May 05, 2011 Patti Loves FAB Romance rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical

This is the first book in a new series: The Return of the Highlanders. In the prologue, four young lads go to visit the local wise woman to hear their fortunes. She gives each a snippet of the trials and tribulations they will face and sends them on their way...

Ian MacDonald and his three best friends have been gone from their village for five years, fighting in France. He comes home to find his father injured, his brother grown, and his clan being led by a heartless man after the death of their...more This is the first book in a new series: The Return of the Highlanders. In the prologue, four young lads go to visit the local wise woman to hear their fortunes. She gives each a snippet of the trials and tribulations they will face and sends them on their way...

Ian MacDonald and his three best friends have been gone from their village for five years, fighting in France. He comes home to find his father injured, his brother grown, and his clan being led by a heartless man after the death of their leader. He must help his best friend claim his rightful place as clan chief, which will not be easy since they keep getting attacked. He's also got to face his wife, Sileas, his childhood friend that he was forced to marry and hasn't seen since the day they married five years ago. He plans to end the marriage so he's free to marry someone else. When he gets home, he doesn't recognize the comely young woman sitting in his parent's room, and when his friend tells him it's Sileas, he can't believe it. He sees the lovely, smart, caring woman she's become; he also sees that another man in the village has been paying attention to Sileas, and Ian is jealous.

Sileas MacKinnon has loved Ian all her life and knows she'll marry him some day. Then, due to circumstances no one could predict, they're suddenly married, and it's nothing like she thought it would be. He's been gone since their wedding day. Five years later she's thinking about ending the marriage and finding someone else, someone who will care for her and wants to be with her. Then Ian comes home, and she finds he's still as handsome as he was before he left. But that doesn't make up for leaving her alone, and now he's going to have to prove he's good enough for her.

My thoughts: Margaret Mallory has introduced a great cast of characters in The Guardian. I liked Ian, then thought he was a bit of a jerk, then grew to like him all over again. Caught in an unfortunate (and innocent) situation, he's forced to marry gangly, awkward, 13-year-old Sileas, who's followed him around since she was small. He's angry and lashes out, then leaves to fight in France with his four best friends. When he came home he was all kinds of an idiot about how to treat his wife, but as Sileas made him work for her affections his character grew (just like in real life, sometimes they need a push, lol).

Sileas was a strong woman, enduring the pity of the villagers for her husband deserting her; becoming the glue that held Ian's family together while he was gone, nursing his father back to health. When Ian came back she refused to let him walk back into her life and take over, and I loved it!

Of course, you can't have a Scottish adventure without clan wars, intrigue, traitors and secret alliances, and The Guardian has plenty! Ian and his friends have to face treacherous relatives and land-hungry neighbors, and through it all attempt to guide their clansmen into choosing a new clan chief. There were some surprising twists that had me holding my breath to see how things would turn out.

My Rating: 3 1/2 stars.
The four friends who are the cornerstones of the series (Ian, Alex, Duncan, and Connor) are very engaging and I liked how they have different strengths to help each other out. The Sinner is book 2 in the series, and is his friend Alex's story. Alex is a bit of a womanizer, so I'm looking forward to reading about his exploits.(less)

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May 04, 2011 April rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance-scotland

THE GUARDIAN by Margaret Mallory is an exciting historical romance set in 1500-1513 Isle of Skye,Scotland.This is the first of a new series "The Return of The Highlanders". It is well written with details and depths.It has many twists and turns.The characters are engaging,enchanting,strong,determined,and will capture your hearts. This story has romance,passion,Highlanders,some Lowlanders,family,clans,Scottish beauties,honor and love.Sileas,a wee bairn when her hero Ian was a young boy,has follow...more THE GUARDIAN by Margaret Mallory is an exciting historical romance set in 1500-1513 Isle of Skye,Scotland.This is the first of a new series "The Return of The Highlanders". It is well written with details and depths.It has many twists and turns.The characters are engaging,enchanting,strong,determined,and will capture your hearts. This story has romance,passion,Highlanders,some Lowlanders,family,clans,Scottish beauties,honor and love.Sileas,a wee bairn when her hero Ian was a young boy,has followed him and his three cousins everywhere.Ian was always there for her when she got into trouble.When Sileas finds out she is to be wedded to her evil step-da's son,Angus,she slips away into the night,through a tunnel,and runs into Ian who decides to help her.But things go awry and when they are found together by Ian's clan (his Da and uncle) they are forced to marry.Sileas,is the rightful heir to the Knock Castle.Buy While Ian is eighteen,Sileas is only thirteen and a jangly girl with orange colored hair,teeth to big for her mouth, and Ian doesn't want to be married.So he and his three cousins take off the night of the wedding for battle in France.When they learn after five years,of being gone that Connor's dad and brother where killed in a battle,they return.Ian finds his awkward girl bride has turned into a beautiful,sen sous young bride,who is independent and strong willed.Ian decides he is ready to be her husband,but not is Sileas not honored,but others will try to stop them.You see they never consummated their marriage.Sileas has been a great help to Ian's family/clan for she has keep things together,his Da was injured in the battle that took their chieftain.These four cousins will have to fight against all odds to save Connor,Alex,Duncan and help Ian and Sileas see they are destined to be together.
Connor's uncle is determined to see Connor died instead of the chieftain he is to be.
Sileas is kidnapped by her evil,foul smelling step-da,Connor and the others are severely injured,but Ian will fight anyone and anything to get his beloved Sileas back from harm's way.This is a fast paced,action packed,adventure filled new series that will leave you wanting more.It is a WOW from beginning to the last page.Watch for Book Two "The Sinner" coming in November 2011.You will not regret reading this new series.If you enjoy action filled Scottish Highlanders and their beauties you will definitely want to pick up "The Guardian" to ravish through.A Must read.This book was received for the purpose of review from the publisher and details can be found at Forever ,an imprint of Grand Central Publishing and My Book Addiction and More.

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May 03, 2011 Helena rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, paranormal

Margaret Mallery’s The Guardian is an extraordinary medieval romance that absolutely encompasses the 3 Cs: clans, chieftains and castles in a perfect indulgence for readers wanting a hint of paranormal with the intoxicating combination of fearless warriors, loyal family, requited love and the unmistakable pull of the Scottish Highlands.
From page one, The Guardian was a non-stop read introducing the series, The Return of the Highlanders, featuring the story of Ian and Sileas MacDonald with a touc...more Margaret Mallery’s The Guardian is an extraordinary medieval romance that absolutely encompasses the 3 Cs: clans, chieftains and castles in a perfect indulgence for readers wanting a hint of paranormal with the intoxicating combination of fearless warriors, loyal family, requited love and the unmistakable pull of the Scottish Highlands.
From page one, The Guardian was a non-stop read introducing the series, The Return of the Highlanders, featuring the story of Ian and Sileas MacDonald with a touch of paranormal sprinkled throughout the book thanks to the legendary seer, Tearlag and the ghost of the Green Lady of Knock Castle.
Mallery has brilliantly set the stage for the next of three books in Highlands following the life, loves and adventures of Ian’s distinctive warrior kinsmen: the irrepressible Alex, enormous, brooding Duncan and the sensible, good-hearted Connor. The paranormal aspect gives credence to the Celtic myths and pagan rituals the isles are well-known for from the beginning when, as young lads the inseparable four-some visit the mysterious Tearlag for prophecies. It’s her visions that set up the plot that flows effortlessly owing to quick dialogue, clan exchanges and deeply etched personalities and loyalties.
After five years, they have returned from France to their homeland on the Isle of Skye to claim their legacies only to find their clan in peril and preparing for war. Worse for the battle-hardened Ian, he must now face the wife he never meant to have when he was forced to wed his young friend, Sileas to preserve her honor and that of the clan’s right to Knock Castle. He arrives home to find his father gravely wounded, his family in turmoil and Sileas struggling to keep together, his family and lands. What he doesn’t expect to find is a mature Sileas who has blossomed into a beautiful, strong-willed woman he desires not only in his bed, but forever as his wife. As heir to Knock Castle, she could help secure the clan’s safety now in question due to a hastily proclaimed chieftainship by her uncle Hugh in cahoots with her venomous step-father Murdoc.
But the sting of Ian’s abandonment and taunting by women villagers is eased somewhat by his family’s acceptance of her is too fresh even five years later for her to forgive and forget. The truly miserable options that women faced alone in a land of harsh beauty and stubborn men comes alive as Sileas holds onto her pride and tries to win Ian’s love - not just his desire. The couple face a growing passion and grudging mutual respect but with unanswered questions between them, their union will not be easily won.
Mallery’s exquisite novel The Guardian takes us on journeys so authentic, we must turn the pages to experience our next move and find ourselves thrilled at the outcome while looking forward to the stories promised for Alex, Connor and Duncan whom we have come to know and love as much as Ian and Sileas. The Guardian is a true keeper to devour happily knowing it remains on your shelf or in your e-reader to be re-read and savored over and over again!

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May 01, 2011 Mary Gramlich rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Guardian written by Margaret Mallory
Return of the Highlanders Series, Book #1
05/11 - Grand Central Publishing - Mass Market Paperback, 400 pages

Is it true that love comes only once in a lifetime or can you capture it twice?

Ian MacDonald knew his destiny was never to be Chieftain but serve faithfully to his cousin when the same came and always watch his back. He accepted his duties and stood proud to serve but forced to marry Sìleas out of honor and not love was more than Ian could stand. He...more The Guardian written by Margaret Mallory
Return of the Highlanders Series, Book #1
05/11 - Grand Central Publishing - Mass Market Paperback, 400 pages

Is it true that love comes only once in a lifetime or can you capture it twice?

Ian MacDonald knew his destiny was never to be Chieftain but serve faithfully to his cousin when the same came and always watch his back. He accepted his duties and stood proud to serve but forced to marry Sìleas out of honor and not love was more than Ian could stand. He stayed away from her after their forced marriage for 5 years fighting every battle he could find. Upon his return, he finds her not the scraggly child he remembers but the type of woman he wants to spend his life pleasuring.

However, Ian has problems on several fronts to deal with. Sìleas is not going to run back into his arms after all these years of neglect and makes sure Ian knows that in order to share her bed and life he must figure out a way to win her over. There are many men standing in line ready to take her into their life but Ian has discovered that no other man will have, as she is his wife and his wife she will stay.

Between courting his enchanting wife and trying to keep his cousin alive to take his rightful place as their Chieftain Ian has his hands full. There is a castle to conquer, an uncle to over throw and deals to be made that come close to having him sell his soul. There are trust issues between Ian and Sìleas to resolve but a MacDonald is a right and true clan that prove every day that they are men of honor and pride. Secrets are overturned that challenge everything Ian believes in and make Sìleas question his motives but that is nothing to the reward Ian sees to keeping Sìleas in his arms every night.

This first book in the series is a complete winner and Ms. Mallory proves she knows how to write a winning historical story. Both Ian and Sìleas both have incredible personalities and such depth that you know the romance between them burns long into the night. I personally cannot wait for the next book! (less)

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Apr 25, 2011 Jess the Romanceaholic rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: kilts-ahoy, adultery-or-infidelity, too-stupid-to-live-moment, unrequited-love, historical, marriage-of-convenience, marriage-to-avoid-scandal, forced-marriage, politics, 2011-read

This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.

Expected Release: Date: April 26, 2011
Publisher: Hachette Book Group
Imprint: Grand Central Publishing
Author’s Website: http://www.margaretmallory.com/
My Source for This Book: Netgalley
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 1, Return of the Highlanders Series
Series Best Read In Order: N/A
Steam Level: Steamy

Just what fans of Scottish Romance have been craving!

Ian has been Sìleas' keeper since she was just a small child. Awkward loo...more

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Apr 22, 2011 Jen (Red Hot Books) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arcs, historical-romance

I really enjoyed this Highlander love story! Ian and his three best friends are returning home to the Highlands after spending the past five years in France. His clan has barely survived through a terrible battle that killed their chieftain and badly wounded Ian's father. Ian's good friend Connor is next in line to take over the clan, but his uncle Hugh has taken advantage of his absence to take over leadership, himself. Now, Ian and his band of brothers must work to install Connor in his rightf...more

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Jan 10, 2012 Michelle [Helen Geek] rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: nook-tbr, ntm_authors_2012, 3-5-stars

3.5 stars.

This book was enjoyable enough. I thought it a bit simple, given some of the books I've read on Scotland and Highlanders. I liked Ian well enough, but he was a "worldly" man and about 30 years old. He was reputed to be a leader and accomplished with a sword. So, you would assume you'd have some maturity in thought and dialogue. I thought this a bit lacking. Sileas [pronouned Sheilas], was an interesting character and I liked her quite a bit, but so much more could have been done with h...more

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May 09, 2011 Heather Book Savvy Babe rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance, romance, netgalley

The Guardian is book 1 in a new series, The Return of the Highlanders, by Margaret Mallory. In The Guardian, we are introduced to 4 Highland warriors, Ian, Connor, Duncan, and Alex. These four men are fierce warriors, raised in the Highlands to protect their clan and each other. This first book focuses on Ian and his tumultuous relationship with Sileas. As children, Ian was Sileas’ protector, her friend and confident. At the age of 13, Sileas, on the run from her wicked step father and a dangero...more The Guardian is book 1 in a new series, The Return of the Highlanders, by Margaret Mallory. In The Guardian, we are introduced to 4 Highland warriors, Ian, Connor, Duncan, and Alex. These four men are fierce warriors, raised in the Highlands to protect their clan and each other. This first book focuses on Ian and his tumultuous relationship with Sileas. As children, Ian was Sileas’ protector, her friend and confident. At the age of 13, Sileas, on the run from her wicked step father and a dangerous marriage, was accidentally caught with Ian and the two were forced to marry. Ian, not wanting the marriage to a skinny child, angrily stayed away from Sileas and his clan for 5 long years. When Ian and his 3 friends finally returned, their chieftain had been killed, the clan and family in turmoil, and a disheartened Sileas was no longer a child.
I very much enjoyed The Guardian, it was full of enticing Highland warriors full of humor, danger, strength, and loyalty. The main concept of this series is of the 4 friends, each with their own personalities and characters. Ian, the main character for the purposes of this installment, was a dependable and strong leader. Ian made some childish mistakes in his youth, yet he recognized his mistakes and sought to make amends and set things right. He was not too proud to try to take over, he proved his loyalty to his friends. It took him awhile to figure out Sileas, to get over his anger and see the heart of the matter. However, the process was worth reading, and I appreciate the character he becomes.
As for Sileas, I really like her character. Sileas is a spunky, enduring woman. While Ian deserted her, she not only stayed true, she became a solid member of the family and blossomed from a skinny, scared child into that beautiful, enduring woman. I give her character credit for her loyalty and stead-fastness. The characters in The Guardian are all well thought out and developed, and I can’t wait to read more about them in future novels.
The Guardian is set in the Scottish Highlands, in the early 1500’s. Margaret Mallory does a wonderful job of re-creating the scene from the time frame. She describes the life in the clans and the transfer of spouses well. The history of the setting is pretty accurate. From the Regent Queen, the rivaling chieftains, and the constant passing around of spouses, the historical picture is created and believable. Historical novels can be annoying when not at all accurate, so I truly appreciated the effort Margaret Mallory put in to create the scene for this series.
With loyal, strong, steamy highlanders, beautiful romance, and historic Highland setting, The Guardian is an enticing novel, not to be missed. I highly recommend The Guardian to fans of Historical Romance, Highlander Romance, or just romance in general.
***Read this review and more on my blog at http://booksavvybabe.blogspot.com **(less)

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Nov 14, 2012 Regan Walker rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A Wonderful First in the Highland Series

This is the first in Mallory’s latest series, the Return of the Highlanders, and it’s a well written, worthy tale. It sets the stage for the stories of four Highland warriors whose lives to this point have been fighting and war, but after learning of the Scots' disastrous loss to Henry VIII, they return to the Isle of Skye to find their chieftain and king dead, and their clan in peril.

The four MacDonald men must take wives to serve the clan's interests. F...more A Wonderful First in the Highland Series

This is the first in Mallory’s latest series, the Return of the Highlanders, and it’s a well written, worthy tale. It sets the stage for the stories of four Highland warriors whose lives to this point have been fighting and war, but after learning of the Scots' disastrous loss to Henry VIII, they return to the Isle of Skye to find their chieftain and king dead, and their clan in peril.

The four MacDonald men must take wives to serve the clan's interests. First up is Ian MacDonald who 5 years earlier was forced to wed the 13-year-old Sileas (“Shee-las”) who, as a child, followed him around like a devoted puppy. He hasn’t seen her since, nor has he thought about the wife he never claimed. She has changed. Now a beauty, she is tired of being ignored and decides to seek an annulment from the queen, just when Ian has decided he will keep her after all.

Ian comes across as a self-absorbed male for the first part of the book, which I suppose, he is. Then he discovers he married a woman who is actually desirable and admirable and might as well keep her. Sileas has never stopped loving Ian so she puts up with a lot, including the knowledge he has not been faithful to her, which he excuses as a time when he didn’t consider he was really married. I have to say the one icky part was the fact the woman Sileas had seen him have sex with was in the story the whole time.

I liked that Mallory wove in real historical facts. The characters are well drawn and the villains sufficiently evil to be believable. There is the clan rivalry and intrigue one would expect, too. She also has a nice blend of modern language and sufficient Scots for us to know we are reading a Scottish tale. We get to see Stirling castle and meet some real historic figures like Archibald Douglas, the Earl of Angus, who figured so prominently in Scotland’s history.

It’s a solid first story and will draw you into early 16th century Scotland and the Highlands. I recommend it.

The Return Of The Highlanders:

THE GUARDIAN – Ian and Sileas
THE SINNER – Alex and Glynis
THE WARRIOR – Duncan and Moira
THE CHIEFTAN – Conner and Ilysa
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Apr 18, 2013 Janice Hougland rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I am a Highlander story junkie, and so I peruse Amazon's and Goodreads books from time to time for new Highlander stories to read...and I stumbled upon Ms. Mallory's Return of the Highlanders series. I was so excited after I read the reviews...I immediately purchased this book, The Guardian, the first in the series. I just finished this story and I can tell you...I was delighted! I am also glad that there are several more books in this same series, so I purchased the second, the third and the fo...more

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title link	preview: Le gardien
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Le gardien (Return of the Highlanders #1)

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