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The Return of the Highlanders #1
The Guardian
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.
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.
390 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 13, 2011
201 people are currently reading
5303 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Mallory
24 books1,071 followersMargaret Mallory, a recovering lawyer, is thrilled to be writing exciting tales with sword-wielding heroes rather than briefs and memos. Since abandoning the law for romance, she's become a USA Today bestselling author, and her Scottish and medieval romances have won numerous honors, including National Readers' Choice Awards, RT Book Reviews' Best Scotland-Set Historical Romance, and a RITA© nomination.
Margaret lives with her husband in the beautiful (and rainy) Pacific Northwest. Now that her children are off on their own adventures, she spends most of her time with her handsome Highlanders, but she also likes to hike and travel. You can find information about Margaret’s books, photos of Scotland, historical tidbits, and links to Margaret on Facebook and Twitter on her website, www.MargaretMallory.com. She loves to hear from readers!
Margaret lives with her husband in the beautiful (and rainy) Pacific Northwest. Now that her children are off on their own adventures, she spends most of her time with her handsome Highlanders, but she also likes to hike and travel. You can find information about Margaret’s books, photos of Scotland, historical tidbits, and links to Margaret on Facebook and Twitter on her website, www.MargaretMallory.com. She loves to hear from readers!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 423 reviews
June 27, 2011
*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 marriage. He doesn’t care (doesn’t even consider at all) how bad things might have been for Sileas after being abandoned by her husband. It’s her fault after all…
For her part, Sileas is still pining for Ian. She has a great guy hanging around her who loves her and wants to marry her. He tries to convince her to ask for an annulment or get a divorce because he wants to be with her and give her everything Ian hasn’t. He’s convinced that five years is long enough to wait. Too bad he’s not the hero! But Sileas is still waiting for Ian to show up and fulfill her dreams of really being loved by him.
Ian comes back and expects to be God’s gift to his family for returning. He’s still pissed that he has to deal with the wife situation, though. He just wants to end it and be done with it. At least until he sees Sileas. Suddenly all he can think about is how hard she makes him and how maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to be married to her if he gets to sleep with her. Don’t imagine that he got a clue—that would be expecting too much of him. He only changed his mind because Sileas is hot now. Apparently he thought she’d stay skinny and awkward and thirteen forever.
Ian is shocked to find out that Sileas and his little brother Niall are angry at him. They’ve been left to keep the family going and are pissed when Ian doesn’t consider what they did a big accomplishment. Sileas kept the accounts up and she and Niall made all the decisions for the crops and farm. Ian basically rolls his eyes over the thought of taking the task over and giving it any importance because he’s a warrior. He also doesn’t seem to have any awareness of how difficult taking care of their father has been and how hard it has been keeping up the house and the farm without the ability to hire workers.
Ian blunders around acting like a buffoon and is pissed when his family isn’t impressed by him. He has no real sense of responsibility for his family and I am honestly shocked that he is the older brother and Niall is the younger. Ian acts like a little boy who never grew up.
So he decides (without talking to her) that he’s keeping Sileas as a wife and goes up to her room when she’s asleep. He gets naked, climbs in bed with her and kisses on her neck a few times while he gropes her boobs. That gets him so hot that he flips her over right them and starts lining up for the goal, if you know what I mean. Unfortunately, that’s about the time the heroine wakes up. Now, I don’t bring this up as a complaint about his actions being skeezy. I bring this up because this is the hero and this was an honest to God seduction for him. All Ian does is think about Little Ian and what would make him feel good. He has no real awareness of the wants and desires of anyone around him. I honestly don’t think he even realizes that he should care. Because the world revolves around him, you know?
Because Ian was such a clueless douche it was hard to respect the heroine. She pined for him for five years and continues to pine for his love now that he’s back. I have to doubt her intelligence in wanting such a man. She has a suitor and brother-in-law that are much, much, MUCH nicer and who value her and treat her with respect. Does she want them? Of course not. She wants the douche hero for…some reason. I’m still not sure why, exactly.
Basically, this book was too irritating to continue. I stopped at page 214 and have no regrets about never picking it back up again. I don’t need a perfect hero or a perfect heroine, but I need one that’s not such a pig.
Review originally posted on Fiction Vixen.
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 marriage. He doesn’t care (doesn’t even consider at all) how bad things might have been for Sileas after being abandoned by her husband. It’s her fault after all…
For her part, Sileas is still pining for Ian. She has a great guy hanging around her who loves her and wants to marry her. He tries to convince her to ask for an annulment or get a divorce because he wants to be with her and give her everything Ian hasn’t. He’s convinced that five years is long enough to wait. Too bad he’s not the hero! But Sileas is still waiting for Ian to show up and fulfill her dreams of really being loved by him.
Ian comes back and expects to be God’s gift to his family for returning. He’s still pissed that he has to deal with the wife situation, though. He just wants to end it and be done with it. At least until he sees Sileas. Suddenly all he can think about is how hard she makes him and how maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to be married to her if he gets to sleep with her. Don’t imagine that he got a clue—that would be expecting too much of him. He only changed his mind because Sileas is hot now. Apparently he thought she’d stay skinny and awkward and thirteen forever.
He continued watching her as they ate their midday meal. With that full bottom lip, her mouth was made for kissing. Every time she puckered and blew on her stew, his heart did an odd little leap in his chest. And his heart was not the only part of him affected. His cock was standing to attention, stiff as an English soldier.Be still my beating heart, eh? And after only exchanging words with her twice since he got back. *rolls eyes*
Likely, Sileas was foul-tempered toward him for not making his intentions clear. He had trouble recalling his reasons for waiting as he watched her take a spoonful into her mouth, smile with pleasure at the taste, and run her pink tongue across her top lip.
Perhaps he should just take her to bed now and have done with it. If the price of following his desire was gaining a wife, well, it was time he had one anyway.
Ian is shocked to find out that Sileas and his little brother Niall are angry at him. They’ve been left to keep the family going and are pissed when Ian doesn’t consider what they did a big accomplishment. Sileas kept the accounts up and she and Niall made all the decisions for the crops and farm. Ian basically rolls his eyes over the thought of taking the task over and giving it any importance because he’s a warrior. He also doesn’t seem to have any awareness of how difficult taking care of their father has been and how hard it has been keeping up the house and the farm without the ability to hire workers.
Ian blunders around acting like a buffoon and is pissed when his family isn’t impressed by him. He has no real sense of responsibility for his family and I am honestly shocked that he is the older brother and Niall is the younger. Ian acts like a little boy who never grew up.
So he decides (without talking to her) that he’s keeping Sileas as a wife and goes up to her room when she’s asleep. He gets naked, climbs in bed with her and kisses on her neck a few times while he gropes her boobs. That gets him so hot that he flips her over right them and starts lining up for the goal, if you know what I mean. Unfortunately, that’s about the time the heroine wakes up. Now, I don’t bring this up as a complaint about his actions being skeezy. I bring this up because this is the hero and this was an honest to God seduction for him. All Ian does is think about Little Ian and what would make him feel good. He has no real awareness of the wants and desires of anyone around him. I honestly don’t think he even realizes that he should care. Because the world revolves around him, you know?
Because Ian was such a clueless douche it was hard to respect the heroine. She pined for him for five years and continues to pine for his love now that he’s back. I have to doubt her intelligence in wanting such a man. She has a suitor and brother-in-law that are much, much, MUCH nicer and who value her and treat her with respect. Does she want them? Of course not. She wants the douche hero for…some reason. I’m still not sure why, exactly.
Basically, this book was too irritating to continue. I stopped at page 214 and have no regrets about never picking it back up again. I don’t need a perfect hero or a perfect heroine, but I need one that’s not such a pig.
Review originally posted on Fiction Vixen.
March 15, 2015
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 the 4 heroes of the series were captured. I was hooked. What can I say? I'm a sucker for a good Highlander book-they don't call me the Highland Hussy for nothing!
In a mistaken circumstance, Ian is forced to wed 13 yr old Sileas (this is the 1500s, so that's not as bad as it sounds, plus Ian is like 17). For Sileas, not only is Ian the one she's wanted since she could toddle after him, he has been her protector, her savior, her guardian in all things. But this was not how she wanted him.
The forced wedding is awful. Not only is it Sileas' worst day of her life, but Ian is forced at knife-point to say his vows. The morning after the wedding, he bails. Ian and his 4 best buds go off to France and he tries his best to ever forget he was married. The only reason he comes back at all is that his clan is attacked and his father gravely injured. He and his friends Connor, Duncan, and Alex are inseparable, so they all return.
Ian's plan is to annul the marriage to his child-bride...but he not once ever thought that she might have grown up. His child-bride is no longer a child.
Sileas is the heir to Knock Castle, and her lands are important to any clan that can get its hands on the castle. Not only has she grown into a beautiful young woman, she is basically the glue holding the family together. She also has a line of suitors waiting for her to give up hope on her estranged husband.
With one look at Sileas, Ian is a goner...but he doesn't recognize his wife in the sultry young redhead. When he finally does, she has run off because not only did Ian snub her at their wedding, he snubbed her the day after by leaving, and every day since in not coming home. To not even acknowledge his wife in front of the clan? Major faux pas.
It seriously takes Ian like a week to realize that he actually wants to keep Sileas as wife, and that he needs to do more than crawl naked into her bed (yeah, the idiot did that!). I loved watching Ian have to work for Sileas' attention and affection. A few quotes of my favorite quotes:
"You are mine, he said pausing to look at her with burning eyes. "And I'm claiming every inch of ye."
"When she was a wee thing, she trusted him to rescue her from mishaps. And now that she was a woman, she trusted him with her heart. He would do his best to deserve it, now and always."
I have a feeling that all of the politics involved in this book are super important for the series. Everything from Connor's chieftainship, to Knock Castle. There was a visit to Stirling where Sileas tried to get the queen to annul her marriage-what a scary place, Court, I mean. All the backstabbing and awful awful things going on...I was very satisfied with how that turned out, but I know that Douglas will play an important part in the series-he's too evil and wily to just fade away.
The ending and all of the events leading up to it were tied in together so neatly (but not too nice and neat, otherwise there wouldn't be a series!) and made me feel that Ian had redeemed himself for leaving Sileas and his clan.
Final verdict? I have 2 of Margaret Mallory's books on my nightstand and I am seriously wondering why I've never read them? I will be reading her backlist this week.
http://www.demonloversbooksandmore.co...
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 the 4 heroes of the series were captured. I was hooked. What can I say? I'm a sucker for a good Highlander book-they don't call me the Highland Hussy for nothing!
In a mistaken circumstance, Ian is forced to wed 13 yr old Sileas (this is the 1500s, so that's not as bad as it sounds, plus Ian is like 17). For Sileas, not only is Ian the one she's wanted since she could toddle after him, he has been her protector, her savior, her guardian in all things. But this was not how she wanted him.
The forced wedding is awful. Not only is it Sileas' worst day of her life, but Ian is forced at knife-point to say his vows. The morning after the wedding, he bails. Ian and his 4 best buds go off to France and he tries his best to ever forget he was married. The only reason he comes back at all is that his clan is attacked and his father gravely injured. He and his friends Connor, Duncan, and Alex are inseparable, so they all return.
Ian's plan is to annul the marriage to his child-bride...but he not once ever thought that she might have grown up. His child-bride is no longer a child.
Sileas is the heir to Knock Castle, and her lands are important to any clan that can get its hands on the castle. Not only has she grown into a beautiful young woman, she is basically the glue holding the family together. She also has a line of suitors waiting for her to give up hope on her estranged husband.
With one look at Sileas, Ian is a goner...but he doesn't recognize his wife in the sultry young redhead. When he finally does, she has run off because not only did Ian snub her at their wedding, he snubbed her the day after by leaving, and every day since in not coming home. To not even acknowledge his wife in front of the clan? Major faux pas.
It seriously takes Ian like a week to realize that he actually wants to keep Sileas as wife, and that he needs to do more than crawl naked into her bed (yeah, the idiot did that!). I loved watching Ian have to work for Sileas' attention and affection. A few quotes of my favorite quotes:
"You are mine, he said pausing to look at her with burning eyes. "And I'm claiming every inch of ye."
"When she was a wee thing, she trusted him to rescue her from mishaps. And now that she was a woman, she trusted him with her heart. He would do his best to deserve it, now and always."
I have a feeling that all of the politics involved in this book are super important for the series. Everything from Connor's chieftainship, to Knock Castle. There was a visit to Stirling where Sileas tried to get the queen to annul her marriage-what a scary place, Court, I mean. All the backstabbing and awful awful things going on...I was very satisfied with how that turned out, but I know that Douglas will play an important part in the series-he's too evil and wily to just fade away.
The ending and all of the events leading up to it were tied in together so neatly (but not too nice and neat, otherwise there wouldn't be a series!) and made me feel that Ian had redeemed himself for leaving Sileas and his clan.
Final verdict? I have 2 of Margaret Mallory's books on my nightstand and I am seriously wondering why I've never read them? I will be reading her backlist this week.
http://www.demonloversbooksandmore.co...
February 9, 2020
4 hot alpha highlander second chance stars
This is the first book in a series that serves as a semi-prequel to Margaret Mallory's Douglas Legacy series as Archibald Douglas (who was a consort of the queen and later secretly married her) appears in this story. This series focuses on the MacDonald clan on Isle of Skye in western Scotland (which, as a side note, is one of my favorite places in the world), specifically on cousins Ian, Connor, Duncan, and Alex MacDonald. In the prologue, we are introduced to all of these characters as boys when they try to learn of their future from an elderly woman with "the sight." Ian's fate is that he will marry twice: once in anger and once in love. Displeased with a romantic foretelling (as he was 10 years old at the time), he prepares to leave when a wee lassie stumbles in - his friend (and tag-along) Sileas. While the other boys tolerate the much younger girl, Ian is the most patient with her, and she considers Ian her best (and only) friend.
A few years later when Ian is traveling home to Skye from Court, 13 year old Sileas chases him down as she has just been told she is to wed her stepfather's brother (which is as gross as it sounds) the very next day. When she catches up to Ian and he agrees to take her to his home until things can be sorted out, they are forced to stop for the night as it is late and Sileas is too young to travel through the night. They are awakened the next day when Ian's father and uncle (tribe chieftain) come across them huddled up in Ian's plaid to stave off the cold. Concerned for her reputation, Ian's father forces them to wed. Displeased to be wed to a child when he considers himself a man, Ian decides to leave to fight in France and is gone for 5 years. When he and his cousins return home after the battle of Flodden where his chieftain and his eldest son (and thus, next in line) are killed, Ian encounters Sileas for the first time... and she is now all woman.
Sileas has loved Ian since she was a child, and she knew she always wanted to marry him; however, the wedding itself left much to be desired as her beloved looked more as if he was being burned at the stake than being married to her. And while Ian has been gone for 5 years, she has suffered rude comments about her husband fleeing to war instead of consummating and being truly wed to her. When he arrives home and hardly acknowledges her, Sileas decides she cannot abide living with a man that she loves who clearly cares so little for her, and she plans to seek an annulment.
Ian is shocked to the core to find that the woman he married has long outgrown the awkward flat-chested girl she was to become the stunningly beautiful woman he does not recognize at all. In fact, he is stunned speechless and fails to greet her at all. Before he can follow Sileas up the stairs when she flees his presence, he is called in to talk with his father who was crippled and left for dead at Flodden. When Ian learns that the former chieftain's half-brother Hugh Dubh (Hugh the Black, a well-deserved moniker) has "assumed" the role of clan leader, he knows that his cousin Connor will be in danger. But while he knows his duty is to protect and support Connor, he soon realizes he has much to accomplish in order to regain his wife's love and trust which he finds he desperately wants. And when Sileas's life is threatened by an old enemy, Ian has to balance his clan's needs against the possibility of losing the love of his life. Will he convince Sileas in time to remain wed to him and give them a chance? What will happen when the both clan's and Sileas's futures are in jeopardy and Ian must make a choice?
What I liked:
--- Main characters were very likeable - even though she was young and awkward, Sileas became a confident woman who knew she deserved better than the way she was treated; and while Ian was a dick for leaving after his wedding and staying away for 5 years, he owned up to his mistakes and set about earning Sileas's love and respect
--- Action! Lots of intrigue, back-stabbing, betrayals, family feuds, and villains you love to hate
--- Ancillary characters were interesting, especially Ian's cousin Alex that recurred in the book more often that the others - tees it up nicely for the next installment as I was interested in finding out what happens with him
--- Once we got to the steamy goodness, it was well-written and enjoyable
What I didn't like as much:
--- Unnecessary angst is my pet peeve in romance novels, and this one went a little too far with it, imo - I felt like Sileas was a little too impulsive in not speaking with Ian before making a major decision that placed everyone in jeopardy in the long run
--- Not as much steamy goodness as I would have liked to see
Overall, a great plot with a lot of moving pieces that come together well in the end but leave enough hanging to make the reader want to dive into the next book in the series to see what happens!
Plot --- 4/5
Main Characters --- 4.25/5
Supporting Cast --- 4.25/5
Steam Level* --- 3/5
Violence --- some battle scene violence (not too graphic)
Language --- not egregious
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild; 2/5 - sensual but nothing descriptive; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere; 4/5 - yes please! ; 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
This is the first book in a series that serves as a semi-prequel to Margaret Mallory's Douglas Legacy series as Archibald Douglas (who was a consort of the queen and later secretly married her) appears in this story. This series focuses on the MacDonald clan on Isle of Skye in western Scotland (which, as a side note, is one of my favorite places in the world), specifically on cousins Ian, Connor, Duncan, and Alex MacDonald. In the prologue, we are introduced to all of these characters as boys when they try to learn of their future from an elderly woman with "the sight." Ian's fate is that he will marry twice: once in anger and once in love. Displeased with a romantic foretelling (as he was 10 years old at the time), he prepares to leave when a wee lassie stumbles in - his friend (and tag-along) Sileas. While the other boys tolerate the much younger girl, Ian is the most patient with her, and she considers Ian her best (and only) friend.
A few years later when Ian is traveling home to Skye from Court, 13 year old Sileas chases him down as she has just been told she is to wed her stepfather's brother (which is as gross as it sounds) the very next day. When she catches up to Ian and he agrees to take her to his home until things can be sorted out, they are forced to stop for the night as it is late and Sileas is too young to travel through the night. They are awakened the next day when Ian's father and uncle (tribe chieftain) come across them huddled up in Ian's plaid to stave off the cold. Concerned for her reputation, Ian's father forces them to wed. Displeased to be wed to a child when he considers himself a man, Ian decides to leave to fight in France and is gone for 5 years. When he and his cousins return home after the battle of Flodden where his chieftain and his eldest son (and thus, next in line) are killed, Ian encounters Sileas for the first time... and she is now all woman.
Sileas has loved Ian since she was a child, and she knew she always wanted to marry him; however, the wedding itself left much to be desired as her beloved looked more as if he was being burned at the stake than being married to her. And while Ian has been gone for 5 years, she has suffered rude comments about her husband fleeing to war instead of consummating and being truly wed to her. When he arrives home and hardly acknowledges her, Sileas decides she cannot abide living with a man that she loves who clearly cares so little for her, and she plans to seek an annulment.
Ian is shocked to the core to find that the woman he married has long outgrown the awkward flat-chested girl she was to become the stunningly beautiful woman he does not recognize at all. In fact, he is stunned speechless and fails to greet her at all. Before he can follow Sileas up the stairs when she flees his presence, he is called in to talk with his father who was crippled and left for dead at Flodden. When Ian learns that the former chieftain's half-brother Hugh Dubh (Hugh the Black, a well-deserved moniker) has "assumed" the role of clan leader, he knows that his cousin Connor will be in danger. But while he knows his duty is to protect and support Connor, he soon realizes he has much to accomplish in order to regain his wife's love and trust which he finds he desperately wants. And when Sileas's life is threatened by an old enemy, Ian has to balance his clan's needs against the possibility of losing the love of his life. Will he convince Sileas in time to remain wed to him and give them a chance? What will happen when the both clan's and Sileas's futures are in jeopardy and Ian must make a choice?
What I liked:
--- Main characters were very likeable - even though she was young and awkward, Sileas became a confident woman who knew she deserved better than the way she was treated; and while Ian was a dick for leaving after his wedding and staying away for 5 years, he owned up to his mistakes and set about earning Sileas's love and respect
--- Action! Lots of intrigue, back-stabbing, betrayals, family feuds, and villains you love to hate
--- Ancillary characters were interesting, especially Ian's cousin Alex that recurred in the book more often that the others - tees it up nicely for the next installment as I was interested in finding out what happens with him
--- Once we got to the steamy goodness, it was well-written and enjoyable
What I didn't like as much:
--- Unnecessary angst is my pet peeve in romance novels, and this one went a little too far with it, imo - I felt like Sileas was a little too impulsive in not speaking with Ian before making a major decision that placed everyone in jeopardy in the long run
--- Not as much steamy goodness as I would have liked to see
Overall, a great plot with a lot of moving pieces that come together well in the end but leave enough hanging to make the reader want to dive into the next book in the series to see what happens!
Plot --- 4/5
Main Characters --- 4.25/5
Supporting Cast --- 4.25/5
Steam Level* --- 3/5
Violence --- some battle scene violence (not too graphic)
Language --- not egregious
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild; 2/5 - sensual but nothing descriptive; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere; 4/5 - yes please! ; 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
August 23, 2013
While this book didn't blow me away, it did have all of the elements that I tend to like in a Highlander romance. I love those that are rich in Scottish history...obviously loosely based on real events, with an author's historical note. But the history and politics didn't at all override the romance, which is obviously the best part of the book to me.
Sileas (pronounced She-luss) was a pitiful young girl, she and her mother were both used as pawns in men's games of war and politics. I could empathize with her plight, but the miscommunication between she and Ian when they were older and wiser got to be too much. Sileas seemed more mature when she was a thirteen year old. Honestly, her character just caused a lot of problems. She WAS available and useful in Ian's parent's household, and the family came to love her and rely on her, but I couldn't get past how much chaos she caused.
Ian was a somewhat blah character. I just didn't feel anything for him, which is very uncommon for me with regards to heroes. He was a teenage boy full of hormones and horny-ness at first, but even after he grows up, he just remains so clueless about Sileas. I never understood how he couldn't see her embarrassment and heartbreak. Did he honestly NEVER think about what a forced marriage would do to a thirteen year old girl? Not to mention one who had already lived the life that Sileas did. This was a hard thing to buy, and if I couldn't bring myself to believe that he was such an utterly oblivious person, then I'd just have to fall back on the fact that he is unfeeling and never cared about her emotional well being.
All that being said, I will still continue with the story, because I am very intrigued by Connor and the rest of the men. This series seems to not only have individual stories but a series plot as well, and I love that in a series. It makes for an intricate and intriguing story line. The writing is fine, it's the characterization that fell short for me. I just didn't really like either of them.
I listened to the audiobook...the narrator sounded like an old English Dude, and I KNOW that fact colored my opinion of the story, so take this review for what it's worth. I will switch to reading the rest of the series.
Sileas (pronounced She-luss) was a pitiful young girl, she and her mother were both used as pawns in men's games of war and politics. I could empathize with her plight, but the miscommunication between she and Ian when they were older and wiser got to be too much. Sileas seemed more mature when she was a thirteen year old. Honestly, her character just caused a lot of problems. She WAS available and useful in Ian's parent's household, and the family came to love her and rely on her, but I couldn't get past how much chaos she caused.
Ian was a somewhat blah character. I just didn't feel anything for him, which is very uncommon for me with regards to heroes. He was a teenage boy full of hormones and horny-ness at first, but even after he grows up, he just remains so clueless about Sileas. I never understood how he couldn't see her embarrassment and heartbreak. Did he honestly NEVER think about what a forced marriage would do to a thirteen year old girl? Not to mention one who had already lived the life that Sileas did. This was a hard thing to buy, and if I couldn't bring myself to believe that he was such an utterly oblivious person, then I'd just have to fall back on the fact that he is unfeeling and never cared about her emotional well being.
All that being said, I will still continue with the story, because I am very intrigued by Connor and the rest of the men. This series seems to not only have individual stories but a series plot as well, and I love that in a series. It makes for an intricate and intriguing story line. The writing is fine, it's the characterization that fell short for me. I just didn't really like either of them.
I listened to the audiobook...the narrator sounded like an old English Dude, and I KNOW that fact colored my opinion of the story, so take this review for what it's worth. I will switch to reading the rest of the series.
January 28, 2018
He comes good in the end...
This was definitely a more historically accurate romance than I've read in awhile. Forced marriages, clan wars and dodgy rulers were the norm. I know I should appreciate the author for her fine work in research but in a little way, it makes the journey to happiness a little rougher. Men were the rulers and could do as they pleased and who they pleased. Obviously, this does make romance a little tricky. We have to get past the hero being a douchewaffle because of course, he fights the love bug.
The storyline was interesting and the characters showed a lot of growth from the beginning to the end.
The narrator does a great job and I found him extremely easy to listen to. Saying that, I was bloody glad this one didn't have a lot of sex scenes. Derek Perkins has a more mature voice and it felt like I was listening to my father reading. It was a little awkward and I nearly skipped listening to them.
Another great story from the Romance Package and I'm keen to step back in time with Margaret Mallory again.
This was definitely a more historically accurate romance than I've read in awhile. Forced marriages, clan wars and dodgy rulers were the norm. I know I should appreciate the author for her fine work in research but in a little way, it makes the journey to happiness a little rougher. Men were the rulers and could do as they pleased and who they pleased. Obviously, this does make romance a little tricky. We have to get past the hero being a douchewaffle because of course, he fights the love bug.
The storyline was interesting and the characters showed a lot of growth from the beginning to the end.
The narrator does a great job and I found him extremely easy to listen to. Saying that, I was bloody glad this one didn't have a lot of sex scenes. Derek Perkins has a more mature voice and it felt like I was listening to my father reading. It was a little awkward and I nearly skipped listening to them.
Another great story from the Romance Package and I'm keen to step back in time with Margaret Mallory again.
November 3, 2016
I know it is not supposed to be a funny book but I can't help it. The characters are kind of comical and I have the impression that the story was trying very hard to be a serious adult romance but only turned out to be a teenage high school sweetheart kind of story.
The writing is ok but I find the style and plots.......simple. I had trouble maintaining interests because it was all too......ugh.....I don't have another word, simple. It is not a very complex book. The relationship between Sìleas and Ian is kind of bland. I didn't feel that I wanted to see them together. I sensed no strong connections between them. Maybe it is the characterization. Maybe I will try another book from this writer then I will know better.
I feel however strongly compelled to ask the below questions to the following people:
1. @ The "forever in love with Ian" Sìleas: my dear girl I am curious, you don't know why Ian was angry about having been forced to marry you? He really didn't want to marry you or anybody back then. What's so wrong about that? You got what you wanted by marrying him and at the same time robbed him the chance and the right to choose his life partner. I would be damned angry too if I were him and I would want to say hurtful things to you too. Seriously, what did you expect? I know Ian was not nice to ignore you for 5 years and went on as if he was not a married man. But in case you did not get the memo: this is how people act when you force them into something that they have no intention of participating in. I do not see why you feel you have the right to be angry at Ian? I have no sympathy for your plight. You were mistreated by your stepfather, ok I get it. You should be grateful that at least you got to stay with Ian's family for those years when Ian ignored you. You got exactly what you wanted: to escape your stepfather. You are humiliated because you forced a man into marriage, not because the man was an arrogant ass. I am afraid, my dear disillusioned pitiful girl, you cannot force someone to love you. No amount of wishful thinking would do. Be it 5 years or 10 years of waiting for someone. That, is one single truth in love.
2. @ All the readers who blame Ian for his "mistreatment" of Sìleas: what's wrong with being angry when you are forced to marry someone who you didn't want to? And what's so wrong about being away for 5 years to avoid having to deal with someone you don't want to deal with? I wold do both in a heartbeat if someone forced my hand in matrimony and if I had the chance to escape. Sìleas was definitely the benefactor in the marriage. She got her protection and could call herself Ian's wife, which was what she wanted. She did not give a shxt about whether Ian wanted her as a wife. She just hoped with her pathetic heart that he would one day turn around. If that is not selfishness and stupidity, I don't know what that is. If anyone is mistreated, I should think it was Ian. He just wanted to help Sìleas but ended up having to marry her. I wish Sìleas wasn't the heroine of the story. She does not deserve a happy ending.
3. @Ian: lad how old are you? For the life of me I cannot figure out your exact age. Some say you are only 20. My poor boy. I know people say that you are cold-hearted and cruel to have left Sìleas for 5 years before you finally came home and that you are a cad to all of a sudden turn "interested" in Sìleas because you realized she was now "pretty". Yeah it was not very gallant of you to leave the girl like this. But I understand why you felt the need to rebel. If you could cease thinking with your John Thomas and stick to your gun and annul the marriage, that would be great. I know you can't do that. Aunt Margaret wouldn't allow it. But know this: you would have my support if you did.
The writing is ok but I find the style and plots.......simple. I had trouble maintaining interests because it was all too......ugh.....I don't have another word, simple. It is not a very complex book. The relationship between Sìleas and Ian is kind of bland. I didn't feel that I wanted to see them together. I sensed no strong connections between them. Maybe it is the characterization. Maybe I will try another book from this writer then I will know better.
I feel however strongly compelled to ask the below questions to the following people:
1. @ The "forever in love with Ian" Sìleas: my dear girl I am curious, you don't know why Ian was angry about having been forced to marry you? He really didn't want to marry you or anybody back then. What's so wrong about that? You got what you wanted by marrying him and at the same time robbed him the chance and the right to choose his life partner. I would be damned angry too if I were him and I would want to say hurtful things to you too. Seriously, what did you expect? I know Ian was not nice to ignore you for 5 years and went on as if he was not a married man. But in case you did not get the memo: this is how people act when you force them into something that they have no intention of participating in. I do not see why you feel you have the right to be angry at Ian? I have no sympathy for your plight. You were mistreated by your stepfather, ok I get it. You should be grateful that at least you got to stay with Ian's family for those years when Ian ignored you. You got exactly what you wanted: to escape your stepfather. You are humiliated because you forced a man into marriage, not because the man was an arrogant ass. I am afraid, my dear disillusioned pitiful girl, you cannot force someone to love you. No amount of wishful thinking would do. Be it 5 years or 10 years of waiting for someone. That, is one single truth in love.
2. @ All the readers who blame Ian for his "mistreatment" of Sìleas: what's wrong with being angry when you are forced to marry someone who you didn't want to? And what's so wrong about being away for 5 years to avoid having to deal with someone you don't want to deal with? I wold do both in a heartbeat if someone forced my hand in matrimony and if I had the chance to escape. Sìleas was definitely the benefactor in the marriage. She got her protection and could call herself Ian's wife, which was what she wanted. She did not give a shxt about whether Ian wanted her as a wife. She just hoped with her pathetic heart that he would one day turn around. If that is not selfishness and stupidity, I don't know what that is. If anyone is mistreated, I should think it was Ian. He just wanted to help Sìleas but ended up having to marry her. I wish Sìleas wasn't the heroine of the story. She does not deserve a happy ending.
3. @Ian: lad how old are you? For the life of me I cannot figure out your exact age. Some say you are only 20. My poor boy. I know people say that you are cold-hearted and cruel to have left Sìleas for 5 years before you finally came home and that you are a cad to all of a sudden turn "interested" in Sìleas because you realized she was now "pretty". Yeah it was not very gallant of you to leave the girl like this. But I understand why you felt the need to rebel. If you could cease thinking with your John Thomas and stick to your gun and annul the marriage, that would be great. I know you can't do that. Aunt Margaret wouldn't allow it. But know this: you would have my support if you did.
October 31, 2016
Ian MacDonald is a douche, Sìleas was a silly ninny girl. Therefore I did not enjoy this book.
Ian wanted nothing to do with Sìleas when he was forced to wed her. Granted she was 13. What girl looks good when they are 13? He leaves to fight and he comes back and he doesn't even recognize his own wife... again he was gone for 5 years and at the young age women change a lot but still. So Sìleas has been longing for Ian for 5 years. She has stayed with his family/clan and helped it survive. She goes everyday to the sea to watch for her husband who said she was ugly and who literally had a knife to him when he wed her. She has held on to all these ridiculous fantasies that he was going to come back to her, take her in his arms and confess that he never meant any of the things he said and that he has missed her every day he was gone. Ridiculous. The reality is that he comes home and has every expectation of annulling the marriage (it was never consummated) When he sees her, he has no clue who she is. He just sees a pretty girl and he knows he wants to bed her.... So when he finds out that she is in fact his wife he decides that he will accept the marriage and let her be his wife. He literally thinks and says these things to her. And what does she do? Well he kisses her so she forgets about it. UHHHHHH mothereffer should be on his knees begging her to stay with him. Let me point out the wrongs he has done her and the rights she has done him.
1. He calls her ugly.
2. He leaves for 5 years and she wants him every day and he goes around with anything with breasts.
3. he comes home and doesn't recognize her.
4. She stayed with his family and helped run the house, take care of his sick father, helped his brother and mother with everything.
5. The woman who took Ian's virginity comes to stay at the house and she says nothing about it.
6. She has been humiliated and mocked for 5 years because she couldn't get her husband to come home.
All of this adds up to Ian being a complete and total douche. He doesn't redeem himself at all. When he finally beds her I guess he gets kind of sweet.... I mean he wants to save her but thats it.. That does not make up for all the wrongs.
Sorry I just could not get with this story because everything Ian did made me hate him and every time Sìleas forgave him it made me hate her.
Ian wanted nothing to do with Sìleas when he was forced to wed her. Granted she was 13. What girl looks good when they are 13? He leaves to fight and he comes back and he doesn't even recognize his own wife... again he was gone for 5 years and at the young age women change a lot but still. So Sìleas has been longing for Ian for 5 years. She has stayed with his family/clan and helped it survive. She goes everyday to the sea to watch for her husband who said she was ugly and who literally had a knife to him when he wed her. She has held on to all these ridiculous fantasies that he was going to come back to her, take her in his arms and confess that he never meant any of the things he said and that he has missed her every day he was gone. Ridiculous. The reality is that he comes home and has every expectation of annulling the marriage (it was never consummated) When he sees her, he has no clue who she is. He just sees a pretty girl and he knows he wants to bed her.... So when he finds out that she is in fact his wife he decides that he will accept the marriage and let her be his wife. He literally thinks and says these things to her. And what does she do? Well he kisses her so she forgets about it. UHHHHHH mothereffer should be on his knees begging her to stay with him. Let me point out the wrongs he has done her and the rights she has done him.
1. He calls her ugly.
2. He leaves for 5 years and she wants him every day and he goes around with anything with breasts.
3. he comes home and doesn't recognize her.
4. She stayed with his family and helped run the house, take care of his sick father, helped his brother and mother with everything.
5. The woman who took Ian's virginity comes to stay at the house and she says nothing about it.
6. She has been humiliated and mocked for 5 years because she couldn't get her husband to come home.
All of this adds up to Ian being a complete and total douche. He doesn't redeem himself at all. When he finally beds her I guess he gets kind of sweet.... I mean he wants to save her but thats it.. That does not make up for all the wrongs.
Sorry I just could not get with this story because everything Ian did made me hate him and every time Sìleas forgave him it made me hate her.
August 23, 2019
Although I did enjoy this, I found it quite frustrating. Ian was a bit too dimwitted about Sileas' hurt feelings and when he finally apologizes it was under duress and off the cuff.
Too many OWs. He was too much like sloppy seconds or thirds.
Too many OWs. He was too much like sloppy seconds or thirds.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2012
★★★☆☆ 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.)
May 12, 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 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...
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...
April 26, 2011
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 looking and rather gangly, Sìleas is the furthest thing from Ian's ideal woman as could possibly be, and he sees her as more of a baby sister than of someone he'd ever want to share his life with, let alone his bed.
When Sìleas runs away from her abusive step-father, who intends to wed her to his own horrible son in order to control the lands she's inherited, she begs Ian to help her, which he does. When he is discovered the next morning sleeping (clothed) next to (an also clothed) Sìleas, his family saw a way to gain control of Sìleas' lands and forced the two to marry under the guise of "protecting her virtue". Ian, furious at being forced to wed, abandons both his family and his new bride for four long years, before returning with the intent of finally ending his farce of a marriage to Sìleas.
I think that Ian rather ruined this one for me. The fact that he did his best to "forget his vows" while in France for four years, completely ignoring what Sìleas might be going through due to his abandonment, and then came home expecting her to be happy that he'd finally returned quite literally made me want to strangle him. I greatly dislike infidelity in my romance novels, and while it's almost maybe sort of understandable in Ian's case, it still left such a bad taste in my mouth that I really couldn't enjoy the rest of the story. I suppose I just feel that if honor and responsibility are so important to him, why on earth would he abandon both his family and his vows? *shakes head*
To be fair, the storyline and writing was fantastic. Four best friends, all having received a prophecy of sorts regarding their future loves from the local seer, return home from battle to find the clan in political uproar and having to work past intrigue and treachery in order to unite the clan and have the rightful heir take power. The love scenes were very hot, and the historical elements, such as the Infant King, trial marriages, traveling priests, and so forth added a ton of flavor to the story.
Overall, I personally never warmed up to Ian, which pulled my rating down by a full star. Readers who are not bothered by infidelity, especially as occurs before the marriage is ever actually consummated, will almost certainly rate it higher. As it is, 3.5/5 Stars
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 looking and rather gangly, Sìleas is the furthest thing from Ian's ideal woman as could possibly be, and he sees her as more of a baby sister than of someone he'd ever want to share his life with, let alone his bed.
When Sìleas runs away from her abusive step-father, who intends to wed her to his own horrible son in order to control the lands she's inherited, she begs Ian to help her, which he does. When he is discovered the next morning sleeping (clothed) next to (an also clothed) Sìleas, his family saw a way to gain control of Sìleas' lands and forced the two to marry under the guise of "protecting her virtue". Ian, furious at being forced to wed, abandons both his family and his new bride for four long years, before returning with the intent of finally ending his farce of a marriage to Sìleas.
I think that Ian rather ruined this one for me. The fact that he did his best to "forget his vows" while in France for four years, completely ignoring what Sìleas might be going through due to his abandonment, and then came home expecting her to be happy that he'd finally returned quite literally made me want to strangle him. I greatly dislike infidelity in my romance novels, and while it's almost maybe sort of understandable in Ian's case, it still left such a bad taste in my mouth that I really couldn't enjoy the rest of the story. I suppose I just feel that if honor and responsibility are so important to him, why on earth would he abandon both his family and his vows? *shakes head*
To be fair, the storyline and writing was fantastic. Four best friends, all having received a prophecy of sorts regarding their future loves from the local seer, return home from battle to find the clan in political uproar and having to work past intrigue and treachery in order to unite the clan and have the rightful heir take power. The love scenes were very hot, and the historical elements, such as the Infant King, trial marriages, traveling priests, and so forth added a ton of flavor to the story.
Overall, I personally never warmed up to Ian, which pulled my rating down by a full star. Readers who are not bothered by infidelity, especially as occurs before the marriage is ever actually consummated, will almost certainly rate it higher. As it is, 3.5/5 Stars
January 10, 2021
I have a habit of randomly thinking of a book that I hardly remember, then I’m annoyed until I can figure it out. Welp, last night I spent an hour going through my highlander shelf searching for the highlander that left his new wife for years… I FINALLY found it, and realized I never left a review.
re-read
The Guardian is the first book in The Return of the Highlanders series, and Ian and Sileas’s story. This book is pricey (I’m cheap), so I think readers concerned with safety, specifically cheating should know the scenario beforehand. (All this occurs in the prologue) Ian and Sileas grew up together; she had a giant crush on him, and he was protective of her. (kid sister) I don’t think it states the age gap, but I’m guessing 5-7ish years. The book opens with a 13-yr-old Sileas running into Ian after she escaped her abusive step-da. He’s on his way home from court to announce his plans to wed an English lass. Stuff happens, (all innocent) and his uncle, the chieftain, forces an unhappy Ian to marry Sileas to secure her family’s land… pissed he leaves after the ceremony and spends the next 5 years in France. That’s the facts, forced marriage, child bride, not consummated, H’s not celibate during the separation, she dutifully waits for his return. (he did not consider himself married and plans to divorce her upon returning) When he returns, she’s gorgeous and he starts to change his mind. I suppose one could argue either side… He’s a shallow ass that only wants her cuz she’s hot. Or, that facing a grown, 18 yr old forces him to see her as a woman, and not a little girl following him around everywhere. I don’t have big opinions about either, but if that’s too much… I’d save your cash and skip it.
After the prologue, we FF five years with Ian returning home after word of the Battle of Flodden made it to France. The rest of the book is divided between the couple’s second-chance, saving their clan from a corrupt wannabe chieftain, and dodging Sileas’s evil step-da.
Bottom Line- It was Ok. There’s some angst, but not a ton. There’re several action scenes, but I found the in-between parts a little stale. Enough that it felt long at 350 pages. Also, like many in this genre, there’s a hint of magic with a seer, ghost, and very unrealistic healing.
re-read
The Guardian is the first book in The Return of the Highlanders series, and Ian and Sileas’s story. This book is pricey (I’m cheap), so I think readers concerned with safety, specifically cheating should know the scenario beforehand. (All this occurs in the prologue) Ian and Sileas grew up together; she had a giant crush on him, and he was protective of her. (kid sister) I don’t think it states the age gap, but I’m guessing 5-7ish years. The book opens with a 13-yr-old Sileas running into Ian after she escaped her abusive step-da. He’s on his way home from court to announce his plans to wed an English lass. Stuff happens, (all innocent) and his uncle, the chieftain, forces an unhappy Ian to marry Sileas to secure her family’s land… pissed he leaves after the ceremony and spends the next 5 years in France. That’s the facts, forced marriage, child bride, not consummated, H’s not celibate during the separation, she dutifully waits for his return. (he did not consider himself married and plans to divorce her upon returning) When he returns, she’s gorgeous and he starts to change his mind. I suppose one could argue either side… He’s a shallow ass that only wants her cuz she’s hot. Or, that facing a grown, 18 yr old forces him to see her as a woman, and not a little girl following him around everywhere. I don’t have big opinions about either, but if that’s too much… I’d save your cash and skip it.
After the prologue, we FF five years with Ian returning home after word of the Battle of Flodden made it to France. The rest of the book is divided between the couple’s second-chance, saving their clan from a corrupt wannabe chieftain, and dodging Sileas’s evil step-da.
Bottom Line- It was Ok. There’s some angst, but not a ton. There’re several action scenes, but I found the in-between parts a little stale. Enough that it felt long at 350 pages. Also, like many in this genre, there’s a hint of magic with a seer, ghost, and very unrealistic healing.
May 12, 2011
I was really looking forward to this book because I loved the author's previous book, "Knight of Passion". Most of the reason why I loved that book so much was because I loved the hero, Jamie, and the romance. Here, I was disappointed in both of those aspects that I was really looking forward to.
There were many great characters in this book, but the hero, Ian, wasn't one of them. Sileas had what I like to call "Twilight" syndrome, where she is surrounded by great guys who respect her and care about her but she 'loves' the one guy who treats her disrespectfully.
Sileas spends more time with Ian's brother, Niall, who I absolutely love, than she does with Ian. Niall is so sweet and caring, even accompanying her on a dangerous trek. But she's not into him. She also is very happy when she's around Alex, Ian's cousin. Alex treats her well when Ian doesn't and picks up the slack for his cousin, trying to smooth things over. Also, Sileas is always laughing and happy around Alex but not around Ian. I would love to read the books where these two upstanding young men are the center of the story.
I really liked Sileas' relationship with Ian's family. They really were her family too, and there was a lot of love there. I don't think Ian would have had much of a chance with Sileas if it weren't for her bond with his family.
I felt like all Sileas and Ian had was the physical bond, and it just wasn't enough for me. I would have loved to see the heroine with either Niall or Alex, who both clearly respected her and cared about her.
ARC sent by publisher in exchange for honest review
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
There were many great characters in this book, but the hero, Ian, wasn't one of them. Sileas had what I like to call "Twilight" syndrome, where she is surrounded by great guys who respect her and care about her but she 'loves' the one guy who treats her disrespectfully.
Sileas spends more time with Ian's brother, Niall, who I absolutely love, than she does with Ian. Niall is so sweet and caring, even accompanying her on a dangerous trek. But she's not into him. She also is very happy when she's around Alex, Ian's cousin. Alex treats her well when Ian doesn't and picks up the slack for his cousin, trying to smooth things over. Also, Sileas is always laughing and happy around Alex but not around Ian. I would love to read the books where these two upstanding young men are the center of the story.
I really liked Sileas' relationship with Ian's family. They really were her family too, and there was a lot of love there. I don't think Ian would have had much of a chance with Sileas if it weren't for her bond with his family.
I felt like all Sileas and Ian had was the physical bond, and it just wasn't enough for me. I would have loved to see the heroine with either Niall or Alex, who both clearly respected her and cared about her.
ARC sent by publisher in exchange for honest review
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
July 30, 2015
The Guardian
3 Stars
When visiting a soothsayer, four young highland boys receive prophecies of their future brides. Ian MacDonald is told that he will marry twice - once for hate and once for love. Years later he is forced to wed a childhood friend and deserts her to fight in France. Upon his return, he discovers that gangly Síleas has become a beautiful and spirited young woman with little patience for a man who chose war over hearth and home. Is it too late for Ian to prove his love for her?
Ian has to be one of the most self-centered, obnoxious and irritating heroes ever to disgrace the pages of a historical romance novel. He returns home and expects the woman he deserted to welcome him with open arms and kiss the ground he walks on . . . Well, he is in for a big surprise!
Síleas is a charming heroine - beautiful, caring and independent. The only problem with her character is her love for the undeserving Ian. It seems that love truly is blind…and deaf … and stupid!
The rest of the plot revolving around a struggle for leadership of the Clan is well developed with some exciting action scenes. Unfortunately, it never quite succeeds in compensating for the weak romance.
The rest of the series focuses on the other boys: Alex the womanizer, Duncan the tormented and Connor the leader. As their characters are far more likable than Ian, I am willing to give their books a chance.
3 Stars
When visiting a soothsayer, four young highland boys receive prophecies of their future brides. Ian MacDonald is told that he will marry twice - once for hate and once for love. Years later he is forced to wed a childhood friend and deserts her to fight in France. Upon his return, he discovers that gangly Síleas has become a beautiful and spirited young woman with little patience for a man who chose war over hearth and home. Is it too late for Ian to prove his love for her?
Ian has to be one of the most self-centered, obnoxious and irritating heroes ever to disgrace the pages of a historical romance novel. He returns home and expects the woman he deserted to welcome him with open arms and kiss the ground he walks on . . . Well, he is in for a big surprise!
Síleas is a charming heroine - beautiful, caring and independent. The only problem with her character is her love for the undeserving Ian. It seems that love truly is blind…and deaf … and stupid!
The rest of the plot revolving around a struggle for leadership of the Clan is well developed with some exciting action scenes. Unfortunately, it never quite succeeds in compensating for the weak romance.
The rest of the series focuses on the other boys: Alex the womanizer, Duncan the tormented and Connor the leader. As their characters are far more likable than Ian, I am willing to give their books a chance.
August 29, 2013
I loved every-bloody-thing about this book!!!
This is a tale of young love(not exactly)...second chances(not really)....and happily ever after (DEFINITELY!)
Ian intended on helping out a friend in need, turns out, he got himself held at knife point at the altar staring at his new bride, next to a drunken priest. Having no desire to be a married man, he deserts his bride for 5 years, only to come back home, to find a beauty so rare she takes his breath away and stops his heart. Too bad his "wife" wants absolutely nothing to do with him. Too bad for her, he intends to make her his wife in all the ways that count now for eternity!
Their chemistry was amazing, a few misunderstandings along the way, scorching love scenes, unbreakable bonds among Duncan, Alex, Ian and Connor really set up for the series to come. I adored this book, definitely continuing the series!
This is a tale of young love(not exactly)...second chances(not really)....and happily ever after (DEFINITELY!)
Ian intended on helping out a friend in need, turns out, he got himself held at knife point at the altar staring at his new bride, next to a drunken priest. Having no desire to be a married man, he deserts his bride for 5 years, only to come back home, to find a beauty so rare she takes his breath away and stops his heart. Too bad his "wife" wants absolutely nothing to do with him. Too bad for her, he intends to make her his wife in all the ways that count now for eternity!
Their chemistry was amazing, a few misunderstandings along the way, scorching love scenes, unbreakable bonds among Duncan, Alex, Ian and Connor really set up for the series to come. I adored this book, definitely continuing the series!
February 24, 2014
I very much enjoyed the intriguing and unique premise behind this story. Everything happens upside-down and backwards for the characters leaving them with a long and winding road to get back to where they should have started. Mallory paints a brilliant picture of the action and scenery in this tale, taking her audience on a brilliantly captivating, winding journey that had me smiling and guessing in turn.
The characters in this novel definitely had me alternating between laughing and beating my head off a couch cushion. The female lead was absolutely priceless. The male lead had me exclaiming “Ian you idoit!” More than once. Together they made an amazing pair that carried this story forward. I also quite enjoyed the supporting cast. Everyone was very well developed and approachable. This was a community that you wanted to immerse yourself in.
As a whole this was an intriguing introduction to this author and her take of historical Scots. I’ll definitely be continuing on with this series in the future.
The characters in this novel definitely had me alternating between laughing and beating my head off a couch cushion. The female lead was absolutely priceless. The male lead had me exclaiming “Ian you idoit!” More than once. Together they made an amazing pair that carried this story forward. I also quite enjoyed the supporting cast. Everyone was very well developed and approachable. This was a community that you wanted to immerse yourself in.
As a whole this was an intriguing introduction to this author and her take of historical Scots. I’ll definitely be continuing on with this series in the future.
June 24, 2021
For the most part I enjoyed this book. It had suspense, danger, some angst and braw men in kilts. What's not to like!? The plot twists were predictable but I liked them anyway. For a third of a book, the MCs, Ian was a self serving selfish man, and I wanted Sileas to drop him like a hot potato. He did redeem himself and fell in love with his lady love but only after everyone and their mother showed him and told him repeatedly how good Sileas was. He would have not arrived to that conclusion for a while on his own. Sileas was a nice strong leading character. She had spine and didn't let Ian get away with anything. I liked side characters as well. All in all, this was not a hardship to read. If I wanted to be picky and find fault with small minute details, I certainly would have rated this story a 3 star read, but I was in a good mood and men in kilts swinging claymores and saving damsels in distress was what I wanted. I got what I came here for.
July 18, 2023
1.5
Forgettable.
Forgettable.
January 9, 2024
The most I loved was when h skiletted the H! Lol
April 29, 2015
http://gamzeninkitapdunyasi.blogspot....
Kitap, 4 oğlan çocuğunun klanlarındaki cadıyı ziyaret etmeleri ile başlıyor. Çocuklar o yaşın verdiği heyecan ile ileride nasıl büyük savaşçı olacaklarını duymak isteseler de kehanetleri hiçte o yönde gitmiyor. Bu kitaptaki baş karakterimiz Ian için, hayatı boyunca iki defa evleneceğini. Birincisinden nefret edeceğini, hiç istemeyeceğini ikinci evliliği ise mutluluk ve aşk ile yapacağını söylüyor. İşte ona söylemediği nokta ise bu iki olayın kişisinin aynı olması :)
Ve bir de diğer baş karakterimiz Sileas var. O da küçük yaşından itibaren hep Ian'ın peşinden giden, başına sıkıntı açsa bile Ian'ın onu kurtaracağını bilerek büyüyen bir kız. 13 yaşına geldiğinde ise evden kaçar. Çünkü üvey babası onu zorla evlendirmek, ve kıza kalan kaleye o şekilde sahip olmak ister. Bu yüzden Sileas kaçar ve kaçtığı yolun sonundaysa Ian ile karşılaşır. Ian ilk başta onu geri götürmek istese de Sileas onu ikna eder ve geceyi Ian'ın yanında geçirir. Sabaha karşı Ian'ın babası ve amcaları onları yan yana yatarken bulduğundaysa evlilik kaçınılmazdır :) Ve Ian, daha 13 yaşında sopa gibi bir kızla evlenmek zorunda kalmaktan nefret eder. Evlendikleri günün ertesinde evden deyim yerindeyse kaçar. Veeee 5 senenin sonunda yaşanan olaylar nedeni ile en sonunda yeniden dönmek zorunda kalır evine, ve tabii karısına. Bu koca 5 sene her şeyi tamamen değiştirmiştir ve hayatının macerasının asıl şimdi başladığından habersizdir.
Kitabımızın konusu genel olarak böyle.
Aspendos, kitap duyurusunu ilk yaptığı zaman çok sevinmiştim ve hemen alınacaklar listeme eklemiştim. Tabii bunun için kitap fuarını bekledim çünkü orada standart 10 tl :) Her neyse işte yazarın ismi bir yerlerden çok tanıdık geldi. Kitabı alıp, eve döndüğüm zaman farkettim durumu. Meğerse bu yazara ait iki kitap varmış bende :D Tabii onları henüz okumadım -_-
Highlander olsun da ne olursa olsun hesabındayım :) Ben şahsen kitabı genel olarak çok sevdim. Hem ana karakterler hem yan karakterlerin bolluğu hikayeyi daha sıcak bir hale getirdiğini düşünüyorum. Yani sadece Ian ve Sileas'ı okumak bir süre sonra boğabilir, tek düzeliğe girebilirdi.
Kitabın Aspendos'tan çıkmasından sevindiğim bir diğer konu ise serinin diğer kitaplarını da çok fazla beklemeyecek olmam. Çünkü diğer karakterlerin hayattalarının nasıl bir yola gireceğini de şimdiden deli gibi merak ediyorum :)
Kitap temel olarak, genç bir aşk, hayatta herkesin ihtiyacı olan ikinci bir şans ve sonsuza kadar mutlu yaşadılar durumu almış..
Bazı eksikliklerin olduğunu hissetsem de yine de büyük bir bölümünü keyif alarak okudum. Bu tarz kitapları seven arkadaşlarıma kesinlikle tavsiye ederim :)
Kitap, 4 oğlan çocuğunun klanlarındaki cadıyı ziyaret etmeleri ile başlıyor. Çocuklar o yaşın verdiği heyecan ile ileride nasıl büyük savaşçı olacaklarını duymak isteseler de kehanetleri hiçte o yönde gitmiyor. Bu kitaptaki baş karakterimiz Ian için, hayatı boyunca iki defa evleneceğini. Birincisinden nefret edeceğini, hiç istemeyeceğini ikinci evliliği ise mutluluk ve aşk ile yapacağını söylüyor. İşte ona söylemediği nokta ise bu iki olayın kişisinin aynı olması :)
Ve bir de diğer baş karakterimiz Sileas var. O da küçük yaşından itibaren hep Ian'ın peşinden giden, başına sıkıntı açsa bile Ian'ın onu kurtaracağını bilerek büyüyen bir kız. 13 yaşına geldiğinde ise evden kaçar. Çünkü üvey babası onu zorla evlendirmek, ve kıza kalan kaleye o şekilde sahip olmak ister. Bu yüzden Sileas kaçar ve kaçtığı yolun sonundaysa Ian ile karşılaşır. Ian ilk başta onu geri götürmek istese de Sileas onu ikna eder ve geceyi Ian'ın yanında geçirir. Sabaha karşı Ian'ın babası ve amcaları onları yan yana yatarken bulduğundaysa evlilik kaçınılmazdır :) Ve Ian, daha 13 yaşında sopa gibi bir kızla evlenmek zorunda kalmaktan nefret eder. Evlendikleri günün ertesinde evden deyim yerindeyse kaçar. Veeee 5 senenin sonunda yaşanan olaylar nedeni ile en sonunda yeniden dönmek zorunda kalır evine, ve tabii karısına. Bu koca 5 sene her şeyi tamamen değiştirmiştir ve hayatının macerasının asıl şimdi başladığından habersizdir.
Kitabımızın konusu genel olarak böyle.
Aspendos, kitap duyurusunu ilk yaptığı zaman çok sevinmiştim ve hemen alınacaklar listeme eklemiştim. Tabii bunun için kitap fuarını bekledim çünkü orada standart 10 tl :) Her neyse işte yazarın ismi bir yerlerden çok tanıdık geldi. Kitabı alıp, eve döndüğüm zaman farkettim durumu. Meğerse bu yazara ait iki kitap varmış bende :D Tabii onları henüz okumadım -_-
Highlander olsun da ne olursa olsun hesabındayım :) Ben şahsen kitabı genel olarak çok sevdim. Hem ana karakterler hem yan karakterlerin bolluğu hikayeyi daha sıcak bir hale getirdiğini düşünüyorum. Yani sadece Ian ve Sileas'ı okumak bir süre sonra boğabilir, tek düzeliğe girebilirdi.
Kitabın Aspendos'tan çıkmasından sevindiğim bir diğer konu ise serinin diğer kitaplarını da çok fazla beklemeyecek olmam. Çünkü diğer karakterlerin hayattalarının nasıl bir yola gireceğini de şimdiden deli gibi merak ediyorum :)
Kitap temel olarak, genç bir aşk, hayatta herkesin ihtiyacı olan ikinci bir şans ve sonsuza kadar mutlu yaşadılar durumu almış..
Bazı eksikliklerin olduğunu hissetsem de yine de büyük bir bölümünü keyif alarak okudum. Bu tarz kitapları seven arkadaşlarıma kesinlikle tavsiye ederim :)
April 22, 2011
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 rightful place at the head of the clan.
Of course, there is much more to the story than that. Just before he journeyed to France, Ian was forced to marry his very young friend Sileas. Even though she was only 13, she was trying to escape an arranged marriage set up by her stepfather. Ian cared for her as a little sister, but nothing more. So when his father forced him to marry the girl, he was furious. Once he returned home, he planned to end the marriage right away. But once he sees Sileas again, he realizes that she has grown into a beautiful woman; one who has helped see his family through his absence and the many trials they faced over the years.
Sileas is a great heroine. She is utterly loyal and in love with Ian. Yet she manages to hold on to her self-respect. And that is no small feat, the way Ian has dismissed her over the years. Their love story is sweet and steamy (once the story gets that far.) Ian is a good guy, but I wanted to shake him more than once for his general stupidity when it comes to his wife.
The story has some fun twists and turns --and we're set up nicely for future stories with Ian's friends Connor, Alex and (my personal favorite) Duncan. I'm looking forward to seeing where their futures will go. 4 stars.
*ARC Provided by NetGalley
Of course, there is much more to the story than that. Just before he journeyed to France, Ian was forced to marry his very young friend Sileas. Even though she was only 13, she was trying to escape an arranged marriage set up by her stepfather. Ian cared for her as a little sister, but nothing more. So when his father forced him to marry the girl, he was furious. Once he returned home, he planned to end the marriage right away. But once he sees Sileas again, he realizes that she has grown into a beautiful woman; one who has helped see his family through his absence and the many trials they faced over the years.
Sileas is a great heroine. She is utterly loyal and in love with Ian. Yet she manages to hold on to her self-respect. And that is no small feat, the way Ian has dismissed her over the years. Their love story is sweet and steamy (once the story gets that far.) Ian is a good guy, but I wanted to shake him more than once for his general stupidity when it comes to his wife.
The story has some fun twists and turns --and we're set up nicely for future stories with Ian's friends Connor, Alex and (my personal favorite) Duncan. I'm looking forward to seeing where their futures will go. 4 stars.
*ARC Provided by NetGalley
November 14, 2014
I was rather disappointed in this series starter. I've always loved Ms. Mallory's Highlanders but Ian just came off as an arrogant ass. Yeah he's forced to marry a girl he doesn't want to marry (heck he didn't want to marry anyone really) but that's the way it was done in those times. You married to advance your family period. He was caught in a seemingly compromising situation and forced to marry a 13 year old girl. (He was rescuing her from a bad situation not behaving badly.) At the time he was about 15 or 16 and promptly left home with his four best buds to fight in France. He returns five years later (having not a single thought about his wife while gone) and immediately seems the beautiful swan she turned into (she was an ugly duckling for sure) and wants he and thinks he should have access to his wife. Oh now he wants a wife. Well too bad Ian because Sileas may still love you but she doesn't exactly want you.
There were many times that I wanted to reach through the book and smack him with a frying pan and actually cheered when Sileas did just that. You go girl! By the end of the book, Ian finally wises up and gets his act together but in my opinion, too little too late. I'm hoping that Alex, Duncan and Connor behave much more like Highlanders should.
There were many times that I wanted to reach through the book and smack him with a frying pan and actually cheered when Sileas did just that. You go girl! By the end of the book, Ian finally wises up and gets his act together but in my opinion, too little too late. I'm hoping that Alex, Duncan and Connor behave much more like Highlanders should.
February 17, 2019
Rated 4.7 Stars
I don't often read Historical romances, but I do love those sexy highlanders for sure.
This was a wonderful story, off to the start of a hopefully great series.
The historical facts were presented exceptionally well which says a lot compared to other books.
The tale Ms. Mallory wove was a very interesting one indeed. It's about four friends that grew up together, as well as a little girl, that followed them everywhere. One of the boys, Ian, took her under his wing and became her protector. As time passes, they all grew up to become fine men and remain steadfast friends, with the exception of the girl. The story is all about their trials and tribulations as they go through life, including that, once upon a time, wee girl.
What an adventure they all had. I am going on to book two, which is Alex's (one of the friends) story. I'm excited to see where this one goes, as Alex is the charming, funny one that gets all the ladies easily with his upbeat disposition and good looks.
I don't often read Historical romances, but I do love those sexy highlanders for sure.
This was a wonderful story, off to the start of a hopefully great series.
The historical facts were presented exceptionally well which says a lot compared to other books.
The tale Ms. Mallory wove was a very interesting one indeed. It's about four friends that grew up together, as well as a little girl, that followed them everywhere. One of the boys, Ian, took her under his wing and became her protector. As time passes, they all grew up to become fine men and remain steadfast friends, with the exception of the girl. The story is all about their trials and tribulations as they go through life, including that, once upon a time, wee girl.
What an adventure they all had. I am going on to book two, which is Alex's (one of the friends) story. I'm excited to see where this one goes, as Alex is the charming, funny one that gets all the ladies easily with his upbeat disposition and good looks.
September 12, 2013
I'm listening as I wanted to hear narrator Derek Perkins. He is outstanding in voicing all these male characters and he doesn't squeak a bit with his female characters. Enjoying the story as well.
Finished. After meeting narrator Derek Perkins at APAC, I wanted to listen to one of his romance narrations and decided to do so with Margaret Mallory’s The Guardian, a medieval Highlander tale. It’s an above average Highlander adventure made even better by Perkins performance. He’s definitely a narrator I’ll be following.
Finished. After meeting narrator Derek Perkins at APAC, I wanted to listen to one of his romance narrations and decided to do so with Margaret Mallory’s The Guardian, a medieval Highlander tale. It’s an above average Highlander adventure made even better by Perkins performance. He’s definitely a narrator I’ll be following.
July 21, 2016
Rated 3.5 - For this month’s TBR Challenge, I chose THE GUARDIAN by Margaret Mallory because it’s a series I’ve been collecting to read. Our theme this month in Wendy the Super Librarian’s TBR Challenge 2016 is an award winner or nominee. THE GUARDIAN was an OKRWA National Readers’ Choice award winner for Historical in 2011, and since I have all the books in the series, it seemed the perfect choice.
Why was it in Dorine’s TBR? In 2012 I read THE WARRIOR for review, which is the third book in the series. I loved it and the publicist kindly sent me the first two books so I could catch up on the series. I’ve since purchased book 4 and 4.5, anticipating a back-to-back series read. It’s rare that I get to read a full series, due to the volume of books that I review, but THE WARRIOR impressed me enough to gather the books in hope of a window of time to binge on them. Now is the time!
For more book reviews, plus travel, garden and food topics with photos, visit The Zest Quest, my pursuit of a zestful life.
THE GUARDIAN takes place mostly in 1513 in Scotland and it is the first book in the RETURN OF THE HIGHLANDERS series. This novel lays the groundwork for the series by introducing us to five friends who grew up together. Ian MacDonald was forced to wed Sileas when they were very young. Ian went off to fight abroad with Alex, Connor and Duncan, never consummating his marriage. Sileas was thirteen years old when they were forced to wed because Ian’s father suspected that Ian compromised her virtue. Ian’s father also saw a chance to get control of Knock Castle because Sileas would eventually inherit it. The MacDonald clan is determined to have Knock Castle by whatever means, so when Ian returns home, he’s encouraged to make his marriage work for the sake of the clan.
Ian remembers Sileas as the pesky girl who followed him everywhere when they were children. Sileas has always been in love with Ian, who protected her even when they were children. When Ian left Sileas and stayed away for five years, it hurt her deeply and she won’t accept his affection now.
The clan is in an uproar after war with the English, currently enduring a cruel man as their chieftain. Ian, Alex and Duncan are determined to get Connor elected as chieftain as is his birthright. That is if the current chieftain doesn’t succeed in killing them all, first.
I really enjoy stories based on childhood friendships that last a lifetime. THE GUARDIAN has some great male bonding scenes that made me laugh. Alex is especially entertaining. Ian and Sileas must work through their past and it’s an emotional journey. Sileas is a feisty redhead who isn’t so easily convinced that Ian wants her as his wife. Ian isn’t sure he loves Sileas. When he realizes the awkward girl has turned into a beautiful butterfly, Ian is willing to make an effort. But, Sileas’ beauty hides secrets that have made her feel insecure and Ian soon finds himself falling hard for this very strong woman.
Ian has neglected his family as well as Sileas, which makes his younger brother Niall angry, as it should. Ian is selfish and self-serving, so he deserves what Sileas does to him and more. I thought the scene where Sileas hit Ian repeatedly on the head with a skillet very rewarding and funny. He deserved more than that, but Sileas sees the man he can be beneath the boy he has been.
THE GUARDIAN is also part adventure as the clan tries to get Connor to his rightful place as chieftain. There are pirates among the clans, as well as leaders who will do anything to claim the land they feel are theirs for the taking. Marriages are arranged to bring clans together as joint forces for protection, so women don’t always have a choice other than to do what their father or guardian tells them to do. It makes for some fun, especially when the heroine is as feisty as Sileas.
There were a few unbelievable “mighty” highlander moments that seemed a bit farfetched to me, but otherwise I found this historical romance entertaining. The camaraderie between these five friends was often humorous, boastful and sarcastic, which is my favorite part of this type of story. There is also a “ghost” based on legend, so that may not appeal to strict historical readers. The ghost isn’t part of the main plot, but it is threaded through several scenes. Although I do enjoy some paranormal or fantasy in a Scottish tale, I feel this particular story would have been stronger without it.
Fans of highlander romance will enjoy this series. Although it can be read out of order, I feel that the books I’ve read so far are better as a set when read in order. My favorite so far is THE WARRIOR, book 3, and I don’t feel it hurts to read them out of order because you can always go back to read the ones you’ve missed.
Margaret Mallory tells a good adventure story which enhances my anticipation for the entire RETURN OF THE HIGHLANDERS series. I enjoyed getting to know the characters better in THE GUARDIAN that I enjoyed briefly in book 3 so long ago. THE WARRIOR was about Duncan and it really touched me. Now I’m anxious to read book 2, THE SINNER, which is Alex’s story. He sounds like a womanizer who needs put in his place and from the excerpt I read, I’m hoping that will happen. The final book, THE CHIEFTAIN, is about Connor. Then there is a short novella, book 4.5, called THE GIFT, currently sale-priced in digital format at Amazon.
Review by Dorine, courtesy of The Zest Quest. Print copy provided by the publisher.
Why was it in Dorine’s TBR? In 2012 I read THE WARRIOR for review, which is the third book in the series. I loved it and the publicist kindly sent me the first two books so I could catch up on the series. I’ve since purchased book 4 and 4.5, anticipating a back-to-back series read. It’s rare that I get to read a full series, due to the volume of books that I review, but THE WARRIOR impressed me enough to gather the books in hope of a window of time to binge on them. Now is the time!
For more book reviews, plus travel, garden and food topics with photos, visit The Zest Quest, my pursuit of a zestful life.
THE GUARDIAN takes place mostly in 1513 in Scotland and it is the first book in the RETURN OF THE HIGHLANDERS series. This novel lays the groundwork for the series by introducing us to five friends who grew up together. Ian MacDonald was forced to wed Sileas when they were very young. Ian went off to fight abroad with Alex, Connor and Duncan, never consummating his marriage. Sileas was thirteen years old when they were forced to wed because Ian’s father suspected that Ian compromised her virtue. Ian’s father also saw a chance to get control of Knock Castle because Sileas would eventually inherit it. The MacDonald clan is determined to have Knock Castle by whatever means, so when Ian returns home, he’s encouraged to make his marriage work for the sake of the clan.
Ian remembers Sileas as the pesky girl who followed him everywhere when they were children. Sileas has always been in love with Ian, who protected her even when they were children. When Ian left Sileas and stayed away for five years, it hurt her deeply and she won’t accept his affection now.
The clan is in an uproar after war with the English, currently enduring a cruel man as their chieftain. Ian, Alex and Duncan are determined to get Connor elected as chieftain as is his birthright. That is if the current chieftain doesn’t succeed in killing them all, first.
I really enjoy stories based on childhood friendships that last a lifetime. THE GUARDIAN has some great male bonding scenes that made me laugh. Alex is especially entertaining. Ian and Sileas must work through their past and it’s an emotional journey. Sileas is a feisty redhead who isn’t so easily convinced that Ian wants her as his wife. Ian isn’t sure he loves Sileas. When he realizes the awkward girl has turned into a beautiful butterfly, Ian is willing to make an effort. But, Sileas’ beauty hides secrets that have made her feel insecure and Ian soon finds himself falling hard for this very strong woman.
Ian has neglected his family as well as Sileas, which makes his younger brother Niall angry, as it should. Ian is selfish and self-serving, so he deserves what Sileas does to him and more. I thought the scene where Sileas hit Ian repeatedly on the head with a skillet very rewarding and funny. He deserved more than that, but Sileas sees the man he can be beneath the boy he has been.
THE GUARDIAN is also part adventure as the clan tries to get Connor to his rightful place as chieftain. There are pirates among the clans, as well as leaders who will do anything to claim the land they feel are theirs for the taking. Marriages are arranged to bring clans together as joint forces for protection, so women don’t always have a choice other than to do what their father or guardian tells them to do. It makes for some fun, especially when the heroine is as feisty as Sileas.
There were a few unbelievable “mighty” highlander moments that seemed a bit farfetched to me, but otherwise I found this historical romance entertaining. The camaraderie between these five friends was often humorous, boastful and sarcastic, which is my favorite part of this type of story. There is also a “ghost” based on legend, so that may not appeal to strict historical readers. The ghost isn’t part of the main plot, but it is threaded through several scenes. Although I do enjoy some paranormal or fantasy in a Scottish tale, I feel this particular story would have been stronger without it.
Fans of highlander romance will enjoy this series. Although it can be read out of order, I feel that the books I’ve read so far are better as a set when read in order. My favorite so far is THE WARRIOR, book 3, and I don’t feel it hurts to read them out of order because you can always go back to read the ones you’ve missed.
Margaret Mallory tells a good adventure story which enhances my anticipation for the entire RETURN OF THE HIGHLANDERS series. I enjoyed getting to know the characters better in THE GUARDIAN that I enjoyed briefly in book 3 so long ago. THE WARRIOR was about Duncan and it really touched me. Now I’m anxious to read book 2, THE SINNER, which is Alex’s story. He sounds like a womanizer who needs put in his place and from the excerpt I read, I’m hoping that will happen. The final book, THE CHIEFTAIN, is about Connor. Then there is a short novella, book 4.5, called THE GIFT, currently sale-priced in digital format at Amazon.
Review by Dorine, courtesy of The Zest Quest. Print copy provided by the publisher.
October 15, 2013
Sileas and Ian grew up together. She was roughly two years younger then he. She was a bit of an awkward child with not a good home life and heir to Knock Castle and surrounding lands. She and Ian are thick as thieves and one night she ends up with her virtue compromised accidentally by Ian, therefore, these two are forced to wed against Ian's will. At the time she is 13 and he is about 15. Ian is so upset he takes off the morning after they are married and deserts her for five years. While he's away she becomes this beauty and there are plenty of men in the clan waiting for her to ditch Ian. Especially a specific man named Gordan.
Ian is from the clan MacDonald. He grew up with his best friends and cousins: Duncan, Alex and Connor. These men stick to each other like white on rice. Always having each others backs in all that they do. As for Sileas, he was always her rescuer and protector. The men go away for five years and come home to some major changes in their home lives and in the clan.
The Clan is not happy and would like Connor to become their new Chieftain to take his father's place. Only way this can happen is if the men can keep Connor alive and out of the clutches of his half uncle, Hugh Dubh.
There are some dangerous men along the way of this story as well as some dangerous journeys. There are plenty of times Ian fails Sileas, time and time again, and people get hurt or nearly hurt along the way. Ian will do all he can do make up for past wrongs and make things right, no matter the cost as he protects Sileas, his clan and family as well as helping his cousin, Connor, become Chieftain.
I highly enjoyed this highlander book. I would even go as far as to say, it was the best one I've read to date. It didn't deal with time travel or cheesy story line or cheesy romance. I felt the characters problems, feelings, dilemmas and so forth were very real and believable.
The struggles with their feelings/emotions, how to deal with certain situations and not to give in to certain things also felt genuine. I felt like there were things that Sileas felt towards Ian, were feelings and emotions or views I would have felt as well if I were in her situation. I appreciated the fact that even though Ian deserted her five years prior, the morning after they were married, that she never gave up on him. Okay, so there was one time she tried to ...other wise she stuck it through thick and thin. Then there was Ian. He came home from being gone for so long fighting wars, drinking and dallying with other women that he honestly felt that he could waltz back in to his old life and his family would fall over him. Little did he know that he deserted them as well, even if it wasn't consciously done.
I loved the family dynamics in this story. I loved the brotherhood of Ian, Connor, Duncan and Alex. I loved the humor amongst the four men and other characters. I was glad to see that Ian knew he needed to right his wrongs and make amends in his own way and set about to do that eventually. It may have taken a bit of a scare or two, but he did it. I was glad that he could be a redeemable character. I liked that Sileas never gave up on him and that she wasn't a whiny, crying woman or a push over. I loved all that she did for Ian's family while he was away.
I liked all of the different things going on in the book so it wasn't completely focused on Ian trying to win Sileas back as his wife. There was a little romance, some steam, and plenty of other parts to make a great story. I think possibly the ending could have been a little too quickly wrapped up however, I loved that it wasn't done in a pretty neat bow. The author left some things unsolved so the story can continue for the other three men in this series. One last point to make, I was happy to see that even Gordan got his own happy ever after.
Ian is from the clan MacDonald. He grew up with his best friends and cousins: Duncan, Alex and Connor. These men stick to each other like white on rice. Always having each others backs in all that they do. As for Sileas, he was always her rescuer and protector. The men go away for five years and come home to some major changes in their home lives and in the clan.
The Clan is not happy and would like Connor to become their new Chieftain to take his father's place. Only way this can happen is if the men can keep Connor alive and out of the clutches of his half uncle, Hugh Dubh.
There are some dangerous men along the way of this story as well as some dangerous journeys. There are plenty of times Ian fails Sileas, time and time again, and people get hurt or nearly hurt along the way. Ian will do all he can do make up for past wrongs and make things right, no matter the cost as he protects Sileas, his clan and family as well as helping his cousin, Connor, become Chieftain.
I highly enjoyed this highlander book. I would even go as far as to say, it was the best one I've read to date. It didn't deal with time travel or cheesy story line or cheesy romance. I felt the characters problems, feelings, dilemmas and so forth were very real and believable.
The struggles with their feelings/emotions, how to deal with certain situations and not to give in to certain things also felt genuine. I felt like there were things that Sileas felt towards Ian, were feelings and emotions or views I would have felt as well if I were in her situation. I appreciated the fact that even though Ian deserted her five years prior, the morning after they were married, that she never gave up on him. Okay, so there was one time she tried to ...other wise she stuck it through thick and thin. Then there was Ian. He came home from being gone for so long fighting wars, drinking and dallying with other women that he honestly felt that he could waltz back in to his old life and his family would fall over him. Little did he know that he deserted them as well, even if it wasn't consciously done.
I loved the family dynamics in this story. I loved the brotherhood of Ian, Connor, Duncan and Alex. I loved the humor amongst the four men and other characters. I was glad to see that Ian knew he needed to right his wrongs and make amends in his own way and set about to do that eventually. It may have taken a bit of a scare or two, but he did it. I was glad that he could be a redeemable character. I liked that Sileas never gave up on him and that she wasn't a whiny, crying woman or a push over. I loved all that she did for Ian's family while he was away.
I liked all of the different things going on in the book so it wasn't completely focused on Ian trying to win Sileas back as his wife. There was a little romance, some steam, and plenty of other parts to make a great story. I think possibly the ending could have been a little too quickly wrapped up however, I loved that it wasn't done in a pretty neat bow. The author left some things unsolved so the story can continue for the other three men in this series. One last point to make, I was happy to see that even Gordan got his own happy ever after.
November 2, 2015
The Guardian is book 1 in the Return of the Highlanders series, by
Margaret Mallory
. I am somewhat leery of Highlander stories, and historical fiction typically strongly rooted in inequality based upon class, gender, race, wealth, culture, and beliefs. I am a strong equalist. I took a dare to read this book shuddering to read about clan wars, forced marriages, and greed.
From the very beginning, I was certain I would not be able to finish over the dysfunctional class and clan issues. Stupidity and obnoxious pride reigns disturbingly over common sense.
What I liked about this book is family taking care of family, unique sidebar stories of youth to adult walks across a fallen tree being as fearful at both. The story telling was done very well amongst many themes, plots, sub-plots, battles, and intrigue.
I know this is about Highlanders, but the main character to me was Sileas who had a disturbing tortured youth. Ian, while watching out for youthful Sileas, got caught up in a dilemma causing him to have to marry her to preserve family dignity.
Ian leaves the family and is gone for 5 years. Jerk! Returning to the Isle of Skye, after The Battle of Flodden in 1513, he is still uncertain about his marital obligations. He recognizes that Sileas has easily been adopted into his family and has become an anchor person in helping to care for his war injured father and support for his brothers.
The romance is awkward for me since neither chose their marriage or wanted to see it be sustained. Both were plotting escape routes, but Sileas hated the thought of abandoning the caring family she had resided for five years. Being a manly man, Ian was the ultimate jerk to the point that Sileas bashed him on the head TWO TIMES with a frying pan. But of course, that didn’t knock any sense into him about anything that resembled a courtship. If it weren’t for frequent counseling from his brothers he would ruin his opportunity to gain her forgiveness.
The beginning of something meaningful in their relationship started when Sileas traveled to Stirling to get an annulment to her marriage from the queen. She thankfully was attended by his one of his brothers. This element of the story started my enjoyment of this book. Here beside the primary objective being disrupted by Scottish court hysterics and Ian’s pursuit. I don’t want to give this part away to spoil it. You need to read it!
Prior to this, Ian was a bumbling romantic. Following this, their romance gained a lot of bidirectional Steam!
The clan battles and schemes rocketed into frenetic stories which were fascinating and enjoyable. The epilog was most amusing as well.
From the very beginning, I was certain I would not be able to finish over the dysfunctional class and clan issues. Stupidity and obnoxious pride reigns disturbingly over common sense.
What I liked about this book is family taking care of family, unique sidebar stories of youth to adult walks across a fallen tree being as fearful at both. The story telling was done very well amongst many themes, plots, sub-plots, battles, and intrigue.
I know this is about Highlanders, but the main character to me was Sileas who had a disturbing tortured youth. Ian, while watching out for youthful Sileas, got caught up in a dilemma causing him to have to marry her to preserve family dignity.
Ian leaves the family and is gone for 5 years. Jerk! Returning to the Isle of Skye, after The Battle of Flodden in 1513, he is still uncertain about his marital obligations. He recognizes that Sileas has easily been adopted into his family and has become an anchor person in helping to care for his war injured father and support for his brothers.
The romance is awkward for me since neither chose their marriage or wanted to see it be sustained. Both were plotting escape routes, but Sileas hated the thought of abandoning the caring family she had resided for five years. Being a manly man, Ian was the ultimate jerk to the point that Sileas bashed him on the head TWO TIMES with a frying pan. But of course, that didn’t knock any sense into him about anything that resembled a courtship. If it weren’t for frequent counseling from his brothers he would ruin his opportunity to gain her forgiveness.
The beginning of something meaningful in their relationship started when Sileas traveled to Stirling to get an annulment to her marriage from the queen. She thankfully was attended by his one of his brothers. This element of the story started my enjoyment of this book. Here beside the primary objective being disrupted by Scottish court hysterics and Ian’s pursuit. I don’t want to give this part away to spoil it. You need to read it!
Prior to this, Ian was a bumbling romantic. Following this, their romance gained a lot of bidirectional Steam!
The clan battles and schemes rocketed into frenetic stories which were fascinating and enjoyable. The epilog was most amusing as well.
January 20, 2015
This book was just okay. To be honest, at about the third of the way through I thought about ditching it as the hero was annoying me greatly. I'm not sure if I should call him a hero, more like jerk. He had married the heroine a few years earlier when he was about 17 and she was about 13 when he accidentally compromised her. He promptly went off to fight in France and spent five years vowing to get rid of her when he returned as he thought she wasn't pretty enough. Okaaaay, I get that to some degree, but the heroine was a close childhood friend, not some stranger, so I would have thought the hero jerk would have been a bit nicer because he did care about her at least as a friend, and it would have been nice if he did have some honour, you know, like honour his marriage vow or at least talk to her when he returned to see how she felt as well. Asking to much of this hero, actually.
He came home after five years all ready to jettison the heroine, but found she had grown very pretty and instantly did a 180 and thought, "Okay, now I'm going to keep her." Jerk all right. No worries the heroine was a wonderful woman, loving, caring, smart, hardworking and loved by all. No, he'll keep her because she's pretty. The heroine was aware he wanted to get rid of her, but does he discuss anything with her ... no, he just decides I'll keep her after abandoning her for five years and climbs into bed with her expecting sex for the first time, and she's supposed to go, "Oh, thank you, myyyy hero."
Okay, rant over, but he's not hero material, really, although he did seem to fall in love with her in the rest of the book, but by then I really didn't care for him too much ... too little too late sort of thing. Not sure why the heroine wanted to keep him either, except he looked good too, and I suppose she did have a childhood crush on him ... shallow bunch these medieval Scots.
This book was not memorable at all, really, except for the 180 which I probably will remember, but for all the wrong reasons. Not sure I will continue the series, as although there were other secondary characters who seemed worthwhile, I'm not sure this author gets what a hero is ... I want a real hero in my romance, not some shallow, honourless idiot I've met a hundred times in my 20s searching for my hero in real life.
He came home after five years all ready to jettison the heroine, but found she had grown very pretty and instantly did a 180 and thought, "Okay, now I'm going to keep her." Jerk all right. No worries the heroine was a wonderful woman, loving, caring, smart, hardworking and loved by all. No, he'll keep her because she's pretty. The heroine was aware he wanted to get rid of her, but does he discuss anything with her ... no, he just decides I'll keep her after abandoning her for five years and climbs into bed with her expecting sex for the first time, and she's supposed to go, "Oh, thank you, myyyy hero."
Okay, rant over, but he's not hero material, really, although he did seem to fall in love with her in the rest of the book, but by then I really didn't care for him too much ... too little too late sort of thing. Not sure why the heroine wanted to keep him either, except he looked good too, and I suppose she did have a childhood crush on him ... shallow bunch these medieval Scots.
This book was not memorable at all, really, except for the 180 which I probably will remember, but for all the wrong reasons. Not sure I will continue the series, as although there were other secondary characters who seemed worthwhile, I'm not sure this author gets what a hero is ... I want a real hero in my romance, not some shallow, honourless idiot I've met a hundred times in my 20s searching for my hero in real life.
November 3, 2012
I have been on a Highlander kick, so I was very excited to find Margaret Mallory's series. I really enjoyed the world Mallory built, the four lead male characters that will make up the series' heroes, and the heroine, Sileas. Sileas was tough and resilient and not easily trifled with, and it made her an incredibly sympathetic heroine I couldn't help but root for. It took me longer to warm up to Ian. His misgivings about his forced marriage were understandable, but I too often found his reactions and behavior for a long time after he returned home to be irritating and unsympathetic. By the second half of the book, I warmed up to him, and by the end I was cheering for them to have their happily ever after. In the end, I found this a fun, satisfying read and I went right out and bought the second book in the series. If you like Highlanders, you'll enjoy the MacDonalds!
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