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She's a spy... He's the enemy... Any attraction between them could mean death.
It is obvious he would not hesitate to kill her, but fear of what awaits, is stronger than approaching the warrior..
Assigned as leader of a contingency of warriors, Erik Larsen, grasps the opportunity to prove himself. When he makes a harsh decision that costs lives, he must decide whether to relinquish leadership, or charge forward and possibly loose his own in the process.
When Clan Ross warriors arrive to their region, Esme volunteers to spy for leaders of her village. Despite not trusting the cruel council members, she would rather be on the side of the familiar. Upon being caught by an enemy warrior, she faces a new unfamiliar opponent, her heart.
It is obvious he would not hesitate to kill her, but fear of what awaits, is stronger than approaching the warrior..
Assigned as leader of a contingency of warriors, Erik Larsen, grasps the opportunity to prove himself. When he makes a harsh decision that costs lives, he must decide whether to relinquish leadership, or charge forward and possibly loose his own in the process.
When Clan Ross warriors arrive to their region, Esme volunteers to spy for leaders of her village. Despite not trusting the cruel council members, she would rather be on the side of the familiar. Upon being caught by an enemy warrior, she faces a new unfamiliar opponent, her heart.
206 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 28, 2022
562 people are currently reading
328 people want to read
About the author
Hildie McQueen
179 books831 followersBestselling author Hildie McQueen loves unusual situations and getting into interesting adventures, which is what her characters do as well. She writes romance because she is in love with love! Author of Romance in Highland historical, Western Historical and contemporary, she writes something every reader can enjoy.
Most days she can be found in her pajamas hiding from deliverymen while drinking tea from her David Gandy coffee mug. In the afternoons she browses the Internet for semi-nude men to post on Facebook.
Hildie's favorite past-times are romance conventions, traveling, shopping and reading.
She resides in beautiful small town Georgia with her super-hero husband Kurt, an unruly boy Chihuahua Pepito and a spoiled rotten girl Chiweenie named Lola.
Visit her website at www.hildiemcqueen.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HildieMcQueen
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HildieMcQueen
Instagram: @HildieWrites
Most days she can be found in her pajamas hiding from deliverymen while drinking tea from her David Gandy coffee mug. In the afternoons she browses the Internet for semi-nude men to post on Facebook.
Hildie's favorite past-times are romance conventions, traveling, shopping and reading.
She resides in beautiful small town Georgia with her super-hero husband Kurt, an unruly boy Chihuahua Pepito and a spoiled rotten girl Chiweenie named Lola.
Visit her website at www.hildiemcqueen.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HildieMcQueen
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HildieMcQueen
Instagram: @HildieWrites
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 7, 2025
Erik by Hildie McQueen
Guards of Clan Ross series #1.
Esme has a hard life in her village. Her parents are dead and council members are cruel and she’s often ill-treated. She has no where to go plus she protects her younger brother. She will trade information for coins if she can.
Erik Larsen is the head of the guards that arrive on the edge of a village outside of Clan Ross. He notices Esme but as a guard, he cannot have or keep company with a female on a regular basis. His job is to protect and fight. It’s a harsh life.
After another brutal event under the council eyes with no help or intervention, Esme looks to Erik to earn money that she may someday get away.
This romance was difficult because of the harsh conditions of the small village and lack of support for Esme. She’s on her own and no one will help. And Erik won’t share or talk about his feelings, so Esme is left again to do what she must to survive.
Yes, they figure it out but life was tough in historical Scotland. Well, probably everywhere but this story highlights so much why I’m grateful to be where and when I am.
Guards of Clan Ross series #1.
Esme has a hard life in her village. Her parents are dead and council members are cruel and she’s often ill-treated. She has no where to go plus she protects her younger brother. She will trade information for coins if she can.
Erik Larsen is the head of the guards that arrive on the edge of a village outside of Clan Ross. He notices Esme but as a guard, he cannot have or keep company with a female on a regular basis. His job is to protect and fight. It’s a harsh life.
After another brutal event under the council eyes with no help or intervention, Esme looks to Erik to earn money that she may someday get away.
This romance was difficult because of the harsh conditions of the small village and lack of support for Esme. She’s on her own and no one will help. And Erik won’t share or talk about his feelings, so Esme is left again to do what she must to survive.
Yes, they figure it out but life was tough in historical Scotland. Well, probably everywhere but this story highlights so much why I’m grateful to be where and when I am.
January 9, 2023
Erik is book one in the "Guards of Clan Ross" series. This isn't my typical go-to trope, so I was pretty unsure of how much I'd enjoy it. But it was free on amazon, so why not, right? Coming in at around 206, I wasn't expecting an expansive, intense storyline to be honest. I was pleasantly surprised though!
The author did an amazing job with the storyline and character development. I really enjoyed Esme & Erik's story. Erik is the leader for the guards of clan ross. Esme and her brother grew up in a ... very different upbringing than Erik. The two come from different worlds / backgrounds due to that.
This was a great way to start the series off. I just may pick up book two soon
The author did an amazing job with the storyline and character development. I really enjoyed Esme & Erik's story. Erik is the leader for the guards of clan ross. Esme and her brother grew up in a ... very different upbringing than Erik. The two come from different worlds / backgrounds due to that.
This was a great way to start the series off. I just may pick up book two soon
September 9, 2022
Oh my gosh I loved Esme and Erik’s story! The writer did an outstanding job with sharing a love story not only with romance, but with strength and courage of from the people and the will to survive. In the mix of this Erik pleads an oath to protect the people from rebels whose only reason is to destroy their land. The story as well as the plot was clear and understanding. The description and details from the book worked well with my imagination, supplying the entertainment of a wonderfully written book. The romance was exciting and thrilling, although I would have liked the love scene to be a little longer. This is a page turner that kept me intrigued with the characters and their journey. Until next time my fellow readers… read on!
November 28, 2022
I'm really glad there will be a spin off for the guards of Clan Ross because towards the end of Clan Ross of Hebrides I really liked Erik and Torac. I love the switch from the laird's family to the guards. I really liked Erik and Esme but the conflict between the two did feel a bit repetitive. But I'm going to read the next book as soon as it comes out for sure.
November 30, 2022
My Musings
An emotionally charged romance with engaging characters and an intriguing plot. I loved the hero. Glad I found this one in Kindle Unlimited. Happy reading!
An emotionally charged romance with engaging characters and an intriguing plot. I loved the hero. Glad I found this one in Kindle Unlimited. Happy reading!
July 30, 2023
2.75⭐️'s
September 14, 2022
Warriors, Underdogs, Romance:
This is not your usual highland warrior romance where the two main characters are of the same status in life.
Erik the newly appointed leader of the guards for clan Ross is on a mission to clean out the villains that are harassing the travelers.
Esme and her brother have had a destitute upbringing and have been ridiculed and physically abused.
This is a very emotionally involved story that deals with much turmoil. hatred, lots of heart wrenching, and most importantly an escalating romance that takes your breath away. The question is can two people from two very different worlds come together and find the love they both need?
The story is written in a very captivating way that had me glued to turning pages.
As far as the romance scenes go, I felt they were rushed. I could have used a bit
tenderness and desire to be there.
An excellent beginning of a new series. This series picks up with some of the characters we met in Clan Ross of the Hebrides series.
Adult Advisory:
I did receive and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest opinion and thoughts.
This is not your usual highland warrior romance where the two main characters are of the same status in life.
Erik the newly appointed leader of the guards for clan Ross is on a mission to clean out the villains that are harassing the travelers.
Esme and her brother have had a destitute upbringing and have been ridiculed and physically abused.
This is a very emotionally involved story that deals with much turmoil. hatred, lots of heart wrenching, and most importantly an escalating romance that takes your breath away. The question is can two people from two very different worlds come together and find the love they both need?
The story is written in a very captivating way that had me glued to turning pages.
As far as the romance scenes go, I felt they were rushed. I could have used a bit
tenderness and desire to be there.
An excellent beginning of a new series. This series picks up with some of the characters we met in Clan Ross of the Hebrides series.
Adult Advisory:
I did receive and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest opinion and thoughts.
August 6, 2023
I really liked Erik's story! Who doesn't like a strong handsome able-bodied warrior who practices fair judgement in his leadership role as a guard in Clan Ross. He's been sent to an outpost near a village that has been attacking people passing through. During this time, he encounters a young woman, Esme, spying on their post. He catches her in the act but she is able to get away. He becomes intrigued by her and when he finds she's been abused and her living situation is very precarious he takes an interest in wanting to ensure she will be ok. He can’t stop thinking about her and it bothers him because he's never been in love. This is the start of their story. It’s a sweet one and both deserve happy endings. Enjoy reading!
December 30, 2022
Esme’s protector.
Erik is a clan Ross guard sent to make peace at the border between clan Ross and a small village. There has been a peace agreement between the two for years but now the villagers are attacking travelers and others in a nearby village on Ross land. Esme is a member of the village on the border and has been spying on the Ross soldiers to get coin for herself and her brother. When she meets Erik there is a spark and she hopes he can help her and her brother get away from the village to a better life. Erik does not trust her initially but their attraction grows and he quickly becomes her protector.
Erik is a clan Ross guard sent to make peace at the border between clan Ross and a small village. There has been a peace agreement between the two for years but now the villagers are attacking travelers and others in a nearby village on Ross land. Esme is a member of the village on the border and has been spying on the Ross soldiers to get coin for herself and her brother. When she meets Erik there is a spark and she hopes he can help her and her brother get away from the village to a better life. Erik does not trust her initially but their attraction grows and he quickly becomes her protector.
November 8, 2022
Erik (Guards of Clan Ross)
I love to read the books of Hildie McQueen. Erik and Esme was an unexpected romance for both of them and a saving grace for both of them. Esme and her brother Laithe have been thrown into turmoil since the death of their parents. Sadly for them they do not know who their parents are. Erik truly is a prayer answered for them. They go thru much together .......and apart. Do they get their HEA? Ah.....you must read this story to see what happens!! Great read!
I love to read the books of Hildie McQueen. Erik and Esme was an unexpected romance for both of them and a saving grace for both of them. Esme and her brother Laithe have been thrown into turmoil since the death of their parents. Sadly for them they do not know who their parents are. Erik truly is a prayer answered for them. They go thru much together .......and apart. Do they get their HEA? Ah.....you must read this story to see what happens!! Great read!
January 13, 2023
Esme and her younger brother were taken in by an old woman when they found themselves orphaned. Yet, having grown up to be a beautiful lass, she is harassed by the local men. It was only when Erik of Clan Ross was sent to squash an ongoing insurrection that the two met. Attracted to one another, Esme had responsibilities that were foremost while Erik captained his keep's guards. Esme remained a strong character model throughout while caring for and protecting those she loved in this excellent action-filled Scottish historical novel.
March 7, 2023
A very good story
Erik was a warrior of clan Ross who was sent to the border of Ross land to see why their people were being killed by someone of the village Creag. Esme was from the village Creag and lived with her brother Laith and Mege the older lady that had taken them in after they lost their parents. The council was cruel to Esme and Laith and they wanted to get away but could not leave Mege who was old and very ill unable to travel. She runs into Erik while spying on their group and they both develop feelings for one another.
Erik was a warrior of clan Ross who was sent to the border of Ross land to see why their people were being killed by someone of the village Creag. Esme was from the village Creag and lived with her brother Laith and Mege the older lady that had taken them in after they lost their parents. The council was cruel to Esme and Laith and they wanted to get away but could not leave Mege who was old and very ill unable to travel. She runs into Erik while spying on their group and they both develop feelings for one another.
February 4, 2024
Great
I love Hildie McQueen’s writing style and books. This one did not disappoint me. It was a great story. It was about a warrior Erik, a common lass Esme and her young brother. Esme lived in a small village ran by a father and his two cruel sons. Everyone in the village feared them, especially Esme. Erik and 20 warriors were assigned to patrol the area because travelers were being killed. Read to find out how Esme and Erik fell in love.
I love Hildie McQueen’s writing style and books. This one did not disappoint me. It was a great story. It was about a warrior Erik, a common lass Esme and her young brother. Esme lived in a small village ran by a father and his two cruel sons. Everyone in the village feared them, especially Esme. Erik and 20 warriors were assigned to patrol the area because travelers were being killed. Read to find out how Esme and Erik fell in love.
October 25, 2022
I don’t often read historical romances these days, but I never miss a Hildie McQueen book. Esme has had a rough life and suffers daily under the control of the village council. Eric is the warrior tasked with leading the laird’s men in protecting the people of Welland. Neither is looking for a romance or spouse, but they can’t deny the feelings that bring them together.
November 18, 2024
Wonderful historical fiction romance
I loved the story of Erik and Esme. This was a hard to put down quick read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Set in historical Scotland highlands of Clan Ross, in epic times and circumstances. With wonderfully written characters and engaging storyline, it is well worth reading. A quite enjoyable way to find love and belonging.
I loved the story of Erik and Esme. This was a hard to put down quick read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Set in historical Scotland highlands of Clan Ross, in epic times and circumstances. With wonderfully written characters and engaging storyline, it is well worth reading. A quite enjoyable way to find love and belonging.
November 3, 2022
I really enjoyed Erik and Esme's story. The circumstances bringing them together had me turning the pages. I couldn't wait to see how things turned out. I look forward to more. *I was gifted an Arc for my honest opinion.*
January 14, 2023
Needs an editor
So many punctuation and word choice issues, there was clearly not a proper editor on board, and it detracted terribly from the story.
The fact the story ends without bending and seems to launch into another story to sell another book is another pet peeve. 😕
So many punctuation and word choice issues, there was clearly not a proper editor on board, and it detracted terribly from the story.
The fact the story ends without bending and seems to launch into another story to sell another book is another pet peeve. 😕
October 16, 2023
Rollicking Highlander Love & Adventure
Erik and Esme fight different but converging battles. Fated to be together this story is an enjoyable romp to a more than satisfying conclusion
Erik and Esme fight different but converging battles. Fated to be together this story is an enjoyable romp to a more than satisfying conclusion
October 30, 2022
Interesting
This was an interesting and well-known written story. I am glad the guards of Clan Ross get their own books.
This was an interesting and well-known written story. I am glad the guards of Clan Ross get their own books.
November 13, 2022
Good love story
I have enjoyed this book. I felt it ended with more about Erik and Esme and what their life was like. I look forward to reading about Torac too.
I have enjoyed this book. I felt it ended with more about Erik and Esme and what their life was like. I look forward to reading about Torac too.
November 22, 2022
Another great story
I am glad that Erik got his own story . He deserved it and I was glad to read that he met a women and fell in love with her.
I am glad that Erik got his own story . He deserved it and I was glad to read that he met a women and fell in love with her.
December 15, 2022
2.5 stars
December 31, 2022
Loved it!
Erik and Esme's story is great! I loved this book and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
Erik and Esme's story is great! I loved this book and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
Want to read
January 8, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/8/2023)! 🎁
February 12, 2023
Love love
I finished the book in one sitting. I was glued to the pages. It was well written and a page turner. Can't wait for next book.
I finished the book in one sitting. I was glued to the pages. It was well written and a page turner. Can't wait for next book.
March 7, 2023
It was great read till the ending.
July 28, 2023
I liked it but it felt anticlimactic towards the end. Some of the writing didn’t flow.
March 28, 2025
I have enjoyed this series .Have some others to catch up on.Will return to the highlands in a bit.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews