The Guardian

Return of the Highlanders, Book 1

By: Margaret Mallory

Narrated by: Derek Perkins

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.

©2011 Peggy L. Brown (P)2013 Tantor

Loved every moment!

Any additional comments?

This was my first audio book and my first Margaret Mallory novel. I am now hooked on both!

The story was exciting and thrilling (I love a good mystery!) I loved Ian and Sileas as well as the side characters. I was glad that Ian wasn't the dark, brooding hero we often run into. He was funny as well as sexy, although a bit stubborn as most good heroes are. And Sileas was perfect! Not a simpering fool with a 'woe is me' attitude. I liked that.

Derek did an excellent job of bringing the characters to life, with enough distinction between the voices that it was very easy to tell who was who.

I'm definitely looking forward to more audio books and listening or reading the rest of this series.

slow start

story had a slow start. it got better but I got mad at the main male character. Not much morals until he fell for the lady.

Flaming hot Skye

A beautiful tale. Has it turned down? It was based a lot on true stories and it was a very fine story. I enjoyed the plot, the characters, the storyline, and the description of everything most of all who can resist a beautiful love story.

Ok

The MMC was not redeemed by his few actions of penance. He was unlikeable and she let him walk all over her. Story was fine but not great.

Oh Ian

The problem is that when 80% of the book is dedicated to proving what an jerk the “hero” is ~ then it takes a LOT to “redeem” him. And that was only slightly accomplished here.

A little math first. The story never explicitly says how old the characters are at the same time. However, Sileas is described as 13yo in the events from “5 years earlier”. In current times, Ian’s younger brother is listed as 15yo and also as being nine years younger than Ian.

So at the time of marriage Ian: 19 & Sileas: 13. (The marriage is not consummated). Which makes current ages would be Ian: 24 & Sileas: 18.

Anyway, there’s some prologue-ish stuff over a few years and various ages are thrown about. Essentially, a core group of guys go visit a seer who tells them all about their future spouses. Ian (11 at the time) is told he will marry first in anger and second in love. We’re also given more details including the fact that Sileas is a little “hanger on” of the group who sees her as their tiny sister and indulge her inclusion at Ian’s behest.

Fast forward to him being 19 and he finds her running away from home at 13 to escape an arranged marriage her stepfather has set up. As Ian is “rescuing” her, they have to spend the night camping in the woods. When his clan comes upon them and learn they spent the night together they demand he marry her to “protect her virtue”. Since nothing happened, Ian is furious and has to basically be threatened into marrying her. He then proceeds to leave the country the day after their unconsummated wedding. For 5 years.

Now, Ian has been enjoying himself “between the thighs” of countless women (yes, the author uses that phrase) in France & wherever over the 5 years. But, of course, he expects his bride is as pure as the driven snow EVEN THOUGH he’s intending to have the marriage annulled upon returning.

Ian then sees that Sileas has become a beautiful woman and after a few days of ignoring her, decides he’s willing to stay married to her in order to have sex with her. And basically it’s chapter after chapter of him only wanting her for sex and being confused as to why she isn’t grateful he’s finally come home.

I think the biggest problem is that this book can’t seem to decide whether it’s YA/NA or adult with younger characters. Ian & his friends have been warriors for years & Sileas has basically been running the household with Ian’s parents while he’s away ~ but they all sort of act like middle schoolers emotionally.

Ian does finally. FINALLY. seem to get his act together and treat Sileas with some respect. But until the last 30 minutes of the book, it’s still very much a generic/general respect and courtesy to another human not love. It felt like she capitulated sensing that it was either stay with Ian in a moderately respectful but loveless marriage or constantly be under threat from a line of raping assholes who wanted her simply for a castle she’s supposed to inherit. Yeah ~ this is NOT an overwhelmingly romantic story. At all.

There a very interesting story line in regards to the clans and secondary characters. That’s what saved this from being two stars.

Good old fashioned highland ROMANCE.

The storyline kept you intrigued chapter by chapter. The characters were diverse and full of Spitting Fire, no simpering daisies in this one. A relaxing and enjoyable read.

Excellent!

My first by Margaret Mallory and I’m happy to have found her. This story takes place right after the Battle of Culloden. It’s filled with treachery, fighting, and darkness. The series follows four men who have been friends since childhood. This is Ian’s story but all of them are featured prominently. Love unfolds beautifully through the danger and trials. There are a few steamy scenes but they’re easy to skip over.
I enjoyed the book and the narration.

Great story

This has all the elements of a great highlander story. I enjoyed it immensely. I loved the characters that were introduced in this book.

I love the brotherhood between the cousins, and I loved how arrogant Ian was when he came home, only to have a rude awakening when he finds some of his family is quite angry with him. I love stories like that.

Surprisingly funny!

Most historical romances do not make me laugh, I loved the humor in this one! Thoroughly enjoyable read!

yummy highlanders make me grin

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I truly enjoyed this book. It brought so much more to the tale then your standard romance... the suspense, action, turmoil, drama, and steamy romance are all combined with a steady flair... with that special secret ingredient that makes the story verrrry yummy.
Was this my favorite all time highland book? Probably not. But it ranks right up there with those I would listen to again. Worth the credit? Oh yeah!!!!