The Guardian

Return of the Highlanders, Book 1

By: Margaret Mallory

Narrated by: Derek Perkins

Length: 9 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

A delicious male narration!

This was your usual Highland Romance with a bit of intrigue but what made it unique was the wonderful narration. Sometimes a good, authentic, male narration will do wonders for the story and Mr. Perkins did just that! This is about 4 Highlanders, friends since youth, their trials and finding love. This was #1 so there is a lot of character introduction but I plan to continue on with the series to see what happens with other three!

Interesting, sweet, frustrating..HIGHLANDERS!

The story was interesting from the start. I could see how the series was going to be a great one from the moment all the characters were introduced.

Mallory does a great job creating characters that inspire emotions in the reader/listener.

I am not a fan of male narrators for romance novels, so although Perkins does a fine job...just not my favorite.

I loved Sileas from the start and Ian needed a god slap now and then , but don't all Highlanders?

Great start to a superb series! Listen to the series as soon as you can!

Perfection

Loved it. Storyline was great and the performance was perfection. I cannot think of anything that would have made this book any better.

loved it

Loved it !! this story. the narrator is so fantastic it's like your really there!! good overall

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.

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!

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.