Tag Archive | Return of the Highlanders

Book Review-The Chieftan

The Chieftan

Return Of The Highlanders (4)
Margaret Mallory
Forever
Mass Market Paperback
Published February 2013
426 Pages
Scottish Highlands Romance
ISBN: 978-0-446-58311-4
Author’s Website

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

A Warrior’s Heart

Connor, chieftain of the MacDonalds of Sleat, holds the fate of his people in his hands. Rival clans are plotting to take over his lands, and duty determines whom he will fight, trust . . . even marry. Seeking guidance, Connor turns to Ilysa, a young lass with the gift of foresight, who reveals an approaching danger-and a passion that burns only for him. But the warrior must make a powerful marriage alliance, and Ilysa’s bloodline is far too humble.

With her powers to heal and see evil where others cannot, beautiful Ilysa dresses plainly, speaks softly, and loves her chieftain from afar. Yet when Connor finally stokes the embers of desire that have so long burned within her, Ilysa feels bliss unlike any she’s ever known. Now as he is forced to place duty before happiness, Ilysa senses Connor is in grave peril. Can she find a way to prove she is the woman he needs by his side?

My Thoughts

Summary
Connar has a duty and obligation as the Chieftan to marry a woman with politcal connections, for his clan. He has always known that he will never be able to marry a woman of his own choosing that he could love. Connor one day gets attacked and to help in his recovery, he return s to Trotternish that he has recently claimed back as his own. Connor knows that he will have to keep it from being taken from his enemies. Ilysa has been Connor’s support and has secretly been in love with him most of her life. Ilysa when seeing how serious Connor’s injuries are, she goes with him to help set up his new home in Trotternish. As she helps Connor with his healing process and help get his clan in order, she suspects that she will be losing him soon….to another woman. For Connor has decreed that he must marry and very soon. When she starts to receive visions of him in danger, it will be up to her to protect him, and help him keep from danger. With their enemies closing in soon, it will take their combined faith and love to defeat the storm on the horizon.

My Thoughts
When I first picked up the first book in this series, I wondered how much I would like it. But then again I do love a good highlander romance with sexy heroes, fierce love stories, and a plot that is full of adventure. I was delightfully surprised by how much I became drawn into this beautiful world that Margaret Mallory has created for us. This series is about Four sexy Highlanders who are best friends and have fought side by side together through life and death. The three previous books were a delightful romp of fun and sensuality in the Highlands, that only left me aching for more. I have been anxiously waiting for this most recent addition, and the conclusion to the series. Connor has been one of my favorites, and after having read his story now, he has totally captivated me. I knew that I would love reading his story, especially seeing him in previous books and seeing the connection between Connor and Ilyssa, but their romance connection doesn’t truly escalate until this story begins and develops into a whirlwind of danger and intrigue and above all a Captivating Romance that we have all been anxiously waiting for (with our fingers crossed ). Connor has had to dedicate his life to honor and duty and will have to do what is best for his people. As the chieftan it is his responsiblity to protect them. He is beyond stubborn, protective, aches for a woman to care for and to have a family. We see what a strong character is throughout the story but like any sexy hero, it is fun to see his pride brought down a peg or two by a woman he loves. Ilysa…..boy did I just fall in love with her from the first moment I read her. She has visions, and is the only means where Connor will survive, but she doesn’t fully believe in them, partly because she doesn’t always have full confidence in herself (at least in the beginning). She seemed to me, to be the type of character you can easily relate to. Ilysa has loved Connor from far away, never letting him know her true feelings, until the danger around him escalates and she has to protect him herself. Connor is very stubborn and full of pride at times, but Ilysa is not the type of woman that just accepts his word on everything as if it was a law. She has her own mind, and as she gains her self awareness and her own capabilities, she starts to come out of her shell. I loved seeing the change in her, and it was such a joy to see both of these characters compliment each other in such a harmonious way. At first it seems like they don’t have that much in common, but as they grow more intimate and closer as a couple, they work together as a team. There were so many delightful scenes with details so vividly written that made the story feel alive and full of zest. I thought that Mallory blended together such a plot with characters that are brought alive to the reader, and such intense sexual tension and riveting scenes that brought together a very moving story that will steal your heart. A Romance you don’t want to miss out on.

First Line
“Ye can’t go with Connor,” Duncan told her.

Favorite Quote
He pulled her onto his lap and kissed her with a wild, passionate abandon. Ilysa felt right. She was perfect. Extraordinary.

My Grade
5 Blossoms

Heat Rating
Steamy

Other Books In Series
The Guardian
The Sinner
The Warrior

Book Review-The Warrior

Mar3

The Warrior
Return Of The Highlanders (3)
Margaret Mallory
Forever
Paperback
Published October 2012
355 Pages
Scottish Highlands Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-0-446-58309-1

Star-Crossed

From the Isle of Skye to the battlefields of France, Duncan MacDonald has never escaped the memory of the true love he left behind. Deemed unworthy of a chieftain’s daughter, Duncan abandoned the lovely Moira to prove his worth in battle. Now, when called upon to rescue her from a rival clan, one thing is certain: Moira’s pull on his heart is stronger than ever.

Bartered away in marriage to a violent man, Moira will do anything to ensure she and her son survive. When a rugged warrior arrives to save her, the desperate beauty thinks her prayers have been answered—until she realizes it’s Duncan. The man who once broke her heart is now her only hope. Moira vows never again to give herself—or reveal her secrets—to the fierce warrior, but as they race across the sea, danger and desire draw them ever closer.

My Review
Summary
Duncan, has never been able to forget his one true love, the one woman who has held his heart all of these seven years. When she married another man, he felt as if his world had ended, but he knew he could never give her a life that he wanted to give her. Now his closest friend and his Laird, has asked him to go in search of Moira and make sure that all is well. Even though that is the very last thing that he want to do, he knows he needs to do it. Moira, felt like Duncan had broken her heart, abandoning her when she needed him. She once would have sacrificed everything to have a future with Duncan, but she knew he saw her as others did, a sheltered princess. So she ends up marrying a handsome Laird of another clan. However she fully regrets that decision now, seven years later. She is now a mother to the most wonderful boy, but his father is abusive and she knows their time grows short. Moira, knows that both her life and her son’s life is in danger. So she tries to escape, only to have her son taken from her and to almost be beaten to death by her husband, until Duncan saves her. Now it will take both Duncan and Moira working together to save her son. But Moira never expected to fall in love all over again with the one man that broke her hurt all those years ago. But now she is willing to fight for their love…but will Duncan fight for her and the love that they share?

The Hero
Duncan, knew that he was never good enough for Moira. He always felt like she could do so much better that himself, even though he knew that no one would love her like he would. But when he thought they might have a chance at a life together, her father put a stop to it and forced Duncan to leave, making him see she deserved a life of privelage. Never had such a decision been so difficult. But when she enters his life again, with no father looking over her shoulder, and her husband dead, he doesn’t want to get his hopes up by believing they might have a future together. However he wants to make the best of what precious time they have left…together.

The Heroine
When Moira was young, she made the mistake of falling in love with a man that was far beneath her in station. Now she has moved on, but her situation hasn’t exactly improved much. She spends every day protecting her son from her husband, who is very jealous and abusive. She wishes that her brother, Connor, would care enough to send help. She is shocked when Duncan saves her life when her husband beats her violently in a fit of rage. Now after her son is taken from her, she will do everything she can to find him and keep him at her side. Then a old love enters into the equation and as much as she craves his touch, its his heart she craves even more.

My Thoughts
The Warrior is the third installment in the Return of the Highlander Series. I have been fortunate enough to have been able to access it through my library. First off I have to say I just love this cover and portrays Duncan perfectly. He is well known for knowing how to sail on the sea, and is a very skilled warrior. Normally I am not a fan of long hair, but on Duncan it has a sexy appeal to it. Ducan is the silent warrior type, he broods alot and we see this in the earlier books in the series. But he also has some hidden talents we see peeking through. I also really enjoyed Moira, she had spunk. I really enjoyed seeing how protective she is of her son, and she is willing to fight to save the ones she loves. I found that a very positive quality, and I liked how she interacted with Duncan and tries to prove to him that she isn’t a fragile doll about to break. There was some good tension mixed in with a sizzling romance. I also enjoyed the secondary characters that livened up the story as well. There was also a danger element to the plot that added to the flavor of the whole story. As a side not any of those that like a good canine in a romance…this one is for you. The boy’s dog Sar is so protective and such fun to see the way he is blended in with the story. I have truly come to fall in love with the master story teller that portrays a vivid world which takes the reader back through time and makes 1500 Scotland come alive in the readers mind. Such a sexy romp that fully engages the reader with enchanting characters, a plot full of adventure and intrigue, and a sensual love story that will just break your heart. A Wonderful addition to a series that has me completely hooked. A Must read for those who love a fun and sexy highlander romance that will curl your toes!!

The First Line
Duncan MacDonald could defeat any warrior in the castle–and yet, he was powerless against his chieftain’s seventeen year old daughter.

My Favorite Quote
For a long time, he was lost in a mindless, never ending kiss. But when she groaned into his mouth and pressed her breasts against his chest, lust too long denied surged through him like a roaring river. And that river of desire swept away all the barriers he had built through all the years away from her.
To have this woman, he would die a thousand death, face any enemy, fight the very devil himself. He could never have enough of her.

My Grade On This Book
5 Blossoms

Heat Rating
Steamy

Other Books In The Series
The Guardian
The Sinner
The Chieftain

Book Review-The Sinner

Mar1

The Sinner
Return Of The Highlanders (2)
Margaret Mallory
Forever
Paperback
Published November 2011
381 Pages
Scottish Highlands Historical
ISBN: 978-0-446-58310-7

Synopsis

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

IRRESISTIBLE DESIRE
Alex MacDonald is known for his skill as a warrior, his prowess with women, and his vow to never take a wife. But now his chieftain has asked him to make the ultimate sacrifice: wed Glynis MacNeil, a lass famed throughout the Highlands for her exquisite beauty-and defiant ways.
Familiar with heartbreak, Glynis refuses to fall for another handsome scoundrel. Yet when Alex’s past sins force an unlikely union, Glynis gives in to temptation and becomes his wife. Will their newfound passion be strong enough to fight the enemy that threatens their home, their clan, and their very lives?

My Review

Summary
Alex MacDonald, is a very powerful and skilled warrior, but even more than that he is well known for his sensual gifts with women. Since he was young he vowed to himself to never get married…no matter what. But then he meets a young lass…Glynis. Glynis was once married but he was vile and abusive and ending up living back with her father. She has been getting pressure from her father to get married. Glynis has had a miserable experience with men, and the last thing she want to do is get married again. When she meets Alex, his powerful kisses make her go weak in the knee’s, and all she wants to do is hold him in her arms. Alex tempts her so verra much, but she knows he has a middle name “Trouble”. Then when they are both forced in a situation where they will have to wed. Glynis knows she has deep feelings for this handsome highlander, but can she trust him to love her back? or will Alex end up breaking her heart?

The Hero (Alex MacDonald)
Alex, has a very bitter opinion about commitment and marriage. After growing up in a home where his parents constantly bickered and argued and especially argued about him, where he felt like he was being torn apart. So he made a vow to himself to never ever get married. So up until now he has been able to resist the ball and chain. When he meets Glynis however, things start to change for him. She is the first woman he has ever fallen for, and actually wants to keep in his life. When it becomes apparent due to certain circumstances that he will have to get married….he knows that if he were to choose any woman it would be Glynis.

The Heroine (Glynis Macneil)
Glynis, loves her family very much, especially her father. But lately she has been feeling very frustrated. Her father has been putting much pressure on her to get married again. Her first marriage was a disaster, married to a husband that was abusive in the worst ways. Now that she is free of him, she is asked to marry once more. But the next time she gets married again she wants it to be out of love. And she will expect nothing less.

My Thoughts
The Sinner is the second installment in the series. After reading the first one and I just was utterly captivated, I was very much excited to read The Sinner. The Sinner is the type of story that will curl your toes and give you a feeling of excitement. Alex is a very sexy hero, a skilled warrior and is a very talented lover, able to find a woman everywhere. However once a woman starts to get clingy he flee’s as if his clothes are on fire. Then we see Alex so resistant to caring for a woman, and we see it happen. I really loved how this author weaved such a powerful story. This was a very enthralling read, no dull moments in this one. Full of sensual bed scenes, heartwarming love story, exciting battle scenes and a story that will pull at your heartstrings!! A vividly portrayed read that will excite every lover of highlander romances. A MUST READ!!!!!!!

My Favorite Quote
“I thought your first marriage would have cured ye of unreasonable expectations,” he said–and knew at once he had made another mistake.
“So, I am the unreasonable one?” Her eyes were narrow slits like a wildcat’s ready to strike. “And yet, ye would expect me to mother your daughter, manage your household, and be your bedmate for as long as ye like. And then, when ye tire of having me in your bed, I’m to stand aside while ye have one ‘discreet’ affair after another with every willing woman in the Western Isles?”
Alex shifted from foot to foot. He did not sleep with every willing woman, but it seemed best not to mention that just now.

My Grade On This Book
4.5 Blossoms

Heat Rating
Warm

Other Books In The Series
The Guardian
The Warrior
The Chieftan

Book Review-The Guardian

Feb26

The Guardian
Return of the Highlanders (1)
Margaret Mallory
Grand Central Publishing
Paperback
Published May 2011
354 Pages
Scottish Highlands Historical Romance

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.

My Review
Summary
Ian, after years of fighting along side his three companions, they have finally come home. But when they arrive home, nothing is as it should be. Ian left five years ago, abandoned the woman he was forced to marry and went to fight, and spent much time in France. When he returns their clan is torn into two. His plans are to help his friend Connor, take his rightful place as Laird. But even more than that, to claim his wife. However that task is not as easy as he thought it would be. Sileas is so different from when he knew her as a girl, she is one of the most beautiful women he has ever laid his eyes on…and doesn’t even recognize who she really is at first. Even though she once followed him around like a puppy dog, she has grown and has her own mind, and a spirit that is filled with fire and courage. He knows he has tasks to accomplish that may be close to impossible but the one that tops them all is proving to his wife that he is here to stay….for good this time.

The Hero
Ian, has always cared for Sileas. When he was younger she was like a sister to him. But when they are caught alone together, he is forced to marry her against his will. So now he comes home, and he has been gone for five years. Now that he has returned, he finds her different, so much more than he could have ever dreamed. There is also something else, he knows her feelings for him are opposite from before. Ian knows he will have to prove himself to her before he could ever gain her trust or her love.

The Heroine
Sileas, has always loved Ian for most of her life. Even though he left for five years, that still hasn’t changed. However Sileas, knows that Ian is very different, he acts ashamed of her. First off he doesn’t even recognize her, then he acts like he can just enter her bed like nothing has happened the past five years. Well Sileas isnt some humble lass, she is willing to fight for what she wants. Which is to be loved and cherished.

My Thoughts
I have been wanting to read this author for quite some time, but haven’t had the chance until now. Ever since the first book came out in this series, I have been aching to read it. So finally I am so glad that I had the opportunity to do so. The Guardian, takes us to a time back to the 1500’s. At this time, in Scotland, it starts out with four boys who want to know their fortunes. Ian’s pleases him none at all, in fact he finds himself greatly disappointed to hear that he will be married twice. Especially since he has no desire to ever get married. But we see that he does end up married, to a childhood friend, Sileas. He leaves, after being forced to marry her when he tries to protect her from her family. Not truly knowing about the circumstances upon why she left, he does marry her. Now he has returned, he finds things at home so different than when he left. First, his younger brother looks at him with disdain and mistrust. His father has suffered a grave battle injury. His wife, more beautiful than ever, but just as distant. I really loved how this story played out, there were many amusing scenes that made me almost want to cheer. I just loved seeing Ian having to prove himself to Sileas and grovel at times. I just love a good highlander who needs to learn how to be humble. I fell in love with Sileas from the start, she is so sweet and endearing, but at the same time has a fiery spirit to admire. She doesn’t just meekly let Ian back into her life, she makes him work for it, and definitely was amusing to see. I also loved the love story….it had some twists and turn, some great action scenes, a emotionally gripping tale that will charm any that loves a good romance! An sizzling start to a recent series that is sure to sweep you off of your feet!!

My Favorite Quote
‘Ye did not claim me for five years.”
He slid a hand beneath her hair and cupped the back of her neck as he leaned toward her. “Well, I’m claiming ye now.”
His kiss was soft and sensuous, caressing her lips with a tantalizing suggestion of all that a kiss should be.

My Grade On This Book
5 Blossoms

Heat Rating
Warm

Other Books In The Series
The Sinner
The Warrior
The Chieftan