• The Guardian

  • Return of the Highlanders, Book 1
  • By: Margaret Mallory
  • Narrated by: Derek Perkins
  • Length: 9 hrs and 4 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (1,634 ratings)

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The Guardian  By  cover art

The Guardian

By: Margaret Mallory
Narrated by: Derek Perkins
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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

What listeners say about The Guardian

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

CASTLES,CLANS,A QUEEN & A MEDIEVAL LOVE AFFAIR Mmm

Right from Chapter 1 this Medieval listen will capture you and you'll get drawn into the exploits of 4 young Highland lads as their lives soon become fraught with danger as they quickly turn from boys to fearless Highland Warriors (that is of course, if you're into kilts, tight leather breeches and Claymores wielded and worn by bonny Highland brutes)..

This is handsome Ian's tale of woe as Highland honour dictated he marry Sileas but he did not stick around to consummate their marriage (don't blame him she was only 13) so he and his fellow warriors went off to fight in France. Meanwhile Sileas, who had always loved Ian and had hope in her heart, grew into a beauty and when Ian finally returned still thinking of annulling their marriage but when he saw her he was literally speechless and quickly changed his mind.

But he had a lot of wooing to do which was hilarious (especially the frying pan bit) but alas it was a sad attempt and he failed miserably (well he was caught naked and at full mast with another woman who was also naked - but he did have a good excuse!!). So Sileas (now brokenhearted) decided to get an annulment by the Queen in Stirling which was a perilous journey and was rife with sinister characters.

There's also the usual Castle and Clan wars mixed in with great characters in this action-packed plot about the plight of a couple destined for love but their romance, like the wars, had to be fearlessly won as faith and trust had to be earned first, then came the romance, sex and finally..... love.

Worth a credit? A lovely listen that'll put a smile on your face - so that folks is a YES.

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28 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Spirited Highland Adventure

This is a well written story about Ian and Sileas who find themselves circumstances beyond their control. The story basically shows how each of them dealt with their situation....both very differently. .Sileas essentially makes Ian work for it. Along the way is adventure, wooing, romance, and funny scenes that make this a nice historical romance.

The narrator was great. Overall, he did a nice job on the women's voices. I'm looking forward to book two.

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26 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Amazing! Really Great Highlander Story!

Ok... So first you have to like Highlander books or you really might not get a feel of this. If you do...u will just love this.

I love the way this book started. It stated with the four main highlanders as young boys and each one gets their fortune read by the crazy eye seer of their clan...which was just awesome... Ok... then it shifts to the story.. I mean like just when I think the action is going to die off... Bam! More action... This book was just filled with action.. I soo wanted to skip chapters just to see what would happen next..but I couldn't because I didn't want to miss anything.

What is so funny. This book didn't really read like a action book at all. It was so slow and easy going.. but then your realize after a chapter... or two... "Man, so much just happened.." "Wait... who just died.." "OMG, Ian gotta marry who" " OMG, Ian is gonna do WHAT!"

I simply just loved it. Then when Ian comes home and his reaction to his wife.. was like Woah! I was cheesing the entire book. Ok... I am sooo pre-ordering the next book which is up in late July for Alex...because his fortune was the funniest of all...and is one lady's man, but his lucky gal is not so... well lucky.. and I just can't wait for that book. It is gonna be great.! I can't believe I found this... So excited when I find a great great book. Only reason why this is not a five star is because I need more sexing that what I got. I had to wait...far far far far far tooooo long for my smexing... but that is usual in a highlander book.

Narration was one of the best in the genre and that is saying something for a highlander book. None of that gruff male stuff. Simply amazing. I telling you.. the only reason this wasn't a five star was because of the long wait for smexing... I like my smexing...!!

A total buy and it wasn't cheap either... A great credit if you have one..

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17 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

yummy highlanders make me grin

Do you have any additional comments?

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!!!!

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14 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Everything needed for a great highland romance

This was a fun listen, had a good plot, strong characters and was well-researched. The details supported the story line but did not get boring. I listen to these books for escape, not a history lesson. Naturally things are a little glossed over, it is a romance after all. But that's why it's a nice escape. Appreciated the added 'ghost' and healer, those were very much a part of everyday life for many in that time period. Thought the narrator did an excellent job, loved the way he said Sileas, and the characters were easily distinguished. Will be listening to the next in the series as soon as it is downloaded. Since it is highly unlikely I will ever get to see the real setting for these books in Scotland, I'm glad these stories are available in audio.

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12 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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9 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Ian, The Guardian

I read this ebook a while back, but was finally able to enjoy the experience of listening to the audio book. What and absolute delight to hear Anthony Perkins bring everyone to life! All of the characters are so well developed and strongly defined that listening to the audible version is like watching a movie in your head! Margaret Mallory writes with detail and style reminiscent of Diana Galbadon. This is an excellent, do not miss, audible adventure! 😀

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

wow really enjoyed that...cldnt put my phone down

great novel... not predictable or too drawn out. very happy 3 more books to go.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

Unlikable characters right from the start

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

if you don't mind characters that the author wants you to like but you would like to slap up along side the head, this book may be for you.

What was most disappointing about Margaret Mallory’s story?

The characters could not be that ridiculous in real life and still maintain a relationship. I know its fiction but characters have to be believable.

What does Derek Perkins bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I like the narrator. He is pleasant to listen to.

What character would you cut from The Guardian?

The two main characters

Any additional comments?

Sadly I bought a second of the authors books during a sale. I hope it is better.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

I enjoyed this first book

Ian was an endearing numb skull. Loved all the characters especially Sheilus. Ms. Mallory catches my fancy everytime.

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2 people found this helpful