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

Lots of peril

Decent story an enjoyed the narrator. This will transport you to the land of a highlander.

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

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

Great book and story line

Guardian exceeded my expectations and I had a few times when I couldn't put it down. I loved it alot

Good

I love listening of the Scottish Highlands and Derek Perkins has the brogue down. This was a good listen.

He comes good in the end.

This was definitely a more historically accurate romance than I've read in awhile. Forced marriages, clan wars and dodgy rulers were the norm. I know I should appreciate the author for her fine work in research but in a little way, it makes the journey to happiness a little rougher. Men were the rulers and could do as they pleased and who they pleased. Obviously, this does make romance a little tricky. We have to get past the hero being a douchewaffle because of course, he fights the love bug.

The storyline was interesting and the characters showed a lot of growth from the beginning to the end.

The narrator does a great job and I found him extremely easy to listen to. Saying that, I was bloody glad this one didn't have a lot of sex scenes. Derek Perkins has a more mature voice and it felt like I was listening to my father reading. It was a little awkward and I nearly skipped listening to them.

Another great story from my Romance Package and I'm keen to step back in time with Margaret Mallory again.

Mallory is a phenomenal writer!

The characters came to life in all of their imperfect glory. They were so familiar because we have met their like over our lives. Beautifully written with descriptions of events and places that were clear and visible in our mind's eye.

ahhhhh

I wanted her to dump his greedy self righteous ass so bad she's so dumb

Can this stupid man be saved from himself?

When we meet Ian, he is full of himself and feeling abused. He does not snap out of it quickly. He struts. He assumes....I. makes a thorough ass of himself .

His "wife", who had adored Ian all her life, is a pawn whose inheritance inspired the mess of a marriage in which she finds herself. She has been humiliated by his neglect but unlike Ian, she succeeds in making a cherished place for herself in Ian's family.

Our young jerk returns home ...and nothing is the way he remembers it. His father is badly injured, his clan leader is dead, his brother, who had to assume Ian's family responsibilities too early, is angry...and his wife, now beautiful...is fed up with his crap.

There is a romance involved but the story focuses primarily on Ian coming to grips with his selfishness, stupidity, and neglect of his responsibilities to become the Guardian that he was meant to be.

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! 😀

I enjoyed this first book

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