The Guardian by Margaret Mallory
Return of the Highlanders, Book 1
Grand Central Publishing
Historical
ISBN: 978-0-446-57516-4
Reviewed by Miranda







Love is not always equal.

A Highlander knows his life will be full of triumph and tragedies, however, Ian MacDonald never anticipated marrying against his will.  Ian was in love with another when he was forced to marry for the sake of his clan.  He fled his home following his marriage and went to fight a war with his friends.

As a child Sileas depended on Ian to be her savior.  He is the only person she could ever trust but he hurt her more than she ever thought possible when he rejected her as his wife.  Sileas understands that the marriage was arranged for the benefit of the clan but she always loved him and thought that maybe one day he would grow to love her as well.  Unfortunately, he fled after their vows.

Five years later Ian and his compatriots return home to stop an evil man from becoming Chieftain.  Ian is shocked to discover the puny wife he left behind has grown into a stunning young woman.  A woman he would very much like to take to his bed.  Sileas isn’t as willing to submit to Ian as she once was.  Five years of painful memories have made her cautious when it comes to the brawny warrior.  Can Ian rebuild the broken relationship between himself and Sileas or will he lose the chance when others discover she is the perfect bounty to use to benefit their cause?

Breathtaking is not a good enough description of Margaret Mallory’s The Guardian.  Historicals are generally not my favorite genre but The Guardian made me want to take back every negative thought I’ve had about the genre.  I’ve heard people go on and on about Highlanders for years.  “They are so sexy with their long hair, fantastic muscles and let’s not forget the plaids.”  I’ve read a couple of Highlander books but none of them ever spoke to me the way The Guardian does!  I’m wholeheartedly in love with Ian and Sileas!  Ms. Mallory has created one of those couples that will instantly go on your favorite of all time list!  I could totally gush forever about how marvelous this couple is, because they are but I don’t want to give away any of the sensational details of their story.  Romance is strong and steady throughout The Guardian but it also features an elaborate plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat!  The Guardian is a vividly fierce, phenomenal novel.