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Clan Ross of Skye is under attack. Cynden Ross must travel to see The Lion, laird of the largest clan on the Hebrides, and ask for help. He has a secret weapon that he hopes not to have to use. However he may be forced to reveal the truth about his birth in order to save his clan from perishing. When he crosses paths with a beautiful woman, things becomes even more complicated.

When Ainslie MacNeil is sent to her aunt’s home in an effort to cure her melancholy, she ends up meeting a man who has an uncanny resemblance to her recently deceased betrothed. To make matters worse, he is heading to the same place. Does she fall in love with him, or is she hoping to replace her lost love?

A man with two destinies, and a woman who stands in the center.

202 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 3, 2023

160 people are currently reading
49 people want to read

About the author

Hildie McQueen

178 books829 followers
Bestselling author Hildie McQueen loves unusual situations and getting into interesting adventures, which is what her characters do as well. She writes romance because she is in love with love! Author of Romance in Highland historical, Western Historical and contemporary, she writes something every reader can enjoy.

Most days she can be found in her pajamas hiding from deliverymen while drinking tea from her David Gandy coffee mug. In the afternoons she browses the Internet for semi-nude men to post on Facebook.

Hildie's favorite past-times are romance conventions, traveling, shopping and reading.

She resides in beautiful small town Georgia with her super-hero husband Kurt, an unruly boy Chihuahua Pepito and a spoiled rotten girl Chiweenie named Lola.

Visit her website at www.hildiemcqueen.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HildieMcQueen
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HildieMcQueen
Instagram: @HildieWrites


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5 stars
181 (54%)
4 stars
107 (32%)
3 stars
39 (11%)
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5 (1%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Cherie S.
1,099 reviews19 followers
October 29, 2023
Secrets, Resentment, Romance:
Cynden a strong yet in some ways sheltered warrior and Ainslie a very naive young lady are two interesting characters that make this story very intriguing and exciting as we follow them through many heartfelt emotions on their way of discovering more than just love.
There is a guarded secret that could change Cynden's future, a villain that is filled with revenge, kissing scenes that were written so wonderfully that my heart was filled with their passion that flew off the pages.
I can't say enough about this story except it's been a long time since I have read a romance story that the bride went to the marriage bed untouched. For some reason I found that made this story very enjoyable and a treat to read.
I enjoyed the villain's outcome, and an interesting lead into a story that we get a hint of to come which sounds amazing.
⭐Cover gives you a look at what Cynden could actually look like.
👀I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced ARC copy for my honest thoughts and opinion.


1,030 reviews4 followers
November 7, 2023
Nice story but a bit confusing.

Cynden and Ainslie. I enjoyed the main characters and the storyline and the connection to the original Ross clan on Uist. Cynden is the youngest brother to clan Ross of Skye, cousins to clan Ross of Uist. Ainslie and Cynden meet while both are traveling to Uist. There is a connection there but she is grieving the loss of her betrothed and Cynden is on a mission for help for his clan from their enemy the McKinnons. That is where it got a little confusing to me, and maybe it was just me. The relationships in the MacKinnon family didn’t make sense to me. It seemed one minute the laird introduced 2 brothers and 3 daughters and then his brothers were referred to as brothers to the daughters he introduced. And, at one point 2 of the daughters had fiery hair and then it was blond. Details that led to confusion for me. I look forward to Monroe’s story.
Profile Image for Joseph Morin.
48 reviews
November 16, 2025
This is the first romance novel which I've read from start to finish. And it's... fine. Some of McQueen's prose was unclear, sentence by sentence, as to her meaning. But her descriptions were evocative, especially the erotic parts. And the characters were strong. I also enjoyed the themes of grief, and the challenges of duty to one's family. This is an easy, light read.

My big issue with The Bear is its plotting. McQueen spotlights drama on the central romance, and nips everything else in the bud. I badly craved more consequences from the family/ war story. It seems in all matters, save for romance, these characters are always cool with each other's decisions. The only person who disagrees with the main characters is the antagonist, and he's barely a threat.

The Bear is entertaining If You Read Passively.
Profile Image for Jas.
699 reviews13 followers
November 13, 2023
This was an enjoyable read. While there wasn't much of a mystery, I think that actually helped in making the book more relaxing. Both of the MCs were likeable, and their romance was sweet. The themes of grief, were there but I wish they had been explored more rather than kind of skipped over, partly by how the story jumps forward. Overall I liked it, and am excited for the next Clan Ross series, and especially Munro's story. I do wish the author would get a better editor. I usually do not lower ratings over a few errors, but it's just too frequent for me to look past. Towards the end there was just a random string of numbers at the end of a word.
Profile Image for Caligirl.
170 reviews
December 7, 2023
Meh…

So I have read all the books in this series..and I have to say this was my least favorite of all 9…. It’s the story of Cynden and Annalise and how they came together against a common enemy…. While the premise of the story was good, the style and wording in this book just seemed off, rushed or forced… it didn’t have the flow the others had.

I really enjoy this author and have read much of her material (I’m Scottish, how can I not)… so I’ll just chalk this one to her having an off day, or my just not vibing with this one …🙄
Profile Image for Marilyn.
130 reviews
November 7, 2023
The Bear Clan Ross of the Hebrides Book 9

I thoroughly enjoyed this book about Ainslee and Cynden. Secrets revealed, only to bring the families closer. The McKinnons must be dealt with and we shall see how Darach and his brothers will go forward in Clan Ross of Skye. Great end to this series Hildie. Ready to get on the Munro bus, oh yeah!!!!!
Profile Image for Marjorie.
2,099 reviews4 followers
November 13, 2023
Great Historical Love Story

This was a good book. It seemed that the battles continued even with all the marriages Cynden had a lot of enemies because of his uncle being his father.
65 reviews
November 21, 2023
Love!!

I really loved Cynden and Analiese story. It was nice to see that her character was headstrong and able to survive her tragedy and still wish for happiness. I loved the comical bantering and teasing between them❤❤
Profile Image for Ann Gonzalez.
1,499 reviews15 followers
December 10, 2023
Good story

I liked the story and the characters. The story didn't flow well at times. There were times I wasn't clear on things. Definitely needs a good editor. I am looking forward to Munro's book.
51 reviews
January 28, 2024
This was another great story although the ending was a bit disappointing, because I wanted to know more about Cynden and Ainslie’s married life. I can’t wait for the next book to hear about Munro’s story.
Profile Image for Melissa.
1,079 reviews5 followers
April 26, 2024
The Bear

As Camden Ross of Skye visits clan Ross of Uist he meets Ainsleie from Barra. They fall in love and marry. Taking her to his home finds he was to marry his clans enemy’s daughter.
Profile Image for Candace.
799 reviews1 follower
July 15, 2024
Cynden & Ainsley. Not my favorite characters by Hildie but I do like the bridge to the new clan in Skye. This book felt more like a introduction/origin book where there isn't a ton of current story as opposed to building the history of the new clan and introducing future characters.
394 reviews3 followers
April 26, 2025
Quick read...

The stories in this series are pretty much on the same premise but that all have that one surprise that makes them different and you feel you must find out what it is..
Profile Image for Edna J Bayes.
123 reviews
November 20, 2023
So Good

I love Hildie’s books and this one did not disappoint. Well, the ending did surprise me. But oh well. Can’t wait to read the next one.
858 reviews1 follower
January 15, 2024
The Bear

A cool story, I enjoyed it very much. I hope the Wolf is just as good. I am not sure I already read it.
262 reviews1 follower
February 13, 2024
Loved this!!!

Loved this book! The entire series has been awesome to read! Love the characters, adventures, intrigue, and romance! Can't wait for the next book!
295 reviews
February 25, 2025
Great story great characters series ended and set up next series with familiar folks. Highly recommend the series. And look forward to her new series NO SPOILERS
Profile Image for Angie.
107 reviews25 followers
March 6, 2024
Hildie McQueen does it again. Another great story. This is Cynden and Ainslie's story. A nicely flowing plot and well developed characters whose instant attraction have sparks flying. I can't wait for the next instalment in this series.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews

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