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The Return of the Highlanders #3
The Warrior
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.
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.
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.
355 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
94 people are currently reading
1713 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Mallory
24 books1,071 followersMargaret Mallory, a recovering lawyer, is thrilled to be writing exciting tales with sword-wielding heroes rather than briefs and memos. Since abandoning the law for romance, she's become a USA Today bestselling author, and her Scottish and medieval romances have won numerous honors, including National Readers' Choice Awards, RT Book Reviews' Best Scotland-Set Historical Romance, and a RITA© nomination.
Margaret lives with her husband in the beautiful (and rainy) Pacific Northwest. Now that her children are off on their own adventures, she spends most of her time with her handsome Highlanders, but she also likes to hike and travel. You can find information about Margaret’s books, photos of Scotland, historical tidbits, and links to Margaret on Facebook and Twitter on her website, www.MargaretMallory.com. She loves to hear from readers!
Margaret lives with her husband in the beautiful (and rainy) Pacific Northwest. Now that her children are off on their own adventures, she spends most of her time with her handsome Highlanders, but she also likes to hike and travel. You can find information about Margaret’s books, photos of Scotland, historical tidbits, and links to Margaret on Facebook and Twitter on her website, www.MargaretMallory.com. She loves to hear from readers!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews
February 16, 2020
4 forbidden love's second chance with a secret baby stars
(as a note, the secret baby is totally obvious from the start, so not a spoiler ;) )
Duncan MacDonald has risen above his meager beginnings as the nursemaid's bastard son to become the most formidable warrior and captain of the guard for his new chieftain, Connor, who is also his best friend. Though the boys grew up together and Connor has never treated him differently, Duncan has always known his place and has been driven to improve his station in life. As a young man, Duncan lost his heart to Connor's sister, Moira, but he knew he would never be good enough for her as he would be unable to keep her in the luxury to which she was accustomed. When their affair is discovered, Duncan is given the choice by his chieftain to be exiled with his mother and younger sister or to go to France with Connor and his cousins (Ian and Alex, both of whom Duncan also grew up with and had a close friendship with). As he did not wish to shame his family, Duncan agreed to go to France, and he was whisked away before he was given the chance to say goodbye to Moira.
Moira could not believe that Duncan abandoned her when her father told her he had left with her brother and cousins to fight in France. Given no other choice, she agreed to marry the son of a visiting Irish chieftain with whom her father wished to make an alliance. On her wedding day, Moira stood lookout to see if Duncan would return for her and claim her in time, but it never happened. Dejected, she married Sean MacQuillains left her home for an unknown future. While her marriage was tolerable at first, the deaths of her father and older brother Ragnall at Flodden 2 years earlier considerably weakened the MacDonald clan; while Connor has been trying to rebuild it quickly, Moria's husband did not feel as beholden to keep his alliance strong with her family. Consequently, Sean began to show his true colors and has been abusive both physically and emotionally to the extent that Moira has become determined to flee by whatever means necessary with her precious son and return to her home on the Isle of Skye. But before she can put her plan into action, Sean catches wind of her schemes and vows to teach her a lesson she will not soon forget.
Duncan is infuriated that Connor has ordered him to go to Ireland to ensure that the alliance with the MacQuillains is still intact. Connor knows well of Duncan's love for his sister, and yet he insists on torturing Duncan by forcing him to be near her while she is wed to another man. As he is vehemently arguing the merit of sending the captain of his guard on such an errand, the elderly seer bursts into the castle with news of a vision of Moira in a large pool of blood. This premonition spurs Duncan into action, and he leaves immediately for Ireland to assure himself that his love is well. When he arrives, he realizes all is not as it seems and is determined to rescue Moira at any cost. But Moira believes Duncan abandoned her as her father told her that he left of his own accord, and Duncan believes Moira cared so little for him that she wed within a fortnight of his forced departure.... Will they be able to forge a relationship with so many secrets and misunderstandings between them? What will happen when their lives become endangered? And will Duncan be able to forgive what he considers to be the ultimate betrayal when he comes face to face with his own image?
What I liked:
--- A very fast-moving plot with suspense, danger, romance, and secrets keeping the reader glued to the pages to the end
--- Mostly likeable mcs (Moira made me a little crazy at times because she was selfish at times and acted spoiled at others, but she grew as a character as the story unfolded)
--- The core 4 (Connor, Ian, Alex, and Duncan) were the focus (though mostly Duncan and Connor in this book) which is consistent with the way the series was set up from book 1, and it moved the overarching story line along to set up anticipation for the final book
--- Villains you love to hate
--- Steamy goodness!
What I didn't like as much:
--- Angst in the form of miscommunication is my pet peeve - while I understand its usefulness as a tool in literature, it still makes me nuts when I feel like it goes on way too long, and it definitely did in this case
Overall, a quick-moving story line that kept me engrossed in the story until the end and made me download the final book in the series as soon as I finished!
Plot --- 4/5
Main Characters --- 4/5 (Duncan = 4.5/5; Moira = 3.5/5)
Supporting Cast --- 4.5/5
Steam Level* --- 4/5
Violence --- nothing graphic
Language --- not egregious
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild; 2/5 - sensual but nothing descriptive; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere; 4/5 - yes please! ; 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
(as a note, the secret baby is totally obvious from the start, so not a spoiler ;) )
Duncan MacDonald has risen above his meager beginnings as the nursemaid's bastard son to become the most formidable warrior and captain of the guard for his new chieftain, Connor, who is also his best friend. Though the boys grew up together and Connor has never treated him differently, Duncan has always known his place and has been driven to improve his station in life. As a young man, Duncan lost his heart to Connor's sister, Moira, but he knew he would never be good enough for her as he would be unable to keep her in the luxury to which she was accustomed. When their affair is discovered, Duncan is given the choice by his chieftain to be exiled with his mother and younger sister or to go to France with Connor and his cousins (Ian and Alex, both of whom Duncan also grew up with and had a close friendship with). As he did not wish to shame his family, Duncan agreed to go to France, and he was whisked away before he was given the chance to say goodbye to Moira.
Moira could not believe that Duncan abandoned her when her father told her he had left with her brother and cousins to fight in France. Given no other choice, she agreed to marry the son of a visiting Irish chieftain with whom her father wished to make an alliance. On her wedding day, Moira stood lookout to see if Duncan would return for her and claim her in time, but it never happened. Dejected, she married Sean MacQuillains left her home for an unknown future. While her marriage was tolerable at first, the deaths of her father and older brother Ragnall at Flodden 2 years earlier considerably weakened the MacDonald clan; while Connor has been trying to rebuild it quickly, Moria's husband did not feel as beholden to keep his alliance strong with her family. Consequently, Sean began to show his true colors and has been abusive both physically and emotionally to the extent that Moira has become determined to flee by whatever means necessary with her precious son and return to her home on the Isle of Skye. But before she can put her plan into action, Sean catches wind of her schemes and vows to teach her a lesson she will not soon forget.
Duncan is infuriated that Connor has ordered him to go to Ireland to ensure that the alliance with the MacQuillains is still intact. Connor knows well of Duncan's love for his sister, and yet he insists on torturing Duncan by forcing him to be near her while she is wed to another man. As he is vehemently arguing the merit of sending the captain of his guard on such an errand, the elderly seer bursts into the castle with news of a vision of Moira in a large pool of blood. This premonition spurs Duncan into action, and he leaves immediately for Ireland to assure himself that his love is well. When he arrives, he realizes all is not as it seems and is determined to rescue Moira at any cost. But Moira believes Duncan abandoned her as her father told her that he left of his own accord, and Duncan believes Moira cared so little for him that she wed within a fortnight of his forced departure.... Will they be able to forge a relationship with so many secrets and misunderstandings between them? What will happen when their lives become endangered? And will Duncan be able to forgive what he considers to be the ultimate betrayal when he comes face to face with his own image?
What I liked:
--- A very fast-moving plot with suspense, danger, romance, and secrets keeping the reader glued to the pages to the end
--- Mostly likeable mcs (Moira made me a little crazy at times because she was selfish at times and acted spoiled at others, but she grew as a character as the story unfolded)
--- The core 4 (Connor, Ian, Alex, and Duncan) were the focus (though mostly Duncan and Connor in this book) which is consistent with the way the series was set up from book 1, and it moved the overarching story line along to set up anticipation for the final book
--- Villains you love to hate
--- Steamy goodness!
What I didn't like as much:
--- Angst in the form of miscommunication is my pet peeve - while I understand its usefulness as a tool in literature, it still makes me nuts when I feel like it goes on way too long, and it definitely did in this case
Overall, a quick-moving story line that kept me engrossed in the story until the end and made me download the final book in the series as soon as I finished!
Plot --- 4/5
Main Characters --- 4/5 (Duncan = 4.5/5; Moira = 3.5/5)
Supporting Cast --- 4.5/5
Steam Level* --- 4/5
Violence --- nothing graphic
Language --- not egregious
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild; 2/5 - sensual but nothing descriptive; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere; 4/5 - yes please! ; 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
January 26, 2015
Listened to the audio...the narrator's voice really grew on me. He does a fantastic job with inflection and such, I just have a hard time finding old British men sexy...it sounds like a Grandpa telling the story or something.
The hero is Duncan, the biggest, baddest fighter of all four men. He lost his heart long ago and now he comes to find that her forced marriage was the reason she left him. And that her husband is horribly abusive...and other tasty little secrets. So he comes in to save the day, as heroes should.
I liked the historical notes at the end of the book. The way the dog was portrayed was a bit silly. Dogs don't have an innate knowledge of human commands. And I'm not sure what I think about having a "series villain" in Hugh. I almost feel like that part of the story is old and tired. But maybe it'll make for an epic climax in Connor's book coming up next. We'll see.
The hero is Duncan, the biggest, baddest fighter of all four men. He lost his heart long ago and now he comes to find that her forced marriage was the reason she left him. And that her husband is horribly abusive...and other tasty little secrets. So he comes in to save the day, as heroes should.
I liked the historical notes at the end of the book. The way the dog was portrayed was a bit silly. Dogs don't have an innate knowledge of human commands. And I'm not sure what I think about having a "series villain" in Hugh. I almost feel like that part of the story is old and tired. But maybe it'll make for an epic climax in Connor's book coming up next. We'll see.
June 29, 2021
I'm debating if I should give this 2.5 🌟s or 2.
The story was interesting enough but I was lost in so many intrigues and plots. Plus the Hero was really an idiot 🙄
I couldn't understand how the heroine forgave him so fast. I can understand he was 19 when he left but still.
And let's not talk about her family, they married her off and forgot about her for 7 years and then only sent for her because an old lady saw her in a pool of blood.
Also I hated how everyone just assumed that she's nothing more than some fine dresses and a silly smile. Ugh, really hateful characters.
But the heroine prevailed for her son and at the end it felt she accepted Duncan for the boy as well, for him to grow up with his father. I just couldn't see Duncan really deserving her. But it's just my opinion.
The story was interesting enough but I was lost in so many intrigues and plots. Plus the Hero was really an idiot 🙄
I couldn't understand how the heroine forgave him so fast. I can understand he was 19 when he left but still.
And let's not talk about her family, they married her off and forgot about her for 7 years and then only sent for her because an old lady saw her in a pool of blood.
Also I hated how everyone just assumed that she's nothing more than some fine dresses and a silly smile. Ugh, really hateful characters.
But the heroine prevailed for her son and at the end it felt she accepted Duncan for the boy as well, for him to grow up with his father. I just couldn't see Duncan really deserving her. But it's just my opinion.
March 6, 2018
Both hero and heroine made me want to smack them... but I loved it!
February 24, 2013
I’ve been following this series since the first book and I’ve just loved it. I don’t think you can go wrong with a Margaret Mallory book.
In this one, Tearlag (the witch) is sending Duncan to check on Moira, Connor’s sister. We see Duncan angry about being sent to Ireland to check on the woman he once loved. Moira and he had a fast and furious fling about 7 years ago, but her father found out and sent Duncan away, marrying Moira off to someone else.
This was the worst thing to ever happen, not just because she loved Duncan, but Moira’s husband beat her constantly. This horrid man made their son get rid of his dog, and beat Moira in front of him. Their 7 year old son. Suffice it to say, that the only reason she let her son go foster with a neighboring clan was she knew it would keep him out of Sean’s reach.
But shortly after their son is sent away, Hugh (the bad guy) is back in the picture, and he wants Moira’s son.
Meanwhile, Duncan is furious he has to go see Moira being happy go lucky lady of the manor. Little does he know, he’s going to prove Tearlag’s vision correct-he finds Moira in a pool of blood. This sort of rekindles their relationship, but really Moira just wants to get her son back. Especially because of something that happened with her husband (can’t tell, it’s a spoiler!).
I think the beginning started off strong, but I started to not like Moira right about here. I mean, I liked her, but wanted to see her grow up a bit.
I think the author wanted to show the younger version of Moira as being spoiled and headstrong, and not thinking things through. This may have worked a little too well with me. Like the hero, too often I felt she was still behaving rashly and impulsively. With everything that she had been through, I would have thought she’d have grown up a bit more.
It wasn’t until the last third of the book I really saw Moira’s growth. I think it was supposed to have been there all along, but I didn’t see it. Duncan and Moira have a lot of hurdles in their path, but they deal with them, and they both learn a lot about who the other is now. They are no longer young teens, but adults with a lot of hurt, anger and betrayal between them. Yet they are able to overcome their obstacles and re-fall in love.
That being said, I did enjoy the book, and I really have loved this series. I absolutely recommend this one to any Historical fan, any Scottish Romance fan, and really, anyone who just wants good romance.
***ARC courtesy of netgalley and Forever Romance
In this one, Tearlag (the witch) is sending Duncan to check on Moira, Connor’s sister. We see Duncan angry about being sent to Ireland to check on the woman he once loved. Moira and he had a fast and furious fling about 7 years ago, but her father found out and sent Duncan away, marrying Moira off to someone else.
This was the worst thing to ever happen, not just because she loved Duncan, but Moira’s husband beat her constantly. This horrid man made their son get rid of his dog, and beat Moira in front of him. Their 7 year old son. Suffice it to say, that the only reason she let her son go foster with a neighboring clan was she knew it would keep him out of Sean’s reach.
But shortly after their son is sent away, Hugh (the bad guy) is back in the picture, and he wants Moira’s son.
Meanwhile, Duncan is furious he has to go see Moira being happy go lucky lady of the manor. Little does he know, he’s going to prove Tearlag’s vision correct-he finds Moira in a pool of blood. This sort of rekindles their relationship, but really Moira just wants to get her son back. Especially because of something that happened with her husband (can’t tell, it’s a spoiler!).
I think the beginning started off strong, but I started to not like Moira right about here. I mean, I liked her, but wanted to see her grow up a bit.
I think the author wanted to show the younger version of Moira as being spoiled and headstrong, and not thinking things through. This may have worked a little too well with me. Like the hero, too often I felt she was still behaving rashly and impulsively. With everything that she had been through, I would have thought she’d have grown up a bit more.
It wasn’t until the last third of the book I really saw Moira’s growth. I think it was supposed to have been there all along, but I didn’t see it. Duncan and Moira have a lot of hurdles in their path, but they deal with them, and they both learn a lot about who the other is now. They are no longer young teens, but adults with a lot of hurt, anger and betrayal between them. Yet they are able to overcome their obstacles and re-fall in love.
That being said, I did enjoy the book, and I really have loved this series. I absolutely recommend this one to any Historical fan, any Scottish Romance fan, and really, anyone who just wants good romance.
***ARC courtesy of netgalley and Forever Romance
January 15, 2025
Re read. This is one of my all time favorite books! I do like bad boys in a book But Duncan is the ultimate good guy!! This love story is well ….just perfect.
Fourth time to read. I love this story. Duncan is the epitome of a true Highlander and how fiercely he loved only one women. This story will make your heart sing!!! 👏👏👏👏👏
Fourth time to read. I love this story. Duncan is the epitome of a true Highlander and how fiercely he loved only one women. This story will make your heart sing!!! 👏👏👏👏👏
July 26, 2012
Duncan MacDonald is the bastard son of a mystery man who never claimed him. With no name to give him credence, Duncan becomes a renowned warrior in his own right and Captain of Chieftain Connor MacDonald’s forces. He wins many a battle, but lost his heart years ago to Connor’s sister, the beautiful Moira.
But what can a bastard offer a Scottish princess?
Moira is strong-willed, strong-headed, and strong-hearted in this tale of love lost, regained, and renewed. Wedded to a man not even his own mother could love, she fights for herself and moreso for the son she bore six and half years ago.
The story begins in the middle of the tumultuous reclaiming of MacDonald lands, once ruled under the tight and cruel fist of Moira’s uncle, Hugh Dubh. Connor has since wrested control of his home, but now he and his three warriors must regain control of the lands that have been overtaken by his life-long enemies. A prologue whisks you through the affair Moira and Duncan had in their youth before both were cast away in opposite directions by her father; Duncan was sent to war, and Moira was sent to wed. During Duncan’s time away, both have faced trials and dangers that have hardened their hearts.
Moira is wife to an abusive and self-absorbed violent man. She dreams of Connor arriving to rescue her, while her heart longs to find its once-love, Duncan. Duncan is in the middle of fighting battles with Connor to regain the control and safety of the MacDonald lands.
Connor decides that it’s time he had word of his sister, Moira, and sends Duncan to check on her. After accidental but deserved bloodshed, Duncan returns to Connor with Moira at his side. But Ragnall, her son, is gone, in the hands of their enemies.
Moira and Duncan navigate the trials of the heart, while fighting through trials of betrayal, secrecy, and war to find each other and to save the young heir of the MacDonald clan.
Duncan is truly the definition of honor through this story, managing to narrowly walk that fine line between heroic honor and downright stupidity. He does it well, I might add. I thoroughly enjoyed Duncan, even with his very serious demeanor. Ms. Mallory works hard to ensure the reader understands the background behind Duncan’s approach to life and I found myself nodding at his decisions.
Moira’s driving motivation changes from joie de vivre to protecting her son and keeping her heart locked away tight. I understand her need, completely, but did find that, at times, she let her pain make her decisions for her. While I wanted to shake my head, I did come to understand why she made certain choices and had particular reactions.
The overarching storyline continues with Hugh “Dubh” MacDonald betraying anyone and everyone to regain what he wants. The fighting focuses on Duncan’s fighting and- surprisingly- musical skills. Ms. Mallory doesn’t disappoint and readers will wait ecstatic to read her final installment in the series.
The majority of the action was somewhat predictable, but that didn’t take away from the enjoyment of reading it.
With such great characters, storyline, and action, the only thing keeping this book from near-perfection is the quick changes from scenes. I had some difficulty feeling the emotions of the characters during highly dramatic scenes. While I’m not a huge fan of narrative, a bit more emotional input from the characters through action and thought would have perhaps helped me to really grasp the scene as the character felt it. The issue wasn’t enough to take me from the story, but I had to put a bit more into it in order to really stand inside of the story and feel the characters. As a result, I found myself somewhat distanced from Moira and Duncan, throughout the story.
I do recommend this book, however! The story is lively, creative, and quite historically accurate. You’ll learn a great deal, while enjoying a massively entertaining tale. Ms. Mallory obviously worked very hard to ensure her facts were straight and what areas she made fiction still hold well to history.
If you’re looking for love, drama, action, and handsome men in kilts, Margaret Mallory’s “The Warrior” is definitely a choice for you!
But what can a bastard offer a Scottish princess?
Moira is strong-willed, strong-headed, and strong-hearted in this tale of love lost, regained, and renewed. Wedded to a man not even his own mother could love, she fights for herself and moreso for the son she bore six and half years ago.
The story begins in the middle of the tumultuous reclaiming of MacDonald lands, once ruled under the tight and cruel fist of Moira’s uncle, Hugh Dubh. Connor has since wrested control of his home, but now he and his three warriors must regain control of the lands that have been overtaken by his life-long enemies. A prologue whisks you through the affair Moira and Duncan had in their youth before both were cast away in opposite directions by her father; Duncan was sent to war, and Moira was sent to wed. During Duncan’s time away, both have faced trials and dangers that have hardened their hearts.
Moira is wife to an abusive and self-absorbed violent man. She dreams of Connor arriving to rescue her, while her heart longs to find its once-love, Duncan. Duncan is in the middle of fighting battles with Connor to regain the control and safety of the MacDonald lands.
Connor decides that it’s time he had word of his sister, Moira, and sends Duncan to check on her. After accidental but deserved bloodshed, Duncan returns to Connor with Moira at his side. But Ragnall, her son, is gone, in the hands of their enemies.
Moira and Duncan navigate the trials of the heart, while fighting through trials of betrayal, secrecy, and war to find each other and to save the young heir of the MacDonald clan.
Duncan is truly the definition of honor through this story, managing to narrowly walk that fine line between heroic honor and downright stupidity. He does it well, I might add. I thoroughly enjoyed Duncan, even with his very serious demeanor. Ms. Mallory works hard to ensure the reader understands the background behind Duncan’s approach to life and I found myself nodding at his decisions.
Moira’s driving motivation changes from joie de vivre to protecting her son and keeping her heart locked away tight. I understand her need, completely, but did find that, at times, she let her pain make her decisions for her. While I wanted to shake my head, I did come to understand why she made certain choices and had particular reactions.
The overarching storyline continues with Hugh “Dubh” MacDonald betraying anyone and everyone to regain what he wants. The fighting focuses on Duncan’s fighting and- surprisingly- musical skills. Ms. Mallory doesn’t disappoint and readers will wait ecstatic to read her final installment in the series.
The majority of the action was somewhat predictable, but that didn’t take away from the enjoyment of reading it.
With such great characters, storyline, and action, the only thing keeping this book from near-perfection is the quick changes from scenes. I had some difficulty feeling the emotions of the characters during highly dramatic scenes. While I’m not a huge fan of narrative, a bit more emotional input from the characters through action and thought would have perhaps helped me to really grasp the scene as the character felt it. The issue wasn’t enough to take me from the story, but I had to put a bit more into it in order to really stand inside of the story and feel the characters. As a result, I found myself somewhat distanced from Moira and Duncan, throughout the story.
I do recommend this book, however! The story is lively, creative, and quite historically accurate. You’ll learn a great deal, while enjoying a massively entertaining tale. Ms. Mallory obviously worked very hard to ensure her facts were straight and what areas she made fiction still hold well to history.
If you’re looking for love, drama, action, and handsome men in kilts, Margaret Mallory’s “The Warrior” is definitely a choice for you!
August 20, 2012
" Four fearless warriors return to the Highlands to claim their lands and their legacies. But all of their trials on the battlefield can't prepare them for their greatest challenge yet : winning the hearts of four willful Scottish beauties. "
The Warrior is an action packed historical thriller. The third in author Margaret Mallory's Return of the Highlander series. This fast paced story features Duncan MacDonald & his one true love Moira ( sister to Laird Connor MacDonald) . Seven years ago young lovers Duncan & Moira were parted by deceit & betrayal. Duncan was sent to France to fight alongside Connor & cousins, Ian & Alex. And poor Moira was wed to a vicious man chosen by her father. Now that the old Laird has died, the four warriors have returned to reclaim his legacy from Connor's usurper uncle. Connor sends Duncan to rescue his sister & her son after the old witch who foresaw the four warrior's future has a bloody vision of Moira. The story was riveting as Duncan fights to save the woman he still loves & the son he never knew he had.
What I loved about this series : DUNCAN. He was an honorable man. However, I found inott hard to like Moira. She seemed selfish to me.... blaming Duncan for her problems.
Three highly emotional moments stand out in my mind . (1) It was an emotionally gut-wrenching scene where Duncan sees Moira for the first time since their parting. Although I understood her reasons, when she coldly stated that she didn't remember Duncan at all .... I felt like grabbing that girl right up & giving her a good shaking. (2) Then there was the moment when Duncan first sees Ragnell & realizes that the boy is his own son. The author brought forth his sense of betrayal that Moira had lied to him about the boys age. (3) Finally, the beach scene where Duncan confronts the depraved man who is threatening Moira & Ragnell. His own father.
Margaret Mallory is an amazing writer.... capable of evoking powerful emotions with her stories. I have enjoyed the first two books in this series. But this one is by far my favorite one yet. The story line was fast paced & action filled. Full of highly emotional scenes. This reader can only hope that the final book in the series ( Connor's story) will be half as good as this one .
A flying five stars for The Warrior.
My thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to read this ARC early in exchange for my honest opinion.
The Warrior is an action packed historical thriller. The third in author Margaret Mallory's Return of the Highlander series. This fast paced story features Duncan MacDonald & his one true love Moira ( sister to Laird Connor MacDonald) . Seven years ago young lovers Duncan & Moira were parted by deceit & betrayal. Duncan was sent to France to fight alongside Connor & cousins, Ian & Alex. And poor Moira was wed to a vicious man chosen by her father. Now that the old Laird has died, the four warriors have returned to reclaim his legacy from Connor's usurper uncle. Connor sends Duncan to rescue his sister & her son after the old witch who foresaw the four warrior's future has a bloody vision of Moira. The story was riveting as Duncan fights to save the woman he still loves & the son he never knew he had.
What I loved about this series : DUNCAN. He was an honorable man. However, I found inott hard to like Moira. She seemed selfish to me.... blaming Duncan for her problems.
Three highly emotional moments stand out in my mind . (1) It was an emotionally gut-wrenching scene where Duncan sees Moira for the first time since their parting. Although I understood her reasons, when she coldly stated that she didn't remember Duncan at all .... I felt like grabbing that girl right up & giving her a good shaking. (2) Then there was the moment when Duncan first sees Ragnell & realizes that the boy is his own son. The author brought forth his sense of betrayal that Moira had lied to him about the boys age. (3) Finally, the beach scene where Duncan confronts the depraved man who is threatening Moira & Ragnell. His own father.
Margaret Mallory is an amazing writer.... capable of evoking powerful emotions with her stories. I have enjoyed the first two books in this series. But this one is by far my favorite one yet. The story line was fast paced & action filled. Full of highly emotional scenes. This reader can only hope that the final book in the series ( Connor's story) will be half as good as this one .
A flying five stars for The Warrior.
My thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to read this ARC early in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 22, 2019
Rated 4.7 Star Crossed Lovers Stars
Another fantastic tale in the Return of the Highlander's series!
The Nursemaid's son and the Chieftain's only daughter (better known as the princess) fall in love? Yeah, fraid so and you can smell the heartache already, right? Oh yeah.
Only seventeen, first love, dreams of forever, but sneaking around to see one another. The chieftain finds out, puts a stop to it and boom, just like that, they don't see each other again for 7 years. When they do meet again, that's when the adventure really begins. It's a doozy too!
I adored both characters and felt for their situation, and rooted for them all the way. Fabulous story.
Another fantastic tale in the Return of the Highlander's series!
The Nursemaid's son and the Chieftain's only daughter (better known as the princess) fall in love? Yeah, fraid so and you can smell the heartache already, right? Oh yeah.
Only seventeen, first love, dreams of forever, but sneaking around to see one another. The chieftain finds out, puts a stop to it and boom, just like that, they don't see each other again for 7 years. When they do meet again, that's when the adventure really begins. It's a doozy too!
I adored both characters and felt for their situation, and rooted for them all the way. Fabulous story.
August 2, 2025
Story: 4 stars
Audio:4 stars
This was quite angsty, especially in the beginning. I think a heads up about the the abuse and violence against women would have been good.. I felt the helplessness of Moira and her young son to the core, and had to pause the audiobook a few times to get over my rage at her cruel husband. The quick death he received was not good enough for me. Duncan should have beaten him into a pulp. 😡
Anyway, the plot is action packed, emotional and overwhelming at times, but the pace is fast. The sense of danger and suspense never leaves you till the very end. Like the previous books; the main villain Hugh is still alive and causing terror all around the Isle of Skye; but every book so far has also had a secondary villain, personally connected with either the H or the h. This time it’s an evil man connected to Duncan who becomes Hugh’s ally to face-off with the Four. And like the previous books, Hugh escapes again; I guess it’s all gearing towards a showdown between Connor and Hugh in the final book. Overall, I enjoyed this one too.. Moira and Duncan’s chemistry was off the charts.. I liked seeing Duncan get out of his stoic personality and get an HEA.
I have become thoroughly immersed in this series and the realism in the stories. Highly recommended to fans of historical romances who want authenticity in their stories. ❤️❤️
Audio:4 stars
This was quite angsty, especially in the beginning. I think a heads up about the the abuse and violence against women would have been good.. I felt the helplessness of Moira and her young son to the core, and had to pause the audiobook a few times to get over my rage at her cruel husband. The quick death he received was not good enough for me. Duncan should have beaten him into a pulp. 😡
Anyway, the plot is action packed, emotional and overwhelming at times, but the pace is fast. The sense of danger and suspense never leaves you till the very end. Like the previous books; the main villain Hugh is still alive and causing terror all around the Isle of Skye; but every book so far has also had a secondary villain, personally connected with either the H or the h. This time it’s an evil man connected to Duncan who becomes Hugh’s ally to face-off with the Four. And like the previous books, Hugh escapes again; I guess it’s all gearing towards a showdown between Connor and Hugh in the final book. Overall, I enjoyed this one too.. Moira and Duncan’s chemistry was off the charts.. I liked seeing Duncan get out of his stoic personality and get an HEA.
I have become thoroughly immersed in this series and the realism in the stories. Highly recommended to fans of historical romances who want authenticity in their stories. ❤️❤️
February 4, 2013
Duncan MacDonald knows that lovely Moira, his best friend's sister, is not for him. She's a laird's daughter, he's a nameless bastard. But when she sets out to seduce him, he can't resist. He keeps warning her that the day her father finds out about them, he's toast, but Moira is naïve and spoiled, and she truly believes that if she tells her da she wants Duncan, she'll get what she wants.
The only reason Duncan's not dead is cuz a seer told Moira's father that he'd one day save Connor's life. So he gets to live…
And as for Moira, her da hooks her up with a real winner.
Seven years later, Duncan's back, and a seer tells him Moira's in mortal danger to hie his arse off to the rescue. He's been pining for her all these years, but she obviously didn't feel the same way—she married this other guy not two weeks after he sailed away. So he's a little reluctant.
But, of course, he goes.
Moira, meanwhile, has had about as much of wedded bliss as she can stand. The last time Sean (her hubby) decided to beat her, little Ragnall, her six and a half year old son (note the timing), tried to defend her. The nasty bastard (the father, not the son) punished the boy by making him get rid of his dog Sar.
My favorite breed.
Moira uses her wiles to try to trick Sean's brother into helping them escape. Sean feeds his brother to the fish and fosters Ragnall out to the MacLeods—Moira's clan's bitter enemies—to punish her.
When Duncan arrives and asks to see her, he's unfortunately not too subtle in the way he looks at her. And Sean takes one good look at him and, well, if Moira wasn't in danger before, she's toast now. Seems Ragnall bears a more than passing resemblance to his da.
Moira becomes a widow that night in order to avoid becoming dead. Duncan spirits her off the island and they head for home with Sean's clan hot on their keel. A storm saves their arses, but they have to divert to another island to seek a healer after someone is hurt. The clan in this town is related to Duncan's mum, and while he's there, Duncan learns who his true father is. The man kidnapped and raped Duncan's mum, then was forced to send her home (along with a payment) when her grandfather complained to the laird. Coincidentally, the bastard (Duncan's father, not Duncan or Ragnall) also is babysitting Ragnall while the MacLeod laird is away.
About the ending, I'll just say Duncan finally gets to make his daddy proud, and gain a family he never knew he had. It's just (sniff) heartwarming.
All kidding aside, I find myself looking forward to the next installment in the series. This one deserves at least four stars.
The only reason Duncan's not dead is cuz a seer told Moira's father that he'd one day save Connor's life. So he gets to live…
And as for Moira, her da hooks her up with a real winner.
Seven years later, Duncan's back, and a seer tells him Moira's in mortal danger to hie his arse off to the rescue. He's been pining for her all these years, but she obviously didn't feel the same way—she married this other guy not two weeks after he sailed away. So he's a little reluctant.
But, of course, he goes.
Moira, meanwhile, has had about as much of wedded bliss as she can stand. The last time Sean (her hubby) decided to beat her, little Ragnall, her six and a half year old son (note the timing), tried to defend her. The nasty bastard (the father, not the son) punished the boy by making him get rid of his dog Sar.
My favorite breed.
Moira uses her wiles to try to trick Sean's brother into helping them escape. Sean feeds his brother to the fish and fosters Ragnall out to the MacLeods—Moira's clan's bitter enemies—to punish her.
When Duncan arrives and asks to see her, he's unfortunately not too subtle in the way he looks at her. And Sean takes one good look at him and, well, if Moira wasn't in danger before, she's toast now. Seems Ragnall bears a more than passing resemblance to his da.
Moira becomes a widow that night in order to avoid becoming dead. Duncan spirits her off the island and they head for home with Sean's clan hot on their keel. A storm saves their arses, but they have to divert to another island to seek a healer after someone is hurt. The clan in this town is related to Duncan's mum, and while he's there, Duncan learns who his true father is. The man kidnapped and raped Duncan's mum, then was forced to send her home (along with a payment) when her grandfather complained to the laird. Coincidentally, the bastard (Duncan's father, not Duncan or Ragnall) also is babysitting Ragnall while the MacLeod laird is away.
About the ending, I'll just say Duncan finally gets to make his daddy proud, and gain a family he never knew he had. It's just (sniff) heartwarming.
All kidding aside, I find myself looking forward to the next installment in the series. This one deserves at least four stars.
April 4, 2013
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 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 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!!
March 24, 2013
Originally reviewed at www.devastatingreads.blogspot.com
I really like Margaret Mallory's Return of the Highlander series. I was looking forward to Duncan's story and I was not disappointed. From the previous two books, we know that Duncan had loved and lost that love earlier in his life. While the woman in question, is still alive, Duncan doesn't have any hope of winning her back because Moira is married.
We lean a lot about Duncan in this novel. For instance, we already knew about his past history with Moira to some degree, and we knew that he was a great warrior. Big, brawny, the most skillful of Conner's men, Duncan always had this air of mystery about him because he was the strong and silent type. It's been pretty clear that he's been broken hearted for a long time. But in this book, we learn a lot about Duncan that I was expecting. I expected that there would be some misunderstanding between him and Moira, but I hadn't expected it to be so...personal on Duncan's part. While Moria's father is the reason why Duncan and Moira didn't have their HEA when they were younger, what's really kept Duncan away from Moira is that fact that he himself doesn't believe he's good enough for her because he has no idea who he his father was, and I wasn't expecting him to feel the need to prove himself worthy of Moira. I was delighted to find out how sweet and passionate he is, and I admire his unflinchingly loyalty. There's something really romantic about how steadfast his love for Moira is, so I really enjoyed Duncan.
Moira, on the other hand...well, she's feisty and she knows her own mind and I admire that. I appreciate she felt abandoned by Duncan and even betrayed. I know she has a hard time trusting Duncan not only because of what Sean has done to her, but because she feels unsure that Duncan didn't leave her of his own accord. I get it, it's just she made me mad how stubbornly she held on to the idea that Duncan didn't think she could care take of herself. I also thought she was rather hard on Duncan. The poor man must have told her a hundred times he loved her, and yet there was always some niggling reason she couldn't bring herself to really trust in that love. It got irksome after a while I thought.
The plot is full of twists and we're beginning to see the beginning of the end being played out. I'm anticipating in that in the next novel, Conner will have defeated all the MacDonald enemies and claimed back all of their lands. He'll establish himself as the undisputed chieftain, and I'm sure we'll get to see Hugh defeated. I'm rather looking forward to it. This series has a good dosing of action and I love that about it, because everyone gets involved--from the warriors to small children. I loved the way each of these highlanders love stories have played out so far, and I have a sneaking suspicion that the next novel, The Chieftain, will be the best yet.
4glittering stars
I really like Margaret Mallory's Return of the Highlander series. I was looking forward to Duncan's story and I was not disappointed. From the previous two books, we know that Duncan had loved and lost that love earlier in his life. While the woman in question, is still alive, Duncan doesn't have any hope of winning her back because Moira is married.
We lean a lot about Duncan in this novel. For instance, we already knew about his past history with Moira to some degree, and we knew that he was a great warrior. Big, brawny, the most skillful of Conner's men, Duncan always had this air of mystery about him because he was the strong and silent type. It's been pretty clear that he's been broken hearted for a long time. But in this book, we learn a lot about Duncan that I was expecting. I expected that there would be some misunderstanding between him and Moira, but I hadn't expected it to be so...personal on Duncan's part. While Moria's father is the reason why Duncan and Moira didn't have their HEA when they were younger, what's really kept Duncan away from Moira is that fact that he himself doesn't believe he's good enough for her because he has no idea who he his father was, and I wasn't expecting him to feel the need to prove himself worthy of Moira. I was delighted to find out how sweet and passionate he is, and I admire his unflinchingly loyalty. There's something really romantic about how steadfast his love for Moira is, so I really enjoyed Duncan.
Moira, on the other hand...well, she's feisty and she knows her own mind and I admire that. I appreciate she felt abandoned by Duncan and even betrayed. I know she has a hard time trusting Duncan not only because of what Sean has done to her, but because she feels unsure that Duncan didn't leave her of his own accord. I get it, it's just she made me mad how stubbornly she held on to the idea that Duncan didn't think she could care take of herself. I also thought she was rather hard on Duncan. The poor man must have told her a hundred times he loved her, and yet there was always some niggling reason she couldn't bring herself to really trust in that love. It got irksome after a while I thought.
The plot is full of twists and we're beginning to see the beginning of the end being played out. I'm anticipating in that in the next novel, Conner will have defeated all the MacDonald enemies and claimed back all of their lands. He'll establish himself as the undisputed chieftain, and I'm sure we'll get to see Hugh defeated. I'm rather looking forward to it. This series has a good dosing of action and I love that about it, because everyone gets involved--from the warriors to small children. I loved the way each of these highlanders love stories have played out so far, and I have a sneaking suspicion that the next novel, The Chieftain, will be the best yet.
4glittering stars
July 26, 2012
This review also appears on my blog at http://www.thegoldenruleof666.blogspo...
I LOVED The Warrior. It was a brilliant book with romance, action, and drama. Basically, it was perfection.
All of the characters were well built. There was more to each one than just their assigned role. Even the antagonists had more than one side. All of them catch your interest and make you feel something for them, be it love, hate, or something in between.
Moira is definitely a survivor. After years of marriage with an abusive husband, she emerges stronger than ever. She will do anything for the sake of her son, Ragnall, even enduring a marriage with a violent man. And when it came down to fighting for her life, she wasn't afraid to do whatever it took to stay alive. It was all very admirable. And she doesn't hold grudges. I was worried that I would end up with a book where Moira spent 90% of it acting like a shrew because she can't forgive. But, thankfully, she is forgiving. But she's no doormat. She wasn't afraid to call Duncan out on his crap and get her way. I really liked her character. She's probably one of the best romance heroines I've seen.
Duncan was also a fun character. He left Moira years ago after her father found out about their relationship and sent Duncan away. There's more to it than that, reasons that go deeper. But I'll let you discover that for yourself. But besides that, he proves to be a great hero. He's sweet with Moira and protective of her. After making a mistake the first time around, he's determined to do it right this time. And I loved how he acted with Ragnall. He was sweet with the little boy, and as protective over him as he was with Moira. He's definitely a worthy love interest.
The plot was fast paced and never had a dull moment. There are a few twists along the way, but nothing very big. The ending was perfect, not a single complaint there.
The Warrior is a wonderful book that combines romance with action and quite a bit of drama. I adored it!
5/5
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy!
I LOVED The Warrior. It was a brilliant book with romance, action, and drama. Basically, it was perfection.
All of the characters were well built. There was more to each one than just their assigned role. Even the antagonists had more than one side. All of them catch your interest and make you feel something for them, be it love, hate, or something in between.
Moira is definitely a survivor. After years of marriage with an abusive husband, she emerges stronger than ever. She will do anything for the sake of her son, Ragnall, even enduring a marriage with a violent man. And when it came down to fighting for her life, she wasn't afraid to do whatever it took to stay alive. It was all very admirable. And she doesn't hold grudges. I was worried that I would end up with a book where Moira spent 90% of it acting like a shrew because she can't forgive. But, thankfully, she is forgiving. But she's no doormat. She wasn't afraid to call Duncan out on his crap and get her way. I really liked her character. She's probably one of the best romance heroines I've seen.
Duncan was also a fun character. He left Moira years ago after her father found out about their relationship and sent Duncan away. There's more to it than that, reasons that go deeper. But I'll let you discover that for yourself. But besides that, he proves to be a great hero. He's sweet with Moira and protective of her. After making a mistake the first time around, he's determined to do it right this time. And I loved how he acted with Ragnall. He was sweet with the little boy, and as protective over him as he was with Moira. He's definitely a worthy love interest.
The plot was fast paced and never had a dull moment. There are a few twists along the way, but nothing very big. The ending was perfect, not a single complaint there.
The Warrior is a wonderful book that combines romance with action and quite a bit of drama. I adored it!
5/5
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy!
November 13, 2012
MY THOUGHTS
LOVED IT
Dog Alert!
Moira falls in love with Duncan as a teen and Duncan returns that love but realizes she is above him in class and there is no future for them. So when Duncan departs to fight in France, Moira is left at home and pregnant with his son. Her father marries her off to another clan ruler, Sean, who beats and abuses her since she is longer near her family and their protections. With only a wolfhound to protect her and her son against Sean, he forces Ragnall to choose between the dog or his mother. Right then, Moira plans to escape. Let's just say it doesn't end well for Sean. Duncan shows up right on schedule, although Moira would rather it be the devil to save her.
Even more devastating is that Moira must leave Ragnall with another clan leader for protection. Of course, there are a few battles and arguments between the pair before they realize that they are meant for each other as well as some family issues that must be cleared up before they can be together. The true hero of this book is Sar, the wolfhound. Big Sigh. I fell in love with this dog as it protected Moira from evil men and even a wolf attack. Although Moira had her moments of not thinking clearly, she always put her son first and over came the circumstances of being a lady in the 1500's. As I turned the last page, I thought: I would be so happy if it ended right here.
Even though this book is part of a series, it stands alone. I know I have read others in the series and a few of the characters cross over but you won't get lost in any way. Overall, this is one fun read and filled with romance of Highlanders.
LOVED IT
Dog Alert!
Moira falls in love with Duncan as a teen and Duncan returns that love but realizes she is above him in class and there is no future for them. So when Duncan departs to fight in France, Moira is left at home and pregnant with his son. Her father marries her off to another clan ruler, Sean, who beats and abuses her since she is longer near her family and their protections. With only a wolfhound to protect her and her son against Sean, he forces Ragnall to choose between the dog or his mother. Right then, Moira plans to escape. Let's just say it doesn't end well for Sean. Duncan shows up right on schedule, although Moira would rather it be the devil to save her.
Even more devastating is that Moira must leave Ragnall with another clan leader for protection. Of course, there are a few battles and arguments between the pair before they realize that they are meant for each other as well as some family issues that must be cleared up before they can be together. The true hero of this book is Sar, the wolfhound. Big Sigh. I fell in love with this dog as it protected Moira from evil men and even a wolf attack. Although Moira had her moments of not thinking clearly, she always put her son first and over came the circumstances of being a lady in the 1500's. As I turned the last page, I thought: I would be so happy if it ended right here.
Even though this book is part of a series, it stands alone. I know I have read others in the series and a few of the characters cross over but you won't get lost in any way. Overall, this is one fun read and filled with romance of Highlanders.
June 14, 2020
As with Alex, I was really looking forward to silent & steady Duncan’s book and it didn’t disappoint. Second chance, secret baby (it’s not a secret to the readers, so this isn’t a spoiler), Hero who doesn’t see his own worth, strong woman finally escaping - lots of great tropes in this one. While I had a few issues with Moira trying to prove she wasn’t spoiled and immature by being spoiled and immature - it didn’t last too long and overall I enjoyed their relationship.
I think what I really enjoy about this series is that the action/adventure/mystery is so well done. I continue to be drawn in by the clan “politics”. From the author’s notes at the end of each book - it’s obvious she’s put a lot of effort into researching the locations & era and it comes through in the writing.
Derek Perkins’ narration continues to be excellent. He keeps voices consistent through each book which makes this series easy to binge.
Trigger warning: (possible spoilers)
Moira’s husband is abusive and there’s a fairly graphic scene where he attempts to murder her.
I think what I really enjoy about this series is that the action/adventure/mystery is so well done. I continue to be drawn in by the clan “politics”. From the author’s notes at the end of each book - it’s obvious she’s put a lot of effort into researching the locations & era and it comes through in the writing.
Derek Perkins’ narration continues to be excellent. He keeps voices consistent through each book which makes this series easy to binge.
Trigger warning: (possible spoilers)
Moira’s husband is abusive and there’s a fairly graphic scene where he attempts to murder her.
April 12, 2020
This delivered so much angst I thought I’d pass out from the goodness of it. It has trope after trope that I am here for as well. Second chances, secret little ones, parental forced separation. Just so many good trope that instantly make me pick up a book. This is another case of a side character who needed his own tale really really delivering.
November 29, 2012
This is a beautiful story about wounded warrior named Duncan and his teenage sweetheart Moira, princess of the MacDonald clan. Duncan has been ordered by Laird to fight in France and left Moira. He doesn't want to go but Duncan knows he's just a bastard son. Moira thought Duncan abandoned her. When she realized she's pregnant Duncan's child, her father arranged her to married with abusive man, Sean.
Duncan was having a doubt with Sean and start looking for her in castle. He heard Moira's screams, and saw blood everywhere. Moira killed her husband and saved by Duncan.
Duncan and Moira still loves each other but the trust has been faded because of misunderstanding. They thought they were abandoned.
The true hero in "The Warrior" is Sar, wolfhound. I googled about wolfhound and the dog is huge. Wow!!!
I loved both characters. The plot fast, a quick read and perfect ending. I can't wait for "The Chieftan". Connor and Ilysa's story.
November 13, 2012
I couldn't have picked a better book to initiate me into the world of Margaret Mallory's Return of the Highlanders. Having never read one of Ms. Mallory's books I had no idea what to expect, but after reading "The Warrior", in one sitting (!), I went out to buy the first 2 in the series. Duncan and Moira's
story grabbed my attention from the first paragraph to the last. From their heartbreaking separation to their reuniting in Moira's husbands keep, the twists and turns of their story keeps the reader wondering "what else could happen?" and then something DOES happen! As I said before I read this in one sitting, thank God for 2 hour toddler naps :D , because I could not put it down. The villain, or villains, were just evil enough to make them believable and surprising in certain ways.
I look forward to seeing how the prevailing villain is dispatched in the next novel The Chieftain.
Keep 'em coming Ms. Mallory!
story grabbed my attention from the first paragraph to the last. From their heartbreaking separation to their reuniting in Moira's husbands keep, the twists and turns of their story keeps the reader wondering "what else could happen?" and then something DOES happen! As I said before I read this in one sitting, thank God for 2 hour toddler naps :D , because I could not put it down. The villain, or villains, were just evil enough to make them believable and surprising in certain ways.
I look forward to seeing how the prevailing villain is dispatched in the next novel The Chieftain.
Keep 'em coming Ms. Mallory!
February 4, 2019
Questo tra i primi tre libri è, a mio parere, il più interessante e coinvolgente. I due protagonisti soffrono, sono in pericolo di vita, vengono separati e riuniti in un racconto appassionante e ricco di colpi di scena.
La base è la medesima, lui, lei, amore contrastato; ma qui c’è di più, qui abbiamo due amanti separati dal padre di lei in modo arbitrario e autoritario, ai quali è stata nascosta la vera causa della separazione e per questo hanno “sporcato” il loro amore con risentimento reciproco. Aggiungiamo anche che Duncan è un figlio illegittimo e quindi si sente inferiore a Moira, essendo non di nobili origini, che Moira lo odia profondamente pensando che l’abbia abbandonata e che quindi il suo nefasto matrimonio sia tutta una sua responsabilità, che il marito di Moira è uno psicopatico violento e che, nel frattempo, Duncan, capo delle guardie di Connor, deve giocare all’infiltrato tra le fila nemiche rischiando la pelle. Bell’atmosfera in cui sviluppare una storia d’amore, vero? Eppure tra periodi di prigionia, colpi di spade e pugnali, tentativi di omicidio, i due protagonisti riescono a recuperare fiducia in loro stessi, a riscoprirsi e a tornare ad amarsi.
Una nota: in tutta la serie sono presenti bambini che giocano sempre un ruolo importante, ma non tanto nei confronti delle donne, quanto degli uomini. Questi impavidi guerrieri hanno un cuore, e che cuore! Clan, famiglia, compagne, figli: tutto è di primaria importanza e gli uomini sono disposti a ogni sacrificio per proteggerli.
Tornando ai due protagonisti di questo volume, finora sono quelli che ho preferito, quelli che hanno faticato di più e hanno dimostrato coerenza e carattere. Duncan è un mito! Saldo nel cuore e nel fisico trasmette certezze e senso di pace, infatti per la pace lotterà.
Chiuso questo volume non mi resta altro che iniziare l’ultimo, dedicato a Connor, il signore del clan, e so già che finito quest’ultimo avrò una terribile nostalgia di questi guerrieri e del loro “my siorghrà”, mio eterno amore.
La base è la medesima, lui, lei, amore contrastato; ma qui c’è di più, qui abbiamo due amanti separati dal padre di lei in modo arbitrario e autoritario, ai quali è stata nascosta la vera causa della separazione e per questo hanno “sporcato” il loro amore con risentimento reciproco. Aggiungiamo anche che Duncan è un figlio illegittimo e quindi si sente inferiore a Moira, essendo non di nobili origini, che Moira lo odia profondamente pensando che l’abbia abbandonata e che quindi il suo nefasto matrimonio sia tutta una sua responsabilità, che il marito di Moira è uno psicopatico violento e che, nel frattempo, Duncan, capo delle guardie di Connor, deve giocare all’infiltrato tra le fila nemiche rischiando la pelle. Bell’atmosfera in cui sviluppare una storia d’amore, vero? Eppure tra periodi di prigionia, colpi di spade e pugnali, tentativi di omicidio, i due protagonisti riescono a recuperare fiducia in loro stessi, a riscoprirsi e a tornare ad amarsi.
Una nota: in tutta la serie sono presenti bambini che giocano sempre un ruolo importante, ma non tanto nei confronti delle donne, quanto degli uomini. Questi impavidi guerrieri hanno un cuore, e che cuore! Clan, famiglia, compagne, figli: tutto è di primaria importanza e gli uomini sono disposti a ogni sacrificio per proteggerli.
Tornando ai due protagonisti di questo volume, finora sono quelli che ho preferito, quelli che hanno faticato di più e hanno dimostrato coerenza e carattere. Duncan è un mito! Saldo nel cuore e nel fisico trasmette certezze e senso di pace, infatti per la pace lotterà.
Chiuso questo volume non mi resta altro che iniziare l’ultimo, dedicato a Connor, il signore del clan, e so già che finito quest’ultimo avrò una terribile nostalgia di questi guerrieri e del loro “my siorghrà”, mio eterno amore.
October 21, 2018
I’ve been craving a good medieval romance and this one delivered! It’s a second chance romance with a secret baby and good lord did I gobble it up and read in one sitting!
. .
Our hero was born a bastard but couldn’t help falling for his Laird’s precious daughter. When her father finds out he gets sent away and a marriage is arranged for our heroine. 7 years later and our heroine is in an abusive relationship and our hero comes to the rescue having worked his way up and now made a name for himself.
. .
This book was full of action and romance and Clan feuding and I didn’t even mind that it wasn’t as steamy as I was hoping for. Both characters definitely had a lot of growing up to do from their youth which they definitely did for their relationship to actually work the second time around. I need more medieval romance in my life!
. .
Our hero was born a bastard but couldn’t help falling for his Laird’s precious daughter. When her father finds out he gets sent away and a marriage is arranged for our heroine. 7 years later and our heroine is in an abusive relationship and our hero comes to the rescue having worked his way up and now made a name for himself.
. .
This book was full of action and romance and Clan feuding and I didn’t even mind that it wasn’t as steamy as I was hoping for. Both characters definitely had a lot of growing up to do from their youth which they definitely did for their relationship to actually work the second time around. I need more medieval romance in my life!
January 15, 2025
I thought this book might be my favorite in the series, however I think it's actually my least favorite. After two incredible FMCs, Sileas and Glynis, I found Moira incredibly annoying. For so much of the book she just seemed so spoiled and full of herself. I also didn't like the way she seemed to look down at Ilysa. Honestly, Tearlag calling her an ungrateful lass might have been my favorite part of the whole book. And my dislike of Moira eventually bled into frustration with Duncan, because why did he like her so much? The book is still well written, but of the series, I just did not enjoy Moira and Duncan's love story the way I did the others at all.
February 11, 2018
Didn't really have any depth.
December 1, 2012
Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.blogsp...
Margaret Mallory, as she has often done before, pulls the reader into a memorable vicarious experience in long-ago Scotland. Her rich, eloquent writing style sweeps the reader into a sensory loaded adventure—spine-tingling, sometimes frightening, and, best of all, has magical love scenes that take the breath away, set the heart pounding, and assures one that true love finds a way—even if it is thwarted at every turn. The Warrior is another of Return of the Highlanders series. It sizzles with love and captivates with intrigues, and sends the heart racing with the dangers.
Eight years after the warrior Duncan last saw Moira MacDonald, Tearleg, the clan seer, tells him she heard Moira’s voice, sees a pool of blood, then a savage storm. He must go to her. It will change his fate and help the clan in its time of need. Connor, Moira’s brother now the chieftain of the clan, tells Duncan to go.
Seventeen-year-old, willful, beautiful, spoiled Moira MacDonald has her chieftain father wrapped around her little finger and thinks she has eluded detection as she meets Duncan in their special place. Then Duncan leaves without telling her goodbye. He goes to war in France. She doesn’t know the truth about why he left. But angry, bitter, broken-hearted and desperate, she marries the Irish chieftain MacQuillan. Her charmed first seventeen years of life deteriorated to years of a living hell, fearing for her life, trying to protect her son, and keeping both their souls from being destroyed by her cruel, abusive husband. She becomes a complex individual with unique strengths. She blames Duncan for her misery and guards her heart, feeling she could not survive it being ripped to shreds again. While some of her selfish traits seem ingrained into her very being, they serve her well. Her intelligence and understanding of human nature prove invaluable to her and her clan.
Now captain of guard for the MacDonald clan, Duncan is a mighty warrior and respected by his men. The bastard son of the nursemaid for Connor and Moira, he’d grown up with them. He and Connor watch each other’s backs as they fight the enemy. They trust each other implicitly—tried and true friends. Silently Duncan carries the shame of his sire violating the Highland tradition requiring the man claim his child, regardless of whether he is married to the mother or not. Their stations in life are very different, but it does not show in their relationship. However, Duncan knows it is different with Moira. Even though she is his forever love, he believes she has to wed a chieftain of another clan to strengthen alliances according to custom.
Secondary characters add a rich, varied texture to The Warrior. The antagonists are fearful, mighty force that test the mettle of all the Macdonald clan. They keep the tension high. One of the most interesting characters is the wolfhound Sar. He is forever loyal to Moira and her son Ragnall, but proves to be a true ally to Duncan in a time that is pivotal to the plot. Tearleg, the seer, adds a touch of humor as well as a touch of the supernatural, while Ilsya, Duncan’s sister, also adds a touch of the supernatural but most of all she lets the reader see loyalty, industry, and unrequited love. So many more of the characters are intriguing and all blend to create a mesmerizing story.
If you have read The Guardian and/ or The Sinner you will get to caught up on some old acquaintances. If you have not then The Warrior is a great place to start. I am looking forward to The Chieftain.
The Warrior is a riveting historical tale that throbs with life and love.
Margaret Mallory, as she has often done before, pulls the reader into a memorable vicarious experience in long-ago Scotland. Her rich, eloquent writing style sweeps the reader into a sensory loaded adventure—spine-tingling, sometimes frightening, and, best of all, has magical love scenes that take the breath away, set the heart pounding, and assures one that true love finds a way—even if it is thwarted at every turn. The Warrior is another of Return of the Highlanders series. It sizzles with love and captivates with intrigues, and sends the heart racing with the dangers.
Eight years after the warrior Duncan last saw Moira MacDonald, Tearleg, the clan seer, tells him she heard Moira’s voice, sees a pool of blood, then a savage storm. He must go to her. It will change his fate and help the clan in its time of need. Connor, Moira’s brother now the chieftain of the clan, tells Duncan to go.
Seventeen-year-old, willful, beautiful, spoiled Moira MacDonald has her chieftain father wrapped around her little finger and thinks she has eluded detection as she meets Duncan in their special place. Then Duncan leaves without telling her goodbye. He goes to war in France. She doesn’t know the truth about why he left. But angry, bitter, broken-hearted and desperate, she marries the Irish chieftain MacQuillan. Her charmed first seventeen years of life deteriorated to years of a living hell, fearing for her life, trying to protect her son, and keeping both their souls from being destroyed by her cruel, abusive husband. She becomes a complex individual with unique strengths. She blames Duncan for her misery and guards her heart, feeling she could not survive it being ripped to shreds again. While some of her selfish traits seem ingrained into her very being, they serve her well. Her intelligence and understanding of human nature prove invaluable to her and her clan.
Now captain of guard for the MacDonald clan, Duncan is a mighty warrior and respected by his men. The bastard son of the nursemaid for Connor and Moira, he’d grown up with them. He and Connor watch each other’s backs as they fight the enemy. They trust each other implicitly—tried and true friends. Silently Duncan carries the shame of his sire violating the Highland tradition requiring the man claim his child, regardless of whether he is married to the mother or not. Their stations in life are very different, but it does not show in their relationship. However, Duncan knows it is different with Moira. Even though she is his forever love, he believes she has to wed a chieftain of another clan to strengthen alliances according to custom.
Secondary characters add a rich, varied texture to The Warrior. The antagonists are fearful, mighty force that test the mettle of all the Macdonald clan. They keep the tension high. One of the most interesting characters is the wolfhound Sar. He is forever loyal to Moira and her son Ragnall, but proves to be a true ally to Duncan in a time that is pivotal to the plot. Tearleg, the seer, adds a touch of humor as well as a touch of the supernatural, while Ilsya, Duncan’s sister, also adds a touch of the supernatural but most of all she lets the reader see loyalty, industry, and unrequited love. So many more of the characters are intriguing and all blend to create a mesmerizing story.
If you have read The Guardian and/ or The Sinner you will get to caught up on some old acquaintances. If you have not then The Warrior is a great place to start. I am looking forward to The Chieftain.
The Warrior is a riveting historical tale that throbs with life and love.
June 18, 2017
Another gorgeous Highlander tale by Margaret Mallory.
Actual rating 4.5.
Reunited lovers aren't my favourite thing to read about in a romance novel, and I was very wary of that fact when I set out to read this book, and yet this was probably the best book using that trope that I've read. Instead of the bitterness and resentment they so often come parcelled with, here we have heartbreak and sad acceptance and a stunning star-crossed lovers set-up that I absolutely loved!
We begin this couple's journey at the tender ages of seventeen (Moira) and nineteen (Duncan) as they carry on a clandestine affair. They have to be extremely careful as Moira is a Chieftain's daughter, and Duncan is the bastard-born son of her nursemaid, and if caught, The Chieftain would be well within his rights to kill Duncan for soiling his only daughter (at least, that's how he would see it). But Duncan and Moira are deeply in love; and it's that first love that's so intense and all-consuming. Moira is a bit spoiled and demanding at this age—a bit of a pampered princess unused to the word 'no'—but she's also full of life and exuberance as well as breathtakingly beautiful, and Duncan is unable to resist, no matter how hard his honour demands he try.
As you've probably guessed from the blurb, they do get caught, and Duncan is given the choice to either leave for France immediately, or die, and Moira is married off to the first Chieftain's son that visits the castle.
And that's all just in the prologue!
Sadly, in her father's haste to get her married off respectably, he makes a grave error in judgement. Moira's new husband is not a good man. At all. He's an abusive, manipulative and cruel sonnova bitch, and more of a bastard than Duncan could ever be.
We catch up with Moira seven years later when Duncan is sent by Connor—Moira's brother, who is now the MacDonald Chief after her father passed—to check on her welfare. Duncan may have come seven years too late in Moira's eyes, but he's also just in time to save her from her husband's angry fists, and in a twist of fate, they end up in each other's company once again.
Both characters are greatly changed from last they saw each other, Moira especially. She's far from the spoiled princess she once was. And Duncan! Ahh, sweet, gentle Duncan. He was an absolutely gorgeous hero. So sensitive, intelligent and caring, yet still a fierce and infamous warrior. I can't fault him at all as a male lead, and their romance was fraught with tension as they tried to contain their emotions and get the answers they'd both waited so long for.
They had some lovely scenes together and some bitter-sweet ones, too. And Moira has to overcome her hurt and finally tell Duncan the secret she's kept for seven long years. All of this made for terrific reading!
Plenty of action was provided in the form of a battle for Trotternish Castle and a showdown between two adversaries with a score to settle. Of all the Scottish Romance authors I've read, I think Mallory gets the romance side of things, and the rest of the plot/action scenes, balanced out the best, as well as writing some really terrific heroes!
To sum up, this book was a true delight, and I recommend it to all fans of Scottish Romance!
4.5 Stars ★★★★1/2
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Actual rating 4.5.
Reunited lovers aren't my favourite thing to read about in a romance novel, and I was very wary of that fact when I set out to read this book, and yet this was probably the best book using that trope that I've read. Instead of the bitterness and resentment they so often come parcelled with, here we have heartbreak and sad acceptance and a stunning star-crossed lovers set-up that I absolutely loved!
We begin this couple's journey at the tender ages of seventeen (Moira) and nineteen (Duncan) as they carry on a clandestine affair. They have to be extremely careful as Moira is a Chieftain's daughter, and Duncan is the bastard-born son of her nursemaid, and if caught, The Chieftain would be well within his rights to kill Duncan for soiling his only daughter (at least, that's how he would see it). But Duncan and Moira are deeply in love; and it's that first love that's so intense and all-consuming. Moira is a bit spoiled and demanding at this age—a bit of a pampered princess unused to the word 'no'—but she's also full of life and exuberance as well as breathtakingly beautiful, and Duncan is unable to resist, no matter how hard his honour demands he try.
As you've probably guessed from the blurb, they do get caught, and Duncan is given the choice to either leave for France immediately, or die, and Moira is married off to the first Chieftain's son that visits the castle.
And that's all just in the prologue!
Sadly, in her father's haste to get her married off respectably, he makes a grave error in judgement. Moira's new husband is not a good man. At all. He's an abusive, manipulative and cruel sonnova bitch, and more of a bastard than Duncan could ever be.
We catch up with Moira seven years later when Duncan is sent by Connor—Moira's brother, who is now the MacDonald Chief after her father passed—to check on her welfare. Duncan may have come seven years too late in Moira's eyes, but he's also just in time to save her from her husband's angry fists, and in a twist of fate, they end up in each other's company once again.
Both characters are greatly changed from last they saw each other, Moira especially. She's far from the spoiled princess she once was. And Duncan! Ahh, sweet, gentle Duncan. He was an absolutely gorgeous hero. So sensitive, intelligent and caring, yet still a fierce and infamous warrior. I can't fault him at all as a male lead, and their romance was fraught with tension as they tried to contain their emotions and get the answers they'd both waited so long for.
They had some lovely scenes together and some bitter-sweet ones, too. And Moira has to overcome her hurt and finally tell Duncan the secret she's kept for seven long years. All of this made for terrific reading!
Plenty of action was provided in the form of a battle for Trotternish Castle and a showdown between two adversaries with a score to settle. Of all the Scottish Romance authors I've read, I think Mallory gets the romance side of things, and the rest of the plot/action scenes, balanced out the best, as well as writing some really terrific heroes!
To sum up, this book was a true delight, and I recommend it to all fans of Scottish Romance!
4.5 Stars ★★★★1/2
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
June 7, 2015
Very good book that started with intensity and kept it up. Moira and Duncan had been secret sweethearts when she was seventeen and he was nineteen. But Moira was the daughter of the laird and Duncan a bastard son, and when they were discovered Duncan was sent away and Moira married off. Each of them believes the other deserted them when things got tough.
Seven years later Duncan and his friends are back to reclaim the land stolen from the clan. Moira's brother Connor, listening to the local seer who sees Moira in trouble, sends Duncan to Ireland to check on her. He arrives in time to see her kill her husband after he nearly beat her to death. Duncan discovers that in spite of his feelings of betrayal, his heart still belongs to Moira.
Moira had been her father's "princess" and certain that whatever she wanted she would get. Stunned at being denied her heart's desire of marrying Duncan, she accepted her father's candidate for marriage, only to find herself at the mercy of an abusive man. Seven years later she puts herself at risk to save her son from her husband's cruelty, only to see the boy sent to her clan's worst enemy for fostering. Duncan's arrival saves her life, but trusting him isn't something she can't do.
I loved the interweaving of the action and the romance. Duncan and Moira are wary of each other at first, still hurting from the perceived circumstances of their separation. During their escape they are forced to stop to get help for Duncan's injured companion, and the attraction between them flares hot again. Moira wants Duncan's help to rescue her son, but her plans to keep herself separate don't last long. Duncan is determined to win her back, but Moira doesn't want to trust him with her heart again though sharing her body is no problem. Even after the truth comes out, no matter how often Duncan tells Moira of his love, Moira continues to hold back. Eventually all her secrets are revealed and her trust begins to return. I liked seeing Duncan's protectiveness toward Moira. Moira will accept his help and protection, but she has become quite a survivor. She has no problem letting him know when he goes too far. I liked seeing them grow to respect each other as well as grow their love.
Now that Moira is safe, the attention returns to reclaiming MacDonald land. Duncan goes undercover to scope out the defenses, and discovers a complication in that Moira's son is present at the castle. Back home, Connor and Duncan try to work out the best way to attack the castle, while a spy waits to discover their plans and betray them. Bad luck has Duncan captured, but a surprising rescue gets him back on track. The battle is followed by more trouble, and it is Moira's quick thinking that prevents a disaster. There's a twist to this final confrontation, but it ends well and Duncan and Moira finally get the future they want.
The secondary characters were great. Young Ragnall and his dog Sar were terrific. I liked Ragnall's ingenuity and protectiveness towards his mother. Sar was pretty amazing and came through several times when things were looking grim. Moira's brother Connor, as clan leader, was fantastic. I really enjoyed is part in getting Duncan and Moira together, and am really looking forward to his story. I'm also looking forward to the downfall of their Uncle Hugh after all the trouble he has caused.
Seven years later Duncan and his friends are back to reclaim the land stolen from the clan. Moira's brother Connor, listening to the local seer who sees Moira in trouble, sends Duncan to Ireland to check on her. He arrives in time to see her kill her husband after he nearly beat her to death. Duncan discovers that in spite of his feelings of betrayal, his heart still belongs to Moira.
Moira had been her father's "princess" and certain that whatever she wanted she would get. Stunned at being denied her heart's desire of marrying Duncan, she accepted her father's candidate for marriage, only to find herself at the mercy of an abusive man. Seven years later she puts herself at risk to save her son from her husband's cruelty, only to see the boy sent to her clan's worst enemy for fostering. Duncan's arrival saves her life, but trusting him isn't something she can't do.
I loved the interweaving of the action and the romance. Duncan and Moira are wary of each other at first, still hurting from the perceived circumstances of their separation. During their escape they are forced to stop to get help for Duncan's injured companion, and the attraction between them flares hot again. Moira wants Duncan's help to rescue her son, but her plans to keep herself separate don't last long. Duncan is determined to win her back, but Moira doesn't want to trust him with her heart again though sharing her body is no problem. Even after the truth comes out, no matter how often Duncan tells Moira of his love, Moira continues to hold back. Eventually all her secrets are revealed and her trust begins to return. I liked seeing Duncan's protectiveness toward Moira. Moira will accept his help and protection, but she has become quite a survivor. She has no problem letting him know when he goes too far. I liked seeing them grow to respect each other as well as grow their love.
Now that Moira is safe, the attention returns to reclaiming MacDonald land. Duncan goes undercover to scope out the defenses, and discovers a complication in that Moira's son is present at the castle. Back home, Connor and Duncan try to work out the best way to attack the castle, while a spy waits to discover their plans and betray them. Bad luck has Duncan captured, but a surprising rescue gets him back on track. The battle is followed by more trouble, and it is Moira's quick thinking that prevents a disaster. There's a twist to this final confrontation, but it ends well and Duncan and Moira finally get the future they want.
The secondary characters were great. Young Ragnall and his dog Sar were terrific. I liked Ragnall's ingenuity and protectiveness towards his mother. Sar was pretty amazing and came through several times when things were looking grim. Moira's brother Connor, as clan leader, was fantastic. I really enjoyed is part in getting Duncan and Moira together, and am really looking forward to his story. I'm also looking forward to the downfall of their Uncle Hugh after all the trouble he has caused.
October 25, 2012
Favorite Quote: "A lass should know how to protect herself," he said. "Your training in this regard has been sorely lacking, so I'm going to teach ye how to kill a man with a dirk." "That's the sweetest thing a man has ever said to me," Moira said in a dead-serious voice.
Duncan and Moira were madly in love when she was seventeen and he was nineteen. But their love was doomed from the start because Duncan was a bastard child of the cheiftan's nursemaid, and Moira was the cheiftan's beloved daughter. They couldn't help themselves no matter the circumstances and Moira tried to convince Duncan that her father loved her so much that if she wanted to marry him, her father would let her. Duncan knew better though. Her father would marry her off in a marriage that would create some kind of alliance for their clan. So when he came home one morning from one of his over night getaways with Moira, just to discover his cheiftan and Moira's older brother Ragnall in his mother's home, he knew he'd just lost the love of his life forever.
Cheiftan MacDonald sends Duncan to France with the cheiftan's youngest son Conner and two of Conner's cousins. Weeks after Duncan leaves he arranges a marriage for Moira to an Irish cheiftan's son, and convinces her Duncan left her willingly. Moira is now left heartbroken and married to a man who would put her through seven years of marital hell before help would arrive to save her.
Now Duncan and Conner are back where they grew up to lead the clan since the Cheiftan and Ragnall were killed by Conner's Uncle while they were away. But after Tearlag, the clan's seer, has a vision about Moira lying in a pool of blood, Conner sends Duncan to her husband's clan to check on her. Duncan arrives in time to save Moira's life, but too late to stop her abusive husband Sean from sending Moira's son away into the hands of her enemies. Will Duncan be able to help Moira save her son? Will Moira forgive Duncan for leaving her? Most importantly, will Moira tell Duncan the secret she's protected these long seven years?
A sweeping love story with brawny stubborn Scottish men who fight like the devil himself and and equally stubborn Scottish woman who must learn how to forgive the man she gave her teenage heart too. It will make you yearn for your own sexy Scottish warrior! Four and a half wine glass toast! Enjoy lassies!
To read this review and many others, check out Reading Between the Wines Book Club!
http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub...
Duncan and Moira were madly in love when she was seventeen and he was nineteen. But their love was doomed from the start because Duncan was a bastard child of the cheiftan's nursemaid, and Moira was the cheiftan's beloved daughter. They couldn't help themselves no matter the circumstances and Moira tried to convince Duncan that her father loved her so much that if she wanted to marry him, her father would let her. Duncan knew better though. Her father would marry her off in a marriage that would create some kind of alliance for their clan. So when he came home one morning from one of his over night getaways with Moira, just to discover his cheiftan and Moira's older brother Ragnall in his mother's home, he knew he'd just lost the love of his life forever.
Cheiftan MacDonald sends Duncan to France with the cheiftan's youngest son Conner and two of Conner's cousins. Weeks after Duncan leaves he arranges a marriage for Moira to an Irish cheiftan's son, and convinces her Duncan left her willingly. Moira is now left heartbroken and married to a man who would put her through seven years of marital hell before help would arrive to save her.
Now Duncan and Conner are back where they grew up to lead the clan since the Cheiftan and Ragnall were killed by Conner's Uncle while they were away. But after Tearlag, the clan's seer, has a vision about Moira lying in a pool of blood, Conner sends Duncan to her husband's clan to check on her. Duncan arrives in time to save Moira's life, but too late to stop her abusive husband Sean from sending Moira's son away into the hands of her enemies. Will Duncan be able to help Moira save her son? Will Moira forgive Duncan for leaving her? Most importantly, will Moira tell Duncan the secret she's protected these long seven years?
A sweeping love story with brawny stubborn Scottish men who fight like the devil himself and and equally stubborn Scottish woman who must learn how to forgive the man she gave her teenage heart too. It will make you yearn for your own sexy Scottish warrior! Four and a half wine glass toast! Enjoy lassies!
To read this review and many others, check out Reading Between the Wines Book Club!
http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub...
October 19, 2013
Duncan McDonald is a gentle giant at heart yet a fierce warrior to contend with. He's the the Captain of the Guard to his best friend and Chieftain's men. Duncan is also in love with the one woman he believes he can never have, who also is the Chieftain's sister, Moria.
Duncan has known Moria and her brother, Connor, since they were young children. He's 2-years older than Moria. At the age of 17 & 19, Moria and Duncan have a secret summer affair. When her dad, Chieftain at the time, and her brother catch wind of this news, Duncan is sent away. He was lucky he wasn't killed as the Seer of the Clan predicts he will save Connor MacDonald's life in the future. Moria is given the news that Duncan has deserted her and is married to another Chieftain's son from Ireland.
Seven years have passed and not a day goes by that Duncan does not miss the love of his life. Conner asks Duncan to check on his sister which he does not want to do until he gets a message from the Seer, Tearlag, that makes him jump in his sea galley the next morning set for Ireland. He arrives and finds things are not as they seem. He ends up taking Moria back with him to their Clan on Skye. Meanwhile her son is being foster by their enemies, the MacLeods.
Moria no longer trust men fully and right now Duncan is one of them. Duncan wants her to be fully his, yet she can't fully go there with him. She holds past events, out of his control, mostly, against him. Duncan does promise to get her son, Ragnall,back from the clutches of the MacLeods, when he goes to take back the castle he wants that belongs to his Clan rightfully.
There will be a few secrets along the way, a war for a castle, and skirmish as well. There will also be betrayal from someone's former lover and a few run in's with Hugh Dubh. Also, one of the secrets was a little twist I thought.
Will he be able to take Trotternish Castle? Will he be able to save her son? Can he win over the heart and trust of Moria again? Will Duncan finally learn who his father is?
I really loved Duncan. He was a gentle, caring, loyal and honorable man. He loved with all his heart. I also love Ragnall's dog, Sar. What a great addition to the story he was. I liked seeing more of Niall, Ian's younger brother in this story and I liked how Moria shed her selfish ways and finally became someone I liked by the end of the story. I loved that Duncan calls her a Warrior Princess when it's all said and done.
Duncan has known Moria and her brother, Connor, since they were young children. He's 2-years older than Moria. At the age of 17 & 19, Moria and Duncan have a secret summer affair. When her dad, Chieftain at the time, and her brother catch wind of this news, Duncan is sent away. He was lucky he wasn't killed as the Seer of the Clan predicts he will save Connor MacDonald's life in the future. Moria is given the news that Duncan has deserted her and is married to another Chieftain's son from Ireland.
Seven years have passed and not a day goes by that Duncan does not miss the love of his life. Conner asks Duncan to check on his sister which he does not want to do until he gets a message from the Seer, Tearlag, that makes him jump in his sea galley the next morning set for Ireland. He arrives and finds things are not as they seem. He ends up taking Moria back with him to their Clan on Skye. Meanwhile her son is being foster by their enemies, the MacLeods.
Moria no longer trust men fully and right now Duncan is one of them. Duncan wants her to be fully his, yet she can't fully go there with him. She holds past events, out of his control, mostly, against him. Duncan does promise to get her son, Ragnall,back from the clutches of the MacLeods, when he goes to take back the castle he wants that belongs to his Clan rightfully.
There will be a few secrets along the way, a war for a castle, and skirmish as well. There will also be betrayal from someone's former lover and a few run in's with Hugh Dubh. Also, one of the secrets was a little twist I thought.
Will he be able to take Trotternish Castle? Will he be able to save her son? Can he win over the heart and trust of Moria again? Will Duncan finally learn who his father is?
I really loved Duncan. He was a gentle, caring, loyal and honorable man. He loved with all his heart. I also love Ragnall's dog, Sar. What a great addition to the story he was. I liked seeing more of Niall, Ian's younger brother in this story and I liked how Moria shed her selfish ways and finally became someone I liked by the end of the story. I loved that Duncan calls her a Warrior Princess when it's all said and done.
September 23, 2012
Ever since I read The Guardian, I have been waiting for poor Duncan's story. The man has been utterly miserable since he was separated from his true love seven years ago. She is married to another --far from his reach-- and no other woman will do. I am happy to say that our wounded warrior is finally being reunited with his lost love and not a moment too soon.
Contrary to what Duncan has long believed, Moira is not living a happy life. She has no idea that her father forced Duncan to leave her all those years ago. She thought her beloved abandoned her. And then she realized she was pregnant --and she had to marry the man her father forced on her. That man, Sean, was an abusive beast. Thankfully, he never realized that her child was not his, but he made Moira's life miserable all the same. And he sent little Ragnall to foster with Moira's clan's enemy.
When a seer alerts Duncan that Moira is in danger, he quickly journeys to her husband's keep. One look at Duncan and Sean realizes Moira's deception. He beats her nearly to death, but she manages to best him and Duncan spirits her away to safety. The rest of the story follows the resurgence of their relationship and the efforts to rescue Ragnall.
Neither Duncan nor Moira has ever stopped loving the, but each feels like they were abandoned. Moira thinks Duncan left her and Duncan thinks he was easily replaced when she married two weeks after he was sent away. They're both right and they're both wrong. And even though they are reunited fairly quickly, the angst and hurt feelings persist throughout the book. There are a lot of misunderstandings and bad information between these two, which was frustrating at times, because they are so obviously in love and they have been through so much.
I had to remind myself more than once how much Moira has endured, because otherwise her behavior with Duncan would have alienated me. He is such a good guy, it's impossible to not be in his corner. She castigates him for not giving her enough credit, but when I see her trying to punish him for the past --or lashing out at him-- it's hard to sympathize.
Overall, I liked it. I don't know that I ended up loving it quite as much as I thought I would, but I am still glad I read it. Now, onto Connor's story. He has to end up with Ilysa, right?
Rating: B
*ARC Provided by Avon
Contrary to what Duncan has long believed, Moira is not living a happy life. She has no idea that her father forced Duncan to leave her all those years ago. She thought her beloved abandoned her. And then she realized she was pregnant --and she had to marry the man her father forced on her. That man, Sean, was an abusive beast. Thankfully, he never realized that her child was not his, but he made Moira's life miserable all the same. And he sent little Ragnall to foster with Moira's clan's enemy.
When a seer alerts Duncan that Moira is in danger, he quickly journeys to her husband's keep. One look at Duncan and Sean realizes Moira's deception. He beats her nearly to death, but she manages to best him and Duncan spirits her away to safety. The rest of the story follows the resurgence of their relationship and the efforts to rescue Ragnall.
Neither Duncan nor Moira has ever stopped loving the, but each feels like they were abandoned. Moira thinks Duncan left her and Duncan thinks he was easily replaced when she married two weeks after he was sent away. They're both right and they're both wrong. And even though they are reunited fairly quickly, the angst and hurt feelings persist throughout the book. There are a lot of misunderstandings and bad information between these two, which was frustrating at times, because they are so obviously in love and they have been through so much.
I had to remind myself more than once how much Moira has endured, because otherwise her behavior with Duncan would have alienated me. He is such a good guy, it's impossible to not be in his corner. She castigates him for not giving her enough credit, but when I see her trying to punish him for the past --or lashing out at him-- it's hard to sympathize.
Overall, I liked it. I don't know that I ended up loving it quite as much as I thought I would, but I am still glad I read it. Now, onto Connor's story. He has to end up with Ilysa, right?
Rating: B
*ARC Provided by Avon
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