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The Guardian
He broke her heart once. She’ll be damned if she lets it happen again.
Ailith Shaw once gave her heart to Hendry MacNichol—only to watch him walk away shattering her heart. Now widowed, impoverished, and fiercely independent, she scrapes by in the shadow of the very clan she blames for her husband’s death. The last thing she needs is a guard from that cursed clan forcing his protection on her… especially him.
Once a reckless warrior, Hendry is now a loyal guard to the laird—and a man haunted by the choices that cost him the woman he loved. He let Ailith slip through his fingers once, and she married his rival. Now, he’ll risk everything to shield her from brewing tensions, even if she despises him. Even if she refuses to admit the fire between them still burns.
She doesn’t need a champion. But he’s never stopped wanting to be hers.
Ailith Shaw once gave her heart to Hendry MacNichol—only to watch him walk away shattering her heart. Now widowed, impoverished, and fiercely independent, she scrapes by in the shadow of the very clan she blames for her husband’s death. The last thing she needs is a guard from that cursed clan forcing his protection on her… especially him.
Once a reckless warrior, Hendry is now a loyal guard to the laird—and a man haunted by the choices that cost him the woman he loved. He let Ailith slip through his fingers once, and she married his rival. Now, he’ll risk everything to shield her from brewing tensions, even if she despises him. Even if she refuses to admit the fire between them still burns.
She doesn’t need a champion. But he’s never stopped wanting to be hers.
175 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 10, 2025
46 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Hildie McQueen
179 books831 followersBestselling author Hildie McQueen loves unusual situations and getting into interesting adventures, which is what her characters do as well. She writes romance because she is in love with love! Author of Romance in Highland historical, Western Historical and contemporary, she writes something every reader can enjoy.
Most days she can be found in her pajamas hiding from deliverymen while drinking tea from her David Gandy coffee mug. In the afternoons she browses the Internet for semi-nude men to post on Facebook.
Hildie's favorite past-times are romance conventions, traveling, shopping and reading.
She resides in beautiful small town Georgia with her super-hero husband Kurt, an unruly boy Chihuahua Pepito and a spoiled rotten girl Chiweenie named Lola.
Visit her website at www.hildiemcqueen.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HildieMcQueen
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HildieMcQueen
Instagram: @HildieWrites
Most days she can be found in her pajamas hiding from deliverymen while drinking tea from her David Gandy coffee mug. In the afternoons she browses the Internet for semi-nude men to post on Facebook.
Hildie's favorite past-times are romance conventions, traveling, shopping and reading.
She resides in beautiful small town Georgia with her super-hero husband Kurt, an unruly boy Chihuahua Pepito and a spoiled rotten girl Chiweenie named Lola.
Visit her website at www.hildiemcqueen.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HildieMcQueen
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HildieMcQueen
Instagram: @HildieWrites
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 7, 2025
Title: The Guardian (Clan Ross of Skye Book 5)
Author: Hildie McQueen
My fellow readers this was a wonderfully written romance story that left me so happy to have read this book. The romance is an excellent story that works with the plot and the two main characters Ailith and Hendry. I am absolutely delighted that the writer chose a couple who are I. their mid twenties. This helped out immensely during the steamy and or sexual moments.
It made reading these scenes all the more comfortable. The plot development was outstanding. It worked very well for the story and the objectives of the characters. For the time frame of the story back then, it was consistent in many ways that helped the story feel more real. I understood the dialogue among the characters. Most of them I could feel their culture through their wording. Now I know that there are more rougher accents than what the few characters have spoken, but for this book it was acceptable. I would have like read more of the pronounced accents from each characters. The characters are well defined. I recognize what part and how each characters contributes to the story.
Liam character was excellent for Hendry. Even though the young man has little knowledge about woman who want to be married. Young Tobin was soooo cute and sweet. I hope to read more of him in future books. The characters background stories explains the relationship between them and main characters.
It tells how they take the initiative to help the two main characters bring their objectives to fruition. The story left me feeling happy and excited about love and romance. The book ended with a well defined moment I believe. That moment shares the main characters promise to one another that was written so eloquently. I give this book two snaps and a twist.
Until next time my fellow readers. Read on! I received an ARC, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Author: Hildie McQueen
My fellow readers this was a wonderfully written romance story that left me so happy to have read this book. The romance is an excellent story that works with the plot and the two main characters Ailith and Hendry. I am absolutely delighted that the writer chose a couple who are I. their mid twenties. This helped out immensely during the steamy and or sexual moments.
It made reading these scenes all the more comfortable. The plot development was outstanding. It worked very well for the story and the objectives of the characters. For the time frame of the story back then, it was consistent in many ways that helped the story feel more real. I understood the dialogue among the characters. Most of them I could feel their culture through their wording. Now I know that there are more rougher accents than what the few characters have spoken, but for this book it was acceptable. I would have like read more of the pronounced accents from each characters. The characters are well defined. I recognize what part and how each characters contributes to the story.
Liam character was excellent for Hendry. Even though the young man has little knowledge about woman who want to be married. Young Tobin was soooo cute and sweet. I hope to read more of him in future books. The characters background stories explains the relationship between them and main characters.
It tells how they take the initiative to help the two main characters bring their objectives to fruition. The story left me feeling happy and excited about love and romance. The book ended with a well defined moment I believe. That moment shares the main characters promise to one another that was written so eloquently. I give this book two snaps and a twist.
Until next time my fellow readers. Read on! I received an ARC, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 25, 2025
A Truely Gripping and Inspiring Highland Romance Story
I wish I could give this story more than the 5 stars I'm allowed to give it.
Ailith and Hendry are heartsick and emotionally saddened from their past situation.
We follow them as they discover forgiveness and open their hearts to each other once more.
Their passionate swoon worthy love scenes captured my heart.
This was truly an enjoyable read and a wonderful series.
✔Mature Advisory 2+/5
✔Fun Character: Teller the dog added a sweet touch.
I wish I could give this story more than the 5 stars I'm allowed to give it.
Ailith and Hendry are heartsick and emotionally saddened from their past situation.
We follow them as they discover forgiveness and open their hearts to each other once more.
Their passionate swoon worthy love scenes captured my heart.
This was truly an enjoyable read and a wonderful series.
✔Mature Advisory 2+/5
✔Fun Character: Teller the dog added a sweet touch.
December 18, 2025
Together again.
Hendry and Ailith were in love years ago until a mutual friend betrayed them both with his lies and accusations. But now Ailith is a widow and Hendry will do anything to protect her even though she has made it clear she does not want him. At least that is what she said. Circumstances bring them together again and they must both decide if mending the broken trust and rekindling their love is worth the risk. I enjoyed the characters and the story. I’m hoping we will get Liam and Beitris story next. My only negative with the book is the editing errors.
Hendry and Ailith were in love years ago until a mutual friend betrayed them both with his lies and accusations. But now Ailith is a widow and Hendry will do anything to protect her even though she has made it clear she does not want him. At least that is what she said. Circumstances bring them together again and they must both decide if mending the broken trust and rekindling their love is worth the risk. I enjoyed the characters and the story. I’m hoping we will get Liam and Beitris story next. My only negative with the book is the editing errors.
November 15, 2025
Awesome adventure
A beautifully written love story! So wonderful I couldn't put it down. The love that they shared is one we all strive for. The characters were awesome. The trials they went through was amazing. Glad for characters like Liam! He made me laugh. Hope to read his story with Beitris! Thanks for sharing your story!!!
A beautifully written love story! So wonderful I couldn't put it down. The love that they shared is one we all strive for. The characters were awesome. The trials they went through was amazing. Glad for characters like Liam! He made me laugh. Hope to read his story with Beitris! Thanks for sharing your story!!!
November 18, 2025
Another wonderful book by Hildie McQueen.
December 13, 2025
Sweet little story
This happily after story was briefly interrupted by great stories of pain love hope and resilience. Hold onto your hats, this quick read is perfect!
This happily after story was briefly interrupted by great stories of pain love hope and resilience. Hold onto your hats, this quick read is perfect!
December 14, 2025
My pleasure to write this review, another great story by Hildie. Strong characters ,with reintroduction of past characters to enhance the story. Trust to be rebuilt and a HEA Great read all around.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews