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The Return of the Highlanders #4
The Chieftain
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.
A Warrior's Heart
Connor, chieftain of the MacDonalds of Sleat, holds the fate of his people in his hands. Rival clans are plotting to take over his lands, and duty determines whom he will fight, trust . . . even marry. Seeking guidance, Connor turns to Ilysa, a young lass with the gift of foresight, who reveals an approaching danger-and a passion that burns only for him. But the warrior must make a powerful marriage alliance, and Ilysa's bloodline is far too humble.
With her powers to heal and see evil where others cannot, beautiful Ilysa dresses plainly, speaks softly, and loves her chieftain from afar. Yet when Connor finally stokes the embers of desire that have so long burned within her, Ilysa feels bliss unlike any she's ever known. Now as he is forced to place duty before happiness, Ilysa senses Connor is in grave peril. Can she find a way to prove she is the woman he needs by his side?
A Warrior's Heart
Connor, chieftain of the MacDonalds of Sleat, holds the fate of his people in his hands. Rival clans are plotting to take over his lands, and duty determines whom he will fight, trust . . . even marry. Seeking guidance, Connor turns to Ilysa, a young lass with the gift of foresight, who reveals an approaching danger-and a passion that burns only for him. But the warrior must make a powerful marriage alliance, and Ilysa's bloodline is far too humble.
With her powers to heal and see evil where others cannot, beautiful Ilysa dresses plainly, speaks softly, and loves her chieftain from afar. Yet when Connor finally stokes the embers of desire that have so long burned within her, Ilysa feels bliss unlike any she's ever known. Now as he is forced to place duty before happiness, Ilysa senses Connor is in grave peril. Can she find a way to prove she is the woman he needs by his side?
Audible Audio
First published January 1, 2013
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About the author
Margaret Mallory
24 books1,070 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 240 reviews
March 20, 2015
My favorite of the series by a small margin. I think it was how the storyline with Hugh finally wrapped up after being dragged through all four books. Also, there was just quite bit of conflict resolution...all tied up with a pretty bow. I'm into that kind of ending :D Connor and Ilysa had quite the complicated relationship, and I wanted to strangle both of them at one point or another in the story. By the end, though, I was a fan of both. I loved how the other couples were brought into the plot, and how this book was full of so much action and movement.
By the way, I listened to the audiobooks of this entire series and while the old British male narrator really bothered me at first, by the time I got halfway through the second book, I actually really liked him. It was easier to forget that this was being told to me rather than me reading it...his voice sort of faded away until there was just dialogue and action. Worked out very well!
By the way, I listened to the audiobooks of this entire series and while the old British male narrator really bothered me at first, by the time I got halfway through the second book, I actually really liked him. It was easier to forget that this was being told to me rather than me reading it...his voice sort of faded away until there was just dialogue and action. Worked out very well!
February 20, 2020
4.25 the chieftain finally wakes up stars
In the first book of this series (The Guardian
), 4 young boys visit the clan's elderly seer to be told of their fortunes hoping to hear of the great warriors they will become and the many battles they will win; instead, they are disappointed to be told their fortunes about.. of all things!... love and women. Connor, at the time a second son and thus not in line for the chieftain role, was told that his clan's future will depend upon his picking the right woman and that this woman would actually be the one to choose him.
Ten years later, Connor is the chieftain of his clan after his father and older brother were killed in the battle at Flodden, most likely by his father's greedy half-brother Hugh who claimed the MacDonald chieftain role for himself immediately following the tragedy until Connor received the news and returned from fighting in France with his warrior cousins (Ian and Alex) and best friend/captain of the guard (Duncan). Since then, Connor has struggled to both stay alive after numerous assassination attempts and restore his clan to its former glory. Most recently, he has reclaimed a property taken by the rival MacLeod clan, and he has chosen to live there as the former family seat has too many ghosts of his childhood for him to wish to remain in those walls. Connor has left Duncan in charge of that property and placed Alex in charge of the seat to the north; thus, he has secured the castles, but he has not been able to completely rid the area surrounding his residence of their enemies. In addition, his uncle Hugh has become a notorious pirate who pillages, rapes, and plunders all that stand in his way of regaining the chieftain position... and Hugh continues to plot to rid himself of the nephew that simply will not die despite his many attempts. Though Connor has put off marrying for as long as he can, he is being pressured to forge an alliance that will keep his clan safe from its enemies and produce heirs to secure his succession.
Ilysa is the younger sister of Connor's best friend Duncan; when her brother and the other men went to battle in France and Connor's sister was wed to an Irishman, Ilysa assumed the duties involved in running the household. She has also been learning from the clan's elderly seer as she has some of "the gift"herself and is struggling to understand how to use it to protect those she loves. Upon Connor's return, her childhood crush on him is only intensified when she sees the type of man and leader he has become, but she knows as the daughter of his former nursemaid with no named father, she can never be considered to be his wife. So Ilysa does all that she can to care for the man who has taken on so much responsibility by maintaining a smooth running home, and when Connor moves to the remote castle the clan has just reacquired, Ilysa does not hesitate to go with him to get things established there until he finds a suitable wife to assume those duties. As her mother always instructed, Ilysa hides her looks behind ill-fitting gowns and wraps her hair in a kerchief so that she fades into the background and does not draw attention to herself, but when she interferes with Connor's plans (in order to save his life from a vision she had), he angrily dismisses her.
As the Gaelic saying goes, "the value of the well is not known until it goes dry;" when Ilysa leaves, Connor realizes nothing in his home or his life runs smoothly without her at the helm. When he encounters her a couple of weeks later sans the shapeless gowns and kerchief and sees her outer beauty shine as much as her inner does, he is floored. Though he wishes things were different, he knows he must put the clan's needs above his own happiness and marry for the alliance he needs to keep his enemies at bay. But what will happen when his heart refuses to listen to his head? Will he jeopardize his clan's future for a woman as his father and grandfather did before him? And once questions from Ilysa's parentage arise, will it save their future or lead to certain doom?
What I liked:
--- Likeable characters and getting to revisit characters from earlier books in the series
--- Quick-moving plot that kept me turning the pages until the wee hours with all the action and the culmination of the series
--- Steamy goodness!
What I didn't like as much:
--- Connor was kind of a dick at first - it felt a little superficial that he mostly ignored Ilysa until she basically got a makeover and then was all gaga about her... I think the author's intent was to paint him as overwhelmed with responsibility to the extent that he did not think about women at all (he was celibate because he didn't want to have the illegitimacy problems his father and grandfather scattered about), but it felt like he went from 0 to 60 with lust and love for Ilysa after she came out of her shell
--- I wish that there was another book or novella in this one because there are a couple of characters that practically begged for their own HEAs... specifically Niall (Ian's younger brother - he has been in all of the books) and Lachlan who was a focus ancillary character in this book
Overall, this book edged out the others in the series in terms of my rating as it pulled most of the moving pieces together that had been in play from the start of this "quadrilogy." The story line was very engaging with lots of action, intrigue, romance, and (of course) a mostly satisfying HEA.
Plot --- 4.25/5
Main Characters --- 4.5/5
Supporting Cast --- 4.5/5
Steam Level* --- 4/5
Violence --- some battle scene violence (not too 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
In the first book of this series (The Guardian
), 4 young boys visit the clan's elderly seer to be told of their fortunes hoping to hear of the great warriors they will become and the many battles they will win; instead, they are disappointed to be told their fortunes about.. of all things!... love and women. Connor, at the time a second son and thus not in line for the chieftain role, was told that his clan's future will depend upon his picking the right woman and that this woman would actually be the one to choose him. Ten years later, Connor is the chieftain of his clan after his father and older brother were killed in the battle at Flodden, most likely by his father's greedy half-brother Hugh who claimed the MacDonald chieftain role for himself immediately following the tragedy until Connor received the news and returned from fighting in France with his warrior cousins (Ian and Alex) and best friend/captain of the guard (Duncan). Since then, Connor has struggled to both stay alive after numerous assassination attempts and restore his clan to its former glory. Most recently, he has reclaimed a property taken by the rival MacLeod clan, and he has chosen to live there as the former family seat has too many ghosts of his childhood for him to wish to remain in those walls. Connor has left Duncan in charge of that property and placed Alex in charge of the seat to the north; thus, he has secured the castles, but he has not been able to completely rid the area surrounding his residence of their enemies. In addition, his uncle Hugh has become a notorious pirate who pillages, rapes, and plunders all that stand in his way of regaining the chieftain position... and Hugh continues to plot to rid himself of the nephew that simply will not die despite his many attempts. Though Connor has put off marrying for as long as he can, he is being pressured to forge an alliance that will keep his clan safe from its enemies and produce heirs to secure his succession.
Ilysa is the younger sister of Connor's best friend Duncan; when her brother and the other men went to battle in France and Connor's sister was wed to an Irishman, Ilysa assumed the duties involved in running the household. She has also been learning from the clan's elderly seer as she has some of "the gift"herself and is struggling to understand how to use it to protect those she loves. Upon Connor's return, her childhood crush on him is only intensified when she sees the type of man and leader he has become, but she knows as the daughter of his former nursemaid with no named father, she can never be considered to be his wife. So Ilysa does all that she can to care for the man who has taken on so much responsibility by maintaining a smooth running home, and when Connor moves to the remote castle the clan has just reacquired, Ilysa does not hesitate to go with him to get things established there until he finds a suitable wife to assume those duties. As her mother always instructed, Ilysa hides her looks behind ill-fitting gowns and wraps her hair in a kerchief so that she fades into the background and does not draw attention to herself, but when she interferes with Connor's plans (in order to save his life from a vision she had), he angrily dismisses her.
As the Gaelic saying goes, "the value of the well is not known until it goes dry;" when Ilysa leaves, Connor realizes nothing in his home or his life runs smoothly without her at the helm. When he encounters her a couple of weeks later sans the shapeless gowns and kerchief and sees her outer beauty shine as much as her inner does, he is floored. Though he wishes things were different, he knows he must put the clan's needs above his own happiness and marry for the alliance he needs to keep his enemies at bay. But what will happen when his heart refuses to listen to his head? Will he jeopardize his clan's future for a woman as his father and grandfather did before him? And once questions from Ilysa's parentage arise, will it save their future or lead to certain doom?
What I liked:
--- Likeable characters and getting to revisit characters from earlier books in the series
--- Quick-moving plot that kept me turning the pages until the wee hours with all the action and the culmination of the series
--- Steamy goodness!
What I didn't like as much:
--- Connor was kind of a dick at first - it felt a little superficial that he mostly ignored Ilysa until she basically got a makeover and then was all gaga about her... I think the author's intent was to paint him as overwhelmed with responsibility to the extent that he did not think about women at all (he was celibate because he didn't want to have the illegitimacy problems his father and grandfather scattered about), but it felt like he went from 0 to 60 with lust and love for Ilysa after she came out of her shell
--- I wish that there was another book or novella in this one because there are a couple of characters that practically begged for their own HEAs... specifically Niall (Ian's younger brother - he has been in all of the books) and Lachlan who was a focus ancillary character in this book
Overall, this book edged out the others in the series in terms of my rating as it pulled most of the moving pieces together that had been in play from the start of this "quadrilogy." The story line was very engaging with lots of action, intrigue, romance, and (of course) a mostly satisfying HEA.
Plot --- 4.25/5
Main Characters --- 4.5/5
Supporting Cast --- 4.5/5
Steam Level* --- 4/5
Violence --- some battle scene violence (not too 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
February 21, 2013
Review posted at Demon Lover's Books & More
The Chieftain was everything I love in Scottish Romance: a dedicated-to-his-clan-laird, a likeable heroine, a great plot, and a villain worthy of the title.
I normally don’t like heroines like Ilysa, and yet I loved her. What I mean by that is, Ilysa is very passive, and very. . .calm. I normally like my heroines to be spunky and sassy and to fight with the hero a bit. Ilysa wasn’t like that at all, but she wasn’t a boring doormat either. The author managed to make Ilysa a wonderful and enjoyable character who I loved to read.
When Ilysa decided that she would be following Connor to his new home, it made sense. She’d been running his castle for years now, so she’d go help him settle in. Her brother didn’t see it like that, though. (uh oh)
Ilysa made friends with the Cook and pretty much most of the servants, and I loved how she won them over. She was a sweet heroine without being overly sweet, or perfect. You can’t help but love her, and you can’t help but feel her unrequited love for Connor as she does everything for him, but he barely notices.
Except...when he does notice.
Connor can’t get sweet, drab Ilysa from his mind lately. She always there, she’s always helping him, and he can’t figure out why he would have such lustful thoughts over his best friend’s little sister.
And then Ilysa has a vision.
To prevent Connor from dying, she locks him in his own dungeon. For 3 days. Uhh, locking a man in his own dungeon is bad, but the chief? Your friend, the man you love? Yikes. Of course once he’s out he orders her to leave. Which she does. But by morning he’s cooled off, and changes his mind. But it’s too late. Ilysa has left, and his castle is falling down around him. The food is horrible, there’s no order, and no one seems to know what to do.
Ilysa goes back home, and her friends decide to get her out of her drab clothes and dress her befitting her station. Their goal is to marry her off at the next gathering. There will be many chieftains there so it’s completely possible. And ya know what? She’s offered marriage by a clan chief! She also makes friends with an enemy of Connor’s. Big things are about to happen.
And then Connor sees her. And he doesn’t recognize her. (the jerk! LOL)
...And then he does.
He knows rage like he has never known when he sees all the men falling over themselves to speak with her.
And he can’t figure out why.
I loved their romance, but I really loved seeing the end of a plot that’s been running since the first book. Some old things were resolved, some new alliances were made, some were broken, and through it all Ilysa and Connor discovered that their love is more important than anything else.
For anyone who wants a delicious new Highlander series, Margaret Mallory delivers with her Return of the Highlanders series.
***ARC courtesy of netgalley and Forever Romance
The Chieftain was everything I love in Scottish Romance: a dedicated-to-his-clan-laird, a likeable heroine, a great plot, and a villain worthy of the title.
I normally don’t like heroines like Ilysa, and yet I loved her. What I mean by that is, Ilysa is very passive, and very. . .calm. I normally like my heroines to be spunky and sassy and to fight with the hero a bit. Ilysa wasn’t like that at all, but she wasn’t a boring doormat either. The author managed to make Ilysa a wonderful and enjoyable character who I loved to read.
When Ilysa decided that she would be following Connor to his new home, it made sense. She’d been running his castle for years now, so she’d go help him settle in. Her brother didn’t see it like that, though. (uh oh)
Ilysa made friends with the Cook and pretty much most of the servants, and I loved how she won them over. She was a sweet heroine without being overly sweet, or perfect. You can’t help but love her, and you can’t help but feel her unrequited love for Connor as she does everything for him, but he barely notices.
Except...when he does notice.
Connor can’t get sweet, drab Ilysa from his mind lately. She always there, she’s always helping him, and he can’t figure out why he would have such lustful thoughts over his best friend’s little sister.
And then Ilysa has a vision.
To prevent Connor from dying, she locks him in his own dungeon. For 3 days. Uhh, locking a man in his own dungeon is bad, but the chief? Your friend, the man you love? Yikes. Of course once he’s out he orders her to leave. Which she does. But by morning he’s cooled off, and changes his mind. But it’s too late. Ilysa has left, and his castle is falling down around him. The food is horrible, there’s no order, and no one seems to know what to do.
Ilysa goes back home, and her friends decide to get her out of her drab clothes and dress her befitting her station. Their goal is to marry her off at the next gathering. There will be many chieftains there so it’s completely possible. And ya know what? She’s offered marriage by a clan chief! She also makes friends with an enemy of Connor’s. Big things are about to happen.
And then Connor sees her. And he doesn’t recognize her. (the jerk! LOL)
...And then he does.
He knows rage like he has never known when he sees all the men falling over themselves to speak with her.
And he can’t figure out why.
I loved their romance, but I really loved seeing the end of a plot that’s been running since the first book. Some old things were resolved, some new alliances were made, some were broken, and through it all Ilysa and Connor discovered that their love is more important than anything else.
For anyone who wants a delicious new Highlander series, Margaret Mallory delivers with her Return of the Highlanders series.
***ARC courtesy of netgalley and Forever Romance
April 14, 2024
Her kindness was a gift he did not reserve.
Page.231
Page.231
July 6, 2017
This is the story of the death of feminism. In all fairness, I cannot give it a 1 star rating because the writing isn't horrible even if the plot sends all the wrong messages.
Connor is the leader of a Scottish clan. Ilysa is little better than a commoner since she is believed to be illegitimate. She is also hopelessly in love with Connor but she knows that he must marry a noblewoman from a powerful family in order to save his clan. She dresses unattractively to avoid drawing attention to herself even though she longs for the day when Connor will see her as a woman.
But this is not anything like Cinderella.
When Connor needs a housekeeper, she volunteers for the position because she genuinely cares for him and would do anything within her power to help him. It is painful to watch how far Ilysa will go for Connor and how little he gives in return. She simply has no pride: when he As for Connor, he is clearly not worthy of her or any other woman.
Connor demonstrates a lack of trust and a lack of faith in Ilysa despite the fact that she has proven that she is loyal and honest again and again. She is a wonderful woman; she is kind, generous, capable, loving, and his clan adores her. Instead of thinking that she was not good enough to be his wife, he should have realized that HE was not good enough to be her husband. Connor might have been under enormous pressure to save his clan but if he had been truly honorable, he would not have started a relationship with Ilysa in the first place when he knew that he would not be free to marry her. As for Ilysa, I was hoping that she would show some spine and finally tell him where to shove it. I was sadly disappointed. She was an enabling doormat and a terrible role model for women who are trying to break away from bad relationships.
Connor is the leader of a Scottish clan. Ilysa is little better than a commoner since she is believed to be illegitimate. She is also hopelessly in love with Connor but she knows that he must marry a noblewoman from a powerful family in order to save his clan. She dresses unattractively to avoid drawing attention to herself even though she longs for the day when Connor will see her as a woman.
But this is not anything like Cinderella.
When Connor needs a housekeeper, she volunteers for the position because she genuinely cares for him and would do anything within her power to help him. It is painful to watch how far Ilysa will go for Connor and how little he gives in return. She simply has no pride: when he As for Connor, he is clearly not worthy of her or any other woman.
Connor demonstrates a lack of trust and a lack of faith in Ilysa despite the fact that she has proven that she is loyal and honest again and again. She is a wonderful woman; she is kind, generous, capable, loving, and his clan adores her. Instead of thinking that she was not good enough to be his wife, he should have realized that HE was not good enough to be her husband. Connor might have been under enormous pressure to save his clan but if he had been truly honorable, he would not have started a relationship with Ilysa in the first place when he knew that he would not be free to marry her. As for Ilysa, I was hoping that she would show some spine and finally tell him where to shove it. I was sadly disappointed. She was an enabling doormat and a terrible role model for women who are trying to break away from bad relationships.
March 9, 2018
What and end to the series! We finally have a HEA for Connor, who acted like an asshole for about 1/2 of the book. I wanted to smack him a few times...
May 1, 2020
Uživam u ovim povijesnim ljubavnim romanima i redovito nalazim iste probleme u njima. Mallory zna izvesti priču i uspjela je u svakom dijelu tetralogije stvoriti različite parove s različitim osobnostima i dinamikom.
Ono što me uvijek malo naživcira su moderne gluparije koje su jednostavno nerealne za vrijeme u koje su stavljene. Najdraže mi je kad vidim neke moderne floskule na koje u današnjici okrećem očima. A ovaj serijal je dobitnik nagrade za najjači eufemizam za muški spolni organ: koplje.
Drago mi je što uvijek postoji neka povijesna priča u pozadini, ali obrada te priče uvijek je na razini nečega čemu očekujem najavu: "televisa presenta".
Naravno, sve likuše su predivne do bola jer samo to može privući glavne junake, makar ih se stalno pokušava prikazati kao da nisu plitki mužjaci kojima više misli donja nego gornja glava. Jedna junakinja tako ima čak ljubičaste oči i svima je to privlačno.
A tek površnost kojom se pristupa religijskim praksama (bile one ostaci poganskih ili bile one kršćanske)...
Uglavnom, roman koji ima tisuću jednu manu, ali to su mane koje su prilično uobičajene za ovaj žanr i nimalo ne iznenađuju. Ipak ću reći da je ovo jedan od boljih serijala ovoga žanra koji sam čitala i uspjelo me navesti da pročitam knjigu s lakoćom u dva dana.
Ono što me uvijek malo naživcira su moderne gluparije koje su jednostavno nerealne za vrijeme u koje su stavljene. Najdraže mi je kad vidim neke moderne floskule na koje u današnjici okrećem očima. A ovaj serijal je dobitnik nagrade za najjači eufemizam za muški spolni organ: koplje.
Drago mi je što uvijek postoji neka povijesna priča u pozadini, ali obrada te priče uvijek je na razini nečega čemu očekujem najavu: "televisa presenta".
Naravno, sve likuše su predivne do bola jer samo to može privući glavne junake, makar ih se stalno pokušava prikazati kao da nisu plitki mužjaci kojima više misli donja nego gornja glava. Jedna junakinja tako ima čak ljubičaste oči i svima je to privlačno.
A tek površnost kojom se pristupa religijskim praksama (bile one ostaci poganskih ili bile one kršćanske)...
Uglavnom, roman koji ima tisuću jednu manu, ali to su mane koje su prilično uobičajene za ovaj žanr i nimalo ne iznenađuju. Ipak ću reći da je ovo jedan od boljih serijala ovoga žanra koji sam čitala i uspjelo me navesti da pročitam knjigu s lakoćom u dva dana.
January 13, 2015
I truly enjoyed reading "The Chieftain. This book had everything
I look for in a highland romance. The characters are engaging and
the story is heartwarming, fun, and enjoyable..
If you love historical highland romance
I highly recommend this book.
I look for in a highland romance. The characters are engaging and
the story is heartwarming, fun, and enjoyable..
If you love historical highland romance
I highly recommend this book.
August 4, 2025
Story: 5 Stars
Audio: 4 Stars
❤️❤️❤️ My favorite in the series, the story was engrossing and entertaining, I couldn’t stop listening.. 😳 Connor and Ilysa had a slow burn romance which was quite incendiary and steamy when they finally got together. But despite their love for each other, Conor’s clan responsibilities become their main obstacle in having a future together.😢 We also get the showdown between Hugh and Connor that had been building for the past 3 books; I felt that Hugh should have suffered a little more for all the grief he caused over the last 3 years.
Obviously like all the previous books in the series, there is plenty of danger, action and suspense. However there are some interesting surprises too. I really enjoyed the pace of the story, never a boring moment.. and the narrator has improved on me, despite the “old man voice”
Highly recommended!!
Audio: 4 Stars
❤️❤️❤️ My favorite in the series, the story was engrossing and entertaining, I couldn’t stop listening.. 😳 Connor and Ilysa had a slow burn romance which was quite incendiary and steamy when they finally got together. But despite their love for each other, Conor’s clan responsibilities become their main obstacle in having a future together.😢 We also get the showdown between Hugh and Connor that had been building for the past 3 books; I felt that Hugh should have suffered a little more for all the grief he caused over the last 3 years.
Obviously like all the previous books in the series, there is plenty of danger, action and suspense. However there are some interesting surprises too. I really enjoyed the pace of the story, never a boring moment.. and the narrator has improved on me, despite the “old man voice”
Highly recommended!!
Want to read
September 13, 2021Rated 4.5 Stars
One of the best Highlander series I've ever read has come to an end. Not to fear though because Ms. Mallory has other Highlander series that I'm going to devour!
This book, The Chieftain was a smash hit and took the series out with a bang. Lots of action, romance, laughter, adventure, sexy times and general mayhem.
So, if ya love those big, burly, handsome warriors with accents that melt in your mouth, ya definitely wanna read this series, Return of the Highlanders, to get all your thrills met!
One of the best Highlander series I've ever read has come to an end. Not to fear though because Ms. Mallory has other Highlander series that I'm going to devour!
This book, The Chieftain was a smash hit and took the series out with a bang. Lots of action, romance, laughter, adventure, sexy times and general mayhem.
So, if ya love those big, burly, handsome warriors with accents that melt in your mouth, ya definitely wanna read this series, Return of the Highlanders, to get all your thrills met!
June 14, 2020
Great conclusion to the series. I admit that Alex & Glynis (book 2, The Sinner) are still my favorite couple - but Connor & Ilysa are very close. This book not only seals the last couple but wraps up an arc that’s run through the whole series. These are not stand alones.
Poor Connor spends so much time trying to avoid being his father and trying to protect his clan that he doesn’t realize what’s best for all is right in front of him. Steadfast and plain Ilysa, who is also Duncan’s baby sister, never expects to catch Connor’s eye.
There’s some surprises that I didn’t see coming as well as a few new characters whose alliances are questionable.
Again, Mallory’s dedication to research (and unabashed ignoring it when it makes for a better story) shines through with a well written and enjoyable adventure. This whole series is a great listen.
Derek Perkins continues a wonderful job narrating.
Poor Connor spends so much time trying to avoid being his father and trying to protect his clan that he doesn’t realize what’s best for all is right in front of him. Steadfast and plain Ilysa, who is also Duncan’s baby sister, never expects to catch Connor’s eye.
There’s some surprises that I didn’t see coming as well as a few new characters whose alliances are questionable.
Again, Mallory’s dedication to research (and unabashed ignoring it when it makes for a better story) shines through with a well written and enjoyable adventure. This whole series is a great listen.
Derek Perkins continues a wonderful job narrating.
March 28, 2023
I have re read this one probably three times. I really love it’s an excellent last book to this serious. However the previous one is my favorite. Still I loved Conner and Elisa!
No antagonism which is so refreshing.
Plot 7.5 (1-10) steaminess 6.5(1-10)
No antagonism which is so refreshing.
Plot 7.5 (1-10) steaminess 6.5(1-10)
March 16, 2013
Connor is clan chief of the MacDonalds of Sleat. His clan’s welfare and future depend upon his every decision, especially when it comes to choosing his future bride. A chieftain cannot marry where his heart leads him, not even when his choice is a fierce lass whose loyalty to the clan and her chieftain is unparalleled.
Ilysa has spent her life loving Connor MacDonald from afar. She has always been the type to work in the background, never gaining recognition. But the time for keeping silent is over. Ilysa is now determined to use her second sight to make certain Connor is safe and happy, even if her own heart breaks in the process.
Connor has never taken any particular notice of Ilysa before now. Yet, she has changed before his very eyes. Beautiful, alluring, steadfast and brave, the lass captures the chieftain’s heart. In the end, it will take both of them and their loyal hearts to safeguard their people.
Ms. Mallory does a beautiful job of bringing the Isle of Skye to life in her vivid descriptions of Clan MacDonald’s lands and lives. The fourth in this series, this book can be read as a standalone, though readers may enjoy picking up the previous three to get acquainted with the wonderful cast. Though the story has a predictable rhythm, it is well written and worth picking up for fans of Highland historical romances.
Kaitlin
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Ilysa has spent her life loving Connor MacDonald from afar. She has always been the type to work in the background, never gaining recognition. But the time for keeping silent is over. Ilysa is now determined to use her second sight to make certain Connor is safe and happy, even if her own heart breaks in the process.
Connor has never taken any particular notice of Ilysa before now. Yet, she has changed before his very eyes. Beautiful, alluring, steadfast and brave, the lass captures the chieftain’s heart. In the end, it will take both of them and their loyal hearts to safeguard their people.
Ms. Mallory does a beautiful job of bringing the Isle of Skye to life in her vivid descriptions of Clan MacDonald’s lands and lives. The fourth in this series, this book can be read as a standalone, though readers may enjoy picking up the previous three to get acquainted with the wonderful cast. Though the story has a predictable rhythm, it is well written and worth picking up for fans of Highland historical romances.
Kaitlin
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
April 24, 2016
This whole series has been a quick and enjoyable read. This book, in particular, was my favourite in the series.
Connor’s combination of obliviousness as well as stubbornness towards Ilysa, her feelings and her gift created a really fun and exciting story. All of the miscommunications caused by Connor’s pigheadedness, while causing Ilysa heartbreak, made for a great story. I loved watching his awakening, where Ilysa was concerned.
I really hope Margaret Mallory writes more books in this series.
Connor’s combination of obliviousness as well as stubbornness towards Ilysa, her feelings and her gift created a really fun and exciting story. All of the miscommunications caused by Connor’s pigheadedness, while causing Ilysa heartbreak, made for a great story. I loved watching his awakening, where Ilysa was concerned.
I really hope Margaret Mallory writes more books in this series.
April 3, 2013
I think this was the best one of the series. After watching Connor struggle in the first 3 books, he finally gets his HEA! I was sorry to see it end, I was hoping Lachlan would get a story of his own... The twist regarding Ilysa's background was great!! If you read the first three, then this one is a MUST.
April 15, 2020
3.5 stars
This one was much better then book one but not as gripping as books two and three. However, Connor was way way better then his cousin as a character AND Ilyssa was my baby so I was so glad to see her as a lead even if Connor totally didn’t deserve her. Seeing a culmination of a larger storyline that’s worked through all the books made me happy and over all it’s a series I know I will reread in the future. (minus book one, I genuinely hated it though it’s so well written.)
This one was much better then book one but not as gripping as books two and three. However, Connor was way way better then his cousin as a character AND Ilyssa was my baby so I was so glad to see her as a lead even if Connor totally didn’t deserve her. Seeing a culmination of a larger storyline that’s worked through all the books made me happy and over all it’s a series I know I will reread in the future. (minus book one, I genuinely hated it though it’s so well written.)
December 2, 2017
An enjoyable listen, and I am now curious about a couple of secondary characters. May add more later.
November 22, 2015
Impressive 4.5 Stars..
February 4, 2019
Questa serie è migliorata libro dopo libro e con la storia del signore del clan tocca il suo apice. Connor, signore disposto a sacrificare la propria felicità per il bene del clan, deve trovare moglie, possibilmente proveniente da una famiglia con cui allearsi. Ilysa, sorella di Duncan, che abbiamo conosciuto bene nel libro precedente, è sempre al suo fianco: cura il castello, gli dà consigli, è follemente e da sempre innamorata di lui; peccato che, come sempre, il maschio sia un animale particolarmente ottuso e non veda quello che a tutti gli altri è evidentissimo. Quando la luce divina del desiderio lo colpisce, con una spinta di sua sorella Moira, Connor ancora non capisce di avere tra le mani la compagna perfetta e arriva a colpirla dritta al cuore con la scelta di un’improbabilissima moglie. Grazie al fato, e alle fate, il matrimonio non va in porto e dopo una serie di fraintendimenti, incomprensioni, notti di magie, battaglie, ferite (il corpo di quest’uomo è un’enorme cicatrice), finalmente uno spiraglio sull’albero genealogico di Ilysa aiuta Connor e il clan, ponendo fine alla guerra. Da ragazza infagottata in abiti informi, Ilysa si trasforma in signora del clan e dimostra tutta la sua intelligenza e tutto il suo istinto.
Ogni pagina è ricca di particolari e di suspense: tra un attentato e l’altro, tra la ricerca della spia e lo studio di manovre politiche, Connor sfodera le proprie arti amatorie e scopre di avere anche un cuore. Due veri scozzesi: testardi, leali, indomiti. Uomini o donne che siano, i personaggi che popolano questi romance storici non deludono mai e le loro azioni ci tengono attaccati alle pagine fino all’ultima parola. Come psicologia e tipologia di personaggi li preferisco, e molto , rispetto a tanti altri che abitano le pagine di libri ambientati nel mondo odierno che, invece, sono capaci solamente di continuare a tentennare, senza prendere una qualunque decisione.
Cosa dirvi di più? Il libro è da leggere armate di bastone, da usare per le randellate che obbligatoriamente dobbiamo dare a quella testa dura di Connor MacDonald, anche se la sua tortura durerà poco: si legge in un baleno.
Ogni pagina è ricca di particolari e di suspense: tra un attentato e l’altro, tra la ricerca della spia e lo studio di manovre politiche, Connor sfodera le proprie arti amatorie e scopre di avere anche un cuore. Due veri scozzesi: testardi, leali, indomiti. Uomini o donne che siano, i personaggi che popolano questi romance storici non deludono mai e le loro azioni ci tengono attaccati alle pagine fino all’ultima parola. Come psicologia e tipologia di personaggi li preferisco, e molto , rispetto a tanti altri che abitano le pagine di libri ambientati nel mondo odierno che, invece, sono capaci solamente di continuare a tentennare, senza prendere una qualunque decisione.
Cosa dirvi di più? Il libro è da leggere armate di bastone, da usare per le randellate che obbligatoriamente dobbiamo dare a quella testa dura di Connor MacDonald, anche se la sua tortura durerà poco: si legge in un baleno.
February 6, 2022
I finally got to the last book in this series and enjoyed it enough to give it 5 stars. I liked it for all the reasons I liked the other 2 I read, but here’s what this one did right (IMO):
- it didn’t waste time on ridiculous OW drama. I didn’t feel as if the MMC was just a idiotic beefcake who only cares about getting the FMC or any OW into bed.
- I respected BOTH the MCs. ILYSA WAS THE BEST!! Connor was worthy of the chieftainship.
- neither MCs wasted time on denying their feelings, they admitted love for one another when they felt it.
- Lachlan was an awesome additional character who I wish we got a little more page time with.
- the romance was worth it. I didn’t feel angered or disgusted by their love. I actually rooted for them!
- it didn’t waste time on ridiculous OW drama. I didn’t feel as if the MMC was just a idiotic beefcake who only cares about getting the FMC or any OW into bed.
- I respected BOTH the MCs. ILYSA WAS THE BEST!! Connor was worthy of the chieftainship.
- neither MCs wasted time on denying their feelings, they admitted love for one another when they felt it.
- Lachlan was an awesome additional character who I wish we got a little more page time with.
- the romance was worth it. I didn’t feel angered or disgusted by their love. I actually rooted for them!
April 27, 2013
I think it's safe to say that Margaret Mallory has a new fan and a completely hooked one at that. The Chieftain was filled with stellar characters, surprise connections, terrible betrayals and all of the emotional turmoil they bring and just a lovely romance to top it all off. Like I said. I was hooked. Even if I wanted to strangle a Highland warrior now and again.
The gist is that Connor is a somewhat new Chieftain who's lands are at risk and who is in need of a strong alliance with another clan. He plans on forgoing a marriage for love and using his marriage to form a bond with another clan to ensure their help in defeating his enemies. Yep. You know there's gonna be some drama with that one.
Connor, Lord love him, I spent about half the book wanting to pinch the ever living hell out of the man and then somehow he had me doing that girly contented sigh thing and falling completely in love with him before I even realized it had happened. He really is a good man and I loved the warrior/Chieftain side of him that would do anything for his people. He's not afraid to get his hands dirty and fight with his men. The pinchable side was the way he treated Ilysa the first half of the book where the damnable man just kept dismissing her and being rather flaky in what he wanted from her. Had me getting all grumbly and wanting to give him a smack.
Ilysa though held her own and may just be my favorite heroine of the year. The lass was amazing and while not the strongest physically she definitely had a fighting strength behind her and had determination like you wouldn't believe. What made me fall head over heels for Ilysa was the fire in her. If the men around her dismissed her warnings of danger? Well, the lass would lock their asses in their own dungeon until the danger passed. Seriously. Holy freaking balls! And she just had a great personality and did things you really wouldn't expect.
Really, how could you not love her?
There's really some heart breaking moments once Connor got his act together and started falling for Marjory and the two have to struggle with his need to protect the clan and "do what's right" versus what's really in his heart. I mean. Heart. Breaking. Stuff.
One thing I liked about Mallory's world building was that her Highlanders definitely have a dark side. There's danger lurking everywhere and these Highlanders are brutal. They're fierce in their determination and quests for revenge and things aren't always pretty even when the Chieftain is a good man and honorable.
The ending in this one was one of those "oh shit!" make your hands fooking sweat kind of endings. And yeah I just cursed but it's so my blog and totally merited with this one. I mean seriously. Hands sweating. Fidgeting in my seat. Holding my breath kinda endings. And so damn good. If I hadn't been hooked before that would have done it for me.
I'm really looking forward to checking out all of the earlier books in the series next and love the hint of maybe another book coming into the picture for one of the characters that really won me over throughout the story. If you love Highlanders, "impossible love" stories and damn fine upstanding characters (though some may slip a time or two on that front) you'll love The Chieftain. It comes out at the end of February and is one ye shouldn't miss.
The gist is that Connor is a somewhat new Chieftain who's lands are at risk and who is in need of a strong alliance with another clan. He plans on forgoing a marriage for love and using his marriage to form a bond with another clan to ensure their help in defeating his enemies. Yep. You know there's gonna be some drama with that one.
Connor, Lord love him, I spent about half the book wanting to pinch the ever living hell out of the man and then somehow he had me doing that girly contented sigh thing and falling completely in love with him before I even realized it had happened. He really is a good man and I loved the warrior/Chieftain side of him that would do anything for his people. He's not afraid to get his hands dirty and fight with his men. The pinchable side was the way he treated Ilysa the first half of the book where the damnable man just kept dismissing her and being rather flaky in what he wanted from her. Had me getting all grumbly and wanting to give him a smack.
Ilysa though held her own and may just be my favorite heroine of the year. The lass was amazing and while not the strongest physically she definitely had a fighting strength behind her and had determination like you wouldn't believe. What made me fall head over heels for Ilysa was the fire in her. If the men around her dismissed her warnings of danger? Well, the lass would lock their asses in their own dungeon until the danger passed. Seriously. Holy freaking balls! And she just had a great personality and did things you really wouldn't expect.
"He seemed interested in me," she said.
"He is interested," Niall hissed in her ear, "is getting ye under the blankets."
"Truly?" Ilsya said, pressing her hand to her chest. Other lasses were always talking about men attempting to do this, but they never tried with her. "That's exciting. Do ye suppose other men here will try as well?"
"Ilysa!" Niall looked so shocked that she burst out laughing.
Really, how could you not love her?
There's really some heart breaking moments once Connor got his act together and started falling for Marjory and the two have to struggle with his need to protect the clan and "do what's right" versus what's really in his heart. I mean. Heart. Breaking. Stuff.
One thing I liked about Mallory's world building was that her Highlanders definitely have a dark side. There's danger lurking everywhere and these Highlanders are brutal. They're fierce in their determination and quests for revenge and things aren't always pretty even when the Chieftain is a good man and honorable.
The ending in this one was one of those "oh shit!" make your hands fooking sweat kind of endings. And yeah I just cursed but it's so my blog and totally merited with this one. I mean seriously. Hands sweating. Fidgeting in my seat. Holding my breath kinda endings. And so damn good. If I hadn't been hooked before that would have done it for me.
I'm really looking forward to checking out all of the earlier books in the series next and love the hint of maybe another book coming into the picture for one of the characters that really won me over throughout the story. If you love Highlanders, "impossible love" stories and damn fine upstanding characters (though some may slip a time or two on that front) you'll love The Chieftain. It comes out at the end of February and is one ye shouldn't miss.
February 28, 2013
Return of the Highlanders, Book 4
Connor MacDonald is the Chieftain. He has the responsibility of keeping all of his people safe from those that strike against them. A part of keeping them safe is marrying a woman that comes with a strong alliance. Connor has always known love would not be in the cards for the Chieftain and that never bothered him until now.
Ilysa is the sister of Duncan, one of Connor’s faithful friends. She is also a seer. Ilysa is in love with Connor but she knows a relationship between them is impossible because of her humble beginnings but that doesn’t stop her from trying to protect him from the danger she sees coming.
When Connor and Ilysa are forced to work closer together he sees another side of the woman who has always been there for him. The shy drab girl is turning into a strong woman and it’s getting harder to hide the feelings she causes. Will The Chieftain find a way to win the woman he loves or will war take away everything he desires?
Wow, I don’t even know where to begin. I’ve waited for what seems like forever for Connor’s story and now I’m so sad that it’s over! It’s safe to say that Margaret Mallory’s Return of the Highlanders series is an all-time favorite of mine. I never thought I could fall in love with Scottish heroes until I was introduced to one that stole my heart in The Guardian.
I admit that I have been wondering for a while now how Ms. Mallory was going to work the relationship between Connor and Ilysa. I am very happy with the way things turned out. There are so many great things about The Chieftain. It is great to see all of the men of the series come together in this story. The scenes with the four of them are so fantastic. However, the scenes between Connor and Ilysa are magic. The two of them have an undeniable chemistry that is amped up because of the forbidden nature of their relationship. Not only should he marry for his people but Ilysa is his best friend’s sister. Lots of dramatic tension makes The Chieftain an allstar!
If you’re looking for a passionate highlander romance then The Chieftain is for you. Margaret Mallory creates spectacular stories filled with love and adventure.
Reviewed by Miranda for Joyfully Reviewed
Connor MacDonald is the Chieftain. He has the responsibility of keeping all of his people safe from those that strike against them. A part of keeping them safe is marrying a woman that comes with a strong alliance. Connor has always known love would not be in the cards for the Chieftain and that never bothered him until now.
Ilysa is the sister of Duncan, one of Connor’s faithful friends. She is also a seer. Ilysa is in love with Connor but she knows a relationship between them is impossible because of her humble beginnings but that doesn’t stop her from trying to protect him from the danger she sees coming.
When Connor and Ilysa are forced to work closer together he sees another side of the woman who has always been there for him. The shy drab girl is turning into a strong woman and it’s getting harder to hide the feelings she causes. Will The Chieftain find a way to win the woman he loves or will war take away everything he desires?
Wow, I don’t even know where to begin. I’ve waited for what seems like forever for Connor’s story and now I’m so sad that it’s over! It’s safe to say that Margaret Mallory’s Return of the Highlanders series is an all-time favorite of mine. I never thought I could fall in love with Scottish heroes until I was introduced to one that stole my heart in The Guardian.
I admit that I have been wondering for a while now how Ms. Mallory was going to work the relationship between Connor and Ilysa. I am very happy with the way things turned out. There are so many great things about The Chieftain. It is great to see all of the men of the series come together in this story. The scenes with the four of them are so fantastic. However, the scenes between Connor and Ilysa are magic. The two of them have an undeniable chemistry that is amped up because of the forbidden nature of their relationship. Not only should he marry for his people but Ilysa is his best friend’s sister. Lots of dramatic tension makes The Chieftain an allstar!
If you’re looking for a passionate highlander romance then The Chieftain is for you. Margaret Mallory creates spectacular stories filled with love and adventure.
Reviewed by Miranda for Joyfully Reviewed
January 30, 2016
I still liked this book, but it was probably my least favorite of the series. I was up and down at times about the romance and felt a bit disappointed by the way things were wrapped up. The ending itself felt very rushed. After four books of build-up, the fight between Hugh and Connor was resolved very quickly and wasn’t as epic as I’d been hoping for. Also, I was pretty annoyed when . It probably isn’t a big deal to others, but it’s one of my pet peeves in books.
From the very first book, Connor had won me over with that really badass Samhain line. Strangely, I didn’t like him as much this time around. I mean, it’s not like I hated him or anything, but he came off as a little bland. On the other hand, I loved Ilysa. You could tell how much she genuinely cared for him. She was so likeable that I couldn’t help but want her to be happy and end up with Connor. As a couple, I enjoyed reading about them and I really started to get invested in their relationship. One of my favorite scenes was when Ilysa tricked him into a dungeon because he wouldn’t listen to her warnings about Hugh. Connor was so oblivious when it came to how Ilysa felt about him. There were numerous times where he said or did something that inadvertently hurt her and I wanted to punch him in the nuts. I swear, everyone at the keep but Connor seemed to know she loved him. I must admit that things did get a little icky towards the end with the whole thing, but I am happy that Ilysa got her happy ending.
From the very first book, Connor had won me over with that really badass Samhain line. Strangely, I didn’t like him as much this time around. I mean, it’s not like I hated him or anything, but he came off as a little bland. On the other hand, I loved Ilysa. You could tell how much she genuinely cared for him. She was so likeable that I couldn’t help but want her to be happy and end up with Connor. As a couple, I enjoyed reading about them and I really started to get invested in their relationship. One of my favorite scenes was when Ilysa tricked him into a dungeon because he wouldn’t listen to her warnings about Hugh. Connor was so oblivious when it came to how Ilysa felt about him. There were numerous times where he said or did something that inadvertently hurt her and I wanted to punch him in the nuts. I swear, everyone at the keep but Connor seemed to know she loved him. I must admit that things did get a little icky towards the end with the whole thing, but I am happy that Ilysa got her happy ending.
July 5, 2013
This series follows the stories of four MacDonald warriors, Ian, Alex, Duncan and now Connor. Connor is, as the title suggests, the clan's chieftain.
Ilysa is Duncan's sister, and she's had steamy dreams about Connor since the four men returned from France. She's a healer, and she has the second sight, and she's learned at the skirts of Tearlag, the clan's seer. Connor, on the other hand, doesn't see past the frumpy clothing and tight head cloth that covers Ilysa's pretty hair, and he does NOT believe in seers. He sees Ilysa's attempts to advise him as an affront to his authority, and as a result
Connor has left Duncan and his buddies in charge of other castles while he occupies Trotternish Castle, which was recently reclaimed for the MacDonalds. Ilysa, against her brother's objections, follows him to the new holding and takes the reins as chatelaine. She'd follow Connor to Hades, if she had to, even if people assume the worst, that she's his mistress, even if this keeps her from having a life of her own. She knows that one day Connor will have to marry a laird's daughter, who can bring alliances for the MacDonalds—but she'll take what she can get and treasure the memories when she's married to someone else.
Meanwhile, there's a spy at Trotternish. Someone is feeding Connor's uncle-slash-enemy, Hugh, information that makes it possible for Hugh to set up deadly ambushes. And that's not the only danger Connor faces.
Plots of vengeance, greed, and general mayhem ensue, with a little half-naked faery dancing mixed in just for fun. It's a pretty good read. 4 stars.
Ilysa is Duncan's sister, and she's had steamy dreams about Connor since the four men returned from France. She's a healer, and she has the second sight, and she's learned at the skirts of Tearlag, the clan's seer. Connor, on the other hand, doesn't see past the frumpy clothing and tight head cloth that covers Ilysa's pretty hair, and he does NOT believe in seers. He sees Ilysa's attempts to advise him as an affront to his authority, and as a result
Connor has left Duncan and his buddies in charge of other castles while he occupies Trotternish Castle, which was recently reclaimed for the MacDonalds. Ilysa, against her brother's objections, follows him to the new holding and takes the reins as chatelaine. She'd follow Connor to Hades, if she had to, even if people assume the worst, that she's his mistress, even if this keeps her from having a life of her own. She knows that one day Connor will have to marry a laird's daughter, who can bring alliances for the MacDonalds—but she'll take what she can get and treasure the memories when she's married to someone else.
Meanwhile, there's a spy at Trotternish. Someone is feeding Connor's uncle-slash-enemy, Hugh, information that makes it possible for Hugh to set up deadly ambushes. And that's not the only danger Connor faces.
Plots of vengeance, greed, and general mayhem ensue, with a little half-naked faery dancing mixed in just for fun. It's a pretty good read. 4 stars.
March 15, 2016
The Chieftain
By Margaret Mallory
Return of the Highlanders Book #4
This is the final book of the short series.
Connor became chief of the MacDonalds of Sleat when he came home after fighting in France for five years to find that his father and older brother had been killed in the Battle of Flodden and his evil uncle was running the clan into the ground by only looking out for himself. The clan voted in Connor as chieftain and ousted his uncle.
His uncle is now gathering large numbers of pirates and terrorizing the Isle of Sky and all the surrounding Isles. Not only is he at war with his uncle but a rival clan is threatening to take his land. Connor must find a strong clan to marry into so he can get help defending his lands.
Ilysa is a healer and a seer. Connor has always trusted her to take care of the castle and take on the duties that his future wife will take over once he is married. Nobody ever gives Ilysa a second glance because she dresses in frumpy clothing that are shapeless and drab. She covers her hair like a nun and keeps herself in the background. She is in love with Connor because she is too lowborn to marry him. Although her mother was a noblewoman, her father is unknown.
I absolutely adored Ilysa. I laughed a lot at her tactics. I really wanted her to somehow be some powerful chieftain’s daughter and I somehow guessed who her father really was. That was probably a bit of a spoiler but I think anyone could put two and two together.
I am sad that this is the end of this series but it really had nowhere else to go. I would recommend this series to anyone who likes Highlander romances.
www.paranormalromanceslut.com
By Margaret Mallory
Return of the Highlanders Book #4
This is the final book of the short series.
Connor became chief of the MacDonalds of Sleat when he came home after fighting in France for five years to find that his father and older brother had been killed in the Battle of Flodden and his evil uncle was running the clan into the ground by only looking out for himself. The clan voted in Connor as chieftain and ousted his uncle.
His uncle is now gathering large numbers of pirates and terrorizing the Isle of Sky and all the surrounding Isles. Not only is he at war with his uncle but a rival clan is threatening to take his land. Connor must find a strong clan to marry into so he can get help defending his lands.
Ilysa is a healer and a seer. Connor has always trusted her to take care of the castle and take on the duties that his future wife will take over once he is married. Nobody ever gives Ilysa a second glance because she dresses in frumpy clothing that are shapeless and drab. She covers her hair like a nun and keeps herself in the background. She is in love with Connor because she is too lowborn to marry him. Although her mother was a noblewoman, her father is unknown.
I absolutely adored Ilysa. I laughed a lot at her tactics. I really wanted her to somehow be some powerful chieftain’s daughter and I somehow guessed who her father really was. That was probably a bit of a spoiler but I think anyone could put two and two together.
I am sad that this is the end of this series but it really had nowhere else to go. I would recommend this series to anyone who likes Highlander romances.
www.paranormalromanceslut.com
February 5, 2016
This is a new author for me, and starting with book four was a disadvantage to be sure. However, by the time I was done reading this story, I realized that the author actually did an outstanding job making sure the story stood on its own. She made sure that I wasn’t lost and even though the past characters kept popping in and out of this story, I felt she made sure her focus stayed on Connor and Ilysa.
As always, with each new author, comes new voice and it took me about half way through to get the hang of Ms. Mallory’s voice. Once I did, I relaxed and enjoyed the ride.
There are a few things to recommend this story and here are just a few from my observations.
I found the story solidly written, fast paced and the plot, albeit predictable, compelling and believable.
Ms. Mallory gave us a great Alpha hero who I found likable and heroic, while his heroine was sweet and innocent. Just a perfect counterpart to him.
What I also found much to my liking were the secondary characters that quickly grew on me [read, need to buy the other three books, like… now!].
I have no doubt that the fans of Margaret Mallory will love the end to this series, and the ones that never read her work, such as myself, will be making sure to visit their nearest book store to pick up the earlier books in this series. If you are in a mood for a light and entertaining story with men in kilts, this one will definitely fill the bill!
Melanie for b2b
*Book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
As always, with each new author, comes new voice and it took me about half way through to get the hang of Ms. Mallory’s voice. Once I did, I relaxed and enjoyed the ride.
There are a few things to recommend this story and here are just a few from my observations.
I found the story solidly written, fast paced and the plot, albeit predictable, compelling and believable.
Ms. Mallory gave us a great Alpha hero who I found likable and heroic, while his heroine was sweet and innocent. Just a perfect counterpart to him.
What I also found much to my liking were the secondary characters that quickly grew on me [read, need to buy the other three books, like… now!].
I have no doubt that the fans of Margaret Mallory will love the end to this series, and the ones that never read her work, such as myself, will be making sure to visit their nearest book store to pick up the earlier books in this series. If you are in a mood for a light and entertaining story with men in kilts, this one will definitely fill the bill!
Melanie for b2b
*Book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
April 10, 2013
Sometimes I just want to read about running a castle and getting it clean and sexy clan chiefs; Highlands fuckers like these tend to go a little overboard with the politics. I don't care about the chief of that clan and what he did to this other clan or the MEETING of the CHIEFTAINS, politics, history, cool it. Easy to get bogged down. Just talk about cleaning out the fireplaces.
March 12, 2013
I absolutely love this series and The Chieftain was a fabulous read. Margaret Mallory is now on my 'auto-buy' list, well she has been for awhile now. Mallory writes everything I love about a Scottish Highland romance.
If you love a man in a kilt then you shouldn't pass this novel by.
If you love a man in a kilt then you shouldn't pass this novel by.
May 12, 2017
5 Marvelous Stars
My second read from Margaret Mallory and it's the fourth and the final installment from Return of the Highlanders series (except the novella). I'm super surprised to love this book more than the first one. I first bought the first and fourth series from Google play, but the first book was just an okay read for me that's why I haven't read this one in such a long time. What a foolish am I! This one deserves my 5 stars, I just love it! But of course, not every story is a perfectly smooth.
To read this one, you don’t have to read the three previous books, well… it’s a series, and I've read the first one, I believe you don’t have to read all of it in order, but if you do then it would be better.
The main story tells us about MacDonald clan, Connor as the laird, was in need of a strong ally to help him confront his uncle and another enemy clan. He’s clan was a weak one, and in order to have a new ally, he was desperately in need of a bride, and from a strong clan nonetheless. Connor was an honorable man, he did everything for the prosperity of his clan, and he vows to himself not to be like his father, who ruined the family by keeping a mistress. A monogamous and devoted life was the one Connor decided since he was young. And that’s where the problem starts…
Love definitely not something Connor was looking for, but, here we got Ilysa, younger sister of Duncan ( the hero from book three) and best friend of Connor. Ilysa was a widower, she married young and not even a year she became a widower. She kept a dark secret by herself, a shame that always wandering inside her mind. Ilysa was a kind loving woman, she was composed, sensible, full of grace and I love her right away. She went together with Connor to help him took care of the place, at first Connor thought that Ilysa was just being kind and devoted her life to the clan (which is true), but little does he knows that Ilysa had been in love with him since she was young. Amid all of the bride candidates that Connor found, and all the dangers that prevailed, Ilysa always there to support him. Ilysa was a magnificent character, I love her so very much, her loyalty towards Connor is beyond only love, trust, compassion, and strong bonds. She was a plain woman, always draped in a concealing garment, but behind all of that old drabs, was a beautiful young woman.
The story got a low angst, particularly because of the unrequited feeling of Ilysa towards Connor. At firs, I thought I will hate Connor for hurting Ilysa, but what Connor did actually no wrong, he just put the clan’s future before his own need. Ilysa was not from a good family background, she cannot provide a strong ally or even huge sum of dower for Connor, she doesn't even know her biological father. Almost until the middle part, everything was enjoyable, but almost at the end, when Ilysa decided to change for herself, that’s where the turning point start. It was good and hot, and enjoyable, but it was a little bit predictable, a little bit, not that I mind.
Overall, I really like Ilysa and Connor, I love their story, I enjoy it more than the first book. 5 stars.
PS: Does any of you know how to change the view from Play Books to scrolling? I prefer scroll view like I usually did in my iBooks.
My second read from Margaret Mallory and it's the fourth and the final installment from Return of the Highlanders series (except the novella). I'm super surprised to love this book more than the first one. I first bought the first and fourth series from Google play, but the first book was just an okay read for me that's why I haven't read this one in such a long time. What a foolish am I! This one deserves my 5 stars, I just love it! But of course, not every story is a perfectly smooth.
To read this one, you don’t have to read the three previous books, well… it’s a series, and I've read the first one, I believe you don’t have to read all of it in order, but if you do then it would be better.
The main story tells us about MacDonald clan, Connor as the laird, was in need of a strong ally to help him confront his uncle and another enemy clan. He’s clan was a weak one, and in order to have a new ally, he was desperately in need of a bride, and from a strong clan nonetheless. Connor was an honorable man, he did everything for the prosperity of his clan, and he vows to himself not to be like his father, who ruined the family by keeping a mistress. A monogamous and devoted life was the one Connor decided since he was young. And that’s where the problem starts…
Love definitely not something Connor was looking for, but, here we got Ilysa, younger sister of Duncan ( the hero from book three) and best friend of Connor. Ilysa was a widower, she married young and not even a year she became a widower. She kept a dark secret by herself, a shame that always wandering inside her mind. Ilysa was a kind loving woman, she was composed, sensible, full of grace and I love her right away. She went together with Connor to help him took care of the place, at first Connor thought that Ilysa was just being kind and devoted her life to the clan (which is true), but little does he knows that Ilysa had been in love with him since she was young. Amid all of the bride candidates that Connor found, and all the dangers that prevailed, Ilysa always there to support him. Ilysa was a magnificent character, I love her so very much, her loyalty towards Connor is beyond only love, trust, compassion, and strong bonds. She was a plain woman, always draped in a concealing garment, but behind all of that old drabs, was a beautiful young woman.
The story got a low angst, particularly because of the unrequited feeling of Ilysa towards Connor. At firs, I thought I will hate Connor for hurting Ilysa, but what Connor did actually no wrong, he just put the clan’s future before his own need. Ilysa was not from a good family background, she cannot provide a strong ally or even huge sum of dower for Connor, she doesn't even know her biological father. Almost until the middle part, everything was enjoyable, but almost at the end, when Ilysa decided to change for herself, that’s where the turning point start. It was good and hot, and enjoyable, but it was a little bit predictable, a little bit, not that I mind.
Overall, I really like Ilysa and Connor, I love their story, I enjoy it more than the first book. 5 stars.
PS: Does any of you know how to change the view from Play Books to scrolling? I prefer scroll view like I usually did in my iBooks.
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