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Guards of Clan Ross #3
Struan
Will he choose duty or love?
Gracie Durie’s life has been full of cruel twists lately. First, she survives a horrific shipwreck and washes up on shore like lost cargo. Then, her betrothed fails to show up to claim her, leaving her to survive alone in a strange place. Pushing away her pride, she offers herself to a handsome archer. Not only does he refuse her offer, but he feeds her and protects her from harm. No longer a commodity to be traded, Gracie feels like a human being for the first time in years.
Seasoned Clan Ross archer Struan MacLean has seen enough of the world’s ugliness and prefers to be alone. But when he meets a beauty in distress, he can’t resist helping her. Turning down her offers of her body, he instead feeds her and vows to escort her safely to the laird. Then she’ll be someone else’s problem, and Struan can go back to being alone. Showing kindness to Gracie shines a light on the empty places in Struan’s heart, and he starts to glimpse the beauty beneath her fear. Perhaps the world is not so ugly after all. But regardless of their growing desire, Gracie belongs to another, and Struan must deliver the lass to her betrothed.
Gracie Durie’s life has been full of cruel twists lately. First, she survives a horrific shipwreck and washes up on shore like lost cargo. Then, her betrothed fails to show up to claim her, leaving her to survive alone in a strange place. Pushing away her pride, she offers herself to a handsome archer. Not only does he refuse her offer, but he feeds her and protects her from harm. No longer a commodity to be traded, Gracie feels like a human being for the first time in years.
Seasoned Clan Ross archer Struan MacLean has seen enough of the world’s ugliness and prefers to be alone. But when he meets a beauty in distress, he can’t resist helping her. Turning down her offers of her body, he instead feeds her and vows to escort her safely to the laird. Then she’ll be someone else’s problem, and Struan can go back to being alone. Showing kindness to Gracie shines a light on the empty places in Struan’s heart, and he starts to glimpse the beauty beneath her fear. Perhaps the world is not so ugly after all. But regardless of their growing desire, Gracie belongs to another, and Struan must deliver the lass to her betrothed.
164 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 24, 2023
84 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Hildie McQueen
178 books829 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 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 7, 2025
Struan by Hildie McQueen
Guards of Clan Ross series #3. Historical romance, medieval. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Gracie Durie was sold by her parents into marriage. She traveled to her betrothed bit the ship she was one wrecked. She ends up on her own in the small town with few possessions and no coin, unclaimed. In a desperate move, beyond hungry, she offered her company to one of local guardsmen. He refuses her offer, but does feed her that night. He says he will bring her some mending and gives her a handful of coins and then walks away.
Clan Ross archer Struan MacLean prefers to be alone. He learned that lesson at a very young age. When a desperate woman calls out to him, he can’t resist helping her. He keeps his distance but feeds her and on his next trips into town, he makes sure she is safe and eating. There is something about her that calls to him. He’s determined to resist. Until he can’t anymore.
Without enough money or power to support themselves, women don’t have many options In medieval Scotland. It’s so sad. Clan Ross does try to help to an extent.
Gracie and Struan circle and avoid and are drawn back together. Finding out her betrothed still lives is not good news for either of them. Worse, they find out he’s not honorable either.
Laird Ross is asked to intervene.
Great story based on sad circumstances for her. Hea for them with another couple from the small town also getting together.
Endearing in the end.
Guards of Clan Ross series #3. Historical romance, medieval. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Gracie Durie was sold by her parents into marriage. She traveled to her betrothed bit the ship she was one wrecked. She ends up on her own in the small town with few possessions and no coin, unclaimed. In a desperate move, beyond hungry, she offered her company to one of local guardsmen. He refuses her offer, but does feed her that night. He says he will bring her some mending and gives her a handful of coins and then walks away.
Clan Ross archer Struan MacLean prefers to be alone. He learned that lesson at a very young age. When a desperate woman calls out to him, he can’t resist helping her. He keeps his distance but feeds her and on his next trips into town, he makes sure she is safe and eating. There is something about her that calls to him. He’s determined to resist. Until he can’t anymore.
Without enough money or power to support themselves, women don’t have many options In medieval Scotland. It’s so sad. Clan Ross does try to help to an extent.
Gracie and Struan circle and avoid and are drawn back together. Finding out her betrothed still lives is not good news for either of them. Worse, they find out he’s not honorable either.
Laird Ross is asked to intervene.
Great story based on sad circumstances for her. Hea for them with another couple from the small town also getting together.
Endearing in the end.
March 25, 2023
This book and whole series is full of comforting romances. While I liked Struan and Grace there were instances where they just seemed stubborn for the sake of being stubborn. At times the plot moved forward in a way that felt rushed but this is a short book, at about 160 pages. The ending felt a little bit abrupt and I wish the epilogue had added more, especially since there was a story line that I don't think got resolved. I also loved Gavin and Flora, and I thought they could have been the stars of the next book in the series but I've realized that every book in this series has had a secondary romance which is also really sweet and comforting. Overall a very cozy read!
June 7, 2023
He never wanted marriage
She survived the shipwreck and was rescued by the warriors. Her betrothed never showed up for her. Alone and hungry she offered her body for coin to Straun. Instead, he bought her food to eat and loaned her a few coins. Thus begins a story of a man never loved in childhood and a woman who's a strong survivor. As always, Hildie McQueen weaves a marvelous story of two people finding their happy life .
She survived the shipwreck and was rescued by the warriors. Her betrothed never showed up for her. Alone and hungry she offered her body for coin to Straun. Instead, he bought her food to eat and loaned her a few coins. Thus begins a story of a man never loved in childhood and a woman who's a strong survivor. As always, Hildie McQueen weaves a marvelous story of two people finding their happy life .
April 3, 2023
I absolutely love Straun’s character. The writer did an exceptional job of creating a leading character who absolutely commanded the pages of this book. The leading lady and Straun worked very well with the plot to the story. The book is quite entertaining and simply romantic. I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 16, 2023
Guardsmen, Archers, Lies, Romance:
Emotionally satisfying story that soothed my soul. I loved this story, and the characters were most heartwarming and a joy to read about.
Struan and Grace's journey of discovering love was thrilling, sensuous and had my tummy gripping and heart pounding than once.
The characters felt real for the time period, their friends were wonderful to meet again.
Actually, there's two romance stories in one book. Just great. I loved every word I read in this amazing true to life story.
Mature Advisory:
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest opinion.
Emotionally satisfying story that soothed my soul. I loved this story, and the characters were most heartwarming and a joy to read about.
Struan and Grace's journey of discovering love was thrilling, sensuous and had my tummy gripping and heart pounding than once.
The characters felt real for the time period, their friends were wonderful to meet again.
Actually, there's two romance stories in one book. Just great. I loved every word I read in this amazing true to life story.
Mature Advisory:
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest opinion.
March 26, 2023
Review of Struan
This book was different but intriguing. It was definitely about a hard fought battle but not the normal "battle" of knights. Struan was an excellent archer for Clan Ross, but his scars were from the emotional pain of being deserted as a child. Trust in human nature was not something he had other than those he worked with. Grace was a woman scorned thru no fault of her own, sold in marriage to a man by her father, deserted by her betrothed who failed to search for her when her ship went down. Their story is truly a love story. An added extra is the couple Gavin and Flora another story within the story. I enjoyed this book very much.
This book was different but intriguing. It was definitely about a hard fought battle but not the normal "battle" of knights. Struan was an excellent archer for Clan Ross, but his scars were from the emotional pain of being deserted as a child. Trust in human nature was not something he had other than those he worked with. Grace was a woman scorned thru no fault of her own, sold in marriage to a man by her father, deserted by her betrothed who failed to search for her when her ship went down. Their story is truly a love story. An added extra is the couple Gavin and Flora another story within the story. I enjoyed this book very much.
August 31, 2023
quick little jaunt to Scotland
Ms. McQueen paints a picture of hard life, hard work and hard men in Scotland. I took away one star because I feel this story could have been longer, some questions were left unanswered and there could have been more ‘drama’ in regards to Grace’s breaking the arrangement to marry another. I also think she could have interwoven Flora and Gavin’s story on this one too, making the novel longer and more complex.
But it is a simple read and I finished it while driving on a road trip. It’s a very fast read, and that is what I needed at the time. I enjoyed it.
Ms. McQueen paints a picture of hard life, hard work and hard men in Scotland. I took away one star because I feel this story could have been longer, some questions were left unanswered and there could have been more ‘drama’ in regards to Grace’s breaking the arrangement to marry another. I also think she could have interwoven Flora and Gavin’s story on this one too, making the novel longer and more complex.
But it is a simple read and I finished it while driving on a road trip. It’s a very fast read, and that is what I needed at the time. I enjoyed it.
April 3, 2023
Struan and Grace.
Struan is the head archer for clan Ross. He lost both his parents at the age of 3 and never had a home of his own or anyone who cared about him. Until he met Grace. She survived a shipwreck and was trying to survive on her own with no skills and no one to protect her. Her betrothed never showed up to get her and she was alone. When she and Struan crossed paths there was an instant connection. Their love story had many. Complications that kept it interesting. Short and sweet book.
Struan is the head archer for clan Ross. He lost both his parents at the age of 3 and never had a home of his own or anyone who cared about him. Until he met Grace. She survived a shipwreck and was trying to survive on her own with no skills and no one to protect her. Her betrothed never showed up to get her and she was alone. When she and Struan crossed paths there was an instant connection. Their love story had many. Complications that kept it interesting. Short and sweet book.
August 10, 2023
I do love the "Guards of Clan Ross"! All are such manly men and warriors to boot!! Who doesn't love that! LOL. I loved how the Guards didn't see the need for marrying because they thought their lives were happy until love and fate came calling. Boy, were they wrong! Struan and Grace were great for each other. I loved the series and am sort of sad to see it end. The author has other series to read so I will explore those! If you like everything Scottish, then I recommend this series and author. Enjoy!
April 7, 2023
continued success
Another successful series for McQueen. I have so enjoyed the 3 books in this series of the Ross guards, especially since they were so present in the Ross Clan series. The first 2 in the series were great reads, while this one was also a good read…the ending felt incredibly rushed and didn’t seem to come together for a cleaner ending sadly… the is the only con with this effort.
Otherwise worth the read..
Another successful series for McQueen. I have so enjoyed the 3 books in this series of the Ross guards, especially since they were so present in the Ross Clan series. The first 2 in the series were great reads, while this one was also a good read…the ending felt incredibly rushed and didn’t seem to come together for a cleaner ending sadly… the is the only con with this effort.
Otherwise worth the read..
March 30, 2023
Great story
Grace was betrothed to a man to pay her fathers debt. On the way to Taernsby the ship had wrecked and she had to swim to shore. The Ross guards were able to pull her to safety. Her betrothed was no where to found. She decides to sell herself to get money when she meets Struan. He buys her dinner and gives her coin to mend his tunics then finds her a place to stay.
Grace was betrothed to a man to pay her fathers debt. On the way to Taernsby the ship had wrecked and she had to swim to shore. The Ross guards were able to pull her to safety. Her betrothed was no where to found. She decides to sell herself to get money when she meets Struan. He buys her dinner and gives her coin to mend his tunics then finds her a place to stay.
March 27, 2023
Great story
struan a captain of the guard with no intention to ever marry and Grace a woman who was shipwrecked. This book has a great storyline and great characters. Once started I just couldn’t put the book down, just loved it. Well done again Hildie McQueen another great book
struan a captain of the guard with no intention to ever marry and Grace a woman who was shipwrecked. This book has a great storyline and great characters. Once started I just couldn’t put the book down, just loved it. Well done again Hildie McQueen another great book
March 30, 2023
Love it
I loved the series! You often read the stories of The Laird and his true love, but not often do you get to the stories of those that serve.
You are going to love this book!
I loved the series! You often read the stories of The Laird and his true love, but not often do you get to the stories of those that serve.
You are going to love this book!
April 4, 2023
he vowed never to marry. she was betrothed to someone she didn’t like.
Grace was saved after a shipwreck, but had no one to protect her from harm and was barely surviving. Struan wanted to help her, but didn’t want attachments. Then her betrothed claimed her.
Grace was saved after a shipwreck, but had no one to protect her from harm and was barely surviving. Struan wanted to help her, but didn’t want attachments. Then her betrothed claimed her.
April 7, 2023
Fun read!Fun and loving
Fun to sad and ridiculous! I laughed and cried and enjoyed these two! As usual they hated each other to begin but thru good and bad times they learned to love and share
Fun to sad and ridiculous! I laughed and cried and enjoyed these two! As usual they hated each other to begin but thru good and bad times they learned to love and share
April 14, 2023
Reluctantly in love
Wonderful story!! I think what I found so good about this story was the way love snuck up on both Struan and Grace at the same time. They both seemed to become aware if it at the exact same moment.
Wonderful story!! I think what I found so good about this story was the way love snuck up on both Struan and Grace at the same time. They both seemed to become aware if it at the exact same moment.
April 16, 2023
Loved this book
Grace was found shipwrecked on her way to be married. Straun never wanted to be married and have bairns, but things changed and in the end they both found true happiness with one another.
Grace was found shipwrecked on her way to be married. Straun never wanted to be married and have bairns, but things changed and in the end they both found true happiness with one another.
January 19, 2025
Hot, Hot, Hot! You will not be able to set the books down
I read a book plus, every day. Lucky for me, I have nothing else I have to do. I am sure that
You will feel that way too! Great stories, great hero's and heroins. Happy ever afters.
I read a book plus, every day. Lucky for me, I have nothing else I have to do. I am sure that
You will feel that way too! Great stories, great hero's and heroins. Happy ever afters.
March 25, 2023
Great Love story
This was a good book. Spruan had a lot of things to work out but he did fall in love with Grace and realized his love for her in the end.
This was a good book. Spruan had a lot of things to work out but he did fall in love with Grace and realized his love for her in the end.
March 26, 2023
The story was too short! 😭😭
Struan+Grace❤️
Please get Lachland and Caelan's story. I'm interested! I will read it. 🙏
Struan+Grace❤️
Please get Lachland and Caelan's story. I'm interested! I will read it. 🙏
March 29, 2023
Love this book!
I love every book Hildie McQueen has written. Now I wonder about Flora and Gavin. Did I read it already?
I love every book Hildie McQueen has written. Now I wonder about Flora and Gavin. Did I read it already?
April 2, 2023
A Great Read
You will find from first page to end of the story exciting things taking place. Enjoy it as I Have!
You will find from first page to end of the story exciting things taking place. Enjoy it as I Have!
April 21, 2023
Struan(Guards of Clan Ross book 3)
It was a nice read. It didn't always keep my interest, but enjoyable enough book.
I would recommend this as a quick easy book.
It was a nice read. It didn't always keep my interest, but enjoyable enough book.
I would recommend this as a quick easy book.
May 5, 2025
Sad to see the end of the guard series. All 3 books were great this one was the best.Highly recommend this book and the series
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews