Book Review: The Guardian by Margaret Mallory

*I hate spoilers in a review and therefore will only include the blurb for this book and refrain from giving away anything else for the benefit of those who may still have this on their TBR piles.*

The Guardian
Margaret Mallory
Source: Publisher via NetGalley

THE RETURN OF THE HIGHLANDERS: BOOK I

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.

PASSION IGNITED

After years of fighting abroad, Ian MacDonald comes home to find his clan in peril. To save his kin, he must right the wrongs from his past . . .and claim the bride he's long resisted.
As a young lass, Sìleas depended on Ian to play her knight in shining armor. But when his rescue attempt compromised her virtue, Ian was forced to marry against his wishes. Five years later, Sìleas has grown from an awkward girl into an independent beauty who knows she deserves better than the reluctant husband who preferred war to his wife. Now this devilishly handsome Highlander is finally falling in love. He wants a second chance with Sìleas - and he won't take no for an answer.

My Thoughts

I love Highlanders.....who doesn't?!
They're brash, fierce, stubborn, arrogant, protective, and often scary, but oh so sexy.
And the brogue, lets not forget that sometimes confusing but mouthwateringly (probably not a real word-but hey) decadent accent....my knees are turning to jelly just thinking about it.

The storyline was good, but not fantastic, and the lead character Ian was a little too up himself for my liking.
I felt he was too snotty and didn't come off as a roguish Highlander as much as I would of liked.
He just had a rather prissy air about him that felt more English than Scottish. (I'm English, I know priss!!!!)
I was not blown away by this story but there were plenty of great support characters to keep me entertained. I did feel more of a connection with his friends Alex, Duncan and Connor than I did with Ian. And Sileas was a little too much of a puppy dog, hanging on his every word.
But its a tale of Scottish Highlanders, and I am rather partial, so I will definitely continue with this series. (Book 2 in this series 'The Sinner'  is set for release in November 2011)
A healthy 3 star read :]