The Chieftain (The Return of the Highlanders)

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 show more 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.

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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 show more 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. show less

Margaret Mallory has done it again with this last book in her Highlander series. Connor is definitely alpha material with a soft spot in his heart for long-time friend, Ilysa. Ms. Mallory wove a very interesting plot that had me wondering how Connor and Ilysa were going to get their HEA because it seemed impossible. Brava to the author for keeping this reader entertained and guessing until the very end. I highly recommend this read and can't wait to see what Ms. Mallory publishes next.

A good historical romance with lots of fast paced exciting action. I was gripped by the angst in the relationship and while I felt the heroine was demeaned I also understood dilemma. Ilysa loves Connor and chooses to follow him to his new lands knowing as Chieftain he must marry for duty.

Enter Our Highlander Giveaway! 1/29/13 to 2/20/13


Originally Reviewed At: Mother/Gamer/Writer
Rating: 5 out of 5 Controllers
Review Source: Publisher
Reviewer: CrayolaKym




“It takes a brave man to approach Duncan MacDonald’s sister, which can be the only explanation for why such a gem is yet unclaimed.” Chpt 17

Chieftain of the MacDonald Clan, Conner is everything a woman is looking. Well built, a natural born leader, and a strong will to protect his people, he must find his equal to stand beside him and defeat his enemies and his eye is longingly set upon Ilysa, a woman without powerful alliances, wealth, or anything to offer as much needed unity per say. Having had numerous attempts against his life by his Uncle Hugh who also desires show more to be Chieftain, Conner has some heavy decisions to make and quickly.

Ilysa is gifted in as many ways as she in beautiful, despite hiding it behind a cap and dreadful clothes, but a humbly proud woman albeit. After one of her visions leads to her locking up Conner in his own dungeon to prevent his death, she retreats back to Dunscaith Castle after his tempter gets the best, spending her time beautifying and primping in preparation for a life without the man she fancies, but how can she when her every thought returns to this godlike creature?

When Conner eventually catches up to Ilysa again he is bewildered at her transformation and wants her now more than ever. Now to just convince her she has more to offer then she thinks and to break it to his close friend, Iylsa’s older brother, he desires her and wants her by his side. Can Iylsa find it in herself to be what Connor needs? Can she prove she is the woman he needs by his side and make him see?

Mallory is a heart-stopping epistler whose writing draws the reader in quickly and begging for more. This book is part of a series, however, easily reads as a standalone as I have not read the prior books and would never have known it part of a series. Her style of character building is impressive as she strives to build strong characters, with obvious flaws, making the stories more personal.
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THE CHIEFTAIN by Margaret Mallory is another exciting Scottish Medieval historical romance. Book 4 in "The Return of the Highlanders",but can be read as a stand alone. See, "The Guardian","The Sinner",and "The Warrior". Conclusion of this fast paced story,which is filled with danger,betrayal,secrets,passion,Scottish clans,Highlanders,love and the desire of a clan to reclaim what they once lost. Follow,Chieftain Connor MacDonalds of Sleat and Ilysa,is best friend's sister on a journey of danger, love and passion,Connor didn't see coming. While, Ilysa is a healer and has the gift of foresight,she also has been in love with Connor for years. Connor is determined to reclaim his clan's lands,their honor,and fight his evil uncle. "The show more Chieftain" has a bit of magic, maybe a ghost of centuries past,the discovery of true love and a passion for life. This is another one of my favorite author's. She draws her readers into her Medieval Scotland,their struggles,their magic,myths and their legends with her strong characters,her interesting and intriguing plots. I ask, who doesn't love a Highland Warrior? What wonderful conclusion to these strong,fierce warriors and their lovely,strong lass. A must read! If you enjoy Scottish warriors,Scotland history,romance,Scotland struggles for survival,and their passion for life you will enjoy "The Chieftain".

RATING: 4.5

HEAT RATING: MILD

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews show less

Good highlander novel.