Reviewed by AllisonBook provided by Publisher Review originally posted at Romancing the BookReview: Margaret Mallory has written a beautifully rich, romantic story in The Chieftain, the 4th book in Return of the Highlanders series. From the setting, to the characters, to the plot, it is a fantastic story. I love this author’s writing style – it absolutely transported me into the rich, wild land in the sixteenth century Highlands, surrounded by brawny warriors and brave women of the MacDonalds of Sleat clan.Soft-spoken, plainly dressed, and a healer, Ilysa has loved her Chieftain from afar since forever. Strong, brave, and dedicated to his clan, Connor has remained celibate since he became Chieftain of the MacDonald clan, determined to never be in the situation of having blood shed over any illegitimate children. He knows it is his duty to form an alliance with another clan, and marry someone solely to bring their clans together and strengthen his numbers for battle. But a chance encounter shows him Ilysa’s beauty, and he begins to yearn for her.But there is treachery afoot, not just between clans, but within his own clan, and his own family! Ilysa is the only person Connor trusts implicitly, and he relies on her quiet counsel. But as Connor struggles to figure who his enemies are, he finds an ally in a spy who is so impressed by Connor’s loyalty, bravery, and code of honor that he becomes a friend.Told from several viewpoints, the transitions were easy to follow for each point of view. The author has used some true facts in this story, and tweaked others to suit the time period, location, and plot. This is a story in which you can’t help but fall for the hero, and wish to be the heroine. The love they share was enough to bring tears to my eyes, and the bravery and treachery enough to raise goose flesh on my arms. While this is the fourth in the series, it was easy enough to follow along. But, it also made me want to go back and read the first three, as well as hope the author will eventually write spinoff stories for some of the other heroes. 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
What do You think about The Chieftain (2013)?
Loved this series. The Cheiftain did not disappoiint in concluding this awesome series.
—gio
This series has been really good all around. I'd love to see it continue. :)
—Neha
Loved it! Can't wait to see who she writes about next!
—bebistar
