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Forbidden Legacy by Diana Cosby
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The Kindling Heart
Carmen Caine - 2011
They were nothing but trouble. Leaving the rash life of his youth behind, he returned to Skye, seeking peace. He never meant to split the clan or start a war with the MacDonald of Duntulm. He certainly never foresaw an arranged marriage to the most scandalous woman in Scotland. Even though she was twice his age, the size of a horse and mother to more than one illegitimate child, he agreed to secure his sister’s freedom. However, even that plan goes drastically awry. On his wedding day, he finds himself faced instead with an enticing, green-eyed lass named Bree. A walking disaster, his bride immediately turns his world into chaos and threatens to melt his resolve never to love again.Betrayed by her own mother, Bree flees to Skye, thinking only to reunite with her long, lost father. Instead, she finds herself wed to Ruan MacLeod as a replacement bride. When she is forced to remain in the castle, she is soon caught between brothers and the mentally ill wife of the laird.Shy, yet strong, Bree embarks on a journey of independence and learns along the way that all men are not necessarily evil. In fact, one particularly brooding, yet gentle-hearted warrior is worthy of love, and she soon loses her heart forever.Excerpt from Chapter Six:...All at once, he noticed he was still holding her, apparently at the same moment understanding dawned in her face.Bree launched into another attack, jabbing his midriff and raking his skin with her nails.“Be still, ye wee hellion!” Ruan bellowed, pinning her wrists behind her back.For a moment, he thought she was going to retch; her pasty skin seemed almost yellow, purple and black streaks adorned her nose and cheekbones. Marriage to him had not served her well; in two days, she had transformed from a lass with a pair of bright green eyes to a drowned, underfed chicken.As her foot grazed his shin, he winced, quickly amending the thought; a mean-spirited, drowned, underfed chicken.Another well placed kicked wrenched a new succession of curses from his lip, but as her tears began to flow, real ones, his exasperation fled. Of all things, tears affected him the most. One slid down her cheek. Succumbing to a wave of pity, he wiped it gently with his thumb. Bree gulped, frowning in a way he could not fathom. For several long minutes, they stared wordlessly at each other.Finally, her cracked lips opened and she wailed, “I’m not wedding anyone!”Gazing down into the bright eyes brimming with tears, Ruan sighed. “Aye, ‘tis a wee bit late, lass.”It was supposed to be comforting, or so he thought, but his response seemed only to renew her resistance. Balling her fists, she struck his chest but more in blows of frustration than anything else. In spite of his best efforts, he grinned. Battling to the last breath was something he could understand, even for a hopeless cause such as this one. Lips twitching, he easily recaptured her wrists in a single hand. They were unusually small hands, perfectly shaped.The fingers jerked free from his grasp. Startled, he met her eyes once more.“You’ll die if you touch me!” Her slurred threat ended with a hiccup, rendering it anything but intimidating.He could smell the whiskey on her breath.His grin widened.Her hand fumbled near his belt before closing over the hilt of his sword. Assuming a fierce expression, she attempted to frighten him. “I’ll sever your manhood whilst you sleep!”To emphasize the statement she tugged at the blade, several times.On the third attempt, the sword cleared the scabbard almost an inch.“Aye.” Ruan laughed outright, his lips curving into a suggestive smile, “But it would take even a larger blade; ye haven’t a prayer if ye can’t lift this one.” His hand closed over hers. Not as a deterrent, but simply to watch her eyes flash defiantly once more....
The Devil in Plaid
Lily Baldwin - 2018
Lady Fiona MacDonnell is certain Laird Jamie MacLeod is the devil himself. Their clans are sworn enemies, each steeped in hatred born from a long-standing feud. But when threatened by a powerful neighboring clan, they must unite to survive. The Devil has never been hotter, his angel never so fine, but will their forced marriage be hell on Earth or together will they find heaven?
It's Getting Scot in Here
Suzanne Enoch - 2019
Her parents may want her to catch a title, but she will never change who she is for the promise of marriage. Her husband will be a man who can appreciate her sharp mind as well as her body. A sophisticated man who loves life in London. A man who considers her his equal―and won’t try to tame her wild heart...IN THE HIGHLANDSRough, rugged Highlander Niall MacTaggert and his brothers know the rules: the eldest must marry or lose the ancestral estate, period. But Niall’s eldest brother just isn’t interested in the lady his mother selected. Is it because Amelia-Rose is just too. . . Free-spirited? Yes. Brazen? Aye. Surely Niall can find a way to soften up the whip-smart lass and make her the perfect match for his brother for the sake of the family.JUST GOT A WHOLE LOT HOTTER.Instead it’s Niall who tempts Amelia-Rose, despite her reservations about barbarian Highlanders. Niall finds the lass nigh irresistible as well, but he won’t make the mistake his father did in marrying an Englishwoman who doesn’t like the Highlands. Does he have what it takes to win her heart? There is only one way to find out...
Must Love Dukes
Elizabeth Michels - 2014
Blackmailed by the Mad Duke of Thornwood into accepting one wild dare after another...all because of a pocket watch. Desperate to recover her beloved father's pawned timepiece, Lily did something reckless and dangerous and delicious—something that led to a night she'd never forget.He has a Reputation for ScandalWhen Devon Grey, Duke of Thornwood, runs into a mesmerizing, intoxicating, thieving woman who literally stole from his bedchamber—with his new pocket watch—Devon plots his revenge. If the daring wench likes to play games, he's happy to oblige. After all, what's the use of being the Mad Duke if you can't have some fun? But the last laugh might just be on him...
The Heart of the Highlands: The Beast
April Holthaus - 2015
Now, they face a new, unforeseen threat. In a divided world between politics and religion, the young King James V faces a threat from his own people. As civil wars break out amongst the highland clans, James recruits a secret group of warriors for protection. He calls them, the Protectors of the Crown.Ian MacKay has one mission; to defend the crown no matter the cost. Along with his men, Ian’s mission is to hunt down one of the most dangerous men in the Highlands. While on his journey, venturing into unfriendly territory, he comes across a lass on enemy land that he takes for ransom. However, as events unfold, truths come to light and passions are awakened. Is it Ian whose been captured by her instead?Keira Sinclair has lived a life of peace and simplicity until now. With her clan on the verge of losing everything, she is forced to wed a Laird from a neighboring clan to ensure that hers survives. During her travels to her new home, her carriage is attacked and Keira is taken hostage by a ruthless man. Caught in the middle of a war that she does not understand, will her secrets be safe, or will she succumb to the Highland warrior who now threatens to capture her heart?
The Crusader's Bride
Claire Delacroix - 2015
A marriage of convenience to a widow in need of assistance is a practical solution and the newly-wed pair leave Jerusalem, entrusted with the delivery of a package for the Templars. Away from the life he has known for years, Gaston quickly realizes that little is following his plan—especially his mysterious wife, whose presence awakens an unexpected fire…Twice widowed, Ysmaine doubts she will ever wed again, let alone have a marriage of merit—until she is charmed by the gruff knight intent upon defending her. Ysmaine weds again, not only by her own choice but to a warrior whose honor she admires. She is determined to show Gaston that marriage has more to offer them both than an heir, but first she must win the trust of the wary man she has impulsively wed…Neither realize that Gaston has been entrusted with the treasure of the Templars—much less that someone in their small party is intent upon claiming the prize at any cost. In a company of strangers with secrets, can Gaston dare to trust his new bride? Can Ysmaine convince Gaston to confide what he knows? Can they solve the riddle together before the villain’s plan comes to fruition and all is lost?
The Highlander
Elaine Coffman - 2003
To escape this unwanted marriage, her loyal servants help her escape her escort and she finds herself on a ship bound for Norway instead. When a storm arises, Sophie and the crew are shipwrecked off the coast of Scotland, and Sophie is taken to Monleigh castle, the home of James Graham. To avoid being sent south to the dreaded English duke, she pretends to have lost her memory and seeks sanctuary in the arms of the only man who can help her--the Highlander.
My Reckless Love
Melissa Limoges - 2017
- When a madman kills her brother and plots to seize her ancestral home, Lady Arabella de Percy finds herself in a perilous predicament. Left with little choice, she flees in the dead of night to seek sanctuary with her uncle in the Scottish Highlands. Though, a chance encounter with a harsh-faced Highlander steers her life on an unexpected course.Tasked with fetching his ally’s imprisoned niece from England, Laird Calum MacGregor soon discovers the defenseless female he anticipated is not quite as helpless after all. Despite his resolve to remain unwed, the hardened shell protecting his heart splinters apart in Arabella’s company.Between meddlesome relatives and a series of misunderstandings, Arabella and Calum must decide if they can entrust their hearts to one another before the enemy robs them of their newfound happiness.
The Bride and the Brute
Laurel O'Donnell - 1998
Feeling deceived and betrayed into a loveless marriage, Lord Reese Harrington wants nothing to do with his new wife. Trapped in a marriage with no escape, the beautiful young bride must battle the demons of her husband's past and hope that she can weather the storm his brutish behavior unleashes.This is a medieval romance novella.Adult-content rating:This book contains content considered unsuitable for young readers 17 and under, and which may be offensive to some readers of all ages.First published as part of the anthology Blushing Brides in 1998
The Black Wolf's Captive
Tessa Murran - 2018
In the constantly shifting world of clan conflicts she knows it will bring an important alliance for her clan but she strives to be mistress of her own destiny. A brutal clan war brings upheaval and uncertainty into her world and Ailsa finds herself humiliated and at the mercy of wild and handsome rival clansman Duncan Campbell, who would bend her to his will and claim her for his own. Ailsa must pretend to submit to him as she fights to win her freedom. But can her growing attraction to him be conquered and does danger still lurk where she least expects it? Duncan Campbell is a fierce, forbidding man with a dark and troubled past. A consummate survivor he moves in a world of intrigue and violence and when the Highlands explode into armed conflict he suddenly finds himself in possession of the spoils of war, defiant beauty Ailsa MacLeod, who utterly hates him. Duncan must do battle once more against the hunger that starts to grow in him. Does he want to protect her or possess her? Either way she is his to do with as he pleases though a bitter upbringing and the brutality of the life he is forced to lead have long since closed his heart to the fairer sex. But as he forces her into submission he begins to realise that love is something earned not taken and if he is to hold this prize he must fight one last battle against enemies who would tear down everything he holds dear. Extract:For a minute Ailsa let the disloyal thoughts in. His mouth on hers, hungry and insistent, strong hands holding her against a hard body, the smell and taste of him and the longing to feel that way again. The shame of it turned her face to fire. He surely thought her nothing more than a foolish girl, easy to take advantage of with too much whisky in her belly, a salve for his lust and instantly forgotten. She was sure Duncan Campbell had never given her a second thought. And now he was a sworn enemy of her clan so all thoughts of him must be pushed aside for her own sake. She must be true to her birthright and never ever tell anyone what had happened that night on the battlements. Suddenly the door to her chamber crashed open and she was confronted with a maidservant, white faced and breathless. ‘Lady we are lost,’ she shouted in panic. ‘The battle is done and we were defeated. The Campbells slaughtered them all.’ Ailsa grabbed her arm to steady her. ‘What of my brother?’ ‘There’s no news of him lady, only that there was a massacre.’ Ailsa’s legs weakened and she slumped onto the bed. Bile rose in her throat at the shock of it. No one had expected this, they were sure of their victory and now Robert’s talk of glory had turned to ashes. Was he lying bloody and cleaved in a ditch somewhere? Had she brought this doom down upon them with her sinful thoughts? ‘Lady all the servants are fleeing and we must go too’. ‘Why?’ ‘Duncan Campbell and his men are on their way here to claim Cailleach and everything in it’.
One & Only
Kara Griffin - 2012
He vowed never to forget the sprightly lass and so he reconciled his life to what all great lairds should – warring and protecting his clan. When he finds out his enemy is betrothed, he vows, a bride for a bride.Bree doesn’t recollect her young years. All she knows is a betrothal has been arranged to the MacHeth Laird. He’s a brutal man who wants to use her as a pawn to overthrow King Alexander in a feud that began twenty years prior with his father, King William. Her only chance to thwart the marriage is to barter for protection of the Gunn Clan.As Bree gets to know the hardened chieftain, Grey Gunn, she is astounded by the love of a clan she never knew she had. But is that love enough to let go all the pain and begin living the life she was destined to with her One & Only?
Highland Betrayal
Anna Markland - 2017
Hannah Kincaid is a Royalist spy who spirits away Scotland's crown jewels from under Cromwell's nose. Is it love that blossoms between them, or a deadly game of cat-and-mouse?
A Convenient Engagement
Kimberly Bell - 2016
After she moves to London for her first season among the ton, she immediately finds herself in a heated dispute with her neighbor, the ill-mannered Gavan Dalreoch, Earl of Rhone. Giving the Earl a black eye is a lapse in judgment—even though the Scottish scoundrel deserved it. Now with her reputation in jeopardy, her only hope for saving face is the man whose face she bruised.Gavan is content to live up to his rakish reputation, but with family pressuring him to marry, he and Hannah agree to get engaged just long enough to appear respectable. Yet as the charade continues with stolen kisses and a trip to Gavan's Scottish castle, Gavan and Hannah discover that their false engagement may be more real than they imagined.Includes a preview of Kimberly Bell’s upcoming novel.
Highland Barbarian
Ruth Ryan Langan - 1990
. .Meredith MacAlpin, Scottish noblewoman, is kidnapped at the altar by infamous Highland Barbarian, Brice Campbell, and spirited away to his fortress in the Highlands. It is rumored that he is the one who has killed her people in a series of raids.Brice Campbell is desperate to prove his innocence and bring peace to his people, but when he kills the wrong man, his enemy vows revenge.Can enemies become lovers? Is love strong enough to defy even death?
Declan's Bride
Hildie McQueen - 2019
When Declan Murray is caught climbing into an unsuspecting woman’s bed, his life takes an unexpected turn... After too much to drink Declan Murray, second son of Laird Murray, walks into the wrong room and climbs into the wrong bed. Now he has to fight not just for his freedom, but also against his desire for the lovely woman. Although Cairstine Reid has loved Declan from afar for years, she knows the rogue will never settle down willingly. Much to her dismay, her father demands they marry after he accidentally comes to her one night. Declan and Cairstine have to decide whether to bend to demands or take matters in hand.