To claim the Highland stronghold I’ve always wanted, I must capture the cursed lass the king seeks.

Then deliver her to him.

The price I never expected to pay…is my heart.

James

I was born a bastard, and I’ve never had anything truly mine.

So when the king promises a castle and lairdship to the warrior who finds a mysterious healer and delivers her to him, I join the hunt.

Finding Katreine is simple.

Taking her to the king proves far more complicated than I bargained for.

It begins with a lie—mine—that I’ll serve as her protector on some foolish journey.

Yet every mile we ride together makes the truth harder to hide.

And somewhere along the road, she ceases being a means to an end.

Now she’s the woman I can’t stop wanting—far more dangerous to my heart than any enemy I’ve ever faced.

Because when Katreine’s past rises to hurt her…I’ll have to choose.

The lairdship I’ve fought my whole life to earn.

Or the cursed lass who has already claimed my heart.

Katreine

There was a time when I would do anything for love—even make a dangerous wish that cursed me to never age and forced me from my home and family.

I tried to build a new life, but I can't outrun a curse that steals everyone I dare to love.

There’s only one chance to break it.

Return to the Dark Woods and face the witch who damned me.

To survive the journey, I need a formidable Highland warrior to protect me.

Just when I think the search is hopeless, James Ross appears.

Tall.

Dangerous.

And wickedly cunning.

He vows to see me safely to my destination.

And foolishly, I believe him.

Until I discover he’s taking me straight back to the danger I once fled.

I hate James for his deception.

But the farther we travel together, the harder it becomes to hold on to that anger.

James protects me as though I'm his.

Touches me like I’m precious.

And when he kisses me, desire explodes.

He thinks I’m his path to a stronghold.

But loving me could cost him everything he’s fought his whole life to gain.