The Highland Ladies - La série

A spinster lady in waiting... After four broken betrothals, Elizabeth Fraser believes her father’s political ambitions will keep her from ever finding a husband. Content to be considered on the shelf, Elizabeth would rather be left in peace as one of the queen’s ladies in waiting than engage in flirtations that lead nowhere. She never expected one chance encounter months ago would alter the future she had accepted. Will Elizabeth give Edward a second chance to prove he wants more than a dalliance? A warrior wanting to return home... Edward Bruce, the adopted younger brother of King Robert the Bruce, is tired of fighting the English in Ireland. Loyal to his brother but homesick, Edward returns to Robert’s Scottish court in hopes of settling down once more in the Highlands. Edward recognizes the beguiling Lady Elizabeth from a brief meeting that involved one dance and a rushed conversation on the terrace. He still can’t believe the rumor she started to protect her friends. Drawn to her dry whit and independent nature, Edward realizes that his new home will require one particular lady of the keep. Can Edward prove to his Highland lady that his intentions are sincere before time runs out? A hidden threat… When Elizabeth and Edward realize their lives are in danger, they must rely on the Sinclair brothers and their wives to help them investigate who might want them dead. Courtly intrigue follows them as their new love blooms and a home in the Highlands calls to them. . **Welcome to Robert the Bruce’s Highland Court, where the ladies in waiting are a mixture of fire and ice. "The Highland Ladies", spin off series from "The Clan Sinclair series", returns to the Medieval royal court for love and intrigue. A Spinster at the Highland Court is the much requested and highly anticipated story of Elizabeth Fraser who appeared in both "His Highland Pledge" and "His Highland Surprise". She finally has her own steamy love story and HEA. The novella previously appeared in the "Once Upon a Christmas Wedding" anthology.

An English knight with a Scottish heart... Dedric Hage wants to make a new life in Scotland after years of service to King Edward I, but the English king insists on one last mission. When Dedric is sent to spy on his mother’s clan, the MacLellans, the knight is forced to choose between the oath he swore to the man who stole him from his clan and the country that calls him home but where he knows no one. A Scottish lass in love with an English knight... Isabella Dunbar has served Robert the Bruce’s court for eight years as a lady-in-waiting and a peace offering from her father to a king he once challenged. When Isabella has two chance meetings with Dedric, they recognize an undeniable attraction that could place them both in danger. Questionable allegiances threaten to drive a wedge between the young couple as their lives take them back to the Scottish-English border and into the heart of a war for Scottish independence. Will either side accept their union, or will a battle between two kings tear them apart?

A wallflower... Maude Sutherland grew up racing the boys, but when adolescence arrived, she became the ugly duckling of her clan. Sent to the Scottish royal court of King Robert the Bruce, forced to navigate the social machinations of courtiers, Maude is certain no man will choose her over the more elegant ladies-in-waiting. When a Highland laird arrives and sweeps her off her feet, Maude finds hope that she might grow into a swan. Can he convince her to trust his intentions are true? A protector... Kieran MacLeod arrived at court to settle clan business and to have a dalliance or two. But when he discovers a woman with lush curves crying on a terrace, he finds himself inexplicably drawn to the shy lady-in-waiting. Kieran finds he must use patience and kindness to lure Maude out of her shell. Can Kieran help Maude overcome her self-consciousness to stoke the passion stirring between them? Can he prove that his love can protect her from the cruel words of the other ladies-in-waiting? A family that would keep them apart...

A runaway bride... Allyson Elliot spent her childhood in the shadows of her five older siblings, but after surviving rumors about her parentage, she finds a new, carefree life at the Scottish Highland court. Free of suspicion, Allyson blooms into a vibrant lady-in-waiting, but an unexpected arranged marriage turns her world upside down. Desperate, Allyson becomes a runaway bride as she tries to escape her betrothal. Can Allyson fight for her freedom to choose? Is Allyson the woman to get the notorious rogue to change his ways? A handsome rogue... Ewan Gordon may be the heir to his clan’s lairdship, but he’s enjoying the life of a bachelor with his twin, Eoin. Ewan is attracted to Allyson and even considers stealing a kiss, but when the king orders he marry Allyson, Ewan is forced to reconsider his ideas on marriage and fidelity. As Ewan chases Allyson, he discovers there’s more than meets the eye to this naive but courageous young lady. Can Ewan convince Allyson that he’s the man she needs? Will Allyson find the confidence to trust Ewan? A family that divides... When members of Allyson’s family set out to destroy their blossoming relationship, Ewan must fight to keep Allyson from slipping back into the shadows. Jealous sisters, thoughtless brothers, and indifferent parents threaten to steal Allyson’s and Ewan’s chance for their happily ever after. Can they learn to rely on one another? Or will Allyson’s family create a rift that pushes them apart for good?

Can a lady-in-waiting resist the pressure to marry a stranger? Cairstine Grant has spent two years carefully cultivating a reputation at court that is sure to drive away any potential suitor. Traumatized from an attack as a young woman, Cairstine is bound and determined never to marry and never to be subjected to a man's control. She'd rather become a nun than a wife. But one obstacle stands in her way: her younger sister can't marry the man she loves until Cairstine marries first. When Cairstine's father refuses to consider her choice to become a nun, can Cairstine convince an unsuspecting friend to pose as her betrothed? Can she overcome the scars from her past and form a genuine partnership with a man she was never supposed to fall in love with? Can a renowned rake reform his ways in time to protect a lady-in-waiting he never thought he would befriend? Eoin Grant watched his twin brother, Ewan, fall in love and marry. A romantic at heart, Eoin hopes one day to marry and find true affection with his wife. But in the meantime, he's happy to live the life of a bachelor. When Cairstine Grant blindsides him with a proposition to pretend to be her betrothed, Eoin realizes a real future with Cairstine might be better than pretend. But one obstacle stands in his way: Cairstine will only agree to a marriage in name only, and Eoin's dreams of having a family one day. When Eoin's feelings develop beyond friendship, can he convince Cairstine to trust him enough to see a future together? Can Eoin help Cairstine overcome her fears and prove that his feelings are pure? Can a relationship based upon a falsehood grow into something real? Stripped of her choices, Cairstine turns to Eoin for help, but she fears making a lasting commitment. Eoin's conscience demands he help Cairstine when she asks for his help, but he's not certain he can live with a lie that might tear apart his heart. When danger and necessity force them to decide, Eoin and Cairstine discover playing pretend isn't just for children.

A lady-in-waiting struggling to fit in... Even after three years at Robert the Bruce’s Highland court, Cairren Kennedy still feels like an outsider. Quiet and kindhearted, Cairren has fought to make a place for herself among the queen’s ladies-in-waiting when she doesn’t look like any of the other young women. A Lowlander with a French mother, her Mediterranean heritage sets her apart both by her features and her customs. When her father hints at an arranged marriage to a Highlander, Cairren fears she’ll face more discrimination when she’s forced to make her home among strangers. Can Cairren prove that she’s more than what people assume? Can she create a new life where she’s not welcome? A second son with other plans... Padraig Munro doesn’t need or want an arranged marriage because he already has the perfect woman in mind. When King Robert announces Padraig’s betrothal to the unsuitable Cairren Kennedy, Padraig refuses to open his heart to a woman who couldn’t be less of a Highland lass. Faced with a bride who can’t blend in and a family who refuses to accept Cairren, Padraig is caught between his duty to protect his gentle bride and his family’s expectations. Can Padraig balance the roll of husband and son when both sides couldn’t be further apart? Can Padraig put aside his preconceived notions to make his marriage work? Pushed together by royal decree, Cairren and Padraig take an instant dislike to one another. Angry that he can’t marry the woman he’s certain he loves, Padraig leaves Cairren to navigate life in the Highlands until his clan’s resentment puts her life in danger. Cairren doesn’t trust the man she’s ordered to share a bed with, but when threats can’t be ignored, she must turn to the man she’d pledged her life to. Passion and desire spark between husband and wife, but outside the bedchamber, they can barely stand to look at one another. Can Padraig accept that Cairren isn’t to blame for his life’s unexpected path, and can Cairren stop seeing Padraig as the enemy before the real enemy destroys their chance to build a life together? If you love a steamy enemy-to-lovers romance, then you’re sure to enjoy Celeste Barclay’s sizzling new Highlander romance, An Enemy at the Highland Court.

A lady-in-waiting left behind... Over the past two years, Blair Sutherland has watched her sister and friends marry and leave King Robert the Bruce’s royal court. Her parents have promised her a love match, but none of the courtiers who hang on the king’s coattails interest her. Just when Blair wonders if she’ll ever find the love the other ladies have found, her childhood friend, Hardwin Cameron, arrives at court in need of guidance. With more purpose to her days, Blair’s loneliness no longer weighs so heavily upon her. But while Blair offers her assistance, she finds it hard to pay attention when the boy she used to race is now a man who’s a constant distraction. A warrior never meant to be laird... Hardwin Cameron was the last person likely to inherit the Cameron lairdship, but he’s watched one man after another in his family die until the title is thrust upon him. Amidst his grief, Hardwin struggles with the duties expected of a laird when he was never trained for such responsibilities. Thrust into a role that was never meant to be his, Hardwin is forced to make an appearance before the king. When he arrives, Hardwin can’t believe his good fortune when he runs into Blair, a friend among wolves. The girl he used to tease is now a woman, and Hardwin can’t deny his attraction as they work side-by-side to prepare him for his new role. A romance blossoms between childhood friends, but it’s put to the test when enemies approach the Camerons from every direction. Affected by the deaths of the clan’s leaders, neighbors assume the Camerons have weakened. Can Blair and Hardwin protect their new relationship while battling those who would tear them and Clan Cameron apart?

When the perfect lady-in-waiting isn’t so perfect... Arabella Johnstone has been held to an impossible standard her entire life. While her beauty surpasses any of the other ladies-in-waiting at King Robert the Bruce’s royal court, the pressure to always appear perfect is growing to be too much for Lady Arabella. Scrutinized for any flaw in appearance or behavior, Arabella struggles with the unattainable expectations placed upon her by her family and those at court. When she can no longer withstand strain, she turns to a reckless, self-destructive habit to cope. Can Lady Arabella accept help when it comes from a man she longs for but can’t accept? When your sisters’ friend is all you want... Lachlan Sutherland has admired Lady Arabella Johnstone for years, but she is his sisters’ friend. Every visit to Stirling Castle is sweet agony for Lachlan when he spends time with Arabella. Charmed by her saucy sense of humor, her kindhearted devotion to his sister Maude, and her mentoring of his sister Blair, Lachlan finds himself drawn to the engaging and intelligent young woman. But when he discovers Arabella’s secret, he’s certain he can no longer ignore his love for the beauty. Can Lachlan prove to Arabella in time that he loves her for more than her pretty face? Lachlan and Arabella have denied their intensifying attraction for one another, both cautious of ruining Arabella’s friendships with Lachlan’s sisters. As their forbidden love grows with time, neither can imagine their life without the other, but Arabella’s father has set in motion plans that will keep them apart. With her life spiraling out of her control, Arabella finds solace in whisky. Lachlan is determined to prove to Arabella that her beauty is far from skin deep. Can these star-crossed lovers fight for a future together? Or will others’ expectations become an insurmountable barrier?

A laird who fears making a mistake... Ronan Mackinnon bears the weight of leading his clan and spares no time for his own pursuits. Summoned to court by King Robert the Bruce, Ronan diligently considers each of his words and actions to represent his clan with honor. But when King Robert demands Ronan chooses a bride, he’s forced to confront his past choices. The pleasures of the flesh play no part in his life--until Abigail MacLeod enters it. Can this reserved laird prove to Abigail what he lacks in experience he makes up for in passion? A lady who's made one mistake after another... Lady Abigail MacLeod’s life is filled with poor choices. She misjudged her brother Kieran’s wallflower bride Maude when she arrived on the Isle of Lewis. She misjudged the man she entered a handfast with, and it ended in disgrace. Now a lady-in-waiting at King Robert the Bruce’s royal court, Abigail finds the opportunity to redeem her past wrong deeds. But when a handsome laird arrives at court, Abigail fears her old habits haven’t died. Could a rushed judgement cost her a lifetime in a Highlander's arms? Can two nobles from rival clans find love? The MacLeods of Lewis are on good terms with the MacKinnons of Skye. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the MacLeods of Skye and the MacKinnons. When an old feud reignites, Abigail and Ronan are caught in the middle. Fighting against time and blizzards, can they protect their burgeoning love and their lives? Will it take stealing the MacLeods of Skye’s famed Fairy Flag?

A disgraced former lady-in-waiting searching for redemption… Lady Madeline MacLeod left Robert the Bruce’s royal court five years ago when her brother Laird Kieran MacLeod could no longer turn a blind eye to her vanity and spitefulness when it risked their clan’s standing and alliances. Dragged away and banished to Inchcailleoch Priory, the convent known as the “island of old women,” Madeline struggled to adjust but finally found peace and acceptance among the nuns. Prepared to take her final vows, a royal summons to return to Stirling Castle leads Madeline to a marriage of convenience. Temptation in the form of a handsome Highlander who’s now her husband makes Madeline question whether she’ll return to the sinner she was. Will giving into her desires for her husband ruin Madeline’s path to redemption? A warrior in need of a wife to secure his inheritance… Fingal Grant is the closest male relative to Laird Edward Grant and is the heir apparent to Clan Grant, one of the most powerful in the Highlands. Fingal always assumed he’d marry his distant cousin Cairstine, Edward’s daughter, to ensure no one questions his right to become the next laird. But when she marries Eoin Gordon, Fingal is in need of a wife who will one day run his keep and bear his children. Not interested in a love match, Fingal searches for a woman who won’t expect him to change his ways. The pious Madeline MacLeod is the perfect bride until Fingal realizes he doesn’t want his wife to ignore him. Can Fingal convince Madeline that desire between a husband and wife isn’t the carnal sin she fears? A marriage of convenience that becomes most inconvenient… Drawn to one another, Madeline and Fingal struggle to overcome their preconceived notions about marriage. Often insensitive and unobservant, Fingal realizes he has much to learn about being a husband and caring for someone else. Clinging to the life she thought she would have and the person she believes she should be, Madeline realizes she uses her faith as a shield that will push her husband away. When a neighboring clan pulls the newlyweds apart, Fingal and Madeline fear they’ve missed their chance for a marriage of love rather than convenience. Can Madeline and Fingal fight their way back to one another before the enemy separates them for good?

Always a bridesmaid, never a bride... For more than a decade, Laurel Ross has been a lady-in-waiting at Robert the Bruce's royal court, a place where money is power. Laurel is the fourth out of five daughters, and the only one unwed. While Laurel isn't exactly a pauper, her father, the Earl of Ross, has already paid four large dowries. Sent to court to find a husband, Laurel's once youthful hope has turned to bitterness as one friend after another marries. Her viperous tongue has earned her the title of “hellion”. Will any man accept a bride who comes with such a small dowry? Every man is guilty of all the good he didn't do... Guilt is slowly eating away at Brodie Campbell. When Brodie's betrothed unexpectedly dies, Brodie's guilt doesn't come from the woman's untimely death. It comes from the relief he feels that he's no longer bound to her. Brodie isn't interested in a biddable and mild bride. Intrigued by the fiery Laurel Ross, Brodie wonders if this shrew can ever be tamed. Armed with wealth and charm, Brodie welcomes the challenge. Will this spitfire relent long enough to find love with a man who tests her patience? When a wager puts their lives in peril, Brodie and Laurel discover trust is earned, not given.

She trusted the wrong man... Lady Emelie Dunbar has made the gravest error an unmarried lady-in-waiting can make. The man she believes will be a bridegroom who loves, honors, and cherishes her turns out to be a duplicitous lover. Left with few choices, Emelie struggles to make a decision that will protect not only her reputation but her younger sister Blythe’s. When rescue comes from an unexpected Highlander, Emelie must decide whether she’s finally found the right man to trust. Can Emelie believe an offer that seems too good to be true? Are her instincts right this time? He trusted the wrong woman... Dominic Campbell, Laird Brodie Campbell’s younger brother, is still reeling from the humiliation and shame his dead wife left in her wake. Sent to court in his brother’s stead, Dominic intended to conduct his clan’s business and leave, not discover a troubled young woman in dire need of help. When he offers the protection of not only his sword but his name, Dominic wonders if he’s found his redemption. Can Dominic make good on his promise that Emelie’s secret's safe with him? Can love bloom from this marriage of convenience? Dominic and Emelie believe they’ve reached an understanding that provides Emelie the security she needs and brings Dominic a sense of purpose. But when the very source of Emelie’s troubles decides he will not let another man raise his child, the couple discovers to what lengths their nemesis will go to ensure Emelie never tells her secret to another person. Can their burgeoning love survive the looming scandal? Is their trust strong enough to protect them?

Alexander Armstrong, heir to the Clan Armstrong lairdship, took for granted his strength and size until that strength was taken from him. Injured during a skirmish with another Lowland clan, Alex finds himself struggling to wield his sword. His once handsome face is now marred by a vicious scar. Forced to attend court as his father’s representative, Alex’s anger and bitterness threaten to chase away the one woman who’s loved him most of her life. Lady Caitlyn Kennedy usually finds the bright side of everything. Friends with Alex since childhood, when he fostered with her clan, Caitlyn attempts to lure Alex back from the brink of self-destruction. But their once budding romance seems destined to fail. Alex recognizes he’s losing the woman he’s loved since he was a boy by pushing away the one person who can heal his unseen wounds. Can these friends-turned-enemies turn into lovers?

Lady Catherine MacFarlane thought she knew who she was going to marry. A man courted her, and her cousin arranged a betrothal. But when her should-be-betrothed decides to embroil himself in scandal, Catherine is left practically at the altar. With few options available at court, Catherine wonders if she can convince her uncle, Laird MacFarlane, to allow her to return home to the Highlands. Rab MacLaren is the type of Highlander every lady at court talks about: savage and uncouth. Disinterested in women who spend their days switching gowns and gossiping, Rab is content to conduct his business with King Robert the Bruce and leave. He’s not inclined to reform his rugged Highland ways and is content to be an outsider until Rab encounters Catherine, a woman he hasn’t seen since childhood. Ongoing strife between the MacFarlanes and MacLarens forces Catherine and Rab to keep to the shadows. Will their romance ever see the light and have a chance to bloom?

Lady Blythe Dunbar knows the type of man she’s expected to marry. After her oldest sister marries a Scottish man raised by the English King Edward I, and her middle sister unexpectedly marries a widower, Blythe knows her parents expect her to settle down with a more staid husband. But that’s the problem: Blythe doesn’t want to settle. Not when she can’t forget the devilish man who appears at court just often enough to break her heart. Michail MacLeod has faced death and survived too many times to curb his daredevil ways. Sent too often to court by his father, Laird Torrian MacLeod of Assynt, Michail rails against the strictures. His only reprieves are his brief encounters with Blythe. But as beautiful and intelligent as the lady-in-waiting is, Michail knows he’s not the dependable man her father expects her to find. When an emergency forces Blythe to return to the border, the only man she trusts to lead her through the fray is the one man who wreaks the most havoc on her mind and heart. Will Michail realize in time that his need for adventure doesn’t have to endanger his life?