Was there a part that bored you or that you didn't really like in the book? *

Even a character, a scene, or anything. You could say no if nothing bothered you.

What moment from the book you enjoyed the most? *

Something you liked, a specific scene, a character's quality, some detail that caught your eye.

Did you enjoy the chapters from the villain's POV? *

• Yes, a lot! They were engaging and created so much tension!
• Not really. They were too many and took my attention from the main couple.

Did you like the length of the book? *

• Yes! I enjoy reading books that are a bit shorter from time to time.
• Not so much. I prefer longer stories where I have more time to get really invested.

Is there something else you'd like to share? *

Something you noticed, frustrated you, left you confused, etc.

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Two years later

“I ken how important these clansmeets are for Dunn, but remind me again why we are forced tae attend as well?”

Ewan shot Adamina a glance from beside her. She was glowing in the faint golden light of that Glasgow ballroom—glowing too from her pregnancy. He allowed his gaze to linger down her body, settling on the gentle swell of her stomach beneath her ornate brocade gown. She had complained at length about the frivolity of her dress earlier that night, but Ewan thought she looked ravishing. Then again, when did she not?

“Yer brother needs tae present a united front,” Ewan said, placing his hand on her stomach. The gesture was concealed beneath their table. Adamina settled her own hand on top of his. “And besides, ye ken I like tae flaunt ye.”

“Even after these two years of marriage, ye are still such a tease.” His wife gave a bright smile, crinkling her eyes. She tucked a strand of blonde hair behind her ear, then returned her gaze to the ballroom.

They were attending their second annual clansmeet, hosted by the Crown in Glasgow, that year. It was quite the trip from Orkney, where Ewan and Adamina had definitively made their home. There had been much talk about new beginnings and travelling the world. They had explored somewhat in the first year of their marriage, taking some time in the Lowlands to learn to live in peace again. But nowhere would be home to them like Orkney.

Ewan’s heart clenched in his chest. He could hardly believe how strong Adamina had become. She was still the same lass that he had loved his entire life, strong-willed and honest. But she had grown wiser, calmer, gentler in their marriage. Her nieces and nephews kept her busy, when her books did not. She seemed genuinely fulfilled, and hopeful for the birth of their first child.

As if she could read his thoughts, she pointed at the end of the hall. Dunn was entering beside Tor. Both of the Viking Lairds were beginning to show their ages. Dunn’s hair was streaked with grey, no doubt from the stress of having to rule over a clan as challenging as Clan Leòideach. Both men were still powerhouses, embodying the prowess of their respective charges. Their wives entered after them, arm in arm.

Adamina breathed a sigh of relief. Even though they were starting a family of her own, she still worried day and night for her older brothers. Ewan doubted that would change any time soon. It was etched into her soul to agonise over Tor and Dunn, just as they would continue to agonise over her.

“Dae ye think we’ll see the Queen this eve?” Ewan asked, imbibing the last sip of his drink. “I suppose ye’ll have some choice words fer her.”

“Och, dinnae remind me.” Adamina supplied him with a laugh, leaning her head on his shoulder. “I have managed tae hold my tongue thus far. And I dinnae exactly feel like making an enemy of the Crown this evening.” She gazed up at him lovingly. “So long as I have ye by me side, and our bairn in me belly, and perhaps a dance, I will be happy.”

“I suppose I could spare the time tae dance with ye.” Ewan grinned. “I shall nae be blamed if I am the cause of yer embarrassment. Ye ken I have always been more graceful on the battlefield than on the dancefloor.”

Adamina shook her head, straightening up to press a kiss on his cheek. “Ye could never embarrass me.” She widened her eyes, wagging a warning finger. “That wasnae a challenge, now. Dinnae be getting ideas…”

They were soon joined by the rest of their family. Katarina had been doting on Adamina ever since she had learned of her pregnancy, and she settled gladly into the seat beside her. With two children of her own to raise, she was busy. Adamina was soon engaged in a new conversation with her sisters-in-law. She gave Ewan’s hand a squeeze as he slipped away from the table, joining Dunn and Tor a little further away.

“I was just about tae call ye over,” Dunn said, clapping Ewan on the shoulder. He had to speak loudly over the other guests. The volume in the hall was near deafening as old friends and acquaintances reconnected all around. “It’s good tae see ye, councilman.”

“And ye, melaird,” Ewan replied.

Where once he had shirked from his title of councilman, he now accepted the anointment proudly. He had taken a few months away to find himself and feel worthy of it, returning to his post without the shadow of his father looming over him.

He greeted Tor amicably, then turned to regard the man with whom they had been speaking. Something in the man’s face was strangely familiar to Ewan. He searched his brain for answers, but his confusion must have been written over his face, as Dunn let slip a rumbling laugh.

“I sense ye’re just as confused as I was, when first I met our friend here.” Dunn pursed his lips, gesturing towards the man. “Ye shall more confused, when he introduces himself. Believe me.”

Ewan nodded, feeling uneasy.

“Me name will be kent by ye,” the stranger said. His eyes were warm, but he held himself with reserve. Like he was hiding a grave secret. “But I would ask that ye dinnae judge me too harshly fer it.” His neck worked as his gaze met Ewan’s. “I am Laird Braden Hamilton. I believe…” The man’s jaw ticked. “I believe ye were once acquainted with me cousin.”

“It’s nae possible,” Ewan murmured in disbelief. He took a step back, stopped by Dunn.

“Dinnae go fetching yer bow, now,” Dunn warned. “Laird Hamilton isnae the villain his cousin was.”

“I understand yer confusion, seeing a ghost in the flesh,” Braden continued, nodding. “But given the chance, I would like tae dae right by ye and yer wife. As I understand it, my cousin caused ye both a great deal of trouble.”

“Tae say the least,” Ewan replied, looking towards Dunn for support. He glanced briefly back at his wife, wanting to glean everything he could about this surprising re-encounter before forcing the knowledge of Braden’s survival upon her. “With all due respect, melaird, how is it possible that ye yet live?”

“An understandable concern.” Braden smiled. “How long have ye got? I fear it could take a while indeed tae tell ye me story. But I should like tae, if ye will hear me out…”

The End.

If you want to know what lies ahead in our story, you may want to get the sequel…

Edith Macrae, born under a lucky star, experiences a fateful shift when a Yule masquerade kiss with a stranger robs her of good fortune. As Edith grapples with the realization that saving her sick mother hinges on reclaiming her luck, she discovers a painful truth: the man she’s falling for is the one she must ruin – Braden Hamilton. The man who has stolen her fortune with his kiss. With Yule’s end looming, Edith’s choice will either doom her mother or cause the loss of her new husband. Which life is she willing to sacrifice in a race against time and destiny?

A Cursed Highland Kiss Under the Mistletoe