Book excerpt: Revenge consumes the Highlander’s thoughts… until he meets the healer. Shade is a dedicated healer focused solely on gaining as much knowledge as possible to help those suffering and in need. Living in the heart of the woods, people come from all around to seek her help. Consumed with her work, she has had no time to find a husband and at twenty and six years most believe she is past her prime. She tells herself to pay no heed to gossiping tongues but when she is alone at night she wonders if solitude will continue to be her only companion. Quint arrives at her cottage one day with a wound that needs her skills. It is obvious that he is a seasoned warrior, various healed scars on his body attesting to it. His injury requires him to remain at her cottage for at least a few days and she finds she quite enjoys having him there. It does not take long for her to find what she never thought she would or for Quint to rediscover what he lost… love. But Quint is harboring a secret, one that could possibly destroy the happiness both have finally found. When Shade receives a desperate message from her best friend at Clan MacLeish for help, she has no choice but to go. Quint refuses to let her make the journey alone and unprotected, and he refuses to lose her. So, they wed. Surprise and shock fill Shade’s wedding day when she discovers Quint’s true identity. He is the ruthless warrior known as The Monk and he is on a mission of revenge. He will not rest until he slaughters everyone responsible, whoever they may be. What Quint does not know is that Shade is one of those people. Will revenge or love triumph in this battle?