Book excerpt: When a Schoolteacher Encounters Highland Smugglers, a Touch of Fairy Magic Brings Romance in Laird of Secrets, a Scottish Historical Romance by Susan King --Scottish Highlands, 1823-- To fulfill the requirements of her grandmother's will and claim her inheritance, Fiona MacCarran must marry a wealthy Highlander, and soon. Her teaching position in the remote Highland glen where her brother is the excise officer offers little hope of finding such a husband until she meets Dougal MacGregor, Laird of Kinloch. Fiona longs to be in the arms of the handsome laird who knows the secret of local fairy lore. He's also a notorious rogue and whisky smuggler. Moving his finest whisky—and fast—is how Dougal MacGregor protects his people. It ought to be simple, but nothing is easy after Fiona MacCarran arrives. With a valuable cache and an age-old legend to protect, he cannot allow the sensual schoolmistress to distract him. After all, a Highland rebel and a law-abiding lass who is sister to the customs officer—can't have a future together. But when a conflict threatens the glen and its magical secret, Dougal and Fiona must work together to protect the people—and soon realize that only sweet surrender will save them as well. Publisher Note: Previously published as The Highland Groom, the story has been edited by the author for today's readers. Readers who appreciate romance set in historical settings with fantasy elements will not want to miss the newly-updated Whisky Lairds Series. The Whisky Lairds Series Laird of Twilight Laird of Secrets Laird of Rogues