Book excerpt: A Highland warrior is powerless to resist his desire for an innocent beauty in this sexy medieval Scottish romance. Cursed by past tragedies, notorious Highlander Laird Athdar MacCallum has devoted himself to leading his people—and has vowed never to marry again. But the ruthless warrior is utterly disarmed by the eyes of Isobel Ruriksdottir . . . Isobel is drawn to the vulnerability she senses behind the fearsome facade of the clan chief. But with his formidable reputation, he is strictly forbidden. Being together can only lead them into danger, yet the temptation to risk all for their perilous passion is impossible to ignore.