Book excerpt: Gareth and Brodie Hay have a not-so-shiny reputation in the highlands: brothers born just a twelvemonth apart, they are famous for their carousing in the local tavern: sampling the ale, teasing the wenches, and remaining unbeaten in games of chance. But when their mother Anna Hay becomes seriously ill, their father insists that one of them must take a wife to help run the keep and tend to his precious Anna. Neither wants to give up their free and easy lifestyle—so they decide to let a throw of the dice determine who will be the unfortunate groom. But then, who will he marry? The loser of the bet must choose from three young lasses presented by their eager families: Blair Menzies, Flora Forbes and Ailis Mackenzie. Blair looks singularly unimpressed by both lads, but seems capable of looking after their mother. Flora is a charming flirt that promises any man a lively time—but can she run a keep? And Ailis, with her regal bearing and cool exterior, could handle any crisis…but will she be a willing partner in the marriage bed? The ever-inventive Hay brothers come up with a solution that lands them in more hot water than they ever expected. The lass who is chosen soon lets them know she is not one to meekly accept the role of a passive highlands wife, and leads her new husband a merry dance before summer returns to the Hay Keep!