Despite an official peace, old conflicts smolder in the Glen of Many Legends. Kendrew ‘the Wild’ Mackintosh, chieftain of his clan, is famed as both a hot-blooded warrior and a sensual lover. He has no intention of settling down . . . until he kisses a forbidden beauty whose passion matches his own.

From acclaimed author Elizabeth Essex comes an irresistible prequel novella introducing the Highland Brides, a quartet of bold, brilliant lasses determined to make their own happily ever afters.

A WOMAN WITH DREAMS OF LOVE...
Lady Ella Barrington is a romantic who has always dreamed she would marry for love. But when loyalties are questioned, she must sacrifice her dream to save her father. Her handsome betrothed seems to be the hero she's always hoped for and awakens a yearning she never imagined. But her belief in fairytale love crumbles as the truth comes to light and danger lurks.

Lady Grace MacGalloway is the most accomplished of her sisters. She attended the prestigious Northbourne Seminary for Young Ladies which elated her English mother, the Dowager Duchess of Dunscaby. Grace sings beautifully, plays the pianoforte, her embroidery is flawless, and she speaks four languages. Whenever she enters a room, all heads turn her way, which is exactly why the most eligible bachelor in all of Christendom, Prince Isidor, chose her as his bride. From birth, Grace knew she was destined to become a princess. And at last her dreams were coming true.

Highland Warrior Alasdair MacDonald is a fierce and proud laird, sworn to preserve the peace in the Glen of Many Legends. His heart belongs only to his beloved land – until the sister of his greatest enemy pleads his help to avoid her pending betrothal. Now Alasdair is torn, for he believes a man is nothing without honor, and he’s given the King his word. But how can he refuse a damsel in distress?

From acclaimed author Elizabeth Essex comes the adventurous first book in the Highland Brides, a quartet of bold, brilliant lasses determined to make their own happily ever afters.

When he was but a boy, Sir Geordie Strafford was abandoned at Werrick Castle, his life meant as payment for his father's deceit. Lady Catriona Barrington saved him by pleading with Lord Werrick for a stay of execution. From that moment on, Geordie and Cat were inseparable, until he left on a four-year campaign for the king. Now returned with his dream of being a knight fully realized, Geordie is determined to win the heart of the woman he's always loved. But Cat has a secret of her own, one that could destroy everything.

Robert Edenhall, the Duke of Devonbrook, had once been a dashing second son, a man without a worry or care, before a terrible tragedy took nearly everything from him. Retreating to a remote castle in the Scottish Highlands, he thinks to live out his days in broken solitude. But he never expected he would soon discover a mysterious young woman trespassing in his home.

Irish lass Breena O’ Doherty has lost everything. Now her only wish for Christmas is to brighten the holidays at her new Highland home, Duncreag Castle, where the laird is determined not to celebrate. Hoping to bring joy to the clan she’s come to love, she’s stunned to see her efforts thwarted by the rugged Highlander who secretly holds her heart.

The entirely of Miss Elspeth Otis’s inheritance from her wastrel father is a battered old trunk with some scrawled-upon foolscap sheets. Nothing that could free her from a stifling life with her fusty maiden aunties in a musty old cottage in a misty corner of Scotland. Nothing that will give her the life she’s always dreamed of—a life full of kindness and kisses and love. Or will it?

Lady Leila Barrington is the youngest daughter of the Earl of Werrick. While she has always known she is loved, she still carries the guilt of her birth and feels set apart from her sisters—not only in appearance, but also by the visions that haunt her. In a world where fear and superstition rule, her gifts may cost her everything, including her life. But when she has a premonition of the great pestilence, she knows she will not be able to turn her back on the sick and dying. Not even after she sees her own death at the hands of the man she is fated to love.

★ RONE Awards Finalist ★

Can a lady gossip in love with an assassin keep the biggest secret of her life?

The Gossip Known as a gossip for never being able to keep a secret, Morag Douglas is lucky to become an honorary member of the queen's secret society for strong women. Now, it is important she proves herself and changes her reputation. Morag plans to do wonderful things and make big changes in life in secret, just like her sister and cousins have done before her. But when she meets up with the mysterious knight, Sir Bedivere and finds herself falling for him, her plans go astray.