Two neighboring Scottish clans have feuded for generations, but peace seems at hand with the betrothal of Darnley's daughter Maude to Jemmy, Laird Kirallen's son. But Darnley blackmails his illegitimate daughter Alyson to pose as Maude and wed Jemmy in her stead. Alyson finds the Kirallens are not barbarians, and in Jemmy's embrace she finds the promise of home.

First in the series set in medieval Scotland by the award-winning author. “Sensual and humorous, a winning combination that everyone can enjoy.”—Hannah Howell, New York Times bestselling author Bound by Duty Highland laird Conor McTiernay had always dreamed of an enduring love. But the reality of women who desired him only for his title and lands made him swear off marriage forever. That is until he first set eyes on the Englishwoman his men found hiding in the forest. Beneath the dirt and grime it was clear Laurel Cordell was beautiful. But would she prove to be yet another beguiling seductress or had Conor finally found the one woman who could lay claim to his heart? Drawn by Desire Laurel trusted that the Scottish chieftain would keep her safe from the cruel laird from whom she had escaped. Looking deep into Conor’s silver eyes she saw not only his calculating warrior ways but his quick arousal to passion. But before they could explore the growing desire between them, their newfound love would be threatened by secrets from her past . . . “A little gem of love and innocence . . . a story of two people learning to believe and trust in the miracle of love.”—Fresh Fiction “Debut author Sinclair shows great potential at crafting rapid-fire verbal repartee and endearing characters.”—RT Book Reviews “An emotionally charged engrossing read . . . Historical romance fans are in for a treat with this page-turner, and will be left anticipating Sinclair’s next novel.”—Romance Junkies

Miss Isabelle Maddox, known as Isla, has never been one to follow rules. She would much rather a reckless ride on horseback than a dance in a ballroom but her father has very different ideas about her future. To further the families’ fortune, he would see her married to a Scottish lord. Isla fears this will be the end of the life she treasures above all else. Gavin Campbell will never marry again. His past has taught him well, his first wife’s spending has him teetering on the edge of financial ruin. Marriage is a disease , or so he thought until the headstrong Isla starts seeping into is heart and he begins to wonder if a woman like her might actually be a cure. Can Isla’s wild ways tame this laird’s heart?

This definitive 19th-century collection compiles all the extant ballads with all known variants and features Child's commentary for each work. Volume IV includes Parts VII and VIII of the original set — ballads 189-265.

The Border Ballads are rooted in the wild and beautiful lands that lie between England and Scotland, a traditionally lawless area whose inhabitants owed allegiance first to kin and laird, and only then to the authorities in London or Edinburgh. Recording a violent, clannish world of fierce hatreds and passionate loyalties, the ballads tell vivid tales of raids, feuds and betrayals, romances and acts of revenge. They celebrate ungovernable heroes and powerful women, often in laments for the murderous results of breaking tribal codes, and they evoke the presence of an older border, between the natural and the supernatural worlds. The Border Ballads were long regarded as primitive poems. This selection restores their identity within the oral tradition, setting them in the context of their time and place with the aid of maps and a glossary.