A Rose in the Storm

A Rose in the Storm
Brenda Joyce

When rivalry becomes passionWith warfare blazing through Scotland, the fate of the Comyn-MacDougall legacy depends on one woman.Recently orphaned, young Margaret Comyn must secure her clan’s safety through an arranged marriage.But when an enemy invasion puts her at the mercy of the notorious Wolf of Lochaber, her every loyalty and secret want will be challenged.And a kingdom is at stakeLegendary warrior Alexander “the Wolf” MacDonald rides with Robert Bruce to seize the throne of Scotland.But when he takes the fiery Lady Margaret prisoner, she quickly becomes far more than a valuable hostage.For, the passion between them threatens to betray their families, their country…and their hearts."Joyce's tale of the dangers and delights of passion fulfilled will enchant those who like their reads long and rich." Publishers Weekly on The Masquerade

JOIN NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR BRENDA JOYCE FOR AN EPIC STORY OF UNDYING LOVE AND FORBIDDEN DESIRE IN THE HIGHLANDS…

When Rivalry Becomes Passion

With warfare blazing through Scotland, the fate of the Comyn-MacDougall legacy depends on one woman. Recently orphaned, young Margaret Comyn must secure her clan’s safety through an arranged marriage. But when an enemy invasion puts her at the mercy of the notorious Wolf of Lochaber, her every loyalty—and secret want—will be challenged.

And a Kingdom Is at Stake

Legendary warrior Alexander “the Wolf” MacDonald rides with Robert Bruce to seize the throne of Scotland. But when he takes the fiery Lady Margaret prisoner, she quickly becomes far more than a valuable hostage. For the passion between them threatens to betray their families, their country…and their hearts.

Praise for New York Times bestselling author

“As dangerous and intriguing as readers could desire. This is a tale reminiscent of genre classics, with its lush and fascinating historical details and sensuality.”

—RT Book Reviews on Surrender

“Merging depth of history with romance is nothing new for the multitalented author, but here she also brings in an intensity of political history that is both fascinating and detailed.”

—RT Book Reviews on Seduction

“Another first-rate Regency, featuring multidimensional protagonists and sweeping drama… Joyce’s tight plot and vivid cast combine for a romance that’s just about perfect.”

—Publishers Weekly, starred review, on The Perfect Bride

“Truly a stirring story with wonderfully etched characters, Joyce’s latest is Regency romance at its best.”

—Booklist on The Perfect Bride

“Romance veteran Joyce brings her keen sense of humor and storytelling prowess to bear on her witty, fully formed characters.”

—Publishers Weekly on A Lady at Last

“Sexual tension crackles…in this sizzling, action-packed adventure.”

—Library Journal on Dark Seduction

A Rose in the Storm

Brenda Joyce

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

Contents

CHAPTER ONE (#ud8cd3180-e79f-50d4-b2db-632543efe611)

CHAPTER TWO (#u25d5deb9-6013-594b-b051-6416e4825142)

CHAPTER THREE (#ufb94fee4-c536-5a00-82c9-df12cb02118b)

CHAPTER FOUR (#u24895c07-3e78-5d84-8a43-ec16b6c91f2c)

CHAPTER FIVE (#u85cc705d-0de0-56fe-b28c-6054a66b53c1)

CHAPTER SIX (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER SEVEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER EIGHT (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER NINE (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER TEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER ELEVEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER TWELVE (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER THIRTEEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER FOURTEEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER FIFTEEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER SIXTEEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER NINETEEN (#litres_trial_promo)

DEAR READER (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER ONE

Loch Fyne, the Highlands—February 14, 1306

“IT IS TOO damned quiet.”

Will’s voice cut through the silence of the Highland afternoon, but Margaret did not hear him. Mounted beside him at the head of a column of knights, soldiers and servants, surrounded by the thick Argyll forest, she stared straight ahead.

Castle Fyne rose out of the ragged cliffs and snow-patched hills above them so abruptly that when one rode out of the forest, as they had just done, one had to blink and wonder at the sight, momentarily mistaking it for soaring black rock. But it was a centuries-old stronghold, precariously perched above the frozen loch below, its lower walls stout and thick, its northern towers and battlements jutting into the pale, winter-gray sky. The forest surrounding the loch and the castle was dusted white, and the mountains in the northwest were snowcapped.

Margaret inhaled. She was overcome with emotion—with pride.