Bride of a Wicked Scotsman by Samantha James (2009, Paperback)

In Ireland, pirate plunder and an ancient curse come together in Ms. James story of the Clan McDonough and their possession of the legendary Celtic relic called the Circle of Light. With it came fortune that was bestowed on the clan. The Circle of Light was so special that even St. Patrick came to view it. The Clan McDonough were known to be the guardians and to lose the relic would mean poverty and disgrace. When the notorious Scottish pirate, McBride stole the Circle of Light, the prophecy began. Two centuries after the thieft, Lord O'Donnell's daughter, Lady Maura,swears to her dying father that she will find the relic and return it to the clan. The artifact is now in the hands of Duke Alec McBride, the pirates descendant. Maura meets the Duke and plays a trick on him so it looks as if he has compromised her. Unfortunately, Alec McBride is held accountable for his conduct and Maura is made to marry him, something she didn't expect to happen. Alec is outraged at Maura and plans to make her pay for the trick that lead to marriage, so he will tempt her with seduction until she wishes she never played him for a fool. But Maura plans on doing the same thing to Alec.....anything to get the Circle of Light back. They both get caught up in their little game of revenge and never even notice that they are falling in love until it is too late.


Ms. James has written a wonderful historical romance with a side of whimsical fantasy in this second book of the McBride Trilogy. The couple compete against each other for the upper hand in seduction with the prize being the Circle of Light. A magical story between a Scotsman and an Irish lady intent on revenge but falling in love.