What happens when an arrogant clan-chief, who faces down his enemies without flinching, is terrified of loving his wife? A marriage of convenience turns into a battle of wills in Medieval Scotland.

Beth Munro needs a husband. On the cusp of spinsterhood, she's had a run of ill-fortune-one that has earned her the moniker 'The Cursed Bride'. But when a proposal arrives from the Mackay clan-chief, Beth believes her luck has finally changed.

Niel Mackay needs a wife. He doesn't care about the rumors that follow his bride-to-be. After nearly a decade in prison, he's focused on two things: gaining vengeance against his enemies and ensuring his bloodline survives. Love isn't part of the arrangement.

But even carefully laid plans can be doomed to failure. Beth struggles in a marriage with a man who shares his body but not his soul. Meanwhile, Niel fights against his growing feelings for his passionate wife.

Not all battles draw blood ... yet who will emerge the victor?

HIGHLANDER DEFIED is Book One of the Courageous Highland Hearts series. This steamy and emotional follow-up to Jayne Castel's bestselling Stolen Highland Hearts series follows the lives of four battle-hardened Highland warriors and the courageous sisters who capture their hearts.