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Queen's Edict #3
The Highlander’s Accidental Wife
“If I am to be your bride, you must promise me there will be no children for the first year.”
Per the Queen’s Edict, any unwed Highland Laird must claim a bride from the English aristocracy…
Lady Helena would do anything to complete her dream -- even defy the Queen’s Edict. But her father's hounds are after her. So, she decides to ruin herself...by asking the scariest warrior around to kiss her.
Laird Damien would do anything to protect his clan. Even marry. So when the fiery Sassenach begs for his help, he knows exactly what he wants in a bride.
Helena has no choice but to accept, on one there will be no bairns for the first year. Now Damien must seduce his own wife...And he won't stop until she's writhing and begging beneath him.
*The Highlander’s Accidental Wife is a steamy Scottish historical romance novel of 80,000 words (around 400 pages) written by Lydia Kendall and published by Cobalt Fairy.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, lots of steam and a happy ending.
Get this book for free with Kindle Unlimited!
Per the Queen’s Edict, any unwed Highland Laird must claim a bride from the English aristocracy…
Lady Helena would do anything to complete her dream -- even defy the Queen’s Edict. But her father's hounds are after her. So, she decides to ruin herself...by asking the scariest warrior around to kiss her.
Laird Damien would do anything to protect his clan. Even marry. So when the fiery Sassenach begs for his help, he knows exactly what he wants in a bride.
Helena has no choice but to accept, on one there will be no bairns for the first year. Now Damien must seduce his own wife...And he won't stop until she's writhing and begging beneath him.
*The Highlander’s Accidental Wife is a steamy Scottish historical romance novel of 80,000 words (around 400 pages) written by Lydia Kendall and published by Cobalt Fairy.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, lots of steam and a happy ending.
Get this book for free with Kindle Unlimited!
460 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 7, 2025
About the author
Lydia Kendall
108 books118 followersLydia Kendall has always been passionate about medieval romance. Having traveled to the Scottish Highlands several times as a young girl, she has always been drawn to their unparalleled beauty and history. A history that inspired stories of love and passion, mixed with tradition in the most appealing way for every hopeless romantic - much like herself.
Born in Denver, Colorado, Lydia Kendall has a degree in English Literature and Creative Writing, and over the last decade she has been writing non-stop for several clients - that is until she decided to start publishing her own work. When she isn't writing, Lydia loves spending her time in the beautiful outdoors with her loving husband and baby daughter.
Follow Lydia on this sensational journey of hot highlanders, bonny lassies, and fierce passion...and find sheer pleasure in the magnificent world of the Scottish countryside - one that will sweep you off your feet and keep you begging for more!
Born in Denver, Colorado, Lydia Kendall has a degree in English Literature and Creative Writing, and over the last decade she has been writing non-stop for several clients - that is until she decided to start publishing her own work. When she isn't writing, Lydia loves spending her time in the beautiful outdoors with her loving husband and baby daughter.
Follow Lydia on this sensational journey of hot highlanders, bonny lassies, and fierce passion...and find sheer pleasure in the magnificent world of the Scottish countryside - one that will sweep you off your feet and keep you begging for more!
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 12, 2025
This story concludes the Queen's Edict saga, a nice take on what-ifs and Scotland and England intermarriages.
I loved Helena as a heroine and her internal struggles will resonate with a lot of women who have been told to be less than and less intelligent just to make others feel comfortable. Helena is smart, curious and self-conscious about it.
Damien, on the other hand, is cocky, self-assured but hell bent on a path that will surely end him. Their banter is very good and they basically meet at a dance though not the kind you will imagine.
Favourite quotes:
“Speak yer mind. Always.” To her surprise, his lips met her forehead, then he laughed in her ear and said, “Ye shall never have to hide. In fact, I shall demand the opposite.”
“Strange how sometimes a stormy night makes it feel as though it will never end.”
I loved Helena as a heroine and her internal struggles will resonate with a lot of women who have been told to be less than and less intelligent just to make others feel comfortable. Helena is smart, curious and self-conscious about it.
Damien, on the other hand, is cocky, self-assured but hell bent on a path that will surely end him. Their banter is very good and they basically meet at a dance though not the kind you will imagine.
Favourite quotes:
“Speak yer mind. Always.” To her surprise, his lips met her forehead, then he laughed in her ear and said, “Ye shall never have to hide. In fact, I shall demand the opposite.”
“Strange how sometimes a stormy night makes it feel as though it will never end.”
March 16, 2025
Damien Baird, Laird of Clan MacCabe, was on a mission to wipe out very
last Viper who served with his uncle. Seven years ago his pirate uncle killed his father, took their castle, captured Damien and sent him to his ship to be tortured. A major storm at sea freed Damien who managed to kill his uncle and retake both the ship and the castle. His search sent him to the town of Fallenworth, where a festival was taking place. As he stood scanning the crowd, a young woman came up to him and asked him to dance. Helena and her friend Emma had decided to defy the Queen’s edict that Highland Lairds were to marry English noblewomen. They ran away planning to meet at Helena’s aunt’s cottage and then they would areange to sail to Italy or Spain. When Helena got to Fallenworth, she detected her father’s men following her, so she sought out the most formidable man she could find asking him to to dance with her. Then, deciding that her father’s men would no longer pursue her if she ruined herself, she asked him to kiss her….and what a kiss it was! Six months later, as Damien was visiting his friend Grant Miller, Laird Ronson, who was preparing for his upcoming wedding, Helena walked through the front gates. It was the first time they had seen each other since that one night. At the wedding celebration, Helena’s father caught Helena and Damien speaking alone and subjected her to a degrading tirade. After Damien dismissed his audience, he and Helena agreed to marry, under one condition. Helena wanted one year before having children. And so, off to Morighe Castle they went. What follows is the thrilling tale of two people, hopelessly attracted to each other, who are trying to keep their promises to themselves and each other. As their wedding day approaches they must deal with unwanted guests, surprise attacks, betrayal, and kidnapping. There are also romantic moments, steamy kisses, daring rescues and a re-evaluation of their one year abstinence agreement. Yes this is another rough and gruff Laird falls for an intelligent fiesty lady story, but it is done with such creativity and finesse that it is fresh, exciting, entertaining a joy to read. I love that the three Lairds in this series, MacLarsen, Ronson and MacCabe were friends and allies before they met their wives, thus making for a strong connection between the six of them. This story is rich in emotion, romance, revenge and danger, and will keep you captivated from beginning to end!
last Viper who served with his uncle. Seven years ago his pirate uncle killed his father, took their castle, captured Damien and sent him to his ship to be tortured. A major storm at sea freed Damien who managed to kill his uncle and retake both the ship and the castle. His search sent him to the town of Fallenworth, where a festival was taking place. As he stood scanning the crowd, a young woman came up to him and asked him to dance. Helena and her friend Emma had decided to defy the Queen’s edict that Highland Lairds were to marry English noblewomen. They ran away planning to meet at Helena’s aunt’s cottage and then they would areange to sail to Italy or Spain. When Helena got to Fallenworth, she detected her father’s men following her, so she sought out the most formidable man she could find asking him to to dance with her. Then, deciding that her father’s men would no longer pursue her if she ruined herself, she asked him to kiss her….and what a kiss it was! Six months later, as Damien was visiting his friend Grant Miller, Laird Ronson, who was preparing for his upcoming wedding, Helena walked through the front gates. It was the first time they had seen each other since that one night. At the wedding celebration, Helena’s father caught Helena and Damien speaking alone and subjected her to a degrading tirade. After Damien dismissed his audience, he and Helena agreed to marry, under one condition. Helena wanted one year before having children. And so, off to Morighe Castle they went. What follows is the thrilling tale of two people, hopelessly attracted to each other, who are trying to keep their promises to themselves and each other. As their wedding day approaches they must deal with unwanted guests, surprise attacks, betrayal, and kidnapping. There are also romantic moments, steamy kisses, daring rescues and a re-evaluation of their one year abstinence agreement. Yes this is another rough and gruff Laird falls for an intelligent fiesty lady story, but it is done with such creativity and finesse that it is fresh, exciting, entertaining a joy to read. I love that the three Lairds in this series, MacLarsen, Ronson and MacCabe were friends and allies before they met their wives, thus making for a strong connection between the six of them. This story is rich in emotion, romance, revenge and danger, and will keep you captivated from beginning to end!
March 17, 2025
Her sharp wit saves them!
The book is good. Damien and Helena’s first meeting was one of my favorite ways for the main characters to meet. The climax of the story—the showdown between the hero and his nemesis, the evil cousin—was the best one of the series. Helena’s sharp wit was funny throughout, but at the climax, it was especially sharp. And, she’s intellectual and tall!
My least favorite aspect is the cursing. This book has a lot more, as well as it being worse. God’s and Christ’s names are used as bywords & in conjunction with other curses at a much higher rate than in previous books in this series. There are quite a few steamy/sexual scenes, but I assumed there would be based on the cover. He’s very attractive; if only he had a beard like his character!
Characters from previous books are in attendance often, but this book can be read as a stand-alone without difficulty.
While the proofreading is okay, it could definitely be improved. It’s still totally readable, however.
Deducting half a star for all the extra cursing, it’s 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.
The book is good. Damien and Helena’s first meeting was one of my favorite ways for the main characters to meet. The climax of the story—the showdown between the hero and his nemesis, the evil cousin—was the best one of the series. Helena’s sharp wit was funny throughout, but at the climax, it was especially sharp. And, she’s intellectual and tall!
My least favorite aspect is the cursing. This book has a lot more, as well as it being worse. God’s and Christ’s names are used as bywords & in conjunction with other curses at a much higher rate than in previous books in this series. There are quite a few steamy/sexual scenes, but I assumed there would be based on the cover. He’s very attractive; if only he had a beard like his character!
Characters from previous books are in attendance often, but this book can be read as a stand-alone without difficulty.
While the proofreading is okay, it could definitely be improved. It’s still totally readable, however.
Deducting half a star for all the extra cursing, it’s 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.
June 6, 2025
Out of the three books in this series, I liked this one the best. At first, when Helena’s character showed up in the second book, I wasn’t too sure I’d like this book, but I was happily surprised.
Damien and Helena’s relationship has so much growth, more banter and steamy scenes. There’s also a keener ‘finding a family’ perspective too. What I appreciated the most is how Damien saw and understood Helena so instinctively, almost as if he was reading her thoughts and feelings.
Again, I feel that the book covers of this series, and this author’s book give it no justice to the stories and the character growth.
These books are not historically accurate or even timed properly. They’re not ‘’medieval” in the truer sense of the word. That threw me off a bit, so I had to just suspend my disbelief. Regardless, these books transport you to another time and place, where despite the dangers, one finds freedom, discover their wild selves and are welcomed by a community that isn’t put out because you’re an outsider. A hidden gem of series.
Damien and Helena’s relationship has so much growth, more banter and steamy scenes. There’s also a keener ‘finding a family’ perspective too. What I appreciated the most is how Damien saw and understood Helena so instinctively, almost as if he was reading her thoughts and feelings.
Again, I feel that the book covers of this series, and this author’s book give it no justice to the stories and the character growth.
These books are not historically accurate or even timed properly. They’re not ‘’medieval” in the truer sense of the word. That threw me off a bit, so I had to just suspend my disbelief. Regardless, these books transport you to another time and place, where despite the dangers, one finds freedom, discover their wild selves and are welcomed by a community that isn’t put out because you’re an outsider. A hidden gem of series.
March 21, 2025
True love.
Helena was supposed to marry a Scottish laird by order of the Queen but she ran away to avoid it. Her best friend Emma ended up married to that laird instead. But Helena has put herself in a position to marry a laird after all. Damian, Laird MacCabe must marry an English lass and when Helena asks for a kiss to help her escape the men following her, he believes he has met his match. The two seem to click from the start but Helena has conditions for their marriage. No children for a year. And Damian is still haunted by his father’s murder and seeking revenge. His enemy is still out there and putting those he loves in danger. I really loved Damian and Helena and their story.
Helena was supposed to marry a Scottish laird by order of the Queen but she ran away to avoid it. Her best friend Emma ended up married to that laird instead. But Helena has put herself in a position to marry a laird after all. Damian, Laird MacCabe must marry an English lass and when Helena asks for a kiss to help her escape the men following her, he believes he has met his match. The two seem to click from the start but Helena has conditions for their marriage. No children for a year. And Damian is still haunted by his father’s murder and seeking revenge. His enemy is still out there and putting those he loves in danger. I really loved Damian and Helena and their story.
April 17, 2025
Hello Damien !!!
This truly is a awesome read, it's been a long time since I've read the MMC and the MFC were so intuitive of each other at the beginning of the story. I've enjoyed each story in this "Queen's Edict" series Leo and Agnes, Grant and Emma each of their journey is a very good read, but I must say Damien and Helena journey captivated me. Their wit, strength, knowledge, compassion, respect and loyalty, I was hooked, the sum of their quest True Love which is power over fear and most of all True love always conquer all. So again I say this is a awesome adventurous journey from beginning to the very end even the extended epilogue.!!! Well Done Author, Well Done !!!! Hey question will Joanna get her story ? 😇 just ask asking🤗
This truly is a awesome read, it's been a long time since I've read the MMC and the MFC were so intuitive of each other at the beginning of the story. I've enjoyed each story in this "Queen's Edict" series Leo and Agnes, Grant and Emma each of their journey is a very good read, but I must say Damien and Helena journey captivated me. Their wit, strength, knowledge, compassion, respect and loyalty, I was hooked, the sum of their quest True Love which is power over fear and most of all True love always conquer all. So again I say this is a awesome adventurous journey from beginning to the very end even the extended epilogue.!!! Well Done Author, Well Done !!!! Hey question will Joanna get her story ? 😇 just ask asking🤗
March 13, 2025
First kid is lasting
Lady Helena Lovell is running from men who are after her to marry a man by the Queens edict. She runs into a highlander named Damien. She asks him to kiss her so she can hide. Neither forgot the kiss. At her sisters wedding she sees him again but now he is a Laird. Damien is on a path for vengeance for his father's death but he kisses her again and they are caught. Neither one is ready for this. They both have agendas but there is a definite pull. There is danger watching every move. Just a great series to read. Recommend highly.
Lady Helena Lovell is running from men who are after her to marry a man by the Queens edict. She runs into a highlander named Damien. She asks him to kiss her so she can hide. Neither forgot the kiss. At her sisters wedding she sees him again but now he is a Laird. Damien is on a path for vengeance for his father's death but he kisses her again and they are caught. Neither one is ready for this. They both have agendas but there is a definite pull. There is danger watching every move. Just a great series to read. Recommend highly.
March 27, 2025
Highland laird falls instantly
Damien is utterly divine. Loved everything about him and he falls for Helena the moment he sees her. Helena meets Damien running from a queens edict to marry. She's smart and every inch the blue stocking she presents to be. They agree to marry and the sparks are flying from the start. Their chemistry was so intense I could not stop reading. Complete with a villain who threatens everything theyve built together, this story wascincredible. Highly recommend
Damien is utterly divine. Loved everything about him and he falls for Helena the moment he sees her. Helena meets Damien running from a queens edict to marry. She's smart and every inch the blue stocking she presents to be. They agree to marry and the sparks are flying from the start. Their chemistry was so intense I could not stop reading. Complete with a villain who threatens everything theyve built together, this story wascincredible. Highly recommend
March 13, 2025
“The Highlander’s Accidental Wife” by Lydia Kendall
-A thrilling conclusion to the Queen’s Edict saga, this story weaves romance, danger, and personal growth. Lady Helena, intelligent yet self-conscious, meets Damien, a vengeful yet charismatic Highlander, under dramatic circumstances. Their chemistry crackles as they navigate intrigue and danger. A gripping historical romance with strong characters and engaging banter.
-A thrilling conclusion to the Queen’s Edict saga, this story weaves romance, danger, and personal growth. Lady Helena, intelligent yet self-conscious, meets Damien, a vengeful yet charismatic Highlander, under dramatic circumstances. Their chemistry crackles as they navigate intrigue and danger. A gripping historical romance with strong characters and engaging banter.
March 14, 2025
She is running from her father so that she can fulfill her dream even risking herself to Highlander. Damien agrees to help her but at the price of her becoming his. She has terms that he agrees to, but will Damien be able to stick to them. Lady Helena and Laird Damien brings this story to the forefront with all the drama. It is descriptively well written and takes you back to the Medieval times.
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
March 18, 2025
Lady Helena & Laird Damien
This story follows Lady Helena and Laird Damien as they try to navigate the intense feelings that they both feel for each other whenever they are together.
From fun banter, angry retorts and misunderstandings to their overwhelming desire, life is never dull at the castle.
Add in an evil element with danger coming closer to them and this is a very engaging story with great characters.
Also loved their first meeting and how the story ended.
This story follows Lady Helena and Laird Damien as they try to navigate the intense feelings that they both feel for each other whenever they are together.
From fun banter, angry retorts and misunderstandings to their overwhelming desire, life is never dull at the castle.
Add in an evil element with danger coming closer to them and this is a very engaging story with great characters.
Also loved their first meeting and how the story ended.
April 18, 2025
Wonderful Read
Ms. Kendall books are filled with adventure, a bit of mystery, good romance with a bit of spice! This third book in the Queen’s Edict series was definitely a page turner I was on the edge of my seat, had me LOL and cry. All the characters were great even though I couldn't stand Helena father. A must read book 1-3 series hoping there is a book in the works on Sophia.
Ms. Kendall books are filled with adventure, a bit of mystery, good romance with a bit of spice! This third book in the Queen’s Edict series was definitely a page turner I was on the edge of my seat, had me LOL and cry. All the characters were great even though I couldn't stand Helena father. A must read book 1-3 series hoping there is a book in the works on Sophia.
March 18, 2025
I love a good Scottish book the fire and the love that they usually include
This book had such great characters evil stepbrother the sarcastic dad And the sweet children and even a dog. Throughout the book I found it easy to read It smoothly went from chapter to chapter and you got to know the people in the story.
This book had such great characters evil stepbrother the sarcastic dad And the sweet children and even a dog. Throughout the book I found it easy to read It smoothly went from chapter to chapter and you got to know the people in the story.
Read
March 23, 2025Enjoyable story - Bluestocking girl runs from overbearing father, stumbles upon Highlander at a fair, meet up months later at a wedding. Due to proclamation from Queen, an English Lady must marry a Scottish Laird. Banter between Helena and Damien fun to read. Highlanders, English Lady, pirates, "must" marry situation and navigating the edict. Recommend...
March 24, 2026
Everything in One Book
This book has pirates, arguments with the resulting makeups, sword/knife fights, kidnapping, love (of course), and so much more. This book does not disappoint. Exhilarating and so likable MMC and FMC. You are going to like this book. Don't let a very good opportunity pass you by. READ IT!
This book has pirates, arguments with the resulting makeups, sword/knife fights, kidnapping, love (of course), and so much more. This book does not disappoint. Exhilarating and so likable MMC and FMC. You are going to like this book. Don't let a very good opportunity pass you by. READ IT!
March 15, 2025
Helena lucked out when she took a chance. This is a delightful story with a few twists that will keep you reading to find out how it all works out. The characters are great and supportive, except for a few evil guys. You don't want to miss this one. It's almost like they knew what each other was thinking.
March 14, 2025
Adventure awaits
Sending my heart into the cold seas and back again. Lydia Kendall brings forth another heart felt story of Highlanders and English Ladies being brought together by the Queens Edict. Be prepared for the adventure of a lifetime.
Sending my heart into the cold seas and back again. Lydia Kendall brings forth another heart felt story of Highlanders and English Ladies being brought together by the Queens Edict. Be prepared for the adventure of a lifetime.
March 18, 2025
Great reading
What a great story. Couldn't put the book down the main characters had good interaction that kept the story flowing. Opposition from Helen's family and a villain to fight against things were kept exciting. A must read.
What a great story. Couldn't put the book down the main characters had good interaction that kept the story flowing. Opposition from Helen's family and a villain to fight against things were kept exciting. A must read.
March 20, 2025
Awesome adventure
Oh this book was so fun to read! The adventure was incredibly interesting and exciting! The characters were awesome!!! Especially the pirates! It was very exciting at the hot spring. Thanks for sharing your story!!!
Oh this book was so fun to read! The adventure was incredibly interesting and exciting! The characters were awesome!!! Especially the pirates! It was very exciting at the hot spring. Thanks for sharing your story!!!
March 23, 2025
a Scottish Romance
The basic story is good but there is way too much swearing and too many sexual scenes for me. That is why I gave it 3 stars. I will pass on this author because of that.
The basic story is good but there is way too much swearing and too many sexual scenes for me. That is why I gave it 3 stars. I will pass on this author because of that.
March 25, 2025
Very good !!
This was a very good story ! Very good read !! Took me a while to get thru the book,just because I wanted to savor each word of this love story , never wanting it to end .
This was a very good story ! Very good read !! Took me a while to get thru the book,just because I wanted to savor each word of this love story , never wanting it to end .
April 15, 2025
Excellent book
I really enjoyed all three books in this series. I will look to see if there is another one by the same author.
I really enjoyed all three books in this series. I will look to see if there is another one by the same author.
July 16, 2025
The highlander's accidental wife
I love this one. Full of my favorite - family, love, suspense and a happy ending. Can't get any better. Highly recommend
I love this one. Full of my favorite - family, love, suspense and a happy ending. Can't get any better. Highly recommend
August 14, 2025
Great read
Loved the characters. Loved that it brought in the characters from the previous books in the series. Did not care for the use of the lords name in vain.
Loved the characters. Loved that it brought in the characters from the previous books in the series. Did not care for the use of the lords name in vain.
February 15, 2026
Wow this is good
Probably the best book I have ever read. Action, love and tense scenes. Family coming together makes this a good read. Run don’t walk to read it.
Probably the best book I have ever read. Action, love and tense scenes. Family coming together makes this a good read. Run don’t walk to read it.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews