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The Unencumbered Warrior: Highland Wishes Trilogy Book One
Three warriors. Three wishes. One mysterious woman who never mentioned the cost…
After years of battle and burdens he never asked for, Raff made a simple wish—to be free. Free from war, from duty, and from the complications of love.
The wish is granted… but with a cruel twist.
Now, people look through him as if he doesn’t exist. What begins as a welcome escape quickly becomes a quiet torment. Until one woman looks him in the eye—and sees him.
Ingrid is respected in her village, known for her skill with wool and her sharp wit. She doesn’t believe in curses or nonsense until a stranger stumbles into her life, oddly unnoticed by others, yet impossible for her to ignore. There's something about him that draws her in, something that stirs questions she isn’t sure she wants answered.
Their connection deepens with each shared glance, each lingering moment. But when whispers of witchcraft stir, and a noble’s demands grow dangerous, Ingrid’s world threatens to unravel, and Raff realizes that his so-called freedom may cost him everything he didn’t know he wanted.
Because in the Highlands, even a wish can become a curse, and love may be the only thing strong enough to break it.
After years of battle and burdens he never asked for, Raff made a simple wish—to be free. Free from war, from duty, and from the complications of love.
The wish is granted… but with a cruel twist.
Now, people look through him as if he doesn’t exist. What begins as a welcome escape quickly becomes a quiet torment. Until one woman looks him in the eye—and sees him.
Ingrid is respected in her village, known for her skill with wool and her sharp wit. She doesn’t believe in curses or nonsense until a stranger stumbles into her life, oddly unnoticed by others, yet impossible for her to ignore. There's something about him that draws her in, something that stirs questions she isn’t sure she wants answered.
Their connection deepens with each shared glance, each lingering moment. But when whispers of witchcraft stir, and a noble’s demands grow dangerous, Ingrid’s world threatens to unravel, and Raff realizes that his so-called freedom may cost him everything he didn’t know he wanted.
Because in the Highlands, even a wish can become a curse, and love may be the only thing strong enough to break it.
152 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2025
56 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 2, 2025
Raff wished for total freedom. But when his wish was granted, he didn't realize that the price of freedom would be so high. His wish has become a curse. While searching for a cure to his situation, he helped a woman being harassed by some men. Ingrid, a skillful weaver, offered him a place to stay at a time when no one else would welcome him because of his foolish wish.
But trouble threatens the peace he found in the village with Ingrid when Chafton, the chieftain of Clan MacCannish, began spreading rumors of a witch in the area. With Ingrid as a target, Raff vowed to protect her, and in doing so, he realized his feelings for her deepened into love.
The Unencumbered Warrior by Donna Fletcher is the first in the Highland Wishes Trilogy. It's a refreshing approach for me since its POV is mostly centered on Raff and his struggles with the wish he made. It has a good mix of romance, drama, and mystery that keeps you wanting to know what comes next. You feel Raff's struggles and heartaches when no one seems to pay him heed. And you celebrate his small victories when the villagers notice him and want him to stay. The magic element is also front and center, unlike most of Fletcher's work. It provides the mystery and end goal for Raff to solve so he can truly be free from his foolish wish.
The flow of the story was seamless, answering the questions that came up at the start. The reveal of the witch's true identity was a nice surprise. I never saw that coming. It has me excited on how she will weave herself into the story in the next two books.
All in all, I really enjoyed this novella. It was a refreshing read in between other book series you're waiting to be released. I'm really looking forward to the next installment.
But trouble threatens the peace he found in the village with Ingrid when Chafton, the chieftain of Clan MacCannish, began spreading rumors of a witch in the area. With Ingrid as a target, Raff vowed to protect her, and in doing so, he realized his feelings for her deepened into love.
The Unencumbered Warrior by Donna Fletcher is the first in the Highland Wishes Trilogy. It's a refreshing approach for me since its POV is mostly centered on Raff and his struggles with the wish he made. It has a good mix of romance, drama, and mystery that keeps you wanting to know what comes next. You feel Raff's struggles and heartaches when no one seems to pay him heed. And you celebrate his small victories when the villagers notice him and want him to stay. The magic element is also front and center, unlike most of Fletcher's work. It provides the mystery and end goal for Raff to solve so he can truly be free from his foolish wish.
The flow of the story was seamless, answering the questions that came up at the start. The reveal of the witch's true identity was a nice surprise. I never saw that coming. It has me excited on how she will weave herself into the story in the next two books.
All in all, I really enjoyed this novella. It was a refreshing read in between other book series you're waiting to be released. I'm really looking forward to the next installment.
October 1, 2025
The Unencumbered Warrior: Highlanders Wishes Trilogy Book 1 ; Donna Fletcher Begins This New Series With The Aura Of The Magic Of The Witch ! The Spell Is So Captivating That You Can’t Escape The Feeling Yourself ! Drawn In From The Start And Not Stoping Till You Get Too The End ! Totally SPELLBOUND ! The Warriors Wish Of Total Freedom Was Not What He Imagined It Would Be ! Wandering Around All Alone ! It Became More Of A Curse That A Wish ! Rejected And No Home Till He Finally Found A Place A Year Later ! Trying To Fit In And Break The Wish He Made With The
Witch ! A True Experience !
Raff And His Two Friends Declan and Rhodes Just Finished A Battle When A Witch Over Heard Them ! Raff Wanted No More Battles , No Wife , And No Responsibilities ! Was It Really The Life He Wanted ? Or Just Talk After A Hard Battle ? The Witch Granted Him His Wish !
Ingrid was A Weaver of Blankets in A Village that was Run By Laird Chafton . He Was A Bully and Treated the Villagers With Force and Scare Tactics ! She was A Kind And Caring Person That All Loved Her . Her Mother was A Mystery !
Ingrid and Raff meet when He Stops The Lairds Men From Hurting Her ! She Welcomes Him To Her Village . Now Finding A Spot For Himself with A Home And A Job ! Finally A Place ! Along With A Connection Building With Ingrid ! If Only He Can Find The Witch To Break The Spell !
This Is The Most Amazing Story ! Donna Fletcher Out Did Herself With This One ! It Was So Intense The Connection With The Characters You Can’t Shake The Feeling It Is Not Real ! I Can’t Wait For The Next Two ! FABULOUS !
Witch ! A True Experience !
Raff And His Two Friends Declan and Rhodes Just Finished A Battle When A Witch Over Heard Them ! Raff Wanted No More Battles , No Wife , And No Responsibilities ! Was It Really The Life He Wanted ? Or Just Talk After A Hard Battle ? The Witch Granted Him His Wish !
Ingrid was A Weaver of Blankets in A Village that was Run By Laird Chafton . He Was A Bully and Treated the Villagers With Force and Scare Tactics ! She was A Kind And Caring Person That All Loved Her . Her Mother was A Mystery !
Ingrid and Raff meet when He Stops The Lairds Men From Hurting Her ! She Welcomes Him To Her Village . Now Finding A Spot For Himself with A Home And A Job ! Finally A Place ! Along With A Connection Building With Ingrid ! If Only He Can Find The Witch To Break The Spell !
This Is The Most Amazing Story ! Donna Fletcher Out Did Herself With This One ! It Was So Intense The Connection With The Characters You Can’t Shake The Feeling It Is Not Real ! I Can’t Wait For The Next Two ! FABULOUS !
October 15, 2025
The Unencumbered Warrior by Donna Fletcher
Highland Wishes Trilogy Book One
Raff from Clan MacMunn and two of his friends made wishes one night. They were drunk from both a victory in battle and drinking. They had no idea their silly wishes would come true. A year later, Raff finds that the freedom he sought wasn’t what he truly desired. He wasn’t known or recognized. Nobody noticed him at all…until the day he met Ingrid.
Ingrid found Raff attractive from the moment he saved her from the chieftain’s men. Yet, he didn’t seem like a man who was going to set down roots. The longer he stayed in their village, though, the harder it was not to fall for the handsome warrior.
This series is so unique. I loved this story and can’t wait for the next two to come out.
**Mild sexual content
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
Highland Wishes Trilogy Book One
Raff from Clan MacMunn and two of his friends made wishes one night. They were drunk from both a victory in battle and drinking. They had no idea their silly wishes would come true. A year later, Raff finds that the freedom he sought wasn’t what he truly desired. He wasn’t known or recognized. Nobody noticed him at all…until the day he met Ingrid.
Ingrid found Raff attractive from the moment he saved her from the chieftain’s men. Yet, he didn’t seem like a man who was going to set down roots. The longer he stayed in their village, though, the harder it was not to fall for the handsome warrior.
This series is so unique. I loved this story and can’t wait for the next two to come out.
**Mild sexual content
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
September 26, 2025
Get ready for another fantastic read from Donna Fletcher!
When 3 warriors are granted each a wish but don't realize what it really means to get what you ask for. 1st up is Raff who wishes for freedom but does he know what that means. Raff gets his wish however being free cost him everything and now he's a drifter with no loyalties, While drifting he comes upon a lass being harassed by guards and he steps in to help, the only fascinating thing is that Ingrid and the sana village notices him, when others do not. Soon talks of a witch stirs and with that innocent woman will be seek out to burn, whether they're a witch or not. Raff must find the one whose curse him in order to save the one he wants and stop innocence from a vengeful Laird.
You will definitely enjoy this read!!!!!
When 3 warriors are granted each a wish but don't realize what it really means to get what you ask for. 1st up is Raff who wishes for freedom but does he know what that means. Raff gets his wish however being free cost him everything and now he's a drifter with no loyalties, While drifting he comes upon a lass being harassed by guards and he steps in to help, the only fascinating thing is that Ingrid and the sana village notices him, when others do not. Soon talks of a witch stirs and with that innocent woman will be seek out to burn, whether they're a witch or not. Raff must find the one whose curse him in order to save the one he wants and stop innocence from a vengeful Laird.
You will definitely enjoy this read!!!!!
September 20, 2025
Witches, Healers, Curses, Fantastic Love Story
This series starts off with a fantastic love story of two heartwarming characters.
I can't say enough about the journey both Ingrid and Raff took me on as they find true love.
The story is filled with many heartfelt confessions, many intense frightening situations, a witch that
brings this story to an unbelievable ending that had me giving out a YAHOO!
I truly loved this delightfully sweet story, the plot, the characters, and the sizzling charisms that had the pages smoking.
I am so anxious to read the next book now.
🧓 Mature Advisory:🔥+/5
💖Favorite Character: The Witch🧹 that made the ending priceless,
This series starts off with a fantastic love story of two heartwarming characters.
I can't say enough about the journey both Ingrid and Raff took me on as they find true love.
The story is filled with many heartfelt confessions, many intense frightening situations, a witch that
brings this story to an unbelievable ending that had me giving out a YAHOO!
I truly loved this delightfully sweet story, the plot, the characters, and the sizzling charisms that had the pages smoking.
I am so anxious to read the next book now.
🧓 Mature Advisory:🔥+/5
💖Favorite Character: The Witch🧹 that made the ending priceless,
September 25, 2025
This is another lovely romance with a bit of magic added to the plot by this author. The story is well written, easy to follow and you fall in love with Raff and Ingrid from the start. The townspeople are very likable and add much to the story. As always there is a bad guy who causes grief for our hero and heroine. There is a fun twist at the end that I didn’t see coming. I recommend this book as a happy ever after romance with a fun ending.
October 1, 2025
Be careful what you wish for. It might just come true. Donnas has done it again in her new series, about 3 Highland warriors tired from battel who asked by one of them what they'd wish for themselves to happen. This book is a real page turner beginning to end. From the unexpected plot turns to the LOL moments it's hard to put it down. I quick cold winters day in front of a warm fireplace book. You wont be disappointed if you chose to read them.
October 2, 2025
Don't make wishes that you may regret
Great story about Raff and Ingrid. Raff, Declan, and Rhodes all make a wish.
This is Raff's story. Raff wish for a life of complete freedom. No battles, no wife clucking over him, noresponsibilities. Little did he know that the witch made his wish come true. Ingrid was a weaver in a small village which as rule by the awful Laird Chafton. You simply must read their tale. I can't wait to read about Declan and Rhodes story.
Great story about Raff and Ingrid. Raff, Declan, and Rhodes all make a wish.
This is Raff's story. Raff wish for a life of complete freedom. No battles, no wife clucking over him, noresponsibilities. Little did he know that the witch made his wish come true. Ingrid was a weaver in a small village which as rule by the awful Laird Chafton. You simply must read their tale. I can't wait to read about Declan and Rhodes story.
October 17, 2025
An interesting novella from one of my favorite authors. When one wish changes your life. Better watch what you wish for. An entertaining romance with a touch of magic. Thanks for the arc and keep up the good work.
October 3, 2025
The writing was good, but the story was too cutesy for me.
November 11, 2025
Be careful what you wish for…you just might get it (smile).
November 6, 2025
Every year, starting on October 1st, I switch from reading whatever suits my fancy at that particular moment to reading nothing but Paranormal Romances in honor of this spectacular and spooky season. And this year, my Halloween Reads have gotten off to a great start with this Historical-Scottish-Paranormal Romance.
Normally, I'm not much of a fan of short stories, because they too often leave me wanting more. But this story really hit the Goldilocks zone, it was just right. The story was long enough to really give you a sense of the beauty of the Scottish Highlands in Autumn and to get to know the characters. But it was still short enough that it can be read in just a couple hours, if that's all the spare time you have. For me it will work really well as a quick read before bed on those nights when I feel like reading, but don't want to start a new book, or an old favorite, that will have me up until the wee hours of the morning, because it can be so d@mned hard to put down a good book.
Needless to say, Donna's writing was a thing of beauty, as always. And speaking of beauty, I am LOVING the cover art on this one.
As for the story itself, it was great! I love the basic storyline for the trilogy, with the three warriors having their wishes granted. And the twist.. phenomenal! (But I'll leave that for you to discover.. LOL) Raff and Ingrid are wonderful together, so kind and loving, and I just adore Ingrid's strength. And the bit of spookiness that's woven through the story touches just the right note, making it an excellent read during the Halloween season. . . And any other time!
Normally, I'm not much of a fan of short stories, because they too often leave me wanting more. But this story really hit the Goldilocks zone, it was just right. The story was long enough to really give you a sense of the beauty of the Scottish Highlands in Autumn and to get to know the characters. But it was still short enough that it can be read in just a couple hours, if that's all the spare time you have. For me it will work really well as a quick read before bed on those nights when I feel like reading, but don't want to start a new book, or an old favorite, that will have me up until the wee hours of the morning, because it can be so d@mned hard to put down a good book.
Needless to say, Donna's writing was a thing of beauty, as always. And speaking of beauty, I am LOVING the cover art on this one.
As for the story itself, it was great! I love the basic storyline for the trilogy, with the three warriors having their wishes granted. And the twist.. phenomenal! (But I'll leave that for you to discover.. LOL) Raff and Ingrid are wonderful together, so kind and loving, and I just adore Ingrid's strength. And the bit of spookiness that's woven through the story touches just the right note, making it an excellent read during the Halloween season. . . And any other time!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews