Love bloomed in the ashes of betrayal—fragile, furious, and unstoppable.
Elena I came to Campbell castle to destroy them, not to fall in love. The witch’s goblet promised any wish, any power. I stole it to avenge my murdered family. But magic always comes with a price and every time I use my gift, I’m in danger. And the Campbell laird, Ross—fiercely honorable, maddeningly protective, and impossible to ignore—was never part of my plan. Posing as a healer was supposed to bring me closer to my adversaries. Instead, every secret I uncover pulls me closer to Ross—and to the truth about who really betrayed us both. Now, the man who is supposed to be my enemy is the only person I cannot live without.
Ross She came to me cloaked in secrets, a healer with fire in her soul. She challenged me, intrigued me, stoked desire in me—and slowly tore down walls I had meticulously built. She was everything I couldn’t let myself need. I never intended to give her my heart. She took it. But then I discover she’s a Gordon spy—the woman who placed my clan in peril. Now, I must decide whether I can trust the lass sent to crush me. And even as battle looms and treachery surrounds me, I can’t stop loving her.
Julie Johnstone is a USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling author. Scottish historical romance and Regency historical romance featuring highlanders and aristocrats are her love, and she enjoys creating both with a hefty dose of twists, plenty of heartstring tugs, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
Her books have been dubbed "fabulously entertaining and engaging," making readers cry, laugh, and swoon. Johnstone lives in Alabama with her very own lowlander husband, her two children - the heir and the spare, her snobby cat, and her perpetually happy dog.
In her spare time she enjoys way too much coffee balanced by super hot yoga, reading, and traveling.
The Highlander's Enchanted Healer Julie Johnstone ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Elena Gorden went to Campbell castle to destroy them not fall in love. She and her friends drank from the witches goblet because it promised any wish, any power, but she could not have been more wrong. You see she stole the goblet so that she could use it to avenge her murdered family. But magic always comes with a price and every time she uses her gift, she's in danger. And the Campbell Laird, Ross (who is fiercely honorable, very protective, and impossible to ignore) was never part of her plan. Elena was supposed to use her gift and pose as a healer to gather information and turn it over to her stepbrother, but instead she finds that every secret she uncovers pulls her closer to Ross Campbell and the truth about who really betrayed both clans. Now the man who is supposed to be her enemy is the only person she can't live without.
Ross feels utterly betrayed. Elena came clocked on secrets, a healer with fire in her soul. She challenged him, intrigued him, and stoked a desire in him that he had thought was long gone. She tore down all of the walls he meticulously built. She was everything. A beautiful breath of fresh air that he could not let himself need. He never intended to fall in love and give her his heart. But then came the game changer when he discovers who she really is. A Gordon spy who placed his clan in peril. Now, Ross must decide if Elena can be trusted again. Even with the truth in front of him he doesn't know what to think. All he knows is that he can't stop loving her.
Will they be able to rekindle what they once had? Or will there be too many lies that can't be atoned for?
Oh my goodness!! What a book. Julie Johnstone has done it again. Every time I think that the next book can't surpass the previous book I'm wrong. Ms. Johnstone brings us a tale of love and compassion in a time of strife that will knock your socks off. This book was absolutely fantabulous. It grabbed me from the get go and didn't let out until the very end. Even Morgana the witch shocked me. Every time you think it can't get better you turn the page and there it is, giving you another shock that you didn't see coming. Ross and Elena were perfect for each other. I don't want to say any more because I don't want to wreck the book. If you are a fan of historical romance then this is the book for you. Take my word on this. You need to read this story. I wish I could give this book 10 stars as it's that good. Ms. Johnstone once again you have taken me away from all of my stress and for that I thank you.
This is book 2 in Julie Johnstone’s fabulous new Scottish Medieval series Spellbound Hearts, set in the beautiful highlands of Scotland. These stories follow 4 friends who try to steal a powerful witch’s magical goblet in order to gain powers that will enable them to right wrongs done to them and their families. Elena Gordon is determined to find the truth behind her father and brother’s murder, who she has been told were committed by the previous Laird of the Campbells. Ross Campbell is trying to prevent war with the Gordons and also find the men responsible for his parent’s death and almost killing his sister Alba. Elena enters the Campbell stronghold as a spy to discover the truth and get her vengeance. As expected things don’t go according to plan, secrets and lies are revealed. This is a great enemies to lovers story, with murder thrown in. As always Julie writes great characters who have warmth and depth all set in the wilds of Scotland. Although part of a series this can be read as a standalone, I’m certain the reader will want to continue. I highly recommend this book.
I received and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book and these are my honest opinions and review.
Love bloomed in the ashes of betrayal—fragile, furious, and unstoppable.
This is the second book in Julie Johnstone’s Spellbound Hearts Series, and I enjoyed it even more than the first. In this captivating story, we follow Elena, one of four friends who attempted to steal Morgana’s magical goblet to gain the power they desperately sought. But Morgana twisted their wishes into curses, turning their desires into their greatest misfortunes.
Elena Gordon is determined to uncover the truth behind her family’s murder. Convinced by her stepbrother that the Laird of the Campbells is responsible, she uses her mind-reading ability to pose as a healer, infiltrating Ross Campbell’s clan to uncover hidden secrets. Ross, grappling with his own grief, seeks the men who murdered his parents and shattered his sister Alba’s spirit. When Elena, disguised as Lady Aria, arrives to help Alba, she finds herself torn between her mission and the growing connection she feels with Ross.
At first, Elena is driven solely by revenge, but I appreciated how her quest for truth gradually takes precedence. The author brilliantly portrays Elena’s emotional struggle as she gets to know Ross—a kind, devoted man fiercely protective of his family and people. This story masterfully weaves together hidden secrets, deception, revenge, passion, and the unexpected blossoming of love with someone you never thought you could care for, let alone fall in love with.
Elena’s desire to avenge her family and destroy the Campbell clan is challenged by the undeniable pull she feels toward Ross, who embodies everything she didn’t expect. Ross, intrigued by the mysterious healer cloaked in secrets, faces his own dilemma—those very secrets could threaten his clan’s safety.
As Elena’s perspective shifts, she realizes Ross isn’t the enemy she believed him to be, and his family’s warmth makes her question everything she thought she knew. But when her true intentions are revealed, will Ross be able to forgive her? Can they unite to uncover the real culprits, or will the betrayal be too great to overcome?
I highly recommend this mesmerizing enemies-to-lovers tale, enriched with a gripping murder mystery and a dash of magic. Julie Johnstone skillfully conceals the true villains, keeping me guessing until the very end. This story isn’t just about vengeance or romance—it’s about discovering the truth, facing one’s own misconceptions, and finding love where you least expect it. I can't wait for the next story in this captivating series.
I received a complimentary advanced copy from the author, and I’m leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.
In "The Highlander's Enchanted Healer," by Julie Johnstone I found a wonderful book with a gripping story that intertwines love, betrayal, and the complexities of trust.
I love this author’s work. Her attention to detail is always well thought out, and her characters make me wish I was there to help them figure it out. 😊
The story unfolds as Ross Campbell, an honourable laird, grapples with feelings he never expected to encounter when Elena, a healer cloaked in mystery, enters his life.
Ross’s initial impression of her lies in the shroud of suspicion. She represents everything he should fear, a Gordon spy sent to undermine his clan! However, what he discovers instead is a woman filled with fire, passion, and a spirit that ignites desire in him.
Elena's character is great. She is driven by vengeance yet reveals a gentleness that draws Ross closer, making her a formidable force against all odds. She’s capable, strong and pretty resourceful. As Ross navigates his growing feelings for someone he believes is a betrayer, can she trust him? But what about her revenge for her family? 🤔
The author’s writing is vivid and detailed. She paints the Scottish Highlands with lush descriptions, allowing us to feel the chill of the wind and the warmth of the characters' connections. The magical elements, particularly Elena's healing abilities, add a magical layer that enhances the storytelling. (Do love a little magic added in 😉)
The internal struggle Ross faces, how to reconcile his growing love for Elena with the fear of her betrayal is well written. He battles from both past betrayals and the weight of leadership. (I really liked how both compassionate and vulnerable Ross is.) We also have the threat to his clan to figure out! Is Elena friend or foe?
Highly recommended for fans of historical romance and adventure!
Hero of my heart and the gutsiest, most loyal heroine ever!
This 2nd book in the Spellbound Hearts series by Julie Johnstone continues with the story of the second of 4 friends, And oh what a story it is! Elena Gordon, cursed by the witch Morgana. Elena is cursed with the ability to hear what someone is thinking by touching them. Her clan, the Gordon's, are bitter enemies with the Campbell clan. They accuse each other of poisoning their family/clan leaders. Elena convinces her stepbrother (now Gordon laird) to allow her to pose as healer and infiltrate the Campbell clan to get information about Laird Ross Campbell and the Campbell battle plans. She did not expect to like and admire Ross, and then fall in love with him. She hated him and all Campbells, right?
Ross Campbell is the quintessential good guy, strong, handsome, fierce, loves his clan, has true empathy and fights for right. He is immediately attracted to the healer who shows up at their gate, but is suspicious until she heals a child shot with a Gordon arrow and helps his sister. He begins to trust her, and falls hard, until . . .
This book is the story of good vs evil, values of truth and honesty, betrayal and most of all love. I liked the fact that the Campbell clan was shown in a good light. Usually they are not in many historical novels. The pace moved along perfectly and the end was a wonderful HEA!
This is my honest review of this ARC, and I highly recommend it. I sincerely loved this book and eagerly look forward to the next book in this series!
I think I loved this book more than the first one in this series although both were great reads!! This one is surely a lesson in 'not all is what it seems'. Sometimes we have to look upon a situation with our own eyes to find the truth.
Aria/Elena: Cursed by a witch she had the ability to read one's thoughts when touching them. I would not call this a curse but a gift because so much can come to light on what is truth and what is rumors. I love how she kept an open mind the whole time when searching for the truth. Sometimes the enemy is not defined by rumors and lies, but by actions.
Ross: A true hero/leader if ever I read one. Patient, always thought of others, and continually tried to live up to his father's expectations. A vow is a vow and he would follow it but when meeting Aria, it certainly stretched his patience to a breaking point and he couldn't figure out why.
Great read!! Highly recommend. I cannot wait for the next book and I wish there were 10 books in this series. So good. I was gifted with an ARC and wanted to post my thoughts.
The Highlanders Enchanted healer book 2 of a fascinating series by Julie Johnstone, from the beginning of this book I was held captivated by Ross Campbell and Elena Gordon lives! IN 1265, on Isle of Skye, Elena and three of her friends stole a chalice from Morgana the witch, for magical powers. Elena wanted to be able to read people's mind to help her step brother win a war against the Campbell clan! Elena poses as a healer at the Campbell castle, to get into the castle to read their minds to find the truth to her question's! This story is so much more than just a romance between Ross and Elena, thou the attraction was very strong between them from the beginning! I felt story was magical, and captivating, and so well written, I loved the book from start to finish, enjoyed the twist and turns through the book. Best book I've read in long time and can't wait to read the rest of the series, I recommend this book on so many levels.
Elena Gordon asked to read minds. The curse that allows her to do so showed her many things she did not, and sometimes did not, want to know. She infiltrates the Campbell Castle as a healer, meaning to use her powers to help her stepbrother defeat the Campbells. She does not expect to discover that Ross Campbell is a caring, honorable man. Neither does she expect an attraction between them. She wants the truth about her father’s death. Could she be wrong? Has she been lied to? This is an engaging enemies-to-lovers tale. Elena and Ross are devoted to their clans and both determined to punish those who harmed their families. The story is filled with secrets, betrayal, danger, a desire for revenge, and magic. Ross and Elena have an uncertain love story and a hard-earned happy ending. I voluntarily reviewed a special copy of this book.
I love this series as four friends who all attempt to steal the powerful witch’s magical goblet. Elena Gordon is determined use the witches magic to find the truth behind her father and brother’s murder by the Lord Campbell. Her journey takes to entering Campbell stronghold and Ross Campbell. A captivating story as she goes to spy on him to uncover the truth. He's trying to keep from going to war and find the people who murdered parent's death. What happens when he finds out the woman, he's come to care for is a liar and there for revenge? A captivating enemy to lovers' story between these two very strong personalities, driven by revenge and their instant attraction is sizzling as they uncover secrets, lies and betrayals. I have voluntarily read and reviewed this story.
Laird Ross from clan Campbell wants vengeance for the death of his parents and the brutal rape of his sister at the hands to the Gordon clan. Years of war between the Gordon’s and the Campbells has taken its toll on the clan. Elena Gordon, sister to laird Gordon, has the gift to read thoughts and she will use that gift to get revenge against Laird Ross for the death of her father, brother and uncle. But as she makes her way into to clan Campbell as a healer for the laird’s sister Alba, she begins to realize that all she has been told about the Campbells is now in question and the real enemy may be closer than she thought. I enjoyed the characters and the story but I must admit that the editing errors were annoying.
This is the second book in this magical series and this one was even better than the first! I got instantly swept up into the story of Elena and Ross trying to find a way to get revenge for their clans, because they each believe the other has done them wrong. Elena steals some magic from a witch and in doing so, she gets blessed (and cursed!) with the power of reading minds. She uses that power to infiltrate Ross's clan but things definitely don't go the way she thought they would! It's an amazing story that shows that things aren't always what they seem...and that you may find love without even knowing it's right in front of you.
I really enjoyed this story. Revenge turned to love. Elena had been cursed by her wish to read minds. With revenge on her mind, she headed to the Campbell fortification. I loved her willingness to risk her life to avenge her family, to use her curse to heal a child and Ross's sister, despite the risk. Ross showed her nothing but kindness, which led to her doubting her plan. Elena gave Ross something to live for. Danger, anger, loyalty, and love had me turning pages. A wonderful journey.
I received an ARC, and this is my unsolicited review.
These girls got into so much trouble when they crossed a witch!
In Book #2, Elena Gordon wishes for the ability to hear people's thoughts so she can defeat Ross Campbell, whom she blames for the death of her family. Things get really tangled when she sets her plan in motion, and begins to see a completely different side of Ross. She also discovered she has been lied to, by people she thought she could trust. It gets real messy, as it always does, but there are lots of lessons for everyone. I loved it!
Revenge and Curses Created a Fabulous Love Story: Three girls were naughty and got caught by Morgana the witch. What happens next turns this story into a fantastic love story Elena wants revenge against Laird Ross and hopes her wish will help her but is it a wish or a curse? This delightfully passionate story with these intriguing characters grabbed at my heart and took me into a fast-paced thrilling journey of finding true love. 🧓 Mature Advisory🔥🔥 💪Favorite Character Ross💋He added much to the story with his caring personality. 💖I loved this story that was written in the first person.🏆
This is a an enemies-to-lovers romance set in Campbell Castle. Elena, is driven by revenge and armed with dangerous magic, she infiltrates the castle as a healer to destroy her enemies but finds herself falling for Ross, the honorable laird who she was meant to betray.
This has it all, secrets, betrayal, and forbidden desire which collide as both must decide whether love can survive when trust has already been broken.
This is outstanding and brilliant saga. It was so good I had a very hard time to put down (even to shower, cook or eat. 🤣). I enjoyed it soooo very much. It was well written with a compelling plot and had lovable 3-dimensional characters. It was an enemies to lovers trope with betrayal and vengeance a theme throughout. It also had a witch with magical powers. All and all it was an amazing adventure not to be missed.
Watch Your Back Elena’s magic from the witch was mind reading. It led her to the Campbell’s tribe as a healer. She would get her Vengeance! She discovered Ross Campbell wasn’t a monster. He was loved by all and showed her friendship, kindness and compassion. This book of magic, power and adventure had no room for vengeance. A mystic power is useless without your true love!
What happens when you’re cursed by a witch and get a “gift” you didn’t really understand or want? Then that “gift” takes everything you know and turns it upside down? How do you reconcile your choices and find love? Julie spins an intriguing story and her characters are fully developed into people you really care about and want to have their happily ever afters.
“The Highlander’s Enchanted Healer”. Fantastic! I am enchanted by this story! More of the adventures of friends stealing from the witch Morgana! Elena is crafty to sneak into Ross’s castle. Both are bent on revenge! Fascinating process of Elena working to heal Ross’s sister Alba from extreme trauma! I was spellbound thru all the intrigue & danger! Well earned love story!
The prologue for this novel reached out and grabbed me immediately! I loved the concept of the four girls stealing the witch's goblet then being cursed then learning how to deal with the consequences. Elena and Ross had some major secrets to overcome and I couldn't put it down. I am looking forward to the next book in the series!
Loved Elena and Ross's fabulous story of vengeance, revenge, passion and love. Elena wants to avenge her family and destroy the Campbell's clan, what she never expected was their laird Ross. He is everything she never expected. Elena intrigues Ross she is a lady clouded in secrets, secrets that could destroy his clan. Elena stole a witch's magic goblet, however magic comes with a price, a price she may not be willing to pay as dangerous dogs her every move. Ross soon becomes the only man she can trust, but when secrets are revealed will he forgive her deception in the face of discovering the true culprit.
Elena is on a quest for the truth about the murder of her family. It brings her to Ross the leader of clan Campbell. She soon discovers that he is not the enemy but will he forgive her deception. Totally a must read. I received an early copy and willingly post my review.
When gossip is believed, the listener may be deceived. Mistakes that are made will cause lives to change. How far will Elena go to right a wrong against Ross? Read "The Highlander's Enchanted Healer" by author Julie Johnstone to find out if magic is worth the price.
I received a copy from the author. This is my voluntary and honest review.
Ooohhhh I can not wait until the next book in this series comes out!! I really really have to see how the other girls stories play out!! Thank you for writing a Highlander romance in first person!! It is so much better!!!
What a great series! I enjoyed this book as much as the first book in this series. It captured my attention from the beginning. The characters are well developed and engaging so much so I was sorry for the book to be at the end.
Revenge and passion blooms into a fabulous love story. Ross and Elena are a captivating couple, strong and resilient. A worthy romance filled with so much passion and emotion.