When Murieall Buchannan asks for my protection, I offer her the only thing I have left—a bargain carved from sin.
Murieall I stole a witch’s magic goblet to save my mama’s life and paid for my folly with a curse that binds me to the dead.
The voices never stop. Their grief claws at my mind, and now people whisper I’m mad. My betrothal has been shattered, my reputation destroyed, and time is running out to break the curse before I lose everything.
The witch’s answer to my pleas for forgiveness is as cruel as it is I must make the wickedest Scot in the Highlands feel again. Munro Ross is grief-hardened, sinful, and dangerous. He wants nothing to do with redemption, but to save myself, I must save him.
Entry into his domain comes at a wicked one month in his bed. I tell myself I can endure anything for freedom. What I don’t plan for is the honorable man I find under the dark surface, or the way his touch strips away my careful control, or how falling for him may cost me far more than the curse ever could.
Munro I lost my wife. I lost my son. And I buried my heart with them.
I don’t believe in witches. I don’t believe in forgiveness. And I don’t save desperate women who come begging at my door. So when Murieall Buchannan asks for my protection, I give her the only thing I still know how to offer—temptation wrapped in shadows and desire.
She’s meant to be a distraction, a fleeting indulgence to dull my pain. But by day, I see a patient, brave woman. And night after night, the ice I’ve built around my heart begins to crack. When she starts whispering truths I was never meant to hear, I realize this bargain may destroy us both.
Because if I let myself feel again, I’ll have to face the lies and betrayals that surround us. And the secrets that unite Murieall and me may be the very ones that tear us apart.
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 Wicked Ways Spellbound Hearts Series Julie Johnstone ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Murieall and her friends stole a witch's magic goblet to save her mother's life and ended up paying dearly for doing so. The witch cursed them all with different things. Muriealls curse binds her to the dead.
The voices of the dead never stop. Their grief hammers her mind, and now people think she's lost her mind. Her betrothal is shattered, her reputation destroyed, and it's a race against the clock to break the curse before she loses everything she holds close.
Murieall manages to gain an audience with the witch only to be told that if she wants forgiveness she must make the wickedest Scot in the Highlands feel again. Munro Ross has not had an easy time the last few years. He is grief hardened, sinful, and dangerous. He doesn't want help, but to save herself, she must save him.
Now she's made a wicked deal. One month in his bed. She will endure anything for freedom. What she didn't plan for is the honorable man she finds under the surface, or the way his touch strips away her careful control, or how falling for him may cost her more than the curse ever could.
Munro has lost way too much. First his newborn son and then his wife. And he burried his heart with them.
He doesn't believe in witches, and he doesn't believe in forgiveness either. And he definitely is not one to save desperate women who come begging at his door. So when a beautiful woman asks for his protection, he offers her the only thing he still seems to know how to do. He offers her temptation wrapped in shadows and desire.
Munro believes her to be nothing more than a distraction, another indulgence to numb the pain. But by day he sees a patient, brave woman. And night after night, the ice wall he's built around his heart begins to crack. But when she starts whispering truths that he wasn't meant to hear, he realizes that the bargain may destroy them both.
Julie Johnstone is my hero! This book rocked. It was absolutely amazing. I've read every book in this series and loved all of them, but this one is my absolute favorite. There were so many emotions fighting their way to the surface as I read this. It was definitely a roller coaster ride. I wanted to hop through the pages and help at times. The girls were so precious and Munro had a heart of gold under his gruff exterior. Murieall was so strong. She was a firecracker through and through. This book had just the right amount of magic to make it glorious. All in all I recommend this book to readers everywhere.
Julie Johnstone’s Spellbound Hearts Series just keeps getting better, and this third installment is no exception.
A young woman, Murieall Buchannan, seeks to break a devastating curse while battling the whispers of madness and the ruin of her reputation. The dead talk to her constantly and she just wants them to be quiet. She visits the witch again begging for her to remove her curse, instead the witch gave her a task to complete and only then would the curse be lifted. Her only hope lies in a dangerous bargain with Munro Ross, a grief-hardened Highlander who has buried his heart with his lost family.
Their reluctant alliance begins as a transaction of desire and obligation, but grows into a journey of emotional awakening, trust, and the risk of love. As secrets and betrayals surface, both must confront grief, redemption, and the peril of surrendering their hearts, knowing that the truths binding them may also tear them apart.
This was such a wonderful story it is about redemption and dreams. Munro was once highly thought of and put the needs of the clan and his family first, But grief and guilt has him a changed man, drinking and trying to forget in the arms of nameless women. After his wife dies, some say by her own hand, but he doesn’t believe it. He cannot bear to see his two daughters so he send them away.
When Murieall arrives asking him for his protection he reluctantly agrees. It was obvious that there was something about Murieall that reaches the confines of Munro’s heart and slowly the barriers he has constructed begin to crumple. But there are others that do not want to see Munro return to his former glory and mischief is a foot.
Murieall was so caring towards Munro’s daughter’s their bond quickly formed, it was nice watching Munro watch from a far but his heart starts to melt towards both Murieall and his girls.
She’s meant to be a distraction, a fleeting indulgence to dull my pain. But by day, I see a patient, brave woman. And night after night, the ice I’ve built around my heart begins to crack. When she starts whispering truths I was never meant to hear, I realize this bargain may destroy us both.
Because if I let myself feel again, I’ll have to face the lies and betrayals that surround us. And the secrets that unite Murieall and me may be the very ones that tear us apart.
My emotions were all over the place especially when he rejected her when she told him about her ability to speak to the dead and that his wife had messages for him. This story was amazing! It is so touching, heartfelt, emotionally in all the right ways. I was sighing and crying and pulling for this couple from start to finish.
My thanks to Julie Johnstone for gifting readers a story that blends heartache, hope, redemption, and enchantment so seamlessly. Your ability to craft flawed yet deeply relatable characters who grow together through pain and love is truly special.
In the end, this story is not just about breaking curses—it’s about breaking down the walls around a shattered heart. It reminds us that love, though fragile and perilous, is the only magic strong enough to redeem even the most haunted souls. This book is touching, emotional, and utterly captivating—I couldn’t put it down and felt truly sorry when it ended. Closing it felt like saying goodbye to a dream, and I know this story will stay with me long after the last page. It leaves me eager for the next spell Johnstone casts our way.
I received a complimentary advanced copy from the author, and I’m leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.
The Highlander’s Wicked Ways by Julie Johnstone is her third book in the Spellbound Hearts series it’s a Scottish historical romance that centers on grief, healing, and the raw vulnerability of learning to feel again.
This final installment in the Spellbound Hearts series delivers an emotionally intense journey that will bring tears as two broken souls find their way back to life and love.
Murieall Buchannan is haunted, (literally) by a curse she brought upon herself when she stole a witch’s magic goblet to save her mother. The voices of the dead now claw at her mind day and night, destroying her reputation and leaving her desperate. To break the curse, she must accomplish the impossible, make the most grief hardened, emotionally frozen Highlander in the Highlands feel again. (Simple 😝)
Munro Ross has buried his heart with his late wife and son. He offers Murieall no noble protection, only a dark, sinful bargain, one month in his bed in exchange for whatever “safety” he can give. What begins as a transaction born of desperation slowly becomes something far more profound, a tender, aching exploration of pain, patience, honesty, and the terrifying risk of opening one’s heart once more. (I sobbed in parts 😢)
Munro is a classic tortured hero, morally gray, angry at the world, and convinced he has nothing left to offer, but as we peel back his layers, we watch the ice around his heart crack night after night. Murieall’s quiet bravery and whispered truths reach the man beneath the grief, had wanting to shake the highlander and tell him to love her!
Murieall is resilient yet deeply vulnerable, she carries the constant torment of the curse while fighting not to lose herself. Her journey isn’t just about breaking the curse, it’s about hope, and the ability to love without fear.
The redemption arc for Munro feels earned and profoundly satisfying, while Murieall’s strength shines through her compassion and quiet courage. The magical curse adds high stakes and a haunting atmosphere, but it ultimately serves the emotional heart of the story, turning what feels like a punishment into a path toward healing and connection.
If you love Highland romances that prioritize deep emotional healing, vulnerable heroes, and heroines who heal through love rather than just magic, this book will stay with you.
Highly recommended for anyone seeking a romance that doesn’t just entertain but moves you, perfect for curling up with a cup of tea (and maybe a tissue or two).
Julie Johnstone, third book The Highlander's Wicked Ways, in the series Of Spellbound Hearts,! Starts at Ross stronghold in 1267, Munro Ross is laird of the clan and has been drinking and chasing women for two years, since his wife died very mysterious way, Munro is convinced someone killed his wife by throwing her over a cliff! Two years he has hunted for a killer but his uncle Gordon and aunt Magdalen, been telling him she was depressed and jumped to her death. Munro has two little girls and knows Isabella (his dead wife ) wouldn't do that! Murieall Buchannan has been cursed by a witch Morgana, to hear voices in her head from dead people and Murieall wants Morgana to take curse away,! Murieall shows up at Ross castle asking Munro for protection and he agrees to help her! This book has so much to recommend it,has Intrigue, mystery, love and sorrow, both Munro and Murieall have had so much sorrow in their life, I cried in parts because Munro wouldn't listen to James his best friend from youth to adult hood . The attraction between Munro and Murieall was strong from the beginning, I loved reading how their relationship developed and Murieall care for his daughters! All the people in this book brought so much to the story, his daughters Guinn and Bess, Loved how loyal James was to Munro! Julie Johnstone made me feel I was there seeing all the good and terrible things that happened! I absolutely loved everything about the series, I am leaving the review because Julie Johnstone has a wonderful talent in writing great book, I downloaded book on own because I knew it would be a wonderful book! If you enjoy a story about handsome highlander and beautiful woman who were meant for each other, get this book!
Set in the rugged, medieval highlands of Scotland this is the 3rd book in Julie Johnstone’s Spellbound Hearts Series. Three friends make a wish using the witch Morgana’s goblet which has terrible consequences for each of them. Murieall, daughter of Laird Buchannan can hear the voices of the dead, which has led her betrothed’s family to break the agreement fearing she is mad. Determined to free herself from the curse she seeks out the witch Morgana to ask for help. Morgana tells her the only way to break the curse is seek out a wicked man & make him feel again. Munro Ross, is a Laird in turmoil, he greaves for his dead wife, unable to look after his children or his clan, spending his nights lost to drink & women, anything to stop feeling. Murieall seeks him out under the guise of needing protection in order to lift the curse. Tormented by their pasts, they are drawn to each other & feelings develop, but treachery within Munro’s clan drives a wedge between them that puts Murieall’s life in danger. As with all good love stories the hero saves the day & wins the lady’s heart, with some bravery & swordplay. I thoroughly enjoyed this story & the whole series. If you love rugged, wild men then this is the book for you. Julie writes wonderful characters, who are believable & who you root for. She makes you believe you are in Scotland. I highly recommend this book.
I received and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book and these are my honest opinions and review.
OUTSTANDING AND CAPTIVATING WITH WONDERFUL CHARACTERS!
Murieall is cursed with hearing voices of the dead, a price she paid to save her mother from dying, but cost her much, including her betrothed. She begs to have the curse removed from the witch, Morgana; however, she must complete a task before that can happen. She must make the wickedest Scot in the Highlands feel again. Laird Munro Ross is in despair and has been for 2 years from the loss of his wife and newborn son. He feels much guilt and has turned away from his small daughters, away from everything.
There is intrigue, mystery, awakening and sinister things going on at the Ross holdings. Murieall has a large task ahead of her. This book made me smile, shed a few tears, keep reading until I was finished and when I shut my Kindle, I literally said to myself, "wow, that was SO good!" I highly recommend this book as I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This story touched my heart. Two broken people living with secrets, pain, and death were brought together by a curse. Murieall tired of her curse and wanted it gone. To do so, she had to heal Munro. She was determined, loving, gave of herself though she kept her secrets. Munro was so deep in his pain that he was not truly living. Secrets, manipulation, and pain made him a weaker man than he was. I loved how she brought the light into his life, how he began to take his place in the clan once again, how they gave up their secrets and more to each other. I cried when he reacted to the news of her curse and pushed her away. My fingers were crossed that she would keep her curse/gift. I did not want to stop reading this book. Another good one by this author.
I received an ARC, and this is my unsolicited review.
Great story, one that proves everyone is redeemable.
Murieall could hear the voices of ghosts thanks to a curse placed on her by the witch she tried to steal a goblet from. But it was a purely selfless act since it was to save her mother's life, but also one that came with consequences. She visits the witch again begging for her to remove her curse, instead the witch gave her a task to complete and only then would the curse be lifted.
Munro was an honorable man. One who has lost his way and given up on life by allowing his guilt to weigh him down and turns to drinking to drive away the pain. Murieall shows up asking for his protection at a time he felt was inconvenient but Munro allowed her to stay. Loved the way the cold heart melted into something no one could imagine. I was offered an ARC and wanted to post my thoughts. Loving this series!
A Curse, Family, Betrayal, Discovering Love: The third and final book of this magically thrilling series, did not disappoint this reader. Interesting cast of characters that take us through many emotional and frightening situations. We first meet Murieall a lass that carries a curse from Morgana the witch that binds her to the dead. Munro who is struggling with depression trying to escape tragic memories of his wife's and sons' death. The story is absolutely fascinating as we followed these two damaged people come together and discover a love, they never thought possible. I truly enjoyed the entire series; each book can be a standalone. 📌Note: the book is written in first person which I immensely enjoyed. 🧙♂️Witches curse or blessing was awesome. 📚Book rating: I wish I could give it more than 5 stars.
Murieall Buchanan was to marry Liam McCleod until his family denied him because of Murieall’s hearing of dead people because of the curse the witch Morgana had put on her for stealing the goblet and drinking from it to grant her wish of saving her mother. She talked her brother into taking her to the witch to see if she would take away the curse. Morgana told her she had to go to the wickedest laird in the highlands and make him feel that was the only to rid of the voices. She had to go to the Ross stronghold.
Laird Munro of clan Ross was grieving even though it had been 2 years since losing his wife Isabella. She had birthed a son who had died and she couldn’t get over the death. Laird Ross was unsure if she had been murdered or she killed her self. They already had two girls. What happens when Murieall gets there is truly exciting.
Please, stop the voices Maurielall Buchanan must seek the meanest Highlander to break her curse. Munro Ross gave her a month of protection for caring for his two daughters. Her fears and needs to control made her to start listening to the voices and solving their requests. Munro’s dead wife started talking to her and when she tried to tell him she was banished. Strong characters, lies, death and dangerous clan members were all out to get her & Munro. They both chose the will to live with love and happiness. Munro was no longer hiding behind walls of anger and indifference to his children and clan. Murielall had made him feel again and her curse was lifted. So much death, pain and jealousy, but love prevailed!
I love this series of witches and spells in these books. Murieall, daughter of Laird Buchannan can hear the voices of the dead, seeks out Morgana the witches help to break the curse. Murieall and Lord Buchannan are tormented by their pasts, he's haunted by the ghosts from his past and fallen into a deep depression. They're drawn to each other seeking comfort and maybe love can break the spell and heal his hearts from despair and depression. A captivating story of two wounder souls needing redemption and love to save them. When curse and secrets are revealed will he push her away, and tear them apart? Has she thawed his broken frozen heart to love again? I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.
Can a curse be a blessing? When foolish girls, desperate to save a loved one, steal from a witch. The witch then curses them for their misdeeds and they must find a way to live with or change their curse. Munro has survived through the worst that a man can endure but can he live again? Murieall is desperate to get rid of her curse but is that a mistake? Can two people who are so different and so hurt find love? This book is excellent and I can’t wait for the rest of the series. Julie keeps getting stronger and stronger as a storyteller and her stories have become compelling reads.
Munro lost his wife and son 2 years ago and has been grieving ever since to the point he was not functioning as the laird he should be. Drinking and womanizing was all he could manage. Then Murieall shows up asking for protection. Murieall is cursed to hear the dead because of a violation against a witch she and her friends made. But when she starts hearing Muno’s dead wife things become more complicated and way more dangerous. Loved the characters and the storyline. Well written with a little magic and sweet children make this a book I will probably read again.
Wow! What an awesome book. Wonder Woman Julie has churned out another bestselling phenomenon. To say I loved it is a gross understatement. The book does have glimpses from previous works that make it a lot easier to understand some of the motives of the main characters. Regardless, this is an absolute treasure to add to the historical romance genre. I do hope Ms. Johnstone gets a huge acknowledgement from readers , writers and literary critics. A novel I won’t soon forget. Good luck , congratulations and bravo. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!
I love getting lost in a Julie Johnstone book because I am swept away to the Highlands where I find action, adventure, great characters and, of course, a rocky road to love. The Spellbound Hearts series brought a touch of magic to the tale. Both Murieall & Munro have been through traumatic life events but the road to understanding and redemption brought the great life lesson that how we look at something can change the whole trajectory of our lives. I believe this is the last book in this series but I look forward to whatever Julie Johnstone writes next.
What an amazing story!! Julie did a wonderful job of making me fall in love with these characters. Murieall stole from a witch and is now cursed with hearing the dead. Monro is a heartbroken man who lost his wife and seems to have forgotten his children. The story of how they find their lives intertwined is one full of mystery, danger, misunderstandings, forgiveness...and love. I laughed and cried and although I love how it ended, I was really sad to reach the end of their journey! For me, this is the best of the series so far. Absolutely loved it!
Muriel realizes how much she has changed throughout her quest to heal Munro. I enjoyed the interaction and tension between these two. With the help of a loyal right hand man and two wee lassies, these two are on their way to a well deserved HEA.
I received a copy from the author, and this is my voluntarily given opinion.
What a page turner!Fascinating twist of a curse to a gift! A new look at the witch Morgana. What burdens Laird Munro & Murieall carry. The daughters were a nice addition. Interwoven messages from the dead & trying to escape the danger keep you glued! A favorite love story!
Each of these have their own unique story. Love the characters each rings true and the mystery that runs through each story. Waiting for the final book in this storyline! Please hurry,,
Cursed by Morgan to hear the voices of the dead, her betrothed has broken off the arrangement. Murieall has asked to be released from the curse but the price of that release brings about circumstances she didn't see coming
Such a beautiful story! The characters were amazing. The adventure was interesting and exciting. She was very brave to listen to the voices and act on them. Thanks for sharing your beautiful adventure!!!
Munro has been plagued by guilt and grief since the death of his wife and son two years ago. He even sent his daughters away. He wants nothing to do with much of anything or anybody. When Murieall and her friends stole Morgana’s goblet, they were each cursed. Murieall hears the voices of the dead. She is told by the witch that in order to be released from her curse, she must help Munro recover from the guilt and grief so that he can live again. When the voice of Munro’s wife comes to her, it opens a complicated story of betrayal and a road to redemption. There is a mystery to be solved, a gift to be recognized, and new love to be found. The story line is intriguing and the characters interesting. The girls are adorable. A lovely romance with a bit of magic brought to life by the wonderfully talented Timothy Campbell. I received a free copy of the ebook and voluntarily reviewed it.