The Highlander's Cursed Lass

by Julie Johnstone

To claim the Highland stronghold I’ve always wanted, I must capture the cursed lass the king seeks.
Then deliver her to him.
The price I never expected to pay…is my heart.

James
I was born a bastard, and I’ve never had anything truly mine.
So when the king promises a castle and lairdship to the warrior who finds a mysterious healer and delivers her to him, I join the hunt.
Finding Katreine Wallace is simple.
Taking her to the king proves far more complicated than I bargained for.
It begins with a lie—mine—that I’ll serve as her protector on some foolish journey.
Yet every mile we ride together makes the truth harder to hide.
And somewhere along the road, she ceases being a means to an end.
Now she’s the woman I can’t stop wanting—far more dangerous to my heart than any enemy I’ve ever faced.
Because when Katreine’s past rises to hurt her…
I’ll have to choose.
The lairdship I’ve fought my whole life to earn.
Or the cursed lass who has already claimed my heart.

Katreine
There was a time when I would do anything for love—even make a dangerous wish that cursed me to never age and forced me from my home and family.
I tried to build a new life, but I cannot outrun a curse that steals everyone I dare to love.
There’s only one chance to break it.
Return to the Dark Woods where it all began.
Face the witch who damned me.
To survive the journey, I need a formidable Highland warrior to protect me.
And just when I think the search is hopeless, James Ross appears.

Tall.
Dangerous.
And wickedly cunning.

He vows to see me safely to my destination.
And foolishly, I believe him.
Until I discover he’s taking me straight back to the danger I once fled.
I hate James for his deception.
But the farther we travel across the Highlands, the harder it becomes to hold on to that anger.
Because James protects me as though I belong to him.
Touches me like I’m something precious.
And when he kisses me, the desire between us becomes far more than either of us planned.
He thinks I’m his path to a stronghold.
What neither of us expected…
Is that loving me could cost him everything he’s fought his whole life to gain.

This Spellbound Hearts romance features:

A cursed heroine who cannot age
A Highland warrior determined to claim a lairdship—and a family of his own
Forced proximity with a reluctant protector
A dangerous journey across the Highlands
Witchcraft, curses, and perilous magic
A hidden inheritance and a ruthless rival
A slow-burn, emotionally intense romance
A guaranteed happily-ever-after

Begin the Spellbound Hearts series with The Laird’s Magical Lass (Book 1) and continue with The Highlander’s Enchanted Healer (Book 2) and The Highlander’s Wicked Ways (Book 3).

Genres: Medieval, Romance, Historical Romance

274 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 30, 2026

About the author

Julie Johnstone is a USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling author of historical romance and contemporary romance. Best known for her alpha heroes and twisting, tense plots, she writes romance with heart and bite.

She lives in the hot deep South with her blind cat, arthritic dog, and photographer husband, and she enjoys traveling, reading, paddle boarding, hosting dinner parties where she tries new recipes, and going to concerts.

Connect with her on Instagram (authorjuliejohnstone)


Sign up for her newsletter here: https://juliejohnstoneauthor.com/news...

Reviews

[Fanosse23]

Julie Johnstone’s Spellbound Hearts series concludes with its fourth and final installment, and I am both enchanted and heartbroken to see it end. Johnstone, my favorite Scottish historical romance author, captures the heart and soul of the Highlands with every page. Her Highlanders are written with such strength, tenderness, and fiery passion that I can hear their voices in my mind—oh, how I wish they were speaking to me.

In this mesmerizing finale, the last of the four daring friends who once stole Morgana’s mystical goblet takes center stage. Their wishful mischief has long since turned to tragedy, for Morgana’s magic does not grant desires—it twists them into curses. Now, it is Katreine’s fate to remain forever the same age, forced to watch those she loves wither and die, branded as a witch and hunted for what she cannot change. After years of trying to live quietly, she knows the time has come to return to the shadowed woods and beg the legendary sorceress to lift the curse.

Her journey, however, takes an unexpected turn when James Ross appears—a striking, capable Highland warrior whose promise to escort her to her perilous destination stirs both hope and suspicion. Destiny seems to bind them, yet secrets coil between them like mist. When Katreine learns that James is one of four trackers sent by the King to capture her in hopes of saving his daughter, her trust shatters. Betrayal and desire war within her heart as she flees, only to find that James’s devotion runs deeper than she ever imagined.

The emotional tapestry Johnstone weaves between James and Katreine is nothing short of spellbinding. James, a man who believes his status as a bastard leaves him with nothing to claim, wrestles with belonging and self-worth. His journey toward love and acceptance is as poignant as it is fierce. Katreine, a healer with a tender and selfless spirit, yearns for the simple joys of life as a wife and mother—yet her path is fraught with danger and sacrifice. Together, their chemistry ignites like fire against the night, each moment of passion and peril pulling me deeper under the story’s spell.
This finale is a breathtaking dance of curses, betrayals, and heart-stopping adventure. Morgana’s clever enchantments challenge the courage and resolve of our heroes, spinning a tale of mystery, danger, and unexpected triumphs. From solemn oaths to near brushes with death, from the weight of a king’s command to the blossoming of an unshakable love, every page thrums with magic and emotion.

Julie Johnstone has delivered a conclusion that is both luminous and unforgettable—an enchanting farewell to the Spellbound Hearts series that left me exhilarated, teary-eyed, and utterly satisfied.

I received an ARC (advanced review copy) for free and am sharing my thoughts voluntarily.

[William J.]

I would like to thank Julie Johnstone for this book and for taking me to another world and plopping me down in the middle of the adventure. This was a great historical romance book set in Scotland. Katreine Wallace spent about 20 years with the Summer Walkers after leaving her noble family home because she feared being called out as a witch and killed because she was cursed after she and three of her friends went to the Dark Woods, stole Morgana's goblet and made a stupid wish. She wished to be older than her sister because she liked a certain man who would marry her sister. Katreine was also a skilled healer who healed others. She was sad because she didn't age and saw other people die leaving her behind. This led to her wanting to return to the Dark Woods to talk to Morgana and hopefully have the curse reversed. She met James Ross while she was with the Summer Walkers. James was one of several trackers the King of Scotland had sent to try and find Katreine because his daughter was sick and needed the healer. The first tracker to bring Katreine to him would receive a stronghold, a name and warriors to command. James thought he needed this to be able to marry. James lies to Katreine making her believe he is applying to take her to the Dark Woods instead of the King's Castle. This leads to an adventure where they meet other trackers, are in dangerous situations, a horse is injured, herbs are used, Katreine shows James she can hunt rabbits, spear fish and trap wolves. A twist and turn leads to Katriene arriving at the King's Castle where she is surprised to see people from her past, helps the King's daughter with her problem, develops a friendship with the daughter and comes to terms with what Morgana said she needed to do to break the curse. Together she and James find love and peace and James comes to see what he longed for was always right in front of him. This Spellbound Hearts Medieval Scotland Historical Romance has rich character development and emotional depth. I highly recommend that you buy, gift, but most importantly read this story of love and redemption. I know you won't be disappointed. I'm looking forward to reading many other books by Julie Johnstone including "When A Laird Loves A Lady" which is book 1 of the Highlander Vows:
Entangled Hearts series.

[Lynne Wilson]

Set in the wilds of medieval Scotland this story follows James, found as a child in the forest by Laird Ross. Having never truly felt part of the clan, he has always strived to prove himself worthy. When called on by the King to find a healer for his daughter and win the prize of his own castle, lands and men he sees this as his chance to finally have a place in the world.
Years ago Katreine & her friends stole a magical goblet from a witch in the hopes of having a wish granted. An unfortunate turn of events led Morgana to cursing them all. Having lived 20 years learning to be a skilled healer, never aging and seeing all those she has loved die she decides to venture back to the Dark Woods to beg Morgana to lift her curse.
Initially James tricks Katreine, telling her he will escort her to the woods when he is in fact taking her to the King. The journey is one of discovery and once they get to know each other they realize that the past has them both in its grip. Danger & lies threaten them both but ultimately they find love and peace.
Having really enjoyed the whole series, this is my favorite one. I highly recommend not only this story but the whole series especially if you are a fan of romantacy. Marvelous writing with wonderful characters.

I received & reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book and these are my honest opinions and review.

[N Dent]

we are family

This is my favorite book in the series. Its lesson is worth more than 5 stars! Katreine, the healer, five trackers were searching for was the last of the cursed lassie. Her curse was to never age and this proved to be heartbreaking when her friends ages and died. James Ross had been called bastard, nameless, and he wanted to be the tracker to find her and bring her to the King for the prize. Along the journey to the Dark Woods love, death, secrets of James’s deception and a kidnapping occurred. Laird Monroe Ross kept calling James a clot-head. Ross, James and 50 warriors went to get Katreine. She didn’t want her former love or her inheritance. She wanted James. Katreine met up with her 3 pals at the chapel and they shared big hugs as she stood at the altar with James. James pulled a grey hair out of her head as they were talking their vowels. She knew she had broken the curse by completing her task from the witch. James called himself a clot-head because he understood the puzzle the witch gave him. He had found the love of his life and had a name, clan and family all the time. Family and love forever!

[Denise Riemer]

Julie Johnstone series, The Spellbound Hearts, the last book in the series, The Highlander's cursed Lass, I absolutely loved everything about the story! James Ross and three other men were asked by King Alexander to find Katheine Wallace and bring her to him to heal his daughter! Alexander promised them a clan to be Laird of! James wants to find her as she is a great healer, James finds her and keeps it a secret where he is taking Katheine to the king, Katheine wants to find Morgana, the witch to take the spell from her, Katheine never gets older and won't die,! The story is so exciting, characters are fearless, the love that developed between Katheine and James was so enjoyable to read! The Book is a page turner, the other men tracking Katheine are killers and James has to protect her, the troubles they had getting to the Dark Forest, was fantastic reading! I loved this story best of the series and I've read the complete series, Julie is one of my favorite authors, always a winner. I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fascinating story and romance of two people who love each other, was given the book as ARC, this is my honest opinion on this book.

[Cherie S]

Epic Romance, Epic Series:
First off, I hated to see this series end but what a way to go out with a truly thrilling love story.
The characters are dynamic, fearless, compassionate, and the chemistry between James and Katreine is tremendously all-encompassing and grab at my heart more than once.
This is an amazing conclusion of this truly exciting series with the infamous witch Morgana. Her curses are deeply complicated and her challenges to answer her riddles to end the curse are very insightful.
I can't say enough about this story and the love that James held for Katerine.
This story reads like a ripcord that took me back and forth in different directions, through betrayals, near death, promises, a king's decree and so much more.
Mature Advisory: 3/5
Favorite Character: Prncess Mary who was delightfully naive and just might have saved the day?
Personal Note: This series was enchanting and so very enjoyable for this reader

[Patricia]

Hero and heroine of my heart! Wonderful read and nail-biting ending!

Katreine Wallace, cursed with the spell of never aging, and James Ross, whose greatest desire is to be Laird of his own keep, to feel he has something of his own and thinks this will give him happiness. Then he meets the healer Katreine. They both are keeping secrets, are not being honest but for good reason, the trust isn't there yet. James is the quintessential hero, strong, brave and good. Katreine is also brave, but almost broken from her curse, but a woman of principle and goodness. The journey they take is riveting for the reader while the author does a great job developing the story such that the reader is enthralled and just can't stop reading until the end. And what an end it is! A very satisfying, exciting and heartwarming last book of the series. Loved it!

I received an ARC of this book and this is my true and honest review of this book.
nd the characters. Enjoyed it so much!!

[Susan]

I was never so happy to have the electricity go out for hours because I had just received the new book, The Highlander's Cursed Lass, in the Spellbound Hearts series by Julie Johnstone. It was a perfect opportunity to curl up in bed in the dark with my Kindle and the rain on the roof then take an exciting adventure across Scotland. I was glad I wasn't on the horses with them because it was a long trek. Katreine has been through a lot since the first book in the series and I was so glad that James was getting his story. This story has so many things I love: lies, troubled pasts, must travel together, kidnapping, dramatic rescues. I loved it so much! It was great to see characters from the other books in the series but I was sad to reach the end. I'm looking forward to seeing what Julie Johnstone does next.

[Lorrie]

A witch's curse sends Ketreine into hiding. She could care less about her family home, she cannot stay there, everyone would notice she isn't aging thanks to the curse from a witch.

James was a bastard who had no last name, no title, and no home. The King offers a stronghold and land to any one of the 4 warriors that can bring him an infamous healer to attend his sick daughter.

The story is full of action with a running for your life feeling to it and there's plenty the two do not know about the other. Some secrets are held close to the chest. Never know who you can trust.

I loved this series, the titles alone drew me in. I was gifted with an ARC and wanted to post my thoughts. I would rate this one 4.5 stars and rounded up.

[Nancy Yohe]

Great ending to the series.

Katreine is the last of 4 friends who were cursed by a witch on a single night. They stole a witch’s goblet in hopes of having a wish come true, only to be cursed instead. Katriene is cursed to never age. James is a bastard with no name, no stronghold, no land or army. Things he believes he needs to be worthy of a wife and family. When the king tasks him and two others to find the healer that can heal his daughter, James comes face to face with Katreine. Both hold secrets tight but soon realize need to depend on each other and that secrets are better shared.
loved their story and the characters.

[Crystal Butler]

Sweet story

Katriene was a healer and had been cursed by the witch Morgana to never age, she left her family home and went to live with the summer walkers. This is where James finds her.

James Ross was a bastard and the second hand man to Laird Ross Munro. He was summoned by the king along with a few other men. They were told by the king that he was wanting a healer by the name of Katreine to heal his daughter and whoever found and brought her to him would receive land, a title and coin. The very thing James has been wanting.

[Christine Woinich]

This was quite a story to end the series. I loved it from beginning to end. Katreine's curse kept her away from her family, and she had to witness friends passing. Her skills as a healer became well known, and she was quite sought after. James was very sure of himself as a tracker and did his best to be aware of his surroundings before and after his hunt for Katreine. Doubts, secrets, and danger followed them on their trek to their future. There were moments of tears and smiles. It kept me reading.

I received an ARC, and this is my unsolicited review.

[Melody]

Can a cursed lass find love and break the curse? Can she take a chance on giving her heart to someone even if it means they will die and leave her?

What will happen when a warrior is confronted with his biggest challenge? Can he choose love over the rewards a king offers?

A great ending to a wonderful series! Julie has written a compelling story with characters that you can’t help but want HEAs for.

[SusieQ_Reviews]

Julie Johnstone is one of my go to authors for Highlander Romance. Her latest release, "The Highlander's Cursed Lass", is the final book of her Spellbound Hearts series. This book is my favorite of the series. I loved everything about James, the warrior searching for his place, and Katreine, the cursed healer with a heart of gold. Yup, loved everything, and I promise you will to.

I received a copy from the author, and this is my voluntarily provided opinion.

[Dorothy]

The Highlander’s Cursed Lass
By Julie Johnstone

Julie Johnstone is amazing. She is one of historical romances unique and prolific authors. I have been following her for many years. The Spellbound Hearts series is a very impressive example of her talent. This is the last book in the series and it is phenomenal. Read it, you won’t be disappointed. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

[Karlene Clark]

Loved it! James & Katreine’s story will keep you glued. What challenges they face, what lies & deception stand between them. Such fun following up on the mischievous friends that stole Morgana’s goblet. Did not want tale to end. Ready to read again!

[Andra Kapule]

great ending to the series

It was so lovely to finally have everyone happy!! I hope we get a novella of all of them together for a holiday or something soon!! It’s so hard saying goodbye to these characters!!

[Layne]

What a great Series

Four young girls with four different wishes but obtained the same way. Stealing a goblet from the witch Morganna. Each girl paid a different price for their misdeed and Katriene was the last one Julie Johnstone has written one of the best series ever.

[Teresa Carkeek]

series

I love this series of books. I couldn’t wait for this last book to come out. I was looking forward to it because I’ve enjoyed the series.