Wild Scottish Magic

Book 9: The Enchanted Highlands

by Tricia O'Malley

Genres: Witches; Paranormal; Ghost; Romantic Fantasy; Scottish & Highlander

Synopsis

She's out of second chances.
He's out of patience.
And in Loren Brae, the truth never stays buried.

After a WitchTok fiasco brands her the Heartbreak Witch, Liora flees home to lick her wounds. But when she uncovers her Gran's grimoire, the secrets inside may explain everything she's ever gotten wrong about her magick.

Enter Torin, the gruff forester whose relationship she once destroyed. A miscast spell binds him to honesty, making it impossible for him to lie. With the town watching their every move, a fake relationship seems like the only way to keep questions at bay. Except Torin's unfiltered truths cut straight to Liora's heart.

Now, as the constellations shift and the Kelpies close in, Liora must decide – stitch a new future with the man who cannot lie – or lose her magick for good.

🔥 A cozy Scottish romantasy with fake dating, grumpy/sunshine sparks, a he-can't-lie curse, meddling villagers, sisterly stakes, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after. 🔥

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Release date: April 14, 2026

Publisher: Lovewrite Publishing

Print pages: 336

Sample

CHAPTER ONE

Liora

“The Heartbreak Witch?” Zara screeched through the phone, and I collapsed back against my scratchy hotel pillow. Covering my face with one of my hands, even though Zara couldn’t see me, I tried to push back the panic that was wrapping its ropes around my chest. “I know, Z. I knoooow.” Humiliation washed over me, my skin flushing with the heat of it. “How did this even happen? You’re viral? On WitchTok of all things?” My older sister, Zara, was almost blind, far better at magick than me, and Had Her Life Together. With capital letters, like that. She’d just taken a job at the local vet’s office in Loren Brae—a small town I’d briefly lived in and run away from—but Zara had insisted on moving back there despite my reputation. In her words, she was there to “un-sully” our name. I’d left Loren Brae after a particularly chaotic astrological disaster, determined to never look back, and now I feared I had no choice but to return. “Everyone is talking about you,” Zara hissed, and I winced. “I … I know. Or so I heard before I logged off WitchTok. And every other social media app that I have.” “I thought you weren’t going to do readings anymore.” Zara’s voice held more sympathy than censure, and that somehow stung even worse. She knew, more than anyone else, how much I hated with every ounce of my being that I couldn’t seem to make my magick work. Not like hers, at least. Maybe the internet was right—it was time for me to hang up my hat, so to speak—and finally admit the one truth that I’d been avoiding for a very long time. I was an absolute shite astrologer. Even thinking it made my gut churn in pain, because somehow, somewhere, along the way I’d become convinced that astrology was where my magick was meant to manifest. I loved it. And it loved me, I was certain of it, but something hadn’t quite clicked yet for me. At least to make accurate predictions, that is. I’d spent endless hours poring over charts, reading astrology books, researching Astro cartography and other iterations of astrology, and still … somehow I managed to land myself in hot water. “But she was so excited, and she was offering so much money,” I said, groaning as I tugged at my mousy brown hair. “Rent was due. I swear, Z, I’ve been working really hard. I know astrology inside and out. It’s not my fault that the prediction came out the way that it did.” “You …” Zara took a deep breath before continuing. “You told the girlfriend of one of the most popular rugby players in the world that he wasn’t her soulmate and she was destined for unhappiness.” “I would never!” I sat up, outraged. “That’s an exaggeration. I swear people don’t listen when I tell them what I see.” “Liora.” This time it was a sigh of resignation, and my shoulders hunched. “Astrology is meant to be used to look for personal traits or forecast good times in the year ahead to make a move or start a new job. You know, to look at when the planets are favorable to act. You can’t predict a love match from astrology.” “I mean, you can see if someone is a good match or not based on their birth chart,” I mumbled. 

Zara sighed, again, and I pinched my nose. A horn sounded outside, and shouts carried through the grimy window of the only hotel I could afford to stay at after I hadn’t been able to make rent and my roommates had ousted me from our tiny flat in Glasgow. “Even so, it doesn’t determine love. You know that, Liora. People can be horrific matches but still decide to work it out. To figure out a way to love. It’s not on you to predict the outcome of a love match for someone. When will you learn? I thought after …” Zara trailed off. My stomach roiled. I knew what she was referring to. The entire reason I’d left Loren Brae. I’d been younger. Convinced I knew the way of things.  And I’d given an impassioned reading, certain I was in the right of it, and had ruined a relationship with the blame landing squarely on my shoulders. It had been the talk of Loren Brae for months. “In fairness, it’s not my fault she ran back to her boyfriend and told him he wasn’t her soulmate,” I said, pulling my thoughts away from memories past. “I never said that.” “What, exactly, did you tell this WAG?” Zara asked, referring to the term for wives and girlfriends of sports stars in the UK. “I told her, that based on her chart, it looked like she might be destined for more than one great love in her life.” Zara gasped. “Liora, you didn’t.” “It was true though.” “But you can’t say that to someone who is head over heels for her boyfriend. They’ve had a big row now. Broken up over this.” “Well, in theory, wouldn’t that make me right?” I pulled my stubbornness around me like a cloak. I hadn’t been wrong in my reading. “If they were so much in love and perfect for each other, an astrology reading shouldn’t have been able to tear them apart, right?” “Be that as it may … it’s landed you in hot water, again, and without a place to live from what I can gather.” 

I glanced to the pile of luggage in the corner of the room. It wasn’t much, but it was mine. Tears welled. “Aye,” I said, defeat filling me. “Come home, Liora. We’ll sort it out. It might do you some good to take a break from this and focus on what you really want out of life.” I gulped back a sob. It wouldn’t do to cry to Zara. She’d always known exactly who she was and what she wanted out of life, while I’d clung to astrology because it was what I loved. But it appeared that it didn’t love me back. Maybe it was time to admit defeat and set my sights on becoming employable in a different profession. “I can’t⁠—” “You can. I’m delighted to be back in Loren Brae. And you will be too. Things have changed, Liora. It’s a good place to land, at least for a little while. Come back. Mitch misses you.” I grinned as Mitch, her guide dog, barked in the background when he heard his name. “I …” I looked around the tiny hotel room, largely taken up by my luggage, and sighed. “Okay, Z. I’ll take some time off. I’ll come back to Loren Brae.” Loren Brae. The incredible town I’d once thought would be my forever home until I’d royally screwed that dream up. Surely, nothing like that would happen again though. History couldn’t repeat itself. Right?

 

CHAPTER TWO Liora It wasn’t Loren Brae I’d hated, specifically, that had sent me running. The wee town set on the rocky shores of Loch Mirren came into view as I crested the hill in my ancient Fiat, and I couldn’t help but smile at the postcard picture it made. Colorful buildings toppled over each other, the loch spread out at their feet, with a charming castle tucked in the hills in the backdrop. Clouds bunched together on the horizon, the sun spearing through the gaps, highlighting the perfectly round island centered in the middle of the loch. I shivered when I looked at the island. It had always given me the heebie-jeebies, and much like my ability to screw up my life, nothing had changed. Awareness prickled over my skin as I tore my glance away from the island and kept my eyes on the road, following the instructions my sister had given me. She lived smack dab in the middle of the wee downtown, in a ground-floor flat that we were most definitely not going to share for any longer than necessary. In fact, Zara already had a line on a place for me to stay and given my budget constraints, which were heavy, I’d be happy to take anything at this point. Somehow I needed to figure out how to make money. I suspected my old fallback, waitressing, was about to come firmly back into my life. If I wanted to get back on my feet and figure out what I wanted out of my future, I needed some space to deal with the basics first. A place to live, enough money to pay my bills, and only after that would I be able to deal with the heartbreak of having to accept that my astrology career had finally spiraled and crashed in flames. I’d once thought I’d have my very own shop, pretty shelves lined in crystals and tarot decks, a cozy room for private readings, and a function space to host classes. I truly believed, down to my pink sparkly painted toes—though the paint was well-chipped now—that everyone could benefit from learning more about their birth chart. It was self-help in its most elemental form, a tool that could be used to understand oneself more deeply, and a way to help center a decision-making process. And yet. Here I was, blinking back tears of frustration, as I shifted into park and heaved in a deep breath, and then another, as I stared at my sister’s front door. Painted a bright red with a scruffy pad to wipe muddy boots at its foot, it was both serviceable and welcoming. Just like Zara. My no-nonsense sister always seemed to have the answers to everything, and she navigated the world in almost total darkness. It was hard living up to her expectations at times. Still. I would get through this. As I had every other speed bump in the past. Taking another deep breath, I pulled from my endless well of optimism that had fueled me through many a crisis in the past. “It’s just a new adventure. You’ll maybe even meet some new friends. Z says she loves her new boss.” I quietly cheered myself up as I unbuckled my seat belt and got out of my car. “Plus, you get to see Mitch.” My sister’s guide dog was a bouncy golden retriever that adored cuddles when he wasn’t working. I was much the same. Heaving my backpack out of the back seat, I left the other luggage in the boot and went to knock at the door. Barking sounded, and Zara’s stern voice admonished Mitch, before the door swung open. “Z!” I beamed at my petite sister and drew her in for a hug. We rocked back and forth like a metronome, and I breathed in her scent. She’d worn the same perfume forever, a spicy mix of anise and cocoa, and it instantly soothed me. Being back with Zara meant everything was going to be just fine. We were a team against the world, not that I particularly enjoyed depending on her to solve my problems, but somehow things always seemed less complicated when I was with her. Which, admittedly, was at times annoying. I didn’t want to lean on her as my crutch through every big disaster in my life. Hopefully, this time, I wouldn’t need to ask too much of her. Mitch bounded around our feet, clearly not in work mode, and Zara sighed and pulled back. “Mitch. Sit.” Mitch sat, instantly, though his bum wriggled in excitement at seeing me. His mouth lolled in a doggy smile, and his eyes were alert as he looked up at me. “Free for a cuddle?” I asked Z, waiting for her permission. “Aye, he’s off work.” Zara smiled gently as I dropped to my knees and wrapped my arms around a delighted Mitch, who dragged his tongue across my face as his whole body vibrated in excitement. He was a great dog and he’d made an enormous difference to my sister’s mobility and independence. “Cuppa tea?” Zara asked, moving confidently through her space, which was set up to her own exacting standards. I’d learned long ago to keep things neat and tidy when I was with her, lest she inadvertently trip over something I’d carelessly left out. “Please, thanks.” I stood and crossed the room—an open-style lounge and kitchen space—and put my bag on the couch and off the floor. “I’m just putting my backpack on the couch and then I’ll deal with the rest of the luggage later.” “I’ve already got your place lined up.” Zara filled the kettle and clicked it on, pulled out two sage green mugs, and a box of Twinings. Her movements were methodical and precise, much like her personality, and I smiled. Being with her was like the cup of tea she was making for me—warm and soothing. “That’s shockingly fast. I wasn’t sure you’d be able to swing anything in my budget,” I said, raising an eyebrow. Of course she’d already sorted out my accommodation. “Loren Brae has had some struggles the last few years, it seems. There are a lot of people heading out to the cities. But I managed to find something serviceable enough. It’s small, but clean and warm. It’s just a wing of a house, and you’ll have to share the kitchen, I’m told, but you’ll get your own bedroom and lounge room. Faelan said her client’s friend is renting the space for a little extra income. He’s watching after the property for his mum who has moved into assisted care and could use the extra money. Parkinson’s, I believe. Such a shame.” “That’s … a lot of information,” I said, instantly being reminded what living in a small town is like. “I guess that will work. I don’t really cook much anyway, so I’m sure the shared kitchen won’t be a bother.” “I don’t know the lad, but he’s coming by with keys tomorrow. I paid the security deposit and first month’s rent for you.” Zara’s tone was as measured as the water she poured into the mug, and my stomach twisted. “Z. You didn’t have to do that. I have savings. Not much. But some.” “An early Christmas present,” Zara said, turning to me with a small smile. “You know I hate frivolous gifts. It makes me feel good to be able to help, and I know you can use the help. Win-win.” “Only if you’re certain.” I crossed the room and took my mug from her, pressing a quick kiss to her cheek. “Love you, Z.” “You too, L.” Mitch sat hopefully at the counter, his eyes going from us to a cabinet door. “Does Mitch want a treat?” “Mitch lives for treats.” Z’s smile tugged up the corners of her lips. “But go on, he can have one.”  “Yay!” Digging into the cabinet, I found a bone for him, and retreated to the couch, mug and treat in hand. Mitch followed closely and then sat, his eyes staring at my hand. “Who is the best boy in all the land?” I asked, and Mitch wiggled, but stayed in place. “You are!” I handed him his bone, and he took it gently, then dropped to the floor to chew happily, clearly agreeing with my assessment. “I’ve got work in the morning, so you’ll have to meet the landlord, but I figured you’d be fine with that since you’ll be living there.” Zara settled onto a lounge chair with a side table next to it. “You know I’d have you here but…” “I’d clutter up your space, make you break a hip, and you don’t like sharing your bed,” I deadpanned and Zara laughed, shaking her brown hair back from her shoulders. “You’re not wrong. But I am so happy you’re back here. I’ve missed you. I mean, I don’t want to live with you, but I have missed having you around.” “The feeling is mutual. You’re far too uptight for me,” I said, blowing on my tea and taking a sip. Easing back into the cushions, I crossed my legs and grinned as my sister made a rude gesture at me. “Try navigating the world in darkness and see how you feel about rules,” Zara said. “Ugh, playing the blind card once again,” I murmured and she laughed. “Only with you because you’re a pain in the arse,” Zara said. “But I’m your favorite pain in the arse, aren’t I? Admit it.” “Aye, my bubbly, sunshiny, chaotic, messy whirlwind of a sister. You are my favorite pain in the arse. Though I certainly have some opinions on your latest snafu. Have you heard what they’re saying about you on TikTok?” Zara shook her head, pursing her lips. “Och, you have to ignore them.” I’d removed the app from my phone to avoid hearing hurtful things. Denial is thy name and all that. “I try, but my algorithm keeps serving it up. Don’t you think it’s … it’s time?” Concern flooded Zara’s pretty face. “I mean, I’m not going to give up on astrology. I love it, Z. You know that. But I do need to figure out why I just can’t seem to make it work. Clearly something’s off if I keep giving bad readings, well at least what people feel like, are bad readings.” “I mean, there’s a common denominator here.” Zara raised an eyebrow and sipped her tea. “Bitch,” I gasped, holding a hand to my chest. “Betrayed by my own sister.” “Never, but I’m also not going to sugarcoat things for you.” “Och, that much I know.” Sugar and Zara were not friends. “Maybe just ease back for a bit? Or if you’re dead set on astrology, maybe we need to go through some of our old books and see why it’s not working for you? I think your life will go much more smoothly when we get this sorted.” Zara’s abilities ran more to empathic and aura readings. She could instantly tell a person’s character by the colors she saw in her mind’s eye. She could also speak to plants. Her gifts were unique to her, and none of our family had her magick, at least that we were aware of. I’d always thought my gift had landed firmly in astrology, latest catastrophe notwithstanding, while Mum’s had run more to empathic readings. I couldn’t remember what Gran had as a gift because I only had blurry memories of her from when I was quite young. It had been a while since I’d done a deep dive into our history. “Do you have any of Mum’s stuff here?” I asked. After our mum and dad had split when we’d both been just out of school, Mum taking off for London and Dad for the States, there wasn’t much in the way of physical memories left behind. With Zara being a neat freak, I wouldn’t be surprised if she’d sifted through and tossed most of it. “I do, actually. A few boxes she left for us in storage. I haven’t gone through it because I figured I’d wait until we were settled somewhere and then we could pick a few pieces each for our place.” Zara shrugged. She was pragmatic to a fault and had been recently living in Edinburgh until she’d decided to return to Loren Brae, craving nature and the small-town life. Like me, she hadn’t yet fully planted her roots, but it was beginning to sound like Loren Brae might be just the spot for her. And maybe, just maybe, it might be for me as well. “I’ll pull the boxes out and have a look.” I laughed at Zara’s look of dismay. “And I’ll make sure there’s nothing on the floor or in your way when you come home. Promise.” Zara’s shoulders relaxed and she put her tea down on the side table and drew her feet up to snuggle into the chair. “That’s fine then. The boxes are in the cupboard at the end of the hall by my bedroom.” “I’ll take a look tomorrow. For now, I just want to catch up. Tell me … how is it being back?” I danced around the reason I’d left, though I still felt the prickly threads of shame twining around my gut as I thought about the situation that had driven me from Loren Brae before. My friend, Avery, had come to me for a reading. Specifically of her boyfriend, Torin. She’d been convinced they were perfect for each other and had become enraged when I’d shown her the differences in their charts. In my effort to explain that a mismatch in charts did not mean the end of a relationship—it usually just meant more work for the couple—I’d inadvertently shown her how neatly his chart lined up with mine. I’d meant to use it as an example, since I could see the complementary angles in our charts, but she’d exploded. Suddenly, I’d become a green-eyed witch, desperate to steal her man, determined to break them up. She’d left that day, refusing to speak to me, and their relationship had imploded shortly thereafter. Rumors had quickly spread that I was the reason for the breakup, with the heavy implication that it had been my prowess in bed and not in the astrological charts that had torn them apart. Avery refusing to speak to me only fueled the fire, so instead of sticking it out, I ran to Glasgow and started my life over. Maybe it was a bit dramatic, but I’d been ready for a change anyway, so the move had come at a good time. Still, I wasn’t overly excited to run into anyone who still thought of me as a homewrecker. “Honestly? It’s great. I mean, it’s changed, like, a lot, since we were last here.” Zara shifted in the chair, tapping a finger against her lips. “A lot of people that we once knew have left. There’s been an influx of new people moving here. Many from overseas. And, well, there is just one little problem. Loren Brae is in trouble.” “What?” I almost dropped the mug I’d just picked back up. “What do you mean by that?” “The Kelpies have risen from the loch. They’re terrorizing the town.” Zara’s eyes stared into nothingness, but I knew she saw more than I ever could. I flinched at the concern on her face. “What the actual hell, Z? The Kelpies?” My heart hammered in my chest. My sister shrugged one shoulder, her lips tightening, her expression suggesting we were just meant to live with these pesky mythological beasts. “But … you … and Mitch. Will you be safe? And your new job?” I asked, faintly, as I gripped my mug more tightly and took a bracing sip of the tea. This didn’t sound like a little problem. This sounded like a big, fat, magickal problem that could seriously hurt someone. No wonder people were leaving Loren Brae. “Aye, it’s fine enough, I suppose. There’s a group of women here who are fighting to protect the town. Or so I’ve gleaned, as I’m fairly sure my boss is one of them. I listen, you know. I think they just might be successful in defeating this. But until then, don’t stray too close to the loch.” “Too close …?” I gulped. “Z, the entire town is literally on the loch.” “I know it. But I think you’ll be okay. Just be smart.” My almost blind sister, who needed a guide dog to navigate the uneven streets of Loren Brae, dismissed angry Kelpies as casually as swatting away an annoying fly. “Be smart, she says.” I rolled my eyes. “Like I have any clue how to fight a Kelpie. What are they, anyway?” “Water horses. Biting ones.” “Och, that’s grand. Just fecking grand.” I sighed and buried my nose in my cup of tea. Did I manage to trade one set of problems for another? Taking a calming sip, I shook off my worries. No. This is your new adventure and you are going to make it amazing. Water horses be damned. ...