Review - - The Laird's Magical Lass

The Laird's Magical Lass

by Julie Johnstone

Spellbound Hearts - Book 1

Publisher: Darbyshire Publishing LLC

Release Date: May 30, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

 

Freya

Aye, I stole a goblet. A magical one. From a witch.
In my defense, I returned it.
I just… took too long.
I was trying to save myself from a loveless marriage, not doom my future.
But witches don’t take kindly to thievery that cost them dearly.
She granted my wish—then twisted it into a curse.
Now I’m thrice wed, never for love.
Men want me for my sight, not my heart.
And when they don’t heed my visions, they die.
I've been taken again, this time by Colin bloody MacDonald.
A brute. A Highland warlord. My father’s greatest enemy.
He says he’s not like the others. I say he’s worse.
He married me to ruin my clan.
He thinks he can use me.
But I’ve had my fill of being used.
And yet… he’s careful with me. Fiercely so.
Worse still, he’s handsome when he’s not scowling,
and kind when he thinks I’m not looking.
I won’t give him my heart.
But I fear it may no longer be mine to keep.

Colin

I didn’t want a wife.
I needed leverage. A weapon. A way to end this war.
Freya MacLeod is all of that—and more trouble than I bargained for.
I forced her hand, aye. But I swore not to touch her until she’s willing.
And now, every day she refuses me feels like its own kind of curse.
She’s fire and prophecy, steel wrapped in silk.
And I’m starting to forget I married her for vengeance.
Starting to wonder what it would mean to earn her trust.
There’s no room for softness in war.
No space for hearts in bargains.
But when it comes to Freya, I’ve already lost more than I meant to give.

PJ's Thoughts:

Julie Johnstone takes us back to the Medieval Scottish Highlands with another compelling, action-packed, sensual romance that reeled me right in and refused to let go. 

One of the things I most enjoy about Johnstone's books is the sense of place. I never feel like I'm reading a modern story set in the past. She writes with an authenticity that convinces me I'm actually watching a story unfold in Medieval times. Things aren't easy. In fact, they are often harsh and unforgiving, especially for women. But, fear not, there is always a happy ending, even if it comes only after a hard-fought journey. 

Another facet I enjoy about Johnstone's books is her characters. Always complex, with multi-layered emotional histories, they come to life on the pages of the book, engaging my interest and my emotions. Freya and Colin are both beautifully developed and their journey is one that had me pulling for them every step of the way. 

While The Laird's Magical Lass is filled with the adventure, betrayal, danger, and romance I've come to expect from this author, it also has the added bonus of a magical twist. I fully bought into the curse placed upon Freya and am already eager to discover what will happen to her friends (who were also cursed) when it's time for their books. And, although Freya's sister is too young for her own story now, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that she will get her own book when the time is right.