The Viper by Monica McCarty

The fourth book in Monica McCarty's Highland Guard series won't be released until October, but she has posted a synopsis for it at her website:

The war for Scotland’s sovereignty rages on—as Robert the Bruce is crowned king and the Highland Guard, his elite fighting force of legendary warriors, battle for land . . . and love.
Prized for his snake-like stealth and deadly strikes, Lachlan “Viper” MacRuairi is a warrior to enlist but not to trust. His only loyalty is to his purse, his indifference sealed by bitter betrayal. All that changes when Lachlan is tasked to protect and deliver Bella MacDuff to the king’s coronation—and the proud, lushly sensual countess unwittingly challenges him to his greatest battle yet: to love again.

Passionate and devoted, Bella has defied Britain’s king and her own husband to place the crown on Bruce’s head—and pays a terrible price. She loses her daughter and her freedom to her husband’s vengeance. Imprisoned with barbaric cruelty, she vows to reclaim her child, even if it means selling her soul—and her body—to a dark, lethal warrior whose eyes glint like steel, but who makes her skin tingle and her breath race. Together they embark on a rogue mission with sinister twists and turns that threatens not only Bella’s gamble to save her daughter—but also her heart.

I can't wait for this book, Monica McCarty is one of my new go-to authors; especially for Scottish historicals.  The history is enthralling and seems to be accurate/believable (I will be honest and admit that I do not have enough knowledge about history to know if that is true).  The sex is hot without being gratuitous or there just because a sex scene is needed.  With her characters, I feel like I am watching people actually fall in love rather than in lust.  I am anxiously awaiting for the release of this book in October.