The Mac Taran clan lives in neighboring Lochbarr. Some of their cattle have gone missing and the Norman Sir Nicholas is suspected. A contingent of Mac Tarans has come to Beauxville – Dunkeathe to the Scots – to offer subtle warning. To Marianne’s surprise, Chieftan Seamus Mac Taran and his sons Adair and Lachlann speak French. She can’t help but notice the tall, strong, handsome Adair. Handsome for a Scot, Marianne amends in her head. A Norman, she can’t admit even to herself that she could ever have any interest in a Scot, even one as attractive as Adair.

Adair Mac Taran is hotheaded and prone to act without thinking. He is also selfless, honest, and dedicated to his clan – qualities that have led to him being named heir to Seamus. Not everyone is in favor of the choice, particularly Adair’s cousin Cormag, but Seamus has made his decision and the majority of clansmen do not object. Adair has his faults, but he will lead the clan well when the time comes.

Adair can’t help but notice Sir Nicholas’s stunning, exotic-looking sister. But he wants nothing to do with any cold-hearted Norman, no matter how beautiful she may be. When the Mac Tarans learn that Marianne is to wed Hamish Mac Glogan, they realize an alliance between Mac Glogan and Sir Nicholas would not be in their best interest. Adair believes the situation to be far worse. He is sure that Marianne is being forced to wed against her will, and he can’t stand to see a woman ill used in any way. Adair believes the beautiful Marianne needs to be rescued and takes on the task single-handedly, without permission from Seamus or anyone else. He sneaks into Dunkeathe, stealthily enters Marianne’s bedchamber, and announces that he has arrived to save her from the unwanted marriage. He is amazed when Marianne refuses to go with him!

Marianne doesn’t trust Scots and Adair is no exception. For all she knows, she could be trading a bad situation for worse if she flees Beauxville with Adair Mac Taran. But Adair is caught in Marianne’s bedchamber, and she has no choice but to attempt a daring escape with him. What will happen when Adair returns home with Marianne in tow? She knows the residents of Lochbarr have no love for the Normans, but she has nowhere else to go. Has Adair started a war with the Normans at Dunkeathe? Will his chieftan and clan forgive him for his rash actions? Will Marianne? Caught in a compromising situation with the handsome Scot, her reputation is in tatters. Can she somehow salvage a future for herself?

Marianne and Adair are strong-willed, intelligent, good-hearted people. Although Adair often acts without considering the consequences of his actions, he is forthright and unselfish. Marianne is capable, adaptable and difficult to intimidate. What fun to see the friction between them and the continual clash of wills! With all the tension bubbling beneath the surface, I couldn’t wait to see what would happen when they finally put aside their conflicts and came together in a rush of passion. This captivating adventure of 13th century Scotland kept me enthralled from beginning to end. It’s a keeper!

-- Alane, Romance Junkies