She was taught to expect betrayal. He was raised to believe in love. Henrietta Turner doesn't fear battle—she's survived worse. After a childhood marked by loss and mistrust, she's learned to protect herself with steel and silence. Vulnerability, she believes, invites harm. Marriage was never part of her plan. Least of all to Connor Brunwood, a Scottish chief whose certainty unnerves her more than any blade.

He's never been afraid to offer affection—he simply waits until it's safe to receive it. Connor comes from laughter, love, and arms that never let go. So when he sees Henrietta, he doesn't flinch. He doesn't retreat. He steps forward—not with force, but with constancy. With kindness. With a heart that's ready. Because love isn't weakness. It's strength shared between two people who dare to trust.

Her sword protects her. His gentleness disarms her. As tension crackles and truths emerge, Henrietta begins to question the walls she's built. And Connor, patient but persistent, shows her that sharing fears doesn't mean losing power. It means gaining partnership. Because sometimes, the bravest act is not standing alone—it's letting someone stand beside you.

She was told the world would hurt her. He's here to prove that love never will.

🗡️ If you've ever struggled to let someone see behind your armor—and longed for love that meets you there, steady and sure... this story is yours.

Each love story in this series can be read as a stand-alone. However, most readers prefer to read them in order.