Cursed by past tragedies, notorious highlander Laird Athdar MacCallum has devoted himself to leading his people – and has vowed never to marry again. Until he is utterly disarmed by the innocent beauty in the eyes of Isobel Ruriksdottir... Isobel is drawn to the vulnerability she senses behind the fearsome façade of the clan-chief. But with his formidable reputation, he is strictly forbidden. Being together can only lead them into danger, yet the temptation to risk all for their perilous passion is impossible to ignore.