Her arrow hit his shoulder. Her beauty caught his eye. But then there was the kiss...commander Valan MacDougall and his men are sent to end extended attack on Caerlaverock Castle, stronghold of Clan Maxwell. The warriors fully expect the reportedly aged widow of the keep to swoon with relief when they arrive. The English have plagued the fortress and surrounding village for weeks. The warriors from Argyll mean to end the siege in a day or less. In fact, they're placing bets on just how long it will take. After all, they are the invincible Gallóglaigh, and the English are...the English.

However, they discover the Lady Elspet Maxwell is not aged at all. She is a widow, but far from old. And the woman fights as fiercely as any man. The only thing surpassing her warring prowess is her incredible beauty. A beauty capable of bringing men to their knees. Valan regrets his order that Maxwell women are not to be touched by the mercenaries. Of course, he's broken orders before and intends to do so again with the Lady Elspet-if she will allow.

Enemies outside the castle walls. Unknown enemies within. Meddling matchmakers too powerful to ignore. And the matter of Elspet making amends for shooting Valan not once, but twice. The atonement he requires from her? Just a kiss. What harm could come from one little kiss?