A summons from court could be a dangerous thing, especially for Graham MacCoinnich. He says what he thinks, and his clan's treasonous rumblings coupled with their risky alliances cast both kith and kin in a dubious light. But King William's order turns out to be anything but dire. Surprising? Yes. Enticing? Without a doubt. The exquisite Lady Mercy Claxton, most cherished goddaughter of the king, requires a protective escort through Scotland and Graham is happy to offer his services.

Desperate times call for desperate measures, and no one is more desperate than Highlander Alasdair MacRae. His clan is on the verge of disaster thanks to continuous raids from the lying, thieving, murdering MacKenzies. Their latest strike has left Alasdair’s family on the precipice of starvation, and his brother badly wounded. The time has come to hit back, and what better blow to deliver than to kidnap his enemy’s daughter and use her to negotiate much-needed peace.

Buchanan Mackenzie is a new laird, and he's about to be tested. When his half-brother is killed, he must seek vengeance or face the rage of his clansmen. Beyond spilling blood, fate offers him another solution. Taking the daughter of his enemy will appease his angry men, but it leaves him struggling to find peace over making a hostage of a woman. What sort of man settles his disputes with a helpless woman? 

Coming face-to-face amidst battles and danger, a heartless man and a gentle healer begin the first of many impassioned interactions. Seeking to avenge his father’s death, new laird Malcolm Ross declares war. Nothing will deter him from finding and killing the man who murdered his father, especially not a beautiful healer who needs to learn her place. Elsbeth Muir has a kind heart and dedicates her life to caring for those injured in the clan wars. Despite her dislike of Laird Malcolm Ross, there is something about him that calls to the healer within.

Catlin MacRob is used to being called headstrong. So when news arrives that she will be forced to wed Laird Broden Shaw in one month’s time if their clans’ feud is not laid to rest, she knows what she must do: single-handedly solve the mystery of her missing clanswoman, which has pushed both clans to the verge of war. Easy enough. But when Broden comes upon her snooping on his lands, his steely blue stare sends her wits scattering, and his nearness throws her best-laid plans into disarray. Can she uncover the truth before she loses her heart to the enemy?