Ross MacMillan was made clan chief after the Campbell’s attacked them and killed his uncle, the former chief. Ross knows alliances must be made – and made quickly – if they are going to keep the clan safe. The best way to do that is with strategic marriages for himself, his brother Fergus, and his sister Elspeth. Ross’ marriage to Lilidh MacDonnell is arranged to occur by proxy because Ross has to see to the needs of his clan after the attack. Ross sent his cousin Dougal to represent him and Dougal was ever vigilant to see if trickery was afoot. The MacDonnell chieftain is widely known to be sly and calculating with only his interests in mind. Too bad for Dougal that he wasn’t quite vigilant enough – but – how could he know?

Ilysa MacDonnell has spent the last three years in a nunnery after having been banished by her father. Ilysa had planned the rest of her life there because she was comfortable being useful and helping others. It was a far cry from the cruelty and abuse of living in her father’s home. She doesn’t miss the fripperies and silk gowns because she actually enjoys the sturdier work dresses she has chosen to wear. All of that changes when, in the middle of the night, a group of warriors barge into the nunnery and forcefully remove Ilysa. Yes, her father is plotting again, and she appears to be in the middle of it.

Ilysa is only told she is marrying the new MacMillan chieftain – and she is made to heavily cover her face and hair for the ceremony. She notices the priest has misspoken her name, but he is new to her, so it must just be an error. Or not …

Ross is expecting some mischief from the MacDonnel chieftain but certainly doesn’t expect to receive the wrong bride. That is a strong insult to the MacMillan clan and any other chieftain would quickly blame Ilysa for what has happened and take his anger out on her. Ross doesn’t do that – but he doesn’t trust her either. He’s quite sure MacDonnell has put one or more spies into his household – Ilysa for one, but she is also accompanied by soldiers and he knows he cannot let his guard down for a moment. He’ll do his duty and consummate the marriage, but that will be all of the contact they have.

Ilysa is filled with fear because that is what she’s lived with all of her life. Ross hates to see his new wife cower when he comes near – and he hates to see the fear in her eyes. Can he trust her – maybe? Can he convince her to trust him?

Ilysa and Ross have so much going against them. There are multiple enemies and multiple plots against them. Can they learn to love and trust each other? Will one of those insidious plots tear them apart? Can they love enough, trust enough, to weather what fate has in store for them? You’ll just have to read this engrossing story to see for yourself.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ( )