"I was born a woman. There are but two courses for my life -- marriage or the convent. I have chosen." Certain that she will never wed for love, sworn to let no man possess her for her beauty alone, Jacqueline de Crevy has vowed to become a bride of God. But en route to the convent of Inveresbeinn, her party is ambushed by a knight, who snatches Jacqueline from her saddle and spirits her away with him. He is Angus MacGillivray -- not the blackhearted ravisher she fears but a valiant man of honor who has returned to Scotland seeking justice ... and revenge. Angus has come home from the Crusades to find his family murdered and his birthright seized. Sworn to reclaim his rightful lands, he has kidnapped the stepdaughter of Duncan, chieftain of Clan MacQuarrie -- Angus's avowed enemy. But his lovely captive refuses to be the chattel -- or ransom -- of any man ... until Jacqueline senses the yearning heart beneath Angus's embittered facade. In spite of himself, Angus has let this defiant beauty touch his very soul. And as desire flames between them, a lady fair and her battle-scarred knight will fight for a love that could banish all the sorrows of the past....