While six thousand Scots follow Robert the Bruce to wage war on the English at Bannockburn, Blane Ross is fighting his own war—single-handedly. After the indiscriminate slaughter of his village at the hands of English mercenaries, he wants revenge. However, when he stops at a castle for information and rest, he doesn’t expect to come across a fierce, beautiful lass in sole charge. Desperate for help, Ceana rejoices at the arrival of this impressive stranger. Dealing with her errant younger sister and her eccentric mother while trying to protect their clan hasn’t been easy. With all the men joining to fight against the English, it’s up to Ceana to ensure their fathers and brothers have a home to return to. Her one secret doesn’t make matters any easier... However, Blane doesn’t have time to aid the attractive lass, no matter how much her haunting blue eyes tug at a heart he thought had turned to stone long ago. The only way he’ll ever feel whole again is to ensure the mercenaries pay. But when she reveals her weakness, he has no choice but to offer her a few days of his time. Before long, Blane receives his chance for revenge, but at what cost? Will Ceana and her family pay the price for his negligence just as his village did? Or can he protect them, even while he finds himself drawn to the stubborn woman and blinded by an attraction deeper than his thirst for English blood?