Everyone in Scotland fears him. Except her.

When Barbara MacMillan learns of her arranged marriage to Colin McKinnon—the most feared laird in Scotland—her heart fills with dread. Tales of his cruelty echo through the Highlands, and she is certain her future holds nothing but fear and misery.

But when Colin arrives to claim his bride, Barbara discovers a man far different from the brutish laird of legend. Beneath his hardened exterior lies a complex soul, misunderstood and judged by all.

Just as hope begins to bloom, a fierce disagreement with her uncle shatters everything. That very night, her uncle mysteriously disappears, leaving behind a blood trail that leads straight to Colin.

Imprisoned in the depths of the MacMillan dungeon, Colin faces conviction for a crime Barbara is sure he didn't commit. With everyone against him, she's the only one who believes in his innocence.

Determined to uncover the truth, Barbara must solve the riddle of her uncle's disappearance. Can she trust the man everyone else fears? Will she risk everything to free a Highlander criminal?