In the legendary Highlands, Kara Burns must obey a long-held betrothal and marry Harry, the surviving Gordon heir and Earl of Dunnane, who is but a child. His illegitimate half-brother Ian Munroe helps serve Dunnane and keeps his young half-brother from harm, even if that means saving Kara from humiliation on the wedding night. It is this chivalry that begins a dangerous passion.

Knowing an affair will bring their death if they're caught, Ian and Kara cannot refuse their love. When treachery arrives, only the unexpected valor of a not-too honest ally and the deeper secret of a distant, lost love will save the earldom and Kara's love for Ian.