Hamish Maclean has overcome many challenges in his life, but none so difficult as the one that faces him now: how to win the trust of a woman who has borne too much mistreatment in her life. Jessie Gunn trusts no man, and has good reasons for feeling that way.

Renowned for his fierceness on the field of battle, and especially for the hot temper that has seen many a warrior quail, Hamish has been content to encourage the rumours that enhance his reputation. It's to his benefit that other clans and warriors think twice before facing Hamish Maclean. 

Until now—when he yearns for a woman who abhors violence and thinks that Hamish is the embodiment of all she detests.  

Hamish has never forgotten his first sight of Jessie Gunn. Then a quick-tempered youth with blood running hot in his veins from battle, he came across the young lass cowering in a dungeon: battered, bruised and covered in the blood of one of Cormag McPherson's cruel guards, lying dead close by. 

Jessie was then like a wild thing, ready to attack any male who came hear her. Now, six years later, she is content with her life in the service of her beloved mistress Caitriona, safe in the Maclean keep. She is adamant, however, that she has no use for a man. 

Then disaster strikes, and once again Hamish and Jessie find themselves caught up in a war between clans caused by a woman's need to defend her honour. Hamish is distraught about bringing trouble to his clan, while Jessie is terrified that she will lose her freedom.

Laird Maclean has a solution—but will the troubled pair agree?