"Powerful, passionate story of love's triumph through adversity."

As a member of the Guardian clan - people gifted with supernatural abilities - Gwyneth Owens has come to accept the fact that she apparently has not inherited any powers. Recently widowed, she's content with her quiet life researching and preserving Guardian history, until she meets Duncan Macrae, Lord Ballister. Duncan is Chieftain of the Macrae clan in addition to being a powerful weather mage. Despite their instant attraction to each other, Gwynne feels that Duncan's power could ultimately overwhelm and destroy her, so she vows to keep her distance.

Then Gwynne is summoned by the Guardians, who have a task that only she can accomplish. With tensions growing between England and Scotland, they fear that Duncan's loyalty to clan and country will interfere with his objectivity should an uprising occur. To balance this, they want him to have an English bride: Gwynne. Determined to fulfill her duty, Gwynne marries Duncan, never guessing that he'll be the key to unlock the passion and magic she has inside. Yet as war seems inevitable, Gwynne fears she will have to betray him to avert catastrophe.

Again and again, Gwynne and Duncan must sacrifice their own happiness for the sake of others, but ultimately, their love triumphs over betrayal and men's schemes. This book weaves a spell that will enchant readers from beginning to end. Ms. Putney once again delivers a powerful, passionate story, proving that she has some pretty strong magic of her own.

Reviewed by Lenore Howard
Posted June 12, 2004

Read an Excerpt

Her captivating stories and vibrant characters have earned New York Times bestselling author Mary Jo Putney enthusiastic praise from reviewers and readers alike. Now, from the majestic mansions of eighteenth-century London to the mist-shrouded wilds of the Scottish Highlands, she brings you her most breathtaking romantic adventure yet.

Summary

Laird of an ancient, powerful Scottish clan, Duncan Macrae is committed to ending the ceaseless strife between Scotland and England. But he also has other, secret powers—those of a Guardian, humans with mystical abilities to control nature's forces and see into the hearts of others. And from the moment he encounters the young and independent English widow Gwyneth Owens, his fiery spirit is irrevocably drawn to claim her as his own—a passion that will not only set his loyalty to his land against his sworn Guardian vows, but will also threaten everything he cherishes most.

Though Gwynne's father was a Guardian, she believes that she has inherited only her mother's beauty, not her father's power. Then one kiss from the dangerously alluring Laird of the Macraes ignites a hunger that shakes her to her soul—and reveals visions of a looming catastrophe that threatens England and Scotland both. Only by becoming Duncan's wife, and ultimately betraying the man she loves, can she avert disaster.

As destiny and two mighty nations clash, Gwynne and Duncan must push their powers and passions beyond the most forbidden limits if they are to save their love—and secure the future.