Sylvi’s life was changed forever when a man, distinguishable only by the fact that he’s missing half an ear, murdered her entire family. Then it was changed again when a mysterious woman, known only as My Lady, took her in and gave her the tools of retribution through intensive training as an assassin.

The Heart of the Highlands series by New York Times bestselling author, Madeline Martin, meets its stunning conclusion in this thrilling, steamy tale set on the Scottish plains.

Alec MacLean returns home after a decade to find his recently deceased father has let his inheritance fall to ruin. As the new laird, it's Alec's responsibility to rebuild the castle and restore the lands. He must also regain the people's trust after having abandoned them so long ago, a feat not easily done when he fears he's plagued with the same darkness as his father.

Rain fell in sheets that day and, to lovely Vanessa Mannion’s dismay, had turned New Orleans’ main street into one big mud puddle. Even with skirts held high, she could not prevent mud from spattering her gown and legs. That wasn’t half as alarming as being caught with muddy ankles by that arrogant Britisher, Hugh Talverton. Distressed, Vanessa tried to ignore Hugh at a party. But when Creole and plantation beauties swarmed around him, she simmered in irritation and, in a fit of pique, pursued another would-be suitor. How could she have known that her feminine ploy would lead to a tangle of heartstrings, romance awry, and a lesson in love?