A Highland marriage forged in silence. A warrior bound by honor. A bride who swore she'd never surrender her heart. To stop a war between rival clans, Lady Mairead MacCraith agrees to a year-long handfasting with the one man her kin fear most-Ruarc of Clan Bane, the Stonehand. Cold, dangerous, and bound by duty, Ruarc takes her name under Highland law... but offers nothing more. They are husband and wife in name only. No trust. No bed. No future. Until enemies strike from within-and the only way to survive is together. Now the woman who never wanted to wed finds herself under the protection of a man who never lets anyone close. But behind his silence is fire. Behind her resolve is longing. And when passion ignites, their temporary bond threatens to become something far more dangerous: Forever. If you love:Grumpy Highlanders with iron honor Sharp-tongued heroines who play the long game Marriage of convenience with off-the-charts tension Political betrayal, slow-burn passion, and a hard-won HEA... Then this brooding warrior and his Highland bride will ruin you in the best way.