It's September 1513 and in the Border hills of Scotland, Sir Iain Armstrong leads what's left of his defeated clan of warriors home from the bloody battle of Flodden Field. But before Iain can return to his own keep, Blackthorn Hall, he must first take the news to Fleet Tower and to Marion, his betrothed. With the deaths of so many of the clan leaders, Iain is now keeper and protector of a great many people and must prepare for possible continued English advancement, as well as the defense of his ancestral home. His plan is to move everyone to Blackthorn, everyone except Marion. She will be sent to an abbey for safekeeping until she's of marriageable age. Although he knows Marion will not be happy, Iain has no choice. He made a promise to her father that she'd be safe and she "will" obey him.

Twelve years have passed, and although Marion hasn't given up hope that someday someone from Fleet Tower will come to her rescue, she's learned to love the sisters of the abbey. But her anger at Iain has grown and festered so that now when he's sent word that he's coming for her and that they're to be married, she's determined not to go by doing everything she can think of, including reminding Iain that there's insanity in her family. After all, just look at her uncle who thinks he's royalty and lives in an obvious world of lunacy. He's cared for by her two aunts, sisters whose actions are considered eccentric by most and madness by some, yet their devotion to family is never in question.

Both Marion and Iain are equally determined to have their way. Iain has done what he can to rebuild and fortify his home and is now ready to take Marion as his wife. Before, he considered it his duty, but he's completely taken in by Marion's beauty and admires her fiery spirit. Marion is tempted by this man she's spent so many years learning to hate, a man who now surprises her with his courage and tenderness despite her best executed tantrums. Royal decree and a long-standing agreement between their deceased fathers will ultimately see them married. But what, if anything, will it take to see them happy? And can a very real danger that threatens their lives be overcome?

This is a medieval gem that's not diminished in the least by the fact that the story is based on a wonderful old classic, ARSENIC AND OLD LACE. The story has just the right blend of old world charm, a commanding hero and heroine, and secondary characters who are original, fun and guaranteed to keep you smiling. While the hero and heroine are at odds in the beginning, they soon join forces to defeat the villain and solve the mystery surrounding the heroine's family. A sure-bet for medieval romance readers, as well as anyone who loves humor generated by quirky, unpredictable secondary characters.