I've been a Garwood fan since the release of The Bride in about 1973 and her historical romances are my favorite because they are light, funny fairytales that come to life with polite-lady heroines whose gentle, yet courageous manner wins the heart of their warrior husbands. This book never comes to life; Gabrielle allows life to happen to her instead of earning people's respect and goodwill. She watches life but doesn't participate. Cole is reportedly a fierce warrior yet the reader only sees him chasing around like a chicken with its head cut off. This fierce Highland laird submits to marriage with a hated English woman due to a debt, unbelievable. Basically, the plot has potential but is sorely underdeveloped.