When Evan Mackenzie, the new Earl of Kildonan, returns to the stunning, remote Highland mountains of his childhood for a climbing holiday, he has no intention of staying. Haunted by tragedy, he plans to sell the vast property and move permanently to the bustling city of Edinburgh. But high on a snowy mountaintop, the earl finds himself stranded alone with feisty, enchanting Catriona MacConn--and a passionate rescue leads to a sudden marriage. Soon Evan dares to hope that this extraordinary woman can heal his shattered heart, but his reluctant countess has a secret and dangerous mission of her own which she will protect at any cost--even the love of her dreams.