Mereck of Blackthorn has vowed never to love - for he is cursed with baresark blood and it runs hot. But he must take a wife. When he meets Netta of Caer Caldwell, he is willing to spirit her away from her father"s violence, even if he refuses to give her his heart...With her father determined to be rid of her, spirited Netta cannot escape marriage to the heathen Mereck. But she soon learns that he is not the barbarian he believes himself to be - and his kisses fire her blood with a passion she longs to claim...