I was very interested to read about Lachlan MacRuairi considering the previous books in this series paint him in a harsh light. Then there was also the allusion to Lachlan's feelings Bella McDuff being imprisoned hanging from the castle battlements. I was intrigued as I usually am when in comes to McCarty's skilled story weaving of historical facts and legends. 
 The chemistry between Bella and Lachlan is obvious and sizzling but the characters themselves have moments that seem unnatural. Lachlan's desire to free Bella seemed genuine but his few attempts to release her seem less that accurate. Of course, who know what he would have been doing but only once in two years seemed like not trying. 
 Bella on the other hand seemed strong and opinionated considering her years of subservience to an overbearing and cruel husband, though it is possible she's retain some of her spirit in the short time they were married, you would think she'd lose some of this being locked in an cage exposed to all, for two years. 
 Still I didn't hate Bella's character and I enjoyed the love story that bloomed between the two character. I do wonder about her daughter and had hoped to have a story of her as well, but it seems not to happen considering the ending of the book, which you'll have to read yourself.