The Earl of Duin is the most powerful and feared man in the Western borders and is very wealthy. Most believe the Fergusons of Duin descended from sorcerers and Angus is content to let people believe that too. He became the Earl of Duin when he was sixteen.

Now, in exchange for land to further his family’s wealth, he takes Annabella as his wife. He thinks he’s getting a shy and quiet wife but that is only Annabella’s outward appearance. On the inside, Annabella is a fiery, willful person and wild at heart.

With political intrigue on the rise, Angus and Annabella are called to court. There, alliances and friendships are tested. Angus finds his marriage is tested too, as well as his faith in his wife. Will their marriage survive when they are surrounded by so much distrust and deceit?

Bond of Passion by Beatrice Small takes us to Scotland during the reign of Mary, Queen of Scots. There is turmoil and people’s loyalty is tested and Angus, a rich and powerful man, finds himself at the heart of it all. Angus is a man who Mary really needs on her side, but Angus has his own personal problems and he finds that his new wife is a pleasant surprise. Despite the fact that theirs is an arranged marriage, Angus finds that he is starting to fall in love with Annabella but he isn’t sure she’s falling in love with him.

Annabella is strong and isn’t going to let anyone hurt her or her man. She loves her husband but wishes she didn’t have to prove it. I loved how these two fought and made up. The politics and intrigue taking place in the book made this an interesting read too. This is one of my favorite periods in Scotland and I was glad to see Angus and Annabella’s journey through Ms. Small’s lively and loving characters.