While it's not my favorite in the series I did really enjoy Ewan and Nora's story.  I also did not expect a cliffhanger.  While this book could be read as a standalone, it seems that there is a larger plot going forward that will span across multiple books.  I'm sad I'll have to wait so long for Lochlan's story but I can see why as pieces are coming together.  The only other disappointment I have with the series so far is the portrayal of anyone who isn't European.  The "Saracens" were portrayed as cruel animals in Born to Sin and in Taming the Highlander, gypsies were portrayed in a way that exoticized them, or at least sexualized the one woman in the group.  I'm not sure how much it is relevant to the opinions of people in medieval times but reading it gave me an icky feeling.