Nicola Falcourt had loved deeply once-and lost. Now she is drawn by fate into a sinister mystery that will plunge her into great peril...and even greater passion.

It begins with a breathless kiss from a notorious highwayman who believes she is the wife of Richard Montford, the Earl of Exmoor. He could not be more mistaken, for Nicola bears no love-and wears no ring-for the cruel earl she holds responsible for the death of the only man she has ever loved.

Yet fate has brought this masked bandit into her life to lead a daring plot of greed, deception and murder full circle. To save those she loves, she must trust a man who is as dangerous as he is desirable. And in doing so, she will not only risk her life...she will risk her heart.