Betrothed to an earl and under the protection of King
Charles II, Anne Gascoigne believes life is hers to
control. But after her betrothed gifts lusty King Charlie
with her virginity in exchange for royal favors, Anne makes
a rash vow of chastity, swearing that no man will take what
has now become more precious to her than her own life. She
makes a fool of her betrothed and the king and earns
herself two powerful enemies.
In exchange for his life, Gentleman Johnny Gilbert, the
notorious London highwayman, escapes the hangman's noose
with one task: keep prim, self-righteous, virginal Lady
Anne Gascoigne alive and hidden from both the earl and the
king. For the king plots to bed her, and her fiancé plots
to kill her.
Anne and Johnny strike sparks off one another. And even
though they're threatened by treachery in their own camp,
the plague and the ever ominous earl, Anne and Johnny come
to experience a deepening love that transcends bitterness
and mistrust -- even hasty vows of chastity.
I enjoyed the colorful secondary characters and the plot
twists, but was enchanted by the rich authenticity of the
Restoration England period setting. A good read.
Lady Anne Gascoigne is eager to take her wedding vows-until
she discovers her devious fiancé has conspired to let King
Charles II steal her virtue. Now, to save her honor and her
life, she must flee under the protection of a notorious but
charming rake who has just escaped hanging-and proceeds to
win her heart.
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