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.