Marielle Henley, privileged and betrothed to Richard Craymore, has a secure future until her rebellion leads her into the path of the ruggedly handsome highwayman, York Blackstone. York, the first son of an Earl, turned thief, lives to avenge his family's demise. His captive's beauty and her sauciness makes it difficult for him to keep his focus on the prize, a hefty ransom for her return; that is, until she reveals the name of her betrothed. He discovers that she can bring him something money can't buy, his birthright lost to him when his father was falsely accused of treason. Marielle is unable to dismiss York's contradictory behavior, one moment a tyrant, the next a gentleman, a much too attractive one. Is York Blackstone a fiendish rogue or the orphaned elder son of a once highly respected aristocrat? York's cunning and invulnerable nature, hardened by life on the streets, is tested by Marielle's alluring presence, but he will stop at nothing or allow anyone, including his lovely captive, to divert him from avenging his father's disgrace. York and his unlikely conspirators join together to bridge the gap between the power of the privileged and the determination of the discarded in society. York and Marielle's passion for one another is seemingly lost in the web of conflicts. Could a meddling elderly aunt create the perfect plan to bring the two lovers back together?