she wants a dashing, courageous man... vanessa underhill is on the run from her fifth would-be groom. she doesn't care for any of the men her father has picked--none engaged her mentally or physically. hunger for a man who will stir her imagination fires her innocent fantasies. he wants understanding... when he's bored with his role as viscount blackpool, collin northington becomes a highwayman to gain anonymity and solace. with his face scarred fulfilling his military duty in india, he hides behind the brigand mask and persona. what he really desires is a woman who will look beyond outward appearances and take a chance. if only for one night... in lieu of payment, collin kidnaps vanessa from the northern-bound stage. the more time they spend together--and in each other's arms--the more they find they have in common beyond heated desire. when collin delivers an impromptu marriage proposal, vanessa unmasks more than his scarred face, but will his true identity and her penchant for fleeing grooms ruin what could very well be love? opportunity threw them together, but circumstances might tear them apart.