Most men try to bury a traumatic past, but Matthew Leighton's fading memories of his murdered parents are what drive him. Born in Spain to an English Lord and a Spanish lady of quality, his young existence had all but been brutally erased, his life salvaged only by the selfless deeds of others. Years later, the discovery of a devastating secret fuels his quest for revenge, and sees him return to his father’s homeland to confront those who’d betrayed him – his own family. But kidnapping his cousin’s betrothed had never been part of the plan. Having survived the ‘darker’ side of polite society, Elizabeth Hollister learned not only to handle a pistol, but to rely on one person – herself. At twenty four, she intends to claim her inheritance and control her future. But when her plans for independence are stripped away and she is forced into a loveless engagement, she refuses to believe fate has dealt its final hand – even when she is kidnapped by a mysterious highwayman. Forced to choose between being a prisoner of marriage or a madman’s hostage, Elizabeth wants neither - until she realizes it’s her heart that’s being held for ransom. **Before reading Erin's books, please note that she writes using UK English, which can vary from the US English in spelling, grammar and phrases. ( Historical romance, romance, romance novel, romance book, highwaymen, captive romance, sensual historical romance, love story, adventure historical romance)