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I enjoyed this book very much. Not only is it a cracking good romance read, it has a philosophical point to it as well.

The heroine, Mari, was born a Russian serf. On a whim, to see if it was possible, her owner had her raised and educated as a gentlewoman. Upon his death she passed as part of his property to the dissolute Earl of Rashleigh, who used and abused her until she managed to escape. She stole some jewels and used the money to set up in Yorkshire as Mrs. Marina Osborne, a quiet and virtuous widow interested in garden design. Marina knows she is still considered property even in England, and could be hung for the theft alone, and she lives in fear of discovery, and she knows Rashleigh is still looking for her.

Nick Falconer is Rashleigh's cousin. He's been asked to warn off Rashleigh, and then to investigate the Glory Girls, a group of four women who ride out to rob from the unjustly rich and give to the poor. The attraction between Nick and Mari is powerful and immediate, but Mari's past in the power of an abusive man who legally owned her has left tremendous scars on her psyche. Nick has his own problems; he's a widower who feels sorrow and guilt about his marriage.

Great read, with some clever insights.