Review Coming Soon: The Stranger I Married by Sylvia Day

The Stranger I Married By Sylvia Day They are London's most scandalous couple. Isabel, Lady Pelham, and Gerard Faulkner, Marquess of Grayson. Their union is a most agreeable sham, until a shocking turn of events sends Gerard away from Isabel. Four years later he comes back and will stop at nothing to win her love. excerpt review coming soon but not yet

The More the Merrier

NEW BOOKS! On His Knees By Beth Williamson **January 2, 2007** Recently divorced, Renny Johnson is discovering how independent she can be. Her husband of ten years, Nicholas, left her with a broken heart and shattered self-esteem. When a would-be robber turns out to be Nicholas invading her new home, Renny takes the situation, and him, into her own hands. She’s going to teach him what it means to be a man… on his knees. The Prince Kidnaps a Bride by Christina Dodd Betrothed in the cradle, Princess Sorcha and Prince Rainger were destined to rule their countries together. Then revolution sent Sorcha to a remote Scottish convent—and Rainger into a dungeon so deep rumor claimed he was dead. Now danger threatens, and Sorcha must travel home with a simple fisherman as her companion—Prince Rainger in disguise. Changed by his imprisonment from a careless lad to a dangerous man, he's determined to win back his kingdom—and the woman he wants more than life itself. But can he protect a woman who believes every person she meets is her friend, every tavern is an opportunity to sing bawdy songs, and each turn in the road hides new adventure? To keep his princess safe, he must resort to his most treacherous weapon: seduction. Play with Me by Janice Maynard **Jan 2007** It begins with a toast among three beautiful best friends-Catherine, who's used to putting business before pleasure; Kallie, who's in need of a casual lover; and Gina, a former party girl who's given up on romance. Their pact is to make their naughtiest fantasies come true before their thirtieth birthdays. They have one year to make it happen-and no position is too compromising. All it's going to take is finding the right man, capturing the perfect moment, and stirring up enough courage to issue the most provocative invitation of the year. The race is on. Who's going to cross the line first? Surviving Demon Island by Jaci Burton What's America's top female action star doing on a tropical island shrouded in secrecy? To Gina Bliss, competing in a survival-type reality show is a nice change from fending off on-screen villains. Until she meets real-life action hero Derek Marks. A survival specialist in a tight black T and sexy stubble, he's arousing every bad-boy fantasy she's ever had...and testing her survival skills to the max. Martial arts, jungle warfare - Derek's done it all. But his latest mission is more dangerous than a stick of dynamite. Try telling that to the sexy, adrenaline-pumped actress who's got his libido racing off the charts. As the heat rises between them and real-life violence erupts, suddenly Derek and Gina are on the run...and when they uncover a secret so explosive it could blow the lid of their so-called reality show, these two unlikely heroes are about to discover what surviving's really about.... For the Love of a Pirate by Edith Layton He's searching for a proper bride . . . Constantine, Lord Wylde, is a gentleman beyond reproach. Now it's time for him to find a suitable gentlewoman to wed-;a well-bred, well-behaved lady, as proper as . . . well, Constantine himself. But his plans are shattered when a fierce, aging pirate invades his home with shocking news: Constantine is already engaged . . . to the brigand's lovely granddaughter, Lisabeth! But finds a perfect passion instead Wildly independent Lisabeth, however, has no desire for marriage-;certainly not to a straightlaced nobleman bound to her by some long-ago promise . . . even if she's tantalized by his manly form and the sensuality he can't quite disguise. Though shocked by the lady's improprieties, Constantine soon finds himself acting as lustily as any outlaw. But how does a staid gentleman win the heart of a bewitching pirate? The really interesting thing is I think this is a STAND ALONE. Jacob by Jacquelyn Frank I like the ARC cover much better... In this passionate debut--the first in a stunning new series--Frank creates an alternate world where moonlight creates a forbidden passion too overwhelming to ignore. Since time began, there have been Nightwalkers. Love with humans is absolutely forbidden, and Jacob, the Enforcer, makes certain to uphold this ancient law. For 700 years he has resisted temptation--until tonight. Original. Sun Kissed by Catherine Anderson **January 2, 2007** When Samantha Harrigan attends the local rodeo, she doesn't expect to wind up in jail. But that's what happens when she tries to stop a drunkard from abusing his horse. Tucker Coulter, a handsome local veterinarian, comes to her defense, and both of them are arrested. The charges are dropped, but Sam's troubles have only started... Salvation, Texas by Anna Jeffrey **January 2, 2007** Ever since he lost Elena, everything in Rusty's life has gone wrong. Her wealthy, influential father drove him out of Salvation, away from everyone he'd ever loved. Now he's back, elected by the people to one of the most powerful positions in the county. He isn't about to let the woman who once cost him everything get under his skin again. Not when there's a cold-blooded killer on the loose. And not unless he can find a way to live with her father and her millions. Elena Ryder knew of no better man than Sheriff Rusty Joplin-despite the fact that years back, he let her controlling father run him out of town. Now, she trusts no one else to investigate her sister's tragic death. And she won't even consider resisting Rusty's rugged presence if she gets a second chance… Pleasure for Pleasure by Eloisa James Fueled by the knowledge that notoriety is better than failure, witty, unconventional Josie does what no proper young lady should—she challenges fate. She discards her corset and flirts outrageously. She attends the horse races and allows an arrogant rakehell to whisk her behind the stables for a surreptitious kiss . . . and is caught! She doesn't want to marry the young hellion—but who's to help? Her chaperone keeps disappearing for mysterious appointments; her guardian is on his wedding trip; and his friend the Earl of Mayne is too busy staring into the eyes of his exquisite French fiancée. Can a marriage forced by stuffy convention and unwilling desire become the match of the season? And I need: Natalie Lambert's life has changed in the space of weeks—and she has no idea why. Her parents were murdered, she has her first taste of sexual desire—and she feels out of control, afraid, desperate to understand her changing world. She flees to New Orleans, hoping to lure the murderer out of the dark and bring to an end the trail of dead loved ones. Instead, she's attacked by crazed birds, swarmed by locusts, and saved by a Cajun cop who awakens all her latent desires. When Rene Broussard rescues a virgin vampire, he ends up in her bed and becomes hers for life in one lusty bite. Rene awakens the vampire within Natalie, and she awakes the passion within him. Together, they fight the evil threatening to destroy The Born vampires while they discover a treasure of love they can share for all eternity. Excerpt here

We are, we are, the youth of a nation

As I mention all the time, I have a lil sister. A very little sister, well not really but much younger than I am. As she tells me all the time (along with telling me how much taller than me she is, yes she is a brat). On January 22nd I will be 31 and on Febuary 9th she will be 13. This amuses her and she has taken to telling EVERYONE. Back to my point, the lil sis is a reader and I try very hard to encourage her love of books. I want to find her fun books. Books that are well written AND make her want to read. And with so many romance authors trying their hand at Young Adult novels, I also figured I would put her to work. Child labor... and she works cheap. So as I was making my list of books for 2007, I was trying to find one YA book for each month that the sis and I could review. And then I remembered I know jack about YA books. I have done what I do best, sent some emails and requested some catalogs. And now I doing the other thing I do well... asking for help *g*. So tell me what YA books are you looking forward to in 2007? Or your kids are looking forward too? Or are you writing? Or are your friends writing? Tell me all about it. Come now... don't be shy. Tell me a little about the book and/or the author. And I would love an age range for the book if you know it. We are in the process of redesigning my blog - yes I will most likely finally give in and move to wordwhateveritiscalled. Once the move is done I am thinking of clearing this and putting the YA reviews and rec's here. That way I don't have to worry about kids googling books and ending up with an erotica rec. And well mostly so I don't have to listen to: "mmmmmmmoooooommmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm sybil said a bad word" It can be any author, any plot but I am really wondering how many of our oh so talented romance novel authors are trying or have tried their hands at young adult fiction. There is one by Susan Johnson... really! And no we won't be reading that one. For your hard work of reccing and/or pimping, I have a reward! I have a couple of duplicate books, so on Sunday night I will take all the comments and randomly pick two name (put a note in the post if you don't want to be in the drawing. The winning name can choice between brand new (unsigned) copies of Autumn in Scotland by Karen Ranney, i see you by Holly Lisle, The Prince Kidnaps a Bride by Christina Dodd or Must Love Mistletoe by Christie Ridgway.

So just where were you last night at midnight?

It should shock... oh no one... that I was at Walmart (hey it isn't a evol chain). Oddly enough, okay you can be shocked now, I wasn't looking to fill a late night book emergency. What? Like you have never had one of those. No I was there for Jack. And because I am a fucking awesome sister (and after the wait the t-shirt sucked but whatever the kid is happy). So as I waited I did the only thing one should do at walmart at 11:00pm. Looked at books! I had like an hour to kill. First I put back all the books in the spots where they belong. And moved some new releases up top in the empty spots - for the love of god people but the books back where they go! I then picked up a couple of books I had been thinking of getting Love in a Bottle and Paula Quinn's new one (I am blanking on the title). And Susan Mallery's new Desire because I am her bitch and buy all her Desires and SSE. Oddly enough I haven't tried the others yet. So I read the first chapter of LiaB. It starts really well. We first met Sophie in the forest lusting after a fungus. And she is soon crawling in the mud to get to it... in her dress. I liked her on spot. We are introduced to Ian when Sophie spots his boots next to her fungus. His looks knocks her senseless. It really was a grand start but I hit a wall. They were very familiar with each other and I couldn't wrap my arms around it. It bothered me. So I put it back to think on later when I was like awake. Now I did what I normally do when thinking on a book and flipped open Quinn's book randomly. The scene is right after the hero and heroine have married and send heroine has fallen asleep on annoyed groom. The morning after amused me and the I liked the hero. So as my phone went off telling me it was time to go over to lane one where Jack should be showing up shortly. I threw the book who's title I can now not remember into the cart with Mallery. I read the first two chapters of The Unexpected Millionaire last night and the first chapter of Mustang Wild by Stacey Kayne this morning (which I really like so far). And now want to read Love in a Bottle. Yo ho hum... The lesson we learn here... next time put both books in the cart.

Just when I thought that I was out, she pulled me back in... **info added**

The Harlequin by Laurell K Hamilton ***JUNE 5, 2007*** EDWARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Okay I am easy... I will cry if this sucks. ETS: Was it ever confirmed that someone is dying in this one? Cuz I will just stop sqqquueee now if so. Anyone? Hell anyone still reading Anita? Anita Blake is about to face the challenge of her life. Into her world - a world already overflowing with power - have come creatures so feared that powerful, centuries-old vampires refuse to mention their names. It is forbidden to speak of THE HARLEQUIN unless you've been contacted. And to be contacted by The Harlequin is to be under sentence of death. Long-time rivals for Anita's affections, Jean-Claude, Master Vampire of the City and Richard, alpha-werewolf, will need to become allies. Shapeshifters Nathaniel and Micah will have to step up their support. And then there's EDWARD. In this situation, Anita knows that she needs to call the one man who has always been there for her... and you know the one man left she hasn't screwed.... Do you guys have any idea how hard it was to not add commentary to that? You know like after alpha-werewolf (pussy) and their support (aka fucking her)... although the CAPS are mine... well and any typos geeze but really really really it makes me squeeee... but oh-my-fucking-gawd if she brings him back just to off him

New books and a thankee to Dear Author

NEW BOOKS! Autumn in Scotland by Karen Ranney Abandoned by a rogue Betrothed to an earl she had never met, Charlotte Haversham arrived at Balfurin, hoping to find love at the legendary Scottish castle. Instead she found decaying towers and no husband among the ruins. So Charlotte worked a miracle, transforming the rotting fortress into a prestigious girls' school. And now, five years later, her life is filled with purpose—until . . . Seduced by a stranger A man storms Charlotte's castle—and he is not the reprehensible Earl of Marne, the one who stole her dowry and dignity, but rather the absent lord's handsome, worldly cousin Dixon MacKinnon. Mesmerized by the fiery Charlotte, Dixon is reluctant to correct her mistake. And though she's determined not to play the fool again, Charlotte finds herself strangely thrilled by the scoundrel's amorous attentions. But a dangerous intrigue has drawn Dixon to Balfurin. And if his ruse is prematurely revealed, a passionate, blossoming love affair could crumble into ruin. Pleasure Prolonged (Avon Red) by Cathryn Fox Once a mere lab assistant, Erin Shay is thrilled over her new promotion. The curvaceous, brainy, somewhat straightlaced lady has been placed in charge of an important new research project: testing a serum specially designed to substantially prolong a couple's lovemaking. With scientists Jay and Laura off on their honeymoon, Erin's been left alone in the lab . . . with her hard-bodied new assistant, Kale Alexander, a sexy stud who has "playboy" written all over him. Erin's never even had a one-night stand—but the project's success depends upon her playing the wild, wanton bad-girl to red-hot Casanova Kale. Since she's already learned the perils of leaving her heart too open to heartbreak, this time she'll be the one calling the shots. Her bad-boy partner is going to know from the git-go that this will be a brief sex-only affair—hot, torrid, steamy love in the interests of science . . . with absolutely no strings attached. But when the loving is this deliciously hot, who in her right mind wouldn't want to prolong it? The Price of Desire (Avon Red) by Leda Swann Caroline Clemens is at her wits' end. Orphaned and responsible for the welfare of her four younger siblings, she's certain it's only a matter of time before she loses everything. When she meets Dominic Savage passions ignite, and they soon strike a deal that benefits both parties. But their desire for each other soon outweighs any "business" deal between them, and the two lovers suddenly find themselves playing by an entirely different set of rules. Alluring Tales by Lisa Renee Jones, Myla Jackson, Vivi Anna, Sasha White, Sylvia Day, Cathryn Fox and Delilah Devlin A television executive lets loose when her favorite heartthrob strides into her office--and gives her the ride of her life. This one night stand may be too hot to handle for a newly single woman, but that won't stop her from enjoying every delicious second. When a mysterious package opens to reveal an oh-so-sexy, nearly naked man, these two have no choice but to hide out...for a good, long time. A minister's son harbors impure thoughts about a voluptuous stripper--and sets out to make his erotic dreams come true... A big city cop discovers that once bitten is not twice shy after spending a tantalizing night with a beautiful vampire... A sheltered young woman opens a mysterious locket--and is plunged into a legendary battle of good versus evil to set her imprisoned lover free... A seductive warlock will not rest until the powerful temptress he lusts for is begging to be dominated... Pleasure beckons and satisfaction is guaranteed in seven titillating stories of love that knows no boundaries. Surrender to the passion and follow your desires into unexplored realms of sensuous delights. Awaken the fantasy! And thanks to Dear Author's Great Pumpkin Giveaway! Harmony's Way by Lora Leigh Harmony Lancaster is of the Lion breed, created to be a huntress with a thirst to kill. But the way she seeks justice outside of the law makes her a liability to her own kind. Yet she also possesses information that they need on the existence of the First Leo - who holds the precious secrets of desire. To save her life, Harmony is paired with Sheriff Lance Jacobs, who tries to tame the killer within her, while protecting the gentle woman he longs to possess. But a dangerous cult leader, bent on destroying the Breeds, could change the way Lance looks at Harmony forever...

sexing up the cover

The Great Scot was And is now So which cover do you like better? If it helps here is the blurb : Location coordinator Erin McGregor knows she’s finally found the perfect setting for her romance reality show, Your Prince Charming. The Chisholm clan stronghold in the Scottish Highlands has it all—romantic moors, windswept cliffs, misty lochs, a four-hundred-year-old castle, and possibly the most gorgeous man she’s ever laid eyes on in chieftain Dylan Chisholm. Nothing like a guy with a sexy accent and a big…turret to make a girl all wonky-kneed. Right. No time for wonky. Time to get over her fixation with the Hot Scot and get back to business. And Erin will…any minute now… With his three youngest brothers spoken for, Dylan Chisholm is at the top of his village’s matchmaking list. Now they’ve sent some impish, forthright American lass up to tempt him into a devil’s bargain: He can let the Yanks use his castle to film their foolish romance show, and in exchange, he’ll get the money his village desperately needs. It took a tragic loss to get Dylan to embrace his heritage and his duty. He can’t turn away from such a promising offer. But keeping his thoughts off Erin McGregor is another matter. She’s everything he never wanted in a woman, and suddenly, she’s everything he craves in every way possible…

Enslaved by Hope Tarr **June 2007**

Enslaved is the follow up novel to Vanquished and the second book in Hope's "Men of Roxbury House" historical romance trilogy. Daisy Lake is only a memory to successful barrister Gavin Carmichael. But a memory he cannot forget. "Through thick and thin, forever and ever, come what may, we'll stay together…" is the pact the young orphans made over a decade ago, before the wide-eyed little girl was torn from his arms. Only a precious, painful memory … until Gavin walks into an East End supper club where the headlining act is the infamous nightingale of the Montmartre music halls, Delilah du Lac. Overcome, Gavin storms on stage and carries her off, determined to save her from the lifestyle she has apparently embraced. But Daisy wants no part of him. She has only one desire: to act on a proper London stage. It is a dream Gavin can make come true. He promises to employ every resource at his disposal to see she gets a part in the upcoming run of Shakespeare's "As You Like It" … provided she agrees to live with him for one month. Daisy has slept with men for far less. And Gavin has matured into an exceedingly handsome man. But as their sensual games increase in intensity, Gavin is the one in danger of being … ENSLAVED

Edge of Midnight by Shannon McKenna **Aug 2007**

Shannon McKenna guest blogged on Dishing with the Divas and had this to say about her next book, Edge of Midnight: Shannon: I can’t say too much about the new book, because I’m still working on it, and I’m sort of superstitious about that. What I can say, is that it’s Sean McCloud’s story, it’s entitled EDGE OF MIDNIGHT, and it’s pub date is August of 2007. I’m sorry to make Sean fans wait! And thanks to all of your for your interest! It’s been a pleasure to rattle on about myself. yeah it doesn't say much than her site which as always needs to be updated... but hey it makes me happy

Never Lie To A Lady by Liz Carlyle ** June 2007 **

I read The School for Heiresses the other day. And I have to say I REALLY want Never Lie To A Lady by Liz Carlyle. Of course it comes out in June 2007. le sigh... but loved After Midnight ( in TSfH), her story that kicks off the series. I was hoping Rothwell's story would be first but (if amazon is correct) Never Deceive a Duke comes out in July. New York Times bestselling author Liz Carlyle opens her exciting new historical trilogy by plunging readers into the steamy underworld of 19th century London and the swirling glitter of English high society. Meet Stefan... The notorious Marquis of Nash is a creature of the night; his wealth and his title provide but a tenuous entrée into polite society. With his Eastern European manners and dark elegance, Nash tempts women even as he tempts the scandalmongers. Rumors abound of the men he has bankrupted and the hearts he has broken. But when Nash leaves his lair for a rare foray into the ton, and enjoys a moment of heated passion with a mysterious lady in the dark, he develops an obsession which will lead him into the hellish world of smugglers, spies, and political intrigue as the Continent edges nearer to war. and Xanthia ... Xanthia Neville has arrived in London to expand her family’s most lucrative business holding—Neville Shipping. With her brother Rothewell all too happy to waste his life in debauchery, Xanthia opens up shop in London’s grimy Docklands, and sets about expanding the family fortune, all the while flaunting the ton’s silly strictures about how a lady ought to behave. But London, she soon learns, is not Barbados. And when the British Government approaches Rothewell to ask the family’s help in exposing a dangerous arms dealer, Xanthia must enter society after all, only to find her loyalties torn. Someone in London is fueling the conflict on the Balkan Peninsula by smuggling illicit weapons into the Aegean—and there is only one likely suspect. The Marquis of Nash has the resources, the contacts and, quite possibly, the deeply divided loyalties. But can Xanthia’s subterfuge prove him a traitor to the Crown before her heart is broken?

Kiss of the Wolf by Morgan Hawke

mine mine mine Steampunk Gothic Erotica KISS of the WOLF Morgan Hawke ~ A Werewolf in the Vampire Court ~ 1877 - The Dead are Walking Someone gave the Turks, a human government, the means of making the dead walk a forbidden magic, and it’s been spreading across the Eastern European countryside like wildfire. The Penumbral Court, the hidden world of magic, has been cleansing the plagued towns by the only known means of stopping the dead from walking – fire. But the source, the maker of the hideous spell, is yet undiscovered. Thorn Ferrell, a courier for the US Secret service, and a werewolf, is sent to Europe at the dawn of the Turko-Russian war. All she has to do is deliver a package and her term of service is finally over. Yaroslav once Prince of Luske during the dark ages, is a vampire. Driven from his home by a plague of the walking dead, Yaroslav is determined to discover who made the dead walk – and why. In a cave high in the Carpathian mountains, werewolf and vampire meet, and embrace for a fleeting moment of peace. She flees in the sunlight to continue her mission, but the vampire is determined to keep his newfound lover. During her journey Thorn comes face to face with her past, in the form of Max, a werewolf made by the same man that made her, the Doctor. However, unlike her, this werewolf is insane. And the Horror has come to town. Fleeing the other werewolf, and the walking dead, Thorn finds her vampire lover in big trouble. It seems that the Penumbral Court thinks thay Yaroslav, a powerful mage in his own right, is the culprit behind the plague of walking dead. Thorn is Fedhor’s only proof that there is another mage, an unknown sorcerer, doing forbidden magic. In the mean time... The sorcerer wants his werewolf back.

Who will be the first to succumb?

In Regency England, a desperate lady is Falling for Anthony when a childhood friend comes back from the dead to protect her brother from an unnatural evil. I have to say I am very over paranormals. Really... if you have a paranormal coming out, for me at least, it better be something amazing, new and somehow different from the same ol same ol. I was able to read Demon Angel last saturday and I was honestly blown away. It isn't at all a perfect book but for the first full length novel from a new author it gets close. And Meljean takes the paranormal genre and makes it her own. I haven't been this excited about a series since I read JR Ward's Dark Lover. Sadly it doesn't come out until JANUARY 2007. So I am not going to say anymore right now. But lucky you Hot Spell is now out in MM. So you can read Falling for Anthony, while you are waiting for Demon Angel to hit the shelves. Falling for Anthony is not as good as Demon Angel but it does introduce Colin. And more Colin is a good thing. Trust me. We also meet Demon Angel's H/h to be in Hot Spell. Meljean gives us a large scale battle of good and evil in the forms of demons and angels and it is not to be missed. She will be guest blogging with us in January. And she can be found on her blog. Go check her out... you can see the cover of her new antho Wild Thing, read some excerpts and enter her contest for a MM copy of Hot Spell (it ends on 11/5/06 so be quick). Demon Angel Summary For two thousand years, Lilith wrought vengeance upon the evil and the damned, gathering souls for her father's armies Below and proving her fealty to her Underworld liege. Bound by a bargain with the devil and forbidden to feel pleasure, she draws upon her dark powers and serpentine grace to lead men into temptation. That is, until she faces her greatest temptation—Heaven's own Sir Hugh Castleford... Once a knight and now a Guardian, Hugh spent centuries battling demons—and the cursed, blood-drinking nosferatu. His purpose has always been to thwart the demon Lilith, even as he battles his treacherous hunger for her. But when a deadly alliance unleashes a threat to both humans and Guardians in modern-day San Francisco, angel and demon must fight together against unholy evil—and against a desire that has been too long denied... Who will be the first to succumb?

How To Abduct a Highland Lord by Karen Hawkins

This is so update your website month in romance land. Karen Hawkins has a new look at her site. The whole thing has a look funny author feel to it. Think this ties into "branding". I have never really thought of Hawkins as the funny girl romance writer. Maybe that was what I missed... I really like the new cover for her next book but it really doesn't scream historical to me. Maybe that is just me... How To Abduct a Highland Lord by Karen Hawkins Release: January 30th, 2007 Determined to save her family from a bloody clan war, Fiona MacLean kidnaps and marries their greatest enemy, Black Jack Kincaid. After a night of debauchery, the unsuspecting rogue is stunned to wake up married to the woman he once loved and has never stopped desiring. With the tense peace between their clans resting on their unlikely union, will Jack redeem himself, rekindle their passion, and win Fiona’s heart—which he finally realizes he has always desired?

Madame's Deception by Renee Bernard **Aug 2007**

I mentioned this cover in this post. Madame's Deception by Renee Bernard Release Date: Aug 2007 When naïve bookworm and virgin Jocelyn Tolliver learns that her mother is the notorious madame of an elite London brothel she is stunned, but grants her mother’s dying wish and promises to take care of the brothel and its ladies. With the help of her mother’s loyal butler, she transforms herself, and becomes the beautiful but reclusive Madame DeBourcier. After an unexpected feud breaks out between the Crimson Belle and a rival brothel, Jocelyn needs a titled lover to gain political clout to protect her housemates so she befriends the handsome and wealthy Lord Colwick, who of course, views this as an invitation to seduce her…

Midnight Eyes by Sarah Brophy Jan 2007

During the turbulent, decadent reign of William II, a royal mercenary finds himself caught in the throes of an unexpected passion—and played as a pawn in a treacherous game... The bastard son of a Norman nobleman, Robert Beaumont has blossomed into one of England’s fiercest killers—and has found himself well paid for his talents. But now the time has come for him to set aside his sword. The king has agreed to reward him for his last service with an estate...on one condition: Robert must marry the sitting tenant—the infamous Lady Deformed. For years, Imogen Colebrook has lived in the ramshackle Saxon keep, the virtual prisoner of her cruel, sadistic brother, the man responsible for her deformity—and for wedding her to a dangerous man. Yet, on Robert’s arrival, Imogen nearly brings the hardened warrior to his knees. For she is a vision of unparalleled beauty—living in a world without sight. Drawn to her courageous spirit, Robert gently draws Imogen out of her tortured past. But with her brother always lurking in the shadows, Imogen’s newfound sanctuary in Robert’s arms is in danger of being destroyed—unless her salvaged heart can find a way out of the darkness... Anyone know if Sarah Brophy has a site? I couldn't find one...

Alluring Tales ***March 2007*** (VA summary added)

Are you looking for salacious and thrilling action-adventure reads that will leave you breathless? The search is over. The award winning, bestselling Allure Authors offer you a scintillating blend of paranormal, contemporary, fantasy, futuristic, and science fiction tales all in one sure-to-please erotic collection. Lisa Renee Jones, Myla Jackson, Vivi Anna, Sasha White, Sylvia Day, Cathryn Fox and Delilah Devlin from the Allure Authors site have stories in this book. LOL guess the title should have tipped me off ;) Quick Silver by Viva Anna In the year 2080, Sangria Silver knows what it takes to be a good messenger, a good delivery person. Ask no questions, and do the job no matter what. With a reputation for being quick, efficient and discreet, she’s the most wanted Conveyor in the New States of America. Contracted by the one of the most powerful woman in the NSA, Sangria takes on her most intriguing and most lucrative job to date. Two million dollars to transport a large metal case from the sparkling, sanitized streets of Los Angeles Proper to the skids of East Las Vegas, no questions asked. Along the way, she thinks she has it made and will be able to retire from the job, when she’s involved in a traffic accident and her car flips over. To her chagrin, the metal case is tossed from the trunk and smashes open to reveal the cargo inside. Not cargo but a man. Alive and sexy as sin itself. Now she has to decide whether to deliver him to the address or keep him all to herself... Out of the Shadows by Myla Jackson Summary Cassidy Jones had high hopes for her and Houston Police Officer, TJ Evans, until she was attacked by a stranger late one night on the university campus. Now she’s destined to spend her life in the shadows, fighting to control raging lust for blood and sex. Afraid she can’t win against the inner beast, she hides in her house, without hope of ever living a normal life. Until TJ comes calling demanding that she give him the answers he deserves and that she leave the city before the hurricane arrives. TJ had it bad for, Cassidy, but he knows when he’s been given the brush off. He’d all but given up when he walked next door to deliver the edict that all residents were to evacuate Houston immediately. When Cassidy refuses to leave, they spend a turbulent night battling the storm ultimately surrendering to their passion. Will Cassidy restrain the inner monster? Or will TJ emerge from the storm a changed man? Excerpt Cassidy leaned into him and practically purred against his cheek. “Stop me now, TJ, before it’s too late.” While her words said one thing, her hands racing across his skin encouraged him to continue. With his mind caught in a cloud of desire, TJ couldn’t stop. Couldn’t pull free of her until he slaked his desire. Tension built, rising in surges, centering on the juncture of their joined bodies. Cassidy moaned, her breasts bobbing up and down in TJ’s face. He captured one of the pale round orbs in his mouth and sucked hard, drawing the rounded flesh into his mouth, laving the taught rosy nipple. She murmured her approval and nuzzled his neck, nipping at the skin with her teeth. The tender bites only fueled the fires and spurred him on. He spun around and pressed her back to the wall where he could leverage her while he plunged deeper inside. He pumped into her again and again, until his entire body tightened into an orgasmic knot. On his final thrust, he peaked teetering on the verge of shooting sperm deep inside her. At that exact moment, Cassidy clamped her legs tightly around his waist, licked his neck in a long, sexy swipe, and then she leaned in, her mouth opening to take his throat between her teeth. The pager buried deep in TJ’s trouser pocket beeped, cutting through their labored breathing and vibrating against his knee. The effect was to jerk him out of the sensual haze and remind him they’d used no protection. “Damn it!” Without pulling out of her, TJ fumbled to reach for the pants around his knees. With his cock still firmly entrenched in her channel, the task was impossible. The Hottest One Night Stand by Lisa Renee Jones Summary A road trip. A storm that forces her to a roadside hotel. One passionate night. One perfect stranger… Jessica Montgomery needs an escape and a new outlook of herself as a woman. Her ex-husband not only left her for another woman, he called her sexually suppressed. Since then, she’s avoided relationships, using her work as an excuse. But deep down, there is a sensual woman who wants to be discovered. If only Jessica can find the confidence to let her lose. When a one night stand delivers Jessica to her sexy side, she faces the new day a changed woman. But what happens when her stranger appears again? Will she dare to find what lies beyond morning? Tempting Grace by Sasha White Summary At 35 reformed Bad Girl Grace Walters is finally content with her life. She’s a homeowner working her dream job of helping troubled teens, and acceptance in her community. Grace has worked hard to be where she is and she isn’t willing to let anything threaten her stable future. But when she's in an emotional downswing, and Lucas Martin makes it clear that he’s willing to do anything for her . . . Well, she can only resist temptation for so long. Grace knows getting involved with the much younger preachers son will threaten her new found acceptance, but how can she resist when she knows that being bad will make them both feel so good? Excerpt For the first time in over a year Grace Walters didn’t want to go home. She didn’t want to walk up the brick path and look at the pretty flowerbed she’d planted just last week. She didn’t want to open the door to the small two-bedroom cottage style house that she’d bought thirteen months earlier. The one and only place she’d let herself call home since she was fourteen and decided that she was better off on the streets than in a house where no one cared. She didn’t want to go home, because she knew she’d see that small pile of clothes on the dryer that belonged to Chelsea, and then she’d have to accept that Chelsea hadn’t felt at home there. That no matter what Grace had done, Chelsea had still gone back to the street, and this time, it had killed her. Grace didn’t want to remember. She didn’t want to think. “Why don’t you get them both?” She started when a deep voice broke through the thick fog coating her mind. “What?” She turned and found Lukas Martin behind her, less than a foot away. How had he gotten so close without her even noticing? Her instincts for self-preservation had always served her well before. “You seem to be having a hard time deciding between ice cream flavors, why not treat yourself and get both?” Lukas said with a smile. A pale eyebrow arched and a playful gleam lit up his chocolate eyes as he leaned even closer. “But if you want a real treat you should let me cook you dinner.” Grace started to say no, like she had so many times in the past month when he’d asked her out. But this time, the refusal stuck in her throat. As if he sensed her weakness, he stepped forward, the playful gleam fading as his gaze took on a more intense heat. “Grace?” Need blossomed from deep within. One she’d thought was long buried. She swept her gaze over his leanly muscled six-foot frame, and the energizing tingle of sensual awareness she always felt whenever Luke entered a room zipped through her. Grace knew intuitively that he could satisfy that need. It was a bad idea. Her head knew that, but her heart, her aching heart needed to feel something other than the pain of failure, and there was one thing she’d always been good at. One thing she’d always succeeded at … and she was too tired to deny the pull that Lukas’ eager-to-please attentions awoke within her. “One night,” she whispered. “One night?” “One night. You and me. No dinner, and no promises.” She met his gaze and let him see the need she felt rising from deep within. “Tonight.” A Familiar Kind of Magic by Sylvia Day Summary Victoria St. John is a Familiar, and like most kittens, she likes to play. Unattached to a warlock, she's causing mischief. Too much trouble-making can cause suspicions in mortals, so the High Council assigns warlock and Hunter Max Westin to "collar" her, in the hopes that he can succeed where others have failed. From the moment Max meets the beautiful Familiar, he can't wait to get started. He loves hunting, relishes the taming, and isn't prone to hurrying matters. Reining in a wild kitten takes time, sometimes weeks, and he's more than willing to put in the effort with Victoria. A battle of wills and an erotic seduction. The result is a journey through the depths of desire to the heights of eternal love. Excerpt The Hunter had finally arrived. Victoria studied him carefully through the closed-circuit feed that monitored her office reception area. The urbane Armani suit he wore did nothing to hide the predator within. Tall and dark, the Hunter moved with a casual arrogance that made her purr. He didn't look around, completely focused on the moment when they would be together in the same room. Alone. As she rubbed her hands together, a throaty growl filled the air. The High Council was ready to tangle with her again. She smiled and preened, as was the nature of her kind. This Hunter was powerful, she could feel it even through the walls that separated them. It was a testament to her own prowess that they would send a warlock such as him after her. She couldn't help but be flattered. After all, she'd broken the laws on purpose, deliberately goading the very powers that had stolen Darius from her. And here was her "punishment", walking into her office with that luscious, long-legged stride. She couldn't be more thrilled with their choice. He flashed a devastating smile at the receptionist before she closed the door behind him. Then he turned his attention to Victoria and removed his sunglasses. Oh my. She crossed her silk stocking-clad legs to ease the sudden ache between them. Piercing gray eyes measured her from a face so austerely handsome she was almost inclined to leave her seat and rub up against him. That firm jaw. those sculpted lips. But, of course, she couldn't. She first had to see if he would reveal who he was or if he intended to pretend. The High Council still hadn't realized how much power Darius had bequeathed her. They didn't yet realize how deeply her awareness went. Her gaze moved to the crystal-framed miniature on her desk and the man with the rakish dimple who smiled lovingly from there. Captured beautifully in oil paints, glints of gold shining in his blond hair, the sight of Darius brought a familiar ache of loss and heartache that firmed her resolve. The waste of his life filled her with a need for retribution. Rising to her feet, Victoria held out her hand. The Hunter took it leisurely, the palpable force in his touch betraying him. "Mr. Westin," she breathed, fighting back a delicious shiver. She would have to thank the Council for this gift when she was done with him. He was so dark-his skin, his raven hair, his aura. Sex incarnate. She could smell it, feel it with his proximity. It was obvious why he was a successful Hunter. Already she was wet and eager. Max Westin held her hand a little too long, his thickly-lashed gaze clearly stating his intentions to have her, to tame her. Like all kittens, Victoria liked to play, so she brushed her fingertips across his palm as she pulled away. His eyes widened almost imperceptibly, a tiny sign that she could get to him if she really put the effort into it. Of course, she intended to do just that. The Council only sent their best, most prized Hunters after her, and she knew how it chaffed Them when their elite met with abject failure. It was the only thing she could do prevent feeling helpless-give Them a harsh reminder of how great Darius' had been, and what They'd lost with his needless sacrifice. "Ms. St. John." Westin's voice was a rough caress. Everything about him was a little rough, a little gritty. A primitive creature. Just like she was. Victoria waved toward the chair in front of her glass-topped desk. Freeing the button of his coat, Max sank into the seat, his dark blue trousers stretching over firm thighs and an impressive bulge between them. She licked her lips. Yum. Kili's Ice Man by Delilah Devlin Summary Upon overhearing Kili's conversation with a girlfriend, Gunnar "Ice Man" Rydeman's a little ticked Kili thinks all jocks are brainless throwbacks. When she dives into her mini-vacation, he pulls some strings to be the object of her virtual fantasy--only problem is, she's selected a primitive setting, and he suddenly finds himself in a fur loincloth, fighting prehistoric beasts with a single-syllable vocabulary. Now, how will he prove to Kili he's cleverer than the average caveman? Excerpt Kili sucked in a deep breath and blinked as her eyes adjusted to white, searing sunlight. Her first glance at her vacation setting sent her stomach plummeting. Where was the desert island with the horseshoe strip of pale sand and navy sea? Sure, heat radiated off the ground in suffocating waves, but where was the cabana boy in the Speedo? Instead, an endless savannah stretched in front of her with tall, golden grass waving in the hot breeze and gnarled, stunted trees dotting the horizon. "What the hell?" Stones skittered behind her and she spun to find a large, male figure standing on a rocky knoll. At least the program had gotten that much right. The Ice Man's incredible, burly physique was nude except for a furry loincloth that draped from a slender cord at his waist, leaving the sides of his tanned hips and his massive, sleek thighs bare. The breeze ruffled his pale hair as he strode toward her, his sharp gaze sweeping down her body, a predatory gleam in his eyes. Kili's heart thudded and her nipples tightened, the sensitive tips pressing into supple fabric. She glanced down and noted she too wore an animal's skin, tanned and buttery-soft. The miniscule top barely covered her breasts and was knotted between them. Another soft garment draped around her hips, and the breeze licking up her thighs revealed she was totally nude underneath the crude clothing. "Now, that's attention to detail," she murmured. But if this was her fantasy, why weren't her hips slimmer? When she brought up her head again, Ice Man's attention was directed behind her and his entire body tensed. He hefted a spear in one hand, holding it above his shoulder. She followed his gaze and saw an enormous creature crouched low in the grass staring back at them, cat-like with long fangs curving like tusks from its gaping mouth. Before she could gasp a warning, Ice Man let loose his spear and snagged her wrist, dragging her behind him as he ran back up the knoll. A hideous, snarling scream erupted, and Kili forgot that none of this was real-her heart accelerated and her breath rasped as she ran like the wind, flying up the rocks behind the gladiator, grateful for the fur-lined booties that shielded her feet from the harsh terrain. Just as they crested the knoll, the sound of heavy paws thundered behind them. She didn't dare look back, but Ice Man dropped her hand and drew another spear from the leather sheath strapped to his back. With a lithe twist, he turned and launched the spear straight into the large cat's chest. The animal dropped like a rock without a sound, dead before it hit the ground. Kili shivered and reminded herself--this isn't real. All that blood spurting in a gurgling stream from the creature's gaping wound was just part of the program hooked up to her brainwaves to deliver a virtual adventure. She'd never really been in danger, but her racing heart didn't seem to know the difference. The trembling that shook her body felt authentic, as did the excitement that thrummed through her veins. She drew a deep, steadying breath and lifted her head to find Ice Man's gaze leveled on her. His chest gleamed with sweat, his jaw was taut, and hunger glinted in his hard eyes. "I'm guessing this is where we're supposed to share celebratory sex, huh?" Lover's Locket by Cathryn Fox Summary Centuries ago On the eve of her arranged wedding to a man she doesn’t love, Princess Caira Montright flees her father’s castle and secretly meets her lover, Zarek. Their plans to elope are foiled when one of Lord Montright’s vassals captures them. The all-powerful Lord Montright places a curse on Zarek, banishing him to an eternity of hell inside a portrait—a portrait that finds its way back to Caira in every lifetime. Zarek is forced to watch Caira throughout the centuries yet never be able to claim her as his own. The only thing that can break the curse is for Caira to recite the incantation on the Lover’s Locket. Then she must battle the forces of evil to free him forever. Excerpt “I see you have found the Lover’s Locket.” “What?” Startled by the woman’s sudden appearance, Caira jumped back. She hadn’t even heard her approaching footsteps. The woman gestured toward the beautiful silver necklace enclosed behind the protective walls of the glass case and motioned for her to take a better look. “The Lover’s Locket,” she repeated. Her aged voice cracked like brittle bones causing goose bumps to pebble Caira’s flesh. Palms open, Caira placed her hands on the glass. She was so mesmerized by the beauty of the exquisite piece of jewelry she almost found it impossible to speak. She fought to recover her voice. “It’s magnificent.” “You’re searching. Yes?” “Searching?” Caira didn’t understand the question. “For your true love.” She was surprised at how perceptive the old woman was. Uncomfortable talking about her personal life with a complete stranger, Caira turned the discussion back to the locket. “Is it antique?” The woman ignored her question and asked one of her own. “Should you wish to have it?” Caira gave a quick shake of her head. “I can’t afford-” The woman cut her off. “It is not for you to argue.” She opened the glass case, removed the locket, and placed it in Caira’s hand. The second the locket came into contact with her flesh an odd tingling began in her bloodstream. She was strangely fascinated by the piece. Strangely fascinated by the way her pulse kicked up a notch at first contact. Curious about its origins, she stared at the antique locket in awe. She’d never seen anything more beautiful. The woman touched her arm bringing Caira’s attention back to her. “You feel it don’t you?” she asked. Uneasiness closed in on her as she met the woman’s challenging gaze. She felt something, an unexplainable strange pull toward the locket, but she wasn’t about to admit it. She lowered her lashes, hiding her emotions from the woman’s probing gaze. “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Caira responded quickly, turning the locket over in her hand. A ribbon of sunlight burst through the window and reflected off the unusual intricate design etched in the silver. Caira squinted and stared at the inscription until the words in front of her blurred together. The gypsy curled her weathered fingers around Caira’s and squeezed until the locket was tightly enclosed in the safety of her small hand. “With this locket comes great power, but with all great power there comes darkness.” “What do you mean?” Caira asked, indulging her for a moment. Her gravelly voice became as smooth as silk as she recounted the tale of the Lover’s Locket. “It is said that if one recites the incantation etched in the silver, their true love will be revealed.” Suddenly, an anxious expression crossed the gypsy-woman’s beguiling violet eyes. “The incantation also awakens the Keeper of Darkness from his eternal slumber.” Frowning intently, she looked deep into Caira’s eyes. “The person who recites the incantation is the only one who can defeat the Keeper of Darkness. It is said that death is the price of failure.” Caira blew out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. She remembered the old legend well. It was only a few years ago while babysitting her niece that she’d recounted the story herself. She almost laughed out loud at the foolishness of it all. She took a moment to recall the legend. It was believed that centuries ago on the eve of her arranged wedding to a man she didn’t love, a rebellious princess had fled her father’s castle and secretly met her lover. Their plans to elope were foiled when one of the Lord’s vassals captured them. The all-powerful Lord had a curse placed on his daughter’s lover. In retaliation, the princess acquired the help of an old gypsy woman. She had an incantation etched on her most precious possession, a locket given to her by her lover. Should the locket find its way to her in another lifetime, the princess could read the incantation and break the curse. But unfortunately, as the old woman had already said, with great power comes great darkness. The princess must battle the forces of evil to free her lover forever. “You know the story. Yes?” The worry in the woman’s voice gained her full attention. Caira forced a smile and addressed the old woman’s concerns. “It’s just a legend. A story told at slumber parties. The legend also says that only the princess can unleash its power,” she pointed out. Rolling her shoulders she continued, “So if this ever fell into the hands of the original owner-” A frown formed on her forehead as the old woman sealed Caira’s protest with her fingers. Caira repressed a shiver as a chill rushed through her. “What makes you think you’re not the original owner, Bella?” the woman asked. Caira’s skin prickled. The air almost seemed to crackle with electricity. Bella? Obviously the old woman had her confused with someone else. “My name isn’t Bella, it’s Caira.” The woman gave a slow nod. “Yes, of course, Caira. Forgive my slip. Perhaps this belonged to you in the past, Caira.” She met the woman’s glance and tried to placate her. “It’s ridiculous to believe the legend.” Waving her hand over her worn jeans and t-shirt she said, “Besides, I hardly think I was a princess in another lifetime.” “Yes, well, you’ll never know unless you recite the incantation.” The look in the woman’s eyes caused her skin to grow cold. Caira gulped, her stomach plummeted. Good Lord what was going on with her? What was she getting all worked up about? She shook her head to clear it. It was just a silly legend. Wasn’t it?

Pleasures of the Night **May 2007**

Aidan Cross is a Dream Guardian. In the Twilight between sleep and wakefulness, a battle ensues between his kind and the Nightmares, with the victor reaping the benefits of the energy created in slumber. Guardians recharge with various skills, Nightmares drain while thriving on distress. To keep the portal locked between reality and dreams is a calling that rules Aidan’s life, until he’s assigned to protect Lyssa Bates. Unlike the other women whose dreams he’s calmed with deeply erotic seduction, Lyssa recognizes him and his purpose. She welcomes him to her bed as he is, without the disguise of her fantasies, and offers him the first true solace he’s known in a lifetime of fighting. Her ability is a gift. And a curse. Because of her rare cognizance, she is said to be The Key they have all been searching for. The Key serves a terrible purpose—to open the Gateway and allow Nightmares in unlimited numbers to travel through the Twilight. From there, they have access to the mortal plane through the individuals whose dreams they control. So Aidan leaves the Twilight to protect her from both his own people and the enemies who need Lyssa to open the door to them. Stripped of the endless possibilities of dreams, they have only their will to live with which to conquer her destiny and grasp the elusive promise of love. There is a companion site for the series. It's a work in progress and is presently undergoing a full-site redesign, so by November visitors will find a whole new site and lots more content -- deleted scenes, sneak peaks at future installments of the series, games, etc. But there's an excerpt up now! And a little mini-trailer. (It's just something I whipped together myself while Circle of Seven works on the "official" trailer. *g*)

Into the Darkness **April 2007**

**I've attached the cover for ITD--I just got it today! It's gorgeous! You'll have to tell me what you think. I've already given you the teaser, now you can check out the EXCERPT Natalie couldn't sleep. Not because she was afraid. For the first time in weeks, her stalker was the least of her worries. Instead, her present danger lay in her own body's betrayal. Heat simmered beneath the surface of her skin—a flush of warmth that spread across her chest and belly. The air around her felt close and heavy despite the fan circling above the bed. Her heart beat too quickly. Her breasts grew heavy. Her nipples peaked against the thin silk of her nightgown. Then blood rushed to the juncture of her thighs, plumping her slick folds. She might be inexperienced, but Natalie recognized the signs of desire. The cause of her misery paced restlessly around the house. The creaking hinges of the doors he checked and rechecked gave away his unrest. The muffled thud of footsteps as he walked around the living room below, and the slap of his bare feet on the wooden steps when he came up to patrol the hall pinpointed his location. He passed outside her bedroom now, his shadow darkening the space beneath the door. Natalie ached to call out to him. Was Rene exercising extreme caution or suffering like she was? Reaching beyond the moment, Natalie wondered, why him? Why now? An instinct--some kernel of inborn knowledge--told her this new hunger was related to the current moon cycle. Just as the changes to her body began with the first sliver of pale light from the new moon, her need unfurled like a heron's wings with the coming full moon. This past month, she'd been steadily shedding the baby fat that plagued her adolescence although her appetite, especially for blood-enriched meats, had increased. Her first period ever had come and gone. Then sensual awareness dominated her waking and sleeping thoughts. For days, she'd dreamed of an anonymous lover in her bed. The things he'd done to her had left her breathless and blushing. If she managed to sleep tonight, she knew she'd find Rene's face, his jaw taut with desire, his shoulders bunched as he hovered above her, supplanting the hazy man of her dreams. Why him? Although handsome, he wasn't the first good-looking man she'd ever encountered. But from the moment he'd pulled her from the park bench into his arms, her body recognized his claim. He'd held her close, his thickly muscled torso sheltering her from further harm. His strength and distinctive scent, a spicy heated musk, imprinted on her mind. If she closed her eyes, she was there once more, draped across his lap in the back seat of the sedan, awakening to desire for the first time. Everything else—the horror of the attacks, the pain of her many little wounds—faded. She felt only his hard, muscled thighs beneath her bottom and the steely embrace that crushed the air from her lungs while he struggled for control. She wanted to know those sensations again—and so much more. Frustration humming inside her, she tossed back the bedcovers and padded to the French doors, flinging them open. She stepped into a wind that whipped her hair away from her face and the nightgown tight against her body. Infrequent drops of rain pelted her uplifted cheeks, cooling her skin. A click sounded from the door further down the balcony. Clad only in jeans, Rene stepped out. He was pure temptation, from brawny chest to bare toes. "You shouldn't be out here," he said, his voice a grumpy, sexy rumble. "You set off the silent alarm." With her heart thudding in her chest, she turned away. "I couldn't sleep." "Well, how 'bout not sleepin' inside?" His growling irritation made her smile. She felt the same way--bitchy, edgy, wonderfully horny. She noted the tight set of his jaw, the rapid rise and fall of his chest, and felt an overwhelming urge to seduce him. And why shouldn't she? The way she figured it, her days were numbered. The menace dogging her steps would eventually catch up. Why not grab for all the joy she could find in what was left of her life? She leaned back against the balustrade on her elbows, making sure the silky gown pulled tight across her breasts. His gaze lowered, lingering for a moment on her beaded nipples. "Cold?" he asked, his voice a rumbling, silky slide. "Not really." She decided to make sure he didn't misinterpret the invitation. She sauntered toward him, stopping inches away from his rigid body. This close, she breathed in his musky male scent. The breadth of his solid chest and his height overwhelmed her, made her feel small, vulnerable--and intensely feminine. He sucked in a deep breath. "Look, chère, whatever you're thinkin'—it's not gonna happen." She cast him a challenging stare. "Because I'm not what you want?" He shook his head. "Damn, you've got to know that's not it," he said, his voice raw. "This just isn't the right time." She met his gaze, hoping she didn't look too needy, but wanting him to know she could be his--if he'd just reach out. "What if there never is a right time?" His hands fisted at his sides. "I'm not lettin' anything happen to you." She lifted her chin. "You can guarantee that?" He glanced beyond her to the midnight sky, and he stayed silent. Stubborn man. He thought he could withstand this chemistry of hormones and waxing moonlight by sheer will. "Tell you what," she said. "How about a kiss? And I'll let it drop. It'll be enough, I swear." At his suspicious glare, she added, "Just a kiss." He blew out a deep breath and rubbed the back of his neck. "Will you come inside then?" "Yes," she said quickly. She'd promise anything just to draw him nearer. If he felt even a fraction of her need, he wouldn't be able to resist for long. The muscles in his throat rippled, and he nodded. "All right. A kiss." Shivering with excitement, she forced herself to keep her expression impassive. When she stepped closer, he wagged his finger in front of her face. "Inside." Even better. She turned to head toward her bedroom. "Uh uh." A crooked smile curved one corner of his mouth and he snagged her wrist. "I guess that's not a good idea." "Then here?" she asked, breathless at his first touch. The heavens opened, and the rain fell harder. He dropped her hand, shaking his head. "This is nuts." As rain flattened her hair against her head, Natalie wanted to scream her frustration at his hesitation. Knowing her nightgown was soaked to transparency and hugged her curves, she leaned back against the iron balustrade on her elbows and stared, hoping he would make the first move to save her from making a worse fool of herself. He muttered a soft curse and brought up his hand to cup her cheek. His thumb wiped at the moisture gathering there. His palm was warm and a little rough. She shivered at the delicious thought of that hand smoothing the soft, cooling rain down her naked skin. "Maybe this isn't the smartest thing for us to do," he whispered. Natalie tilted her head to press her cheek against his palm. "Who wants smart? I'm only asking for a kiss." His eyes narrowed, then his gaze dropped to her lips. When he leaned down, she guessed his intent—a quick peck and then he'd disappear downstairs again. As he closed the distance between them, she grasped the back of his head, winding her fingers into his dampening, thick hair, and tugged him closer. Rene groaned a moment before their lips met. Then he held himself still, not moving his mouth over hers. Natalie sighed and opened her mouth to lick at his closed lips. The rain pelted their heads, the moisture on their bodies acted like a conductor for the electric, arcing charge that leapt between them. Already, her body flowered. Her nipples tightened. Dew gathered at the juncture of her thighs. She leaned forward and rubbed her silk-covered breasts against his broad, wet chest, reveling in the spark of sensual heat that shot from her breasts to coil around her womb. His breath hitched and his hands gripped the iron behind her, but he leaned into her, his chest pressing closer. Not close enough. More! She tugged his hair hard and licked at the seam of his mouth, following her instinctive need to taste and tempt. He gasped, his mouth opening—but not pressing deeper. She surged inside, stroking his tongue with hers, slanting her mouth to softly encourage him to increase the pressure. Then she smoothed her hands down his neck to cup his shoulders, and down again, to scrape her fingernails along his spine. His body trembled and a growl erupted from his mouth, filling hers with his sweet breath, while his tongue crowded past her lips to lap along her tongue, darting inside, then withdrawing and stroking back. She hooked one leg over his hip, ignoring his initial, rigid resistance, to pull his lower body against hers, close enough now to rub the part of her that ached and swelled against the hard knot burgeoning at the front of his jeans. The hem of her nightgown bunched between their bodies, rising to bare her bottom and her moist sex as she rubbed harder against him. Natalie lost herself in the kiss, writhing against him—her whole world narrowing as his kiss changed subtly, until he sucked on her tongue and the ridge of his cock ground against her swollen folds. She dug her fingers into the hard muscle of his back and strained closer, needing more, aching for him to fill the empty place inside her body and her heart. Suddenly, he thrust himself away, stepping back. Dismayed, Natalie opened her eyes and stared. His hands were clenched at his sides. Ruddy color stained his cheeks. His lips thinned into a snarl. "This isn't gonna happen, chère." "Why not?" she asked, surprised her voice didn't crack beneath the strain of her need and disappointment. "You can't say you don't want me. I felt how much you do." He shook his head. "You're a pretty fille, sweetheart, but I don't mix business and pleasure. And I can't keep watch when you distract me." Her legs trembled and she sank back against the balustrade. Her body ached with unfulfilled desire. Tears filled her eyes as she sensed him withdrawing, steeling himself against their powerful attraction. "I've never felt this way before, Rene," she whispered. "And I'm afraid I'll never feel this way again. I ache—inside." Her voice broke and she turned her head, ashamed at the naked emotion she'd let him see. "Don't do this. Let me walk away," he said, his voice hoarse. "I'm not the man for you. Not now." Her next breath was more a ragged sob, but she held herself rigid to keep from letting him see how much she needed him. She whirled and grasped the door latch to escape inside the room. She'd almost made it, almost gotten past him without crumbling, but a shiver racked her body as her hand closed around the knob. The soft sob caught her by surprise. His hands settled on her shoulders, and he drew her back against his chest. "It's not that I don't want you," he whispered into her ear. She tore from his hold and pushed open the French door. "Just leave me alone." "Natalie—" Grasping the edge of the door, she faced him, letting him see the tears falling on her cheeks to mingle with raindrops. "I've never made love with a man--hardly ever kissed before." She drew a jagged breath and the words spilled from her. "Now, I'm being hunted by someone who wants me dead. And you can't protect me. Not really. He can reach me anywhere. I just wanted something beautiful...just once. Something just for me." Blinded by tears, she started to shut the door, but he pushed back and entered the room. Then his arms closed around her. She sagged against him, hating her tears, and the weakness that made her grateful for the warmth beneath her cheek and the strength of the arms supporting her trembling body. She clung to him, pressing her wet face against his skin. "It's all right. Don't cry." Silence closed around them, a watchful, pregnant quiet that grew while he stroked her hair and back. His fingers lifted her chin. Their gazes met for a long moment. Natalie noted a pulse throbbing at his temple and felt the tightening of his arms around her. Her breath caught. "These jeans stay on," he said, his whisper harsh.