Heartbreaker Blog Hop!

Tags

Heartbreaker blog hop, Stolen Bride series, The Highlander's Lady

Welcome to the Heartbreaker Blog Hop! Who doesn’t love a heartbreaker? All my heroes tend to be heartbreakers, at least a little bit.

In my latest Stolen Bride book, THE HIGHLANDER’S LADY, Laird Daniel Murray, breaks hearts all the time. He’s a hawt, sword-wielding rogue. In fact, he met the heroine, Lady Myra several years prior and broke her heart. She fell in love with him almost instantly, only to come upon him flirting it up with a bunch of other ladies. Now he’s laying on the charm once more, and she has to figure out if she’ll open her heart to him again or run away.

What is it about heartbreakers that make us swoon? Is it their never-ending charm? Wicked smiles full of naughty promise?

Be sure to leave a comment (WITH YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS!) below in order to be entered to win the GRAND prize (3 winners), as well as to win a prize on this site (2 winners)! I’m giving away a signed copy of THE HIGHLANDER’S LADY and a deck of Heart to Heart Conversation Cards for Valentine’s Day (learn, listen, talk, explore the unique history of the people you care about! Includes 46 question cards, 1 mystery/secret card, and instructions)–to one US/Canada winner, and 1 ebook copy of THE HIGHLANDER’S LADY to an international winner!

The GRAND prize… (Sorry, US winners only!) ABOUT THE BOOK:

A Highlander tamed…

Laird Daniel Murray seeks adventure, battle and freedom for his countrymen. Putting off his duties as laird—with a promise to his clan he’ll return come spring—Daniel sets off with his men to fight alongside William Wallace and the Bruce. But soon he stumbles across an enchanting lady in need. She tantalizes him with an offer he simply can’t refuse and a desire he attempts to dismiss.

A lady’s passion ignited…

Escaping near death at the treacherous hands of a nearby clan, Lady Myra must find the Bruce and relay the news of an enemy within his own camp. Alone in a world full of danger and the future of her clan at stake, she must trust the handsome, charismatic Highland laird who promises to keep her safe on her journey—and sets her heart to pounding.

Together, Daniel and Myra will risk not only their lives, but their hearts while discovering the true meaning of hope and love in a world fraught with unrest.

SHORT EXCERPT:

“What of yourself? How will ye protect me from yourself?”

Daniel laughed at that, spreading his arms outward. “Have some faith, Lady Myra, I wouldna harm ye. I do possess a certain amount of self-control.”

Myra studied her escort for several moments, taking in his towering height, the breadth of his shoulders, strength of his legs. He was a man built for warring. Despite his considerable bulk, he moved with ease and grace, giving credence to his control of his body—but his mind was another matter.

“Ye’ll pardon me for being skeptical. ’Tis not a man’s tendency to contain himself when alone with a female.”

“Truly? Ye think all men beasts?” He stepped closer to her and she imagined heat coming off his large frame in waves.

“Those I’ve come to meet.”

“Ah…”

Was there a twinge of hurt in his words? Had she offended him?

“I mean no offense, Daniel. ’Tis only my experience that I speak of.”

“I take no affront, Lady Myra. Ye’ve been through quite a trauma today.”

He glanced up at the sky, assessing the whitish-grey clouds and she did the same, wondering at his thoughts.

“I will see ye safely to Eilean Donan, so ye might be about your business.” He paused, considering her. She felt more exposed than she’d ever been in her life, and she couldn’t be sure why. She was completely clothed. He had no idea who she truly was. “On one condition.”

Myra swallowed, feeling her nerves prickle. He was indeed a man. “What is your price?”

Daniel nodded his chin in her direction, a challenging glint entering his eyes. “Ye must agree to marry me.”

She gasped, stepped back, her mouth agape in horror. She fisted her hands into the folds of her gown and cloak. “Marry ye?” Shaking her head vehemently, she tried to keep her throat from closing in panic.

“Aye.” He didn’t sound even a quarter as nervous as she did. Almost like he asked lasses to wed with him on a daily basis.

Was the notion of being forever tied to another so mundane to him? Of so little value? What kind of a man was he?

Miraculously, she was able to recover her voice and was pleased when her reply came out in steady, even tones, “Why would I do that?”

“Because ye want to reach the Bruce in one piece. Because your reason for getting there is of such importance ye will not tell me why. Because I will keep ye safe and ye’ve already had the misfortune of meeting one of the many vagrants upon the road. Next time ye may not be so lucky—even with your swift hand.”

He had a point… Myra didn’t want to die.

READ IT!

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Check out the rest of the authors participating in the Heartbreaker Blog Hop for your chance to win more prizes and discover new authors/books!

Holiday Gifts of Love Hop!

Tags

blog hop, Muffins, Stolen Bride series

Happy Holidays!!! From today until the 17th, make sure to leave a comment here and at as many of the over 200 participating author blogs for your chance to win one of the three grand prizes! AND by leaving a comment here, you’ll be entered for a chance to win the 1st THREE ebooks in my Stolen Bride series!!! THE HIGHLANDER’S REWARD, THE HIGHLANDER’S CONQUEST and THE HIGHLANDER’S LADY!!

What are the three grand prizes???? See below…

Around the holidays, I absolutely love to bake! Bread, muffins, cookies, you name it, my house smells good everyday in December!

Today, I thought I’d share a muffin recipe that I just made! It was so good… They were gone within a couple hours and I had to make another batch so the kids had something for breakfast the next morning (my kids won’t eat cereal… I’ve tried, but you’d think I was feeding them manure!)

Because I wanted to make sure my kiddies had balanced meal, this muffin is jam-packed with goodness, but tastes like heaven… Even my husband liked them–and he hates healthy things 🙂

So, if you’re looking for something yummy to munch on Christmas morning, or this afternoon, try this recipe!

Eliza’s Banana Chocolate Muffins — Yum!

Ingredients:

1 cup of Chocolate Almond Milk

1 tsp apple cider vinegar

3/4 c. of oatmeal

1 1/4 c. whole-wheat pastry flour

2 tbsp ground flaxseed

1/3 c. grapeseed oil

2 ripe bananas

1/2 c. walnuts

1/2 c. semi-sweet mini-chocolate chips

1/3 c sugar

1 tbsp cinnamon

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla

Directions:

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees. Prepare muffin tin — either grease or use paper cups. I like the paper cups better.

Put oatmeal in a food processor and grind for a few seconds–until it looks like flour/crushed oats. Stir together pastry flour, oat flour, baking powder, salt, flaxseed. In a measuring cup, stir the vinegar into the milk. In a separate bowl, mash bananas. Add sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, oil, milk, nuts and chocolate chips. Stir in the flour.

Pour mixture into each muffin cup–almost to the top.

Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick stuck in the center comes out clean. Cool for about 10 minutes and then nosh!!!

Enjoy 🙂

Check out the other authors participating in the hop!

The latest book in the Stolen Bride Series!! THE HIGHLANDER’S LADY…

A Highlander tamed…

Laird Daniel Murray seeks adventure, battle and freedom for his countrymen. Putting off his duties as laird—with a promise to his clan he’ll return come spring—Daniel sets off with his men to fight alongside William Wallace and the Bruce. But soon he stumbles across an enchanting lady in need. She tantalizes him with an offer he simply can’t refuse and a desire he attempts to dismiss.

A lady’s passion ignited…

Escaping near death at the treacherous hands of a nearby clan, Lady Myra must find the Bruce and relay the news of an enemy within his own camp. Alone in a world full of danger and the future of her clan at stake, she must trust the handsome, charismatic Highland laird who promises to keep her safe on her journey—and sets her heart to pounding.

Together, Daniel and Myra will risk not only their lives, but their hearts while discovering the true meaning of hope and love in a world fraught with unrest.

The Alpha Male Blog Hop!

Tags

Alpha Hero Blog Hop, alpha heroes, Eliza Knight, The Highlander's Conquest, The Highlander's Lady, The Highlander's Reward, The Stolen Bride series

Welcome to the Alpha Male Blog Hop! Over 200 authors and bloggers are participating–that means TONS (like hundreds!) of prizes!!! But that’s not all… There are THREE grand prizes. You as a reader can go to EACH blog and comment with your email address and be entered to win. Yep, you can enter over 200 times! Leaving a comment on this post will enter you not only in the grand prizes but in my special giveaway: a signed print copy of THE HIGHLANDER’S REWARD (Book One: The Stolen Bride Series), Scottish yummy smelling soap, and chocolate!!!

Now what are the grand prizes?

1st Grand Prize: A Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet  (Worldwide)

2nd Grand Prize: A $130 Amazon or B&N Gift Card (Worldwide)

3rd Grand Prize: The following Swag Pack! (US Only)

Onto one of my fav topics Alpha Males…

I love an alpha male. A strong, broad chested, stubborn hero with a dark tormented past. He’ll stop at nothing to protect his woman, and boy do I want to be his woman! All of my heroes tend to be Alpha males–real men’s men. Warriors, knights, Highlanders (and even he’s-the-boss contemporary alphas in my non-historicals!).

An alpha male is the one in charge. He’s got the answers–and when he doesn’t, he’ll figure it out. Everyone looks up to him. Everyone wants to be him. All the women want to be with him. He’s hot, intense, with the face of a God. The alpha hero has a sculpted body you want to touch or lick constantly, and he’s a dominant force in the bedroom. He gets his heroine hot and bothered by just looking at her. Can make her shiver with the brush of his fingertips on her cheek. Never leaves her unsatisfied. And yet, despite this tough exterior and intimidating persona, he is tender to his heroine, loves her passionately and would do anything for her.

Let me introduce you to some of my alpha heroes…

THE HIGHLANDER’S REWARD, Book One: The Stolen Bride Series

She belonged to another… But was destined to be his…

Lady Arbella de Mowbray abhors the idea of marrying an English noble occupying Scotland. When she arrives in Stirling, she is thrown into the midst of a full battle between the Scots and the English. Besieged by rebels, she is whisked from her horse by a Highland warrior who promises her safety. But when he kisses her she fears she’s more in danger of losing herself.

The last thing Magnus Sutherland wants is to marry the beautiful English lass he saved. As the laird of his clan, he has a responsibility to his clan and allies. But when Arbella is attacked by one of his own men, he determines the only way to keep her safe is to make her his. A decision that promises to be extremely satisfying.

Magnus brings Arbella to his home of Dunrobin Castle in the Highlands. And that’s where the trouble begins… Their countries are at war and they should be each other’s enemy. Neither one considered their mock marriage would grow into a deeply passionate love. What’s more, they were both unhappily betrothed and those who’ve been scorned are out for revenge. Can their new found love keep them together or will their enemies tear them apart?

Read it!:  Amazon / Barnes and Noble

THE HIGHLANDER’S CONQUEST, Book Two: The Stolen Bride Series

What is a Highlander to do when he falls for the daughter of his enemy?

Highland warrior, Blane Sutherland, has one mission: disguise himself as an Englishman, cross the border and retrieve Lady Aliah de Mowbray. Always up for a challenge, he agrees, pursuing his conquest with vigor—and trying to deny the powerful desire that eclipses him each time he touches his charge. A rogue of the highest order and a younger son, he has nothing to offer a lady but a broken heart.

And what is a lady to do when she cannot trust her heart?

Aliah is skeptical of the English noble who has come to take her to her father and sister in Scotland, but she pushes her doubts aside. Without word in months, she must make certain her family is safe, then she can return to England to join the convent to which she has sworn to pledge her life. But then her escort reveals his true self—he’s a Highlander and his kisses are more seductive than the sweetest of wines.

Surrender never tasted so sweet…

Read it!: Amazon / Barnes and Noble
THE HIGHLANDER’S LADY, Book Three: The Stolen Bride Series

A Highlander tamed…

Laird Daniel Murray seeks adventure, battle and freedom for his countrymen. Putting off his duties as laird—with a promise to his clan he’ll return come spring—Daniel sets off with his men to fight alongside William Wallace and the Bruce. But soon he stumbles across an enchanting lady in need. She tantalizes him with an offer he simply can’t refuse and a desire he attempts to dismiss.

A lady’s passion ignited…

Escaping near death at the treacherous hands of a nearby clan, Lady Myra must find the Bruce and relay the news of an enemy within his own camp. Alone in a world full of danger and the future of her clan at stake, she must trust the handsome, charismatic Highland laird who promises to keep her safe on her journey—and sets her heart to pounding.

Together, Daniel and Myra will risk not only their lives, but their hearts while discovering the true meaning of hope and love in a world fraught with unrest.

Releasing 12/15/12!!!

What do you love about an alpha hero? Who is your fav alpha hero?

Be sure to check out the other authors participating, leave comments for more chances to win!

Hot Summer Heroes Blog Hop!

Welcome to the Hot Summer Heroes Blog Hop!

For me a hot hero is a warrior, a leader, a protector. He loves fiercely, passionately. He stops at nothing to keep those he loves safe. He sticks to his convictions but is willing to open his eyes to new ideas. His eyes are the windows to his soul… Tell me what makes a hero hot in the comment section below!

For this hop, I’m giving away an ecopy of The Highlander’s Reward by Eliza Knight and an ecopy of Wicked Woman by Annabelle Weston (version winner’s choice) to one lucky commenter! To be entered into my Giveaway please leave a comment with your email address below!  For a chance to win the Grand Prize Giveaway of a $100 Barnes & Noble gift card, click here and leave a comment!

Monday, August 13th through Sunday, August 19th!!! Over 100 authors participating with tons of prizes! Click here for a list of other participating authors! HOP AWAY!!!

Take Magnus With You — Contest!

With the release of The Highlander’s Reward, I thought it would be fun to do a different sort of contest, hence the Take Magnus With You Contest was born!

The Details…

Print out the cover of The Highlander’s Reward (large copy below), or use your print copy of the novel, and take Magnus with you somewhere, anywhere! Could be the coffee shop, the beach, the park, your family vacation, your kitchen table, the grocery store! Doesn’t matter where, but take a pic of you w/the cover or just the cover (if you’re camera shy) wherever you are, and send it to me! (via Facebook or Email: authorelizaknight @ gmail.com –minus spaces). Once I receive your pic, I’ll post it to my Facebook page and you’ll be entered into the contest! The winner will be announced on August 31st! (Only one winner.) Also, be sure to click here and check out the Rafflecopter for even more chances to win!

The Prize…

A beautiful sterling silver Celtic knot pendant and chain (pic below). The Celtic knot is very similar to the designs I imagined for the swirls that decorate not only the furniture in Magnus’ bedchamber, but Arbella’s sash. Isn’t it gorgeous? Its just waiting for you to wear it. All you have to do is send me a pic of you with Magnus or Magnus wherever you are!

 

Ebook Buy Links:  Amazon / Barnes and Noble 

Print: Amazon

*No purchase necessary to enter.

 

Hot Summer Nights Blog Hop (win prizes!)

It’s that time of year again… Summer. I love to sit outside on a sultry night, stare at the stars and drink a delicious, cold beverage while cuddling with my hero and maybe having a smooch or two or more…

This bloghop celebrates the beginning of summer in preparation for those steamy summer nights. When we’re feeling languid and sweaty and turned on and there’s no better activity than… reading erotica or erotic romance. Okay, maybe there are better activities but reading can fill in the gaps, right?

There are over 100 erotica authors and kinky bloggers participating in this hop, all with hot posts and fun giveaways, so be sure to visit and comment on each one.  The grand prizes are a “Digital Erotica Gift Basket with over 40 books” or the “$100 Gift Card to EdenFantasys, fun sex toy shop”

I’ll be giving away two books in the group basket: Highland Steam by Eliza Knight (Amazon / B&N) & Mr. Temptation by Annabelle Weston (aka me) (Amazon / B&N)

Also, leaving a comment here, you will be entered for a chance to win a signed copy of SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES Volume 1, featuring my novella HIGHLAND TRYST (Amazon / B&N) and an ebook copy of WICKED WOMAN, book one in the DESERT HEAT series (Amazon / B&N) . (SCANDALOUS WOMAN, book two, releases June 20th!!!)  If you like Highlander romance, be sure to check out my upcoming release, THE HIGHLANDER’S REWARD, releasing July 15th!

So, tell me, what do you love about hot summer nights?

And don’t forget to visit the other authors on the blog hop!!!! Click here to see the list of over 100 participating authors.

Laura Kaye’s WEST OF WANT Preview & Prizes Event!

For the next month, I’m hosting my friend and chapter mate, Laura Kaye’s preview party! Her Anemoi series, has gotten rave reviews!

Happy WEST OF WANT Preview & Prizes Event, everyone! Today, April 10, was the original release date for Book 2 in my Hearts of the Anemoi series, West of Want. And then some really cool things happened: my publisher, Entangled Publishing, signed a huge deal with the nation’s biggest book distributor, which means for the first time ever, my books will be shelved in brick-and-mortar bookstores. And then, West of Want received a very nice pre-sales estimate by the booksellers and Barnes and Nobles bought it for all their stores nationwide (and it got bought for airports, too—squee!). The only bad news in this whole scenario was this: the release date got pushed back, by three LONG months! LOL So, I thought I’d celebrate the original release date with a preview of the book and a big contest, and give you a small taste to whet your appetite until the actual release date arrives.

“Laura Kaye’s captivating writing and vibrant world-building will have readers hooked on the gods of the Anemoi. WEST OF WANT is steamy, spellbinding, and a must-read for all romance fantasy fans.”

~Elisabeth Naughton, author of the Eternal Guardians series

Forty sites are celebrating with me today, and there are different posts at those different sites. To see the whole list of participants, click here. Now, without further ado, here’s the book blurb and one of four different never-before-seen excerpts from the book available for you to enjoy:

WEST OF WANT BLURB:

Betrayal is all he’s ever known, but in her, he’ll find a love strong enough to be trusted…

When Marcella Raines’ twin brother dies, she honors his request to be buried at sea, never expecting the violent storm that swamps her boat. Though she’s gravely injured–and still emotionally damaged from her recent divorce–Ella fights to survive.

Zephyros Martius is the Supreme God of the West Wind and Spring, but being the strongest Anemoi hasn’t protected him from betrayal and loss. Worse, he’s sure his brother Eurus is behind it. When Zeph’s heartbreak whips up a storm that shipwrecks a human, his guilt forces him to save her.

Ella is drawn to the vulnerability Zeph hides beneath his otherworldly masculinity and ancient blue eyes. And her honesty, empathy, and unique, calming influence leave Zeph wanting…everything. When Eurus threatens Ella, she and Zeph struggle to let go of the past, defend their future, and embrace what they most want–a love that can be trusted.

WEST OF WANT EXCERPT:

Zeph’s arms gripped her tighter, yanking her fully against him. The rigid line of his erection pressed into her belly. “You don’t understand how much you intrigue me.” His head dropped so his lips caressed her ear. “You don’t understand how much you attract me. You’re in my head. All the time. You make my heart beat faster, my body ache with want.” He kissed the shell of her ear and moved sinuously against her.

Her body came alive, tightening, opening, preparing. Ella gasped as he nipped and licked down her neck.

Then he growled. “What is this?” He tugged at the fleece collar around her neck.

“What?” she asked, trying and failing to keep up through the haze of lust.

“This…is this a man’s shirt?”

Ella looked down. “Oh, yeah.”

“I cannot abide it.” His mouth dropped open and the dark blue of his eyes flared. “Please,” he rasped.

Ella frowned. “I don’t understand,” she said, but she stepped back enough to pull the fleece over her head. She tossed it to the futon. “It was just my br—”

Zeph’s mouth crushed to hers. His big hands buried in her hair. He pursued her, devoured her. His passion overwhelmed and overpowered. She stumbled back a half step here and there, until

her shoulders hit the hallway wall.

Male spice filled her nose and tantalized her taste buds. Jesus, she couldn’t get enough of him. She met him kiss for kiss, stroke for stroke. She sucked his tongue until he groaned deep in his throat, and then she did it again.

He grabbed her hands in one of his and braced them over her head, against the wall. He pulled away from the kiss, but kept their faces pressed together. They were both panting, chests heaving, their clothing wet everywhere they touched. He stroked her face, her neck. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean…I…” He pressed his lips to her cheek. “I couldn’t stand seeing another man’s belongings on you.”

Pre-order West of Want on Amazon | B&N

So, what d’ya think? Want more Zephyros and Ella? Visit more participating sites to read all the excerpts, meet the characters, see the the West of Want romance trading cards, and enter to win! Thanks for reading! July 10 can’t get here soon enough for me! *grins*

~Laura Kaye

“Using ancient winter mythology as an allegory for grief, Kaye has written a sexy story that packs a powerful emotional punch. NORTH OF NEED is pure winter magic and Kaye’s sparkling talent warms the heart.”

~Stephanie Draven, author of the Mythica series about

multi-award-winning Book 1 in the Anemoi series, North of Need

WEST OF WANT PREVIEW CONTEST!

A few sites participating in the West of Want Preview Celebration are offering a special, limited edition gift pack, and this is one of them! See the other participating sites for a chance at one of *seven* Amazon/B&N gift card prizes, but here, comment with your name and email address for a chance to win a West of Want gift bag with a bangle bracelet with an Anemoi compass rose charm, an Anemoi lip balm, a Laura Kaye pen, and an Anemoi series bookmark and romance trading cards! Open to international.

Site-Specific Contest:

One commenter from each participating blog site will win a West of Want bookmark and the romance trading cards for North of Need and West of Want. Simply comment to enter to win and be sure to leave your email address. These prizes will be announced soon after May 10. Open to international.

About Laura Kaye:

Voted Breakout Author of the Year in the 2011 GraveTells Readers’ Choice Awards, Laura is a bestselling and award-winning author paranormal and contemporary romance. Hearts in Darkness is the EPIC eBook Award Winner for Best Novella, Forever Freed won the NJRW Golden Leaf Award for Best Paranormal of 2011, and North of Need, the first book in the Hearts of the Anemoi series, was named GraveTells’ Best Book of 2011 and won their 5-STAR Gold Heart Award, and won Sizzling Hot Read of the Year at Sizzling Hot Books. Laura lives inMaryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of theChesapeake Bay every day.

Buy Laura’s Books

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MEN OF THE SEA Party — Week Three

The party is in full swing!  We’ve talked about first kisses and sizzling tension-filled scenes… This week I want to know what your FAVORITE part of any romance is. Don’t be shy! Come on and tell. Not only will the winner of this week win the prizes, but I’ll post your “favorite” part of romantic tales, from one of the novellas next week. And of course, more prizes!

Winner of Week One and Week Two announced at these links.

This week’s prizes:

• 1 .pdf copy of Men of the Sea
• $10 Barnes and Noble giftcard (delivered in email)
• Entry into the grand prize (shh… the grand prize is a secret… Grand prize will be announced on November 22nd)

Now its time to share! What is your FAVORITE part of any romance?

My favorite part is… Okay, I’ll go ahead and say it–I love the first love scene!  BUT I also love when they finally break down and confess their love to one another.

Your turn!

MEN OF THE SEA Week Two Winner!

The winner of Week Two’s prizes is… Kate Dolan!  Email me with your email info 🙂 writer@elizaknight.com (minus spaces)

• 1 .pdf copy of Men of the Sea
• $10 Starbucks giftcard (delivered in email)
• Entry into the grand prize (shh… the grand prize is a secret… Grand prize will be announced on November 22nd)

MEN OF THE SEA Party! (week two)

Tags

contest, Her Captain Dares All, Her Captain Returns, Her Captain Surrenders, Men of the Sea, prizes

 

Last week we talked about first kisses… This week we’re talking about sexually charged, tension-filled conflict scenes… And more prizes!

(Winner of last week announced here.)

 

 

This week’s prizes:

• 1 .pdf copy of Men of the Sea
• $10 Starbucks giftcard (delivered in email)
• Entry into the grand prize (shh… the grand prize is a secret… Grand prize will be announced on November 22nd)

What do I mean by sexual charged, tension filled conflict scenes? I mean those scenes where the characters are so filled with desire and anger. The tension can be cut with a knife and the sensuality makes you sweat…  Here are a few clips from my Captain stories. But only a taste, to read the rest of the scenes you’ll just have to win or buy the book! *evil laugh* So, don’t forget to leave a comment to be entered in this week’s giveaway and the grand prize!

Her Captain Returns

This was Ryder, her Ryder. The man she had been waiting nearly a decade for.

Here he was.

But he had changed so much. He looked like a man rather than the youth she’d married. And she wasn’t the same warm naïve girl. Waiting up nights for eight years had done that to her. Wondering if she were widowed had hardened her heart.

No matter how embittered her heart, her body couldn’t stop its reaction to his taut form against her. His arms were bulging with muscle, and heat radiated from him. Ryder emanated pure raw maleness.

She slid her hands up the length of his arms, marveling at the feel of such brazen strength. Corinne leaned in a little further inhaling his scent.

Salty, crisp, sensual.

Her body was doing things her mind screamed against. Corinne needed to regain control.

Did she want to slap away his hands or pull him to her for a kiss?

No! Neither!

She couldn’t just let this selfish fool slide between her legs. Corinne’s lips pressed together into a thin line.

Ryder slowly put her back on her feet but kept his hold on her. His hands rested on her hips, and massaged her ever so gently. The heat from his fingertips was so intense. Corinne swore he burned holes into the fabric of her gown. She bit the inside of her cheek, resisting the urge to moan at his touch. He slid his fingers up the length of her arms. Softly he caressed her neck, and then lifted her chin.

She turned up to gaze at him, to assess his features, what he was feeling. It was a mistake.

Her Captain Surrenders

“Juliette.” The silky smooth voice of Nathaniel washed over her like a sensual caress, sending her body into overdrive. Desperately she shoved the fevered feelings aside.

She stopped dead in her tracks, quickly swiping angrily at her tears and refused to turn around.

“Look at me.” His demand was soft, his voice filled with guilt. “Please.”

She slowly turned to face him, but refused to raise her gaze to his. She would be damned if she would let him look into her crushed features. He’d already caused her enough pain, she wasn’t about to let him know it.

A strong finger lifted her chin, and Juliette melted. Her body betrayed her as his rough fingertip on her sensitive skin made her tingle, her nipples grew taut, and a wave of longing wracked her form.

She chewed on her lower lip, willing her body to quit playing games with her. She was angry at him, and would not be jumping into bed with him any time soon, if ever.

Finally having the nerve to look up, she met his gaze.

“I didn’t know you’d be here this evening.” His face registered regret.

“Of course not, you’ve been doing your best to avoid me.” She glared at him, pressing her lips tightly together.

Nathaniel sighed, his hand dropping to his side. “I’m sorry, Juliette.”

“Is that all you can say?” she hissed. “You desert me after we share a most intimate moment, and then cast me aside when I beg an audience? I should have known better than to become acquainted with a man like you.”

His gaze burned into hers, his jaw muscle working at an erratic pace.

“I’d say it was the other way around. I watched you leave with that dolt, Anglesey.”

Did he really think so lowly of her? Anger seized her, and she took a step forward, poking him in the chest.

“That dolt, as you call him, was kind enough to offer me a ride home, when he saw you leave.”

“Ah, yes, a ride home, and then perhaps a ride in the bedroom,” Nathaniel growled.

Her Captain Dares All

He was startled to see fear in their depths, mingled with untapped passion.

“What’s the matter?” he whispered.

She licked her lips and pulled away from him. “This is wrong, Captain Williams. If we were to be seen—”

She didn’t finish her sentence, and he didn’t need her to. The formal use of his name and the determined set of her mouth said it all. Her reputation was everything to her and he was fully aware of that. The lady was afraid their passion would ruin her future.

Everything came rushing back to him at once. He swore under his breath and turned from her, raking a hand through his hair. How had he let this happen? The teasing of the game, watching her chew her lips as she thought, and then her face full with triumph when she won, had been his undoing. Her passionate nature and fiery spirit had once again unarmed him.

“You’re right,” he growled and stalked to the door. “I won’t let it happen again.”