Bøger af Sandra Sookoo

A stolen jewel. An inappropriate attraction. One secret wish that complicates everything. Leopold Bollinger, 11th Earl of St. Vincent, is suffering from ennui. On the verge of turning forty-two, he's bored. Ten years retired from the spy life, the responsibilities his title demands are not enough to hold his attention. Unfortunately, neither do the ladies within the beau monde. All that changes when the widow of one of his best friends attends the same society event he does, and damn if she's not more attractive than she's ever been, which reignites the torch he's carried for years. Rachel Balfour-Lady Cavanagh-has been without purpose since her husband's death. Though she wants to hide from wagging tongues, keeping her dead husband's secret is of paramount importance. Upon a scandalous meeting with his best friend at a ball, her spirits change as does her mindset when he puts forth a completely madcap plan to reclaim an expensive jewel. Despite the fact his devilish grin tipped her acquiescence, being courted by his rival might sour a second chance at romance. While the unlikely pair scheme through summertime London, forced proximity turns the simmering passion between them into an inferno. As the bauble they chase eventually falls into the hands of a dangerous enemy of the earl's past, life quickly turns complicated, and sacrifices are made. Time counts down, and more than the treasure will be lost if they don't fight for the love they both need so desperately.

Sometimes, the greatest truths of life come on a midnight clear.Major Cecil Stapleton is struggling with his new life as a civilian after nearly twenty years in the military. Wounds received in the Battle of Toulouse left him angry, disfigured, and sent him home to England. All he wants now is to retire to the country and be left alone, especially since it's the Christmastide season. Finding his old lover in his cottage leaves him at sixes and sevens... and perhaps wanting more.Widow Sarah Presley has worked hard to conceal her existence in the Buckinghamshire countryside. She's looking forward to giving her seven-year-old son a special holiday, but that idyllic intention is shattered when a knock upon her door reveals the man she'd shared a night of exquisite passion with eight years ago-her son's father... and the man she never forgot.With no other choice, a tentative peace is struck, but memories intrude, as do new and confusing feelings, for their future is just as entwined. When a dangerous secret from Sarah's past comes back to haunt her, the dynamic with her and Cecil shifts once again. For the love of their son, as well as the sweet romance brewing between them, they'll need to work together to survive... and a Christmas miracle wouldn't hurt either.

Fighting against circumstances can usher in the greatest freedom.Peter Sammerson, Viscount Bingham, is a man tortured by his past. No matter that he wishes the beau monde would forget what he's done, he can't, and for that there's no peace, and definitely no future. During a walk to a friend's townhouse, he has a heated exchange in the rain with an interesting woman who might change his mind about wanting to avoid the ton altogether.Miss Katherine Davies is in London to attend her sister's wedding. Confined to a Bath chair due to an accident that left her lower half paralyzed, she still has her independence. A chance encounter with one of London's most scandalous rakes leaves her incensed, but the secrets in his eyes intrigues her and makes her wonder. Yet England's upper crust demands nothing less than perfection, and she is most certainly not.Despite the chaos from their initial meeting, Peter recognizes a kindred spirit, but he's terrified that when she hears of his terrible past, she'll hate him. While Kate begins to learn about the broken man, her emotions are engaged, yet does he view her as a whole woman? Acceptance, heat, and friendship springs between them, and if fate is kind, two rejects from society might find something more valuable than either of them had ever hoped for.

Engaging the heart instead of the fists can often make a more powerful statement. Miss Louisa Harcourt's life isn't what she'd envisioned. A widow, she returned home to protect her younger brother from domestic threats, but that put her into the soup as well. After constantly rebuffing unwanted attentions, she's wearied of living in fear. Knowing something must be done, she hires someone who can teach her the skills she needs to defend herself-a champion in fisticuffs-but her trust in men has been dented. The Honorable Cecil Carrington, fourth son of a viscount, is a glassblower by trade. It earns him a tidy income but not nearly as much as his second love-boxing. For years he's funneled his energies into learning the skills as a pugilist, which has made him a celebrity in ton circles. When a woman arrives at his shop with obvious bruises, asking for him to teach her how to fight, his protective instincts flare. She's pretty and determined, but he's wary of every woman's motives. As the chilly autumn days slip by, Louisa learns the basics of fighting and Cecil continues to engage in illegal, professional matches. Through the small victories and failures, an unlikely friendship forms. When romance follows, it takes them both by surprise, but evil lurks in the wings, always threatening. Things come to a head one rainy night, forcing Louisa to take back her life on her terms. And if she's lucky, she'll win the heart of a jaded boxer.

If you're lucky, the mysterious something missing from life is found right in front of you despite the risk.Widowed Lillian Fernsby has been buffeted by life's ills, and the grief is sometimes unrelenting. Keeping sadness at bay by making merry or being an outrageous flirt is all well and good, but what she really wants is to marry again. So, when her brother's best friend comes back into her life to protect her from a unidentified stalker, she's intrigued by the mystery and challenge he represents.The Honorable Thaddeus Carrington is the third son of a viscount, but he refuses to hang upon his father's coattails or put much stock in family pressure to marry. As a Bow Street Runner, he's found the thrill of solving cases, but when he's tapped to guard the sister of his best friend from a disturbing threat, he struggles between remembering her as the tag-a-long girl, as well as his confusing new awareness for her.While a flirtatious game of cat and mouse begins between them and desire builds, Lillian's pursuer grows bolder, and Thaddeus pledges greater vigilance in keeping her safe. Peril reaches a breaking point one spring evening, throwing the important things of life into sharp relief. Only they can decide if they want to fight for them before disaster-and death-strikes.

When an impromptu kiss captures the imagination, either a spark will ignite or family interference will snuff the match. Charlotte Darrington adores being adored by the men in her circle. She's in London at the request of her mother, and though her parent wants her to find an eligible gentleman and start a family, Charlotte delays. In her heart of hearts, she wants a man who can hold his own and won't be cowed. Nathan Brigham, Marquess of Ravenhurst, is annoyed with the interfering redhead leading his nephew into the evergreen maze. When he would have delivered a dressing down, she stops his words with a kiss. No matter that he finds her attractive and a welcome distraction from his darkly brooding life, he refuses to succumb to Charlotte's charms. Above everything, he won't become the savage man his father was. Once they return to London from a house party at his country estate, the two can't avoid each other. Stolen kisses and heated glances in shadowy halls as well as a questionable visit to White's draw them closer. He can't forget the demons from his past while her persistence to hear a declaration begs the question: to bed or to wed?

A lady's companion with no prospects. A duke who has turned his back on romance. A wild snowstorm that leaves them both stranded. It'll be a holiday neither of them will forget. Resigning herself to becoming a companion to an elderly peeress is Miss Hope Marie Atwater's last chance for a decent life. Though she's unwanted, undesired, and unloved at five and twenty, being on the shelf hasn't completely stolen her spirit. Her one wish at Christmastide is to stumble upon a man who will look past her drab life's circumstances to the spirited woman beneath, but that would take a miracle. Christmastide only brings maudlin memories he'd rather forget to Brook Gerard Clevenger, Duke of Denton. He wants to bury himself at his country estate, for the thought of merrymaking reminds him of all he's lost. A widower of three years, he's not looking for another romance; one was enough, and the pain will last a lifetime despite the fact he might welcome companionship or the chance for a stolen kiss. Travelling respectively through north Derbyshire-one coming, one going-misfortune is their lot. A fierce winter storm blows in and strands them at a posting inn where the situation isn't ideal. During a meeting in the courtyard, a common denominator takes them by surprise. As Christmastide nears, the class divide disappears, and the desire simmering between them explodes into something undeniably heated and intense. With three nights until Christmas, the wonder of romance might just be the gift they both need.

Nothing says Christmastide like a bit of intrigue, a lost treasure, and an unlikely romance. When widowed Amelia (Belle) Stanton-Lady Ravenscroft-finds a raggedy military man using her barn as refuge from December rains, she's not immediately concerned. Returning soldiers often crossed the countryside enroute to other destinations. However, there's something about the way the handsome man speaks and holds himself that makes her doubt his story, to say nothing about the immediate heat between them. The Honorable Montague Gabriel Hawkins is not on the attractive widow's land in the Wiltshire countryside by accident. Sent by the Home Office, he is to reconnoiter and retrieve a valuable painting and other treasures stolen by Napoleon but hidden when it became evident France would lose the war. Once belonging to French royalty, the return of said items would bring a hearty fortune and accolades, but instant desire for the widow might distract him. When the attempt to keep his mission a secret fails, Hawk is caught up in Christmastide activities. Belle is entirely too intelligent and soon she joins him on the quest. As they uncover clues and are waylaid by a torrid affair that ignites between them, danger follows closely in their footsteps. It'll take some clever planning and holiday play acting to keep not only the priceless heirlooms safe but also themselves alive. By Christmas night, love might be theirs if luck is on their side.

Sometimes the sweetest things in life don't have anything to do with dessert.Gwynn Flannigan wants respect from her father and freedom from her big, loud family. The icing on her cake would be to win a decorating competition hosted by her favorite food magazine writer. Cole Marshall's one outlet from the stress of business life is writing his Cooking in the Buff feature. Who cares if he never has time for fun?The answer for them both lies in the deep freeze at Sweet Endings, the struggling ice cream shop Gwynn manages and the one property Cole needs to secure a big promotion. He's stuck in Madrigal, Indiana to unravel a knot of family drama that drives him crazy.Things heat between Gwynn and Cole on the competition floor when Cole's alter ego is revealed. Cake and accusations fly while dreams and goals are left crumbling. In order to balance family, business, and love, Gwynn and Cole will need to work together and become partners-in more ways than one.

Sometimes the only way to gauge the depth of a man's regard is with the magic of gingerbread. In 1888 London, Miss Eleanor Redding, possessed of a beastly, grouchy attitude, works for Western Union Telegraph Company. It gives her a certain independence and a place to hide from her disappointing past in America. When she accidentally intercepts a Morse-coded message alluding to clandestine and nefarious activity, she accepts the challenge with alacrity. It will take her mind off the fact she's once more alone for the Christmas holidays. Why couldn't a man look past her prickles and scars to fight for her? Mr. Cameron Hallewell, grandson of the Earl of Albemarle, is employed by the Home Office in the matters of foreign interests. He takes his occupation of protecting British interests seriously, but he longs for a woman to surprise him in unexpected ways, to want him instead of his social standing. When there's news of a foreign operative lurking about Victoria Station planning something vile, he intends to track them down... only to find an attractive woman tailing various strangers on the platform and looking for all the world like a spy herself. They get on together like oil and water, but despite Eleanor's prickles and Cameron's bruised heart as well as his secrets, a spark catches between them. As the unlikely pair work together to capture a spy and prevent harm from befalling London, they come to care for and rely on each other. Throw in the intriguing prospect of an unexpected Christmas courtship, and they could have a romance that spans the ages... if they'll only let themselves give into granted wishes and a passion that's been there all along.

Real life crime solving can certainly put a damper on a romance. The heated dog days of summer are making everyone grumpy. When the biggest gossip in Newburg, Indiana ends up dead-with Sam Arnold's dad the prime suspect-things get hotter. It's been a month and a half since she helped bring down a bad guy. Maybe it's time to try her hand at a new case, especially since her boyfriend is out of town. Special Agent Mitchell has been saddled with a sexy, driven partner who does things by the book. Cutting corners or covering shortcuts with charm doesn't work on her. He misses brainstorming with his spunky sidekick, and now that her dad's reputation is on the line, the pressure's on. Evading his watchdog and snooze-fest new assignment is top priority. Too bad his professional butt is on probation. Time's running out for Sam and Mitchell to solve the crime while clues go as cold. The heat he's battling from his new partner's "hand's on" tactics might bring their budding romance to a boil, but they'll need to work things out before an unlikely killer throws cold water on all their plans.

When life gives you lemons, use them for lemonade or let them sour your life.Clara Tildon, a cancer survivor, has no time for defeatism. She's opened the Cute as a Button B & B in Bridgewater, Indiana, and along with her guinea pig, is embracing the lemonade lifestyle. It's always how she wanted to live. Everything is perfect, except for the nagging sensation that she would still like to fall in love.Jake Yates has returned to Bridgewater, the town he grew up in, for his friend's wedding, and he's not happy about it. He got out once and coming back, even for a visit, is not on his agenda. The people of Bridgewater can keep their small-town life, it's in his past, and that's where he intends it to stay. Even loneliness can't make him reconsider his decisions. A chance meeting. A fleeting kiss. Suddenly two opposites have a unique chance at love. But can Clara give up living in the moment long enough to see Jake as an opportunity she needs to plan for? Can Jake alter his well-laid plans to put Clara front and center in his life? Changing perspectives is the only way love can bloom.

Unexpected surprises have the sweetest impact.Emmaline, the Countess of Archewyne, is looking forward to Christmas Day. She and her family are assembled at their Cairo estate, and though she misses London and all the hustle and bustle and the snow, there is something endearing about the holiday away, for romance-and love-is always just around the corner.Miles Lawrence Hawkins, the fifth Earl of Archewyne, is wrapping up the paperwork and packing as a result of a successful tomb discovery. However, when a valuable statue goes missing, he becomes distracted. Which is a blessing, for he's also worried about the impending birth of his next child. So far away from home and civilization, anything could go wrong.Their tranquil days leading up to a Yuletide ball are interrupted with the arrival of old friends and fellow king's agents bearing news, gifts, and concerns of their own. As the house fills with anticipation, Miles fears they have a thief in their mix, while Emmaline's worst fear comes true. A romantic tryst during the holiday revelry brings their lives into sharp relief, and if everyone survives the harrowing events that follow, Christmas will never be a happier time.

Never trust a man in a kilt with mischief in his eyes.Lady Cecilia Holmes is in Scotland with her family to attend a wedding, but she'd rather be in London nursing the forgotten segments of society. While her father and brothers are chasing red stag, she sets off on a hike and is immediately lost in the Highlands. That's fine with her, for she'd become rather adept at being alone, but when a handsome man and his dog interrupts her solitude, her interest in him is caught. Perhaps being consigned to a drafty old castle for six weeks won't be so bad.Mathias Stahley, the Earl of Huxington wishes to be in London arguing cases as a barrister and forget about the judgmental, shallow ton, for he's more effective helping the less fortunate in that role than working for his title. The last thing he wants to do is attend his cousin's wedding, in the wilds of Scotland no less. While taking a walk through the rugged countryside, he stumbles upon a woman with windblown curls who immediately makes him wonder if his vow to never marry is wrong.The days are filled with social events, but Cecilia and Mathias make time to slip away and explore the beautiful countryside and perhaps indulge in a bit of scandal. As romance and desire blooms, circumstances beyond their control lead to a forced betrothal, creating an emotional rift between them. Obstacles and familial opposition will either tear them apart or they'll find something infinitely more satisfying and enduring amidst the magic of the Highlands.

Jewels and treasures hold no worth when held against the lives of loved ones. Though thrilled to adventure again, the Countess of Archewyne worries their unexpected trip to India will delay her first official mission as a new king's agent. But when Emmaline is told she and her husband will trade a priceless diamond for the kidnapped daughter of a marquess, she's willing to make the sacrifice. Too bad no one knows exactly where the sought-after jewel is. Miles Lawrence Hawkins, the fifth Earl of Archewyne, is looking forward to being out in the field again and away from the ton. Defending England's interests from nefarious blackhearts is one of his favorite ways to spend time. But when he and his beloved wife embark on a fool's mission to steal the Third Eye of Shiva and they stumble upon troubling clues from his past during their arduous journey across the world, he can't help but think there should be a limit on men who wish his country ill. As Emmaline and Miles are introduced to the exotic life behind an Indian prince's palace walls, things aren't what they seem. A bid for power reveals who truly controls the area while an insidious lie puts them both in danger. As peril dogs their steps and desperation fuels their actions, they must use every wile and skill they have in order to survive. For the sake of their little family and their own romance, they will give it their all. What else besides king, country and love is worth the fight?

A dark and tortured soul... Montague Bassage-12th Earl of Pennington-wants nothing to do with romance or anything else, frankly. After the fickle threads of fate took his two fiancées, he retreated within himself. Over the years, he's made himself into the worst man in London-a true beast. A rake to be sure. In his cups more often than not. Skilled at wagering, absolutely. Most of his time is spent at the Lyon's Den gaming hell, where his only joy is winning at the tables. Besieged by rumor and innuendo...Mrs. Adriana Roberts nee Stapleton, eldest daughter of Baron Kentwood, is a widow accused of killing her reprobate husband. In the scandal that followed his death, she returned home, only to dance attendance on her much younger and more beautiful sister, for the chit still has a chance of a good match. But when that sister's hand is lost at a card table to the Worst Man in London, she has to do something. The past has a habit of retaining a grip... When the owner of the Lyon's Den arranges a devious marriage between them, they have no choice but to comply. As Montague acts like an enraged beast, Adriana vows to keep the union as a marriage of convenience despite the intense attraction present. But when understanding chips away at their defenses, romance might have a chance if they choose to trust after years of disappointment and hurt instead of locking themselves away into darkness. Or else Mrs. Dove-Lyon will make certain they get exactly what they want...

Special Agent Mitchell is feeling the pressure now that his best friend and fellow agent is engaged. He's been dating Sam for almost a year but has yet to pop that all-important question and there's disappointment in her eyes when he remains mum on the subject. Samantha Arnold is a woman on a mission. If her man won't take that next step, then she'll just ask him to marry her. Except, things aren't that simple. Somewhere between the euphoria from having a literary agent request her book and picking out a ring for Mitchell, Sam lands in the middle of a hostage situation. Of all the rotten luck. Finding time alone to discuss their future isn't meant to be as the Arnold family constantly interrupts. Emotions boil over with a bang at the local shooting range, proving once again their lives will never be the same.

A curse, a quest and keeping the paranormal peace? No problem. All in a day's work. Sophia Raines has issues beyond being a near-sighted vegetarian. Bound to a power-hungry Portal Master for the next ninety years, she longs for freedom and a halfway normal life. When a sexy, golden-haired werewolf shows up and kisses her in the street, she panics. A romantic liaison isn't in the cards, since she'll eventually betray him. Nothing personal, it's just her job, hormones be damned. Xavier Leighton is a werewolf on a mission. He wants nothing more than to have the curse on his person lifted, but he needs to cultivate a friendship with stubborn, fearful Sophia first. There's something about the woman he can't ignore, and it has more to do than the soul-shattering knowledge she's his mate. Too bad she's resistant to his charms-and his kisses. As a supernatural bargain is struck, the countdown begins. All they need to do is find a gypsy, chat with a rifle-wielding mermaid, de-brief a deadly, dragon lawyer, and outwit a unicorn with Hollywood aspirations. Easy peasy. Somewhere along the way, Sophia and Xavier might just find out that opposites do attract... unless the Eight Realms fall into ruin first.

Revenge is never as sweet as the ability to find peace.The Honorable Olivia Beaumont, eldest daughter of Viscount Hereford, wants revenge. Following an ill-advised game of faro with a powerful duke, her father lost everything and then suffered a fatal heart attack. Now she wants that man to pay and suffer as much as her father did. But the only way she can do so is to enlist the help of the most shunned man in the ton-the disgraced Duke of Skeffington. It matters not that he's sinfully handsome, for she has a job to do.Lewis Arthur Sexton is a duke beaten down. Stripped of everything following a manufactured scandal against the Regent, he now wishes to drown himself at the bottom of a bottle. But when Miss Beaumont pays him a visit with the insane idea of humiliating the man responsible for her pain and his, he might just return to society to honor the request. If he ignores her bewitching attitude and alluring looks, he'll be fine.Except the scheme is far from fully formed, and friendship grows between them as a distraction. While she fights for revenge, he secretly protects her while they both try to regain honor in the glittering world of the ton. Yet the moment their relationship transitions into romance, everything unravels. When lives are put into jeopardy, they'll have to decide what they truly want, and if fortune is kind, it might prove to be a happily ever after.

Will the bonds of love prove stronger than a man back from the dead and bent on revenge? Miles Lawrence Hawkins, the fifth Earl of Archewyne, is determined to retire from life as a king's man. Working clandestine cases for the Crown might be in his blood, but keeping his family safe is a more paramount concern. When he and his wife are kidnapped, the chances of escaping slip away, especially when the man behind the insane plan is his brother, Nigel, who has been assumed dead for years. A mysterious note arrives following the unexpected death of her father blaming her husband for that event, and the Countess of Archewyne wonders what game is afoot. Doubts and fears add to growing ennui when Emmaline lands in a world of pain and confusion. A masked captor makes hideous demands unless she and the earl provide classified information. Through it all, she clings to her love for her husband while biding her time. Physical and emotional torture continues until the reason is finally revealed-to lure the Duke of Rathesborne into the web to answer for his alleged crimes against Nigel. As their world tilts on the whim of a mad man, they both battle to survive. Nothing short of a miracle can put their lives back together again or repair the damage gained in captivity, but fighting for the future is well worth any cost.

Fairies and ghosts and vampires, oh my! A trick of the mind or a new reality? Hannah Weybourne doesn't believe in things that go bump in the night. A reluctant empath who has tried to ignore her powers, she can't help but wonder if they're the reason when a hunky vampire enlists her aid. She's got her work cut out for her trying to deny Edwin's sex appeal as well as remaining hidden from the paranormal world. Edwin Mason is a paranormal bounty hunter searching for a wayward vampire. His best-laid plans go awry when he meets stubborn Hannah and immediately recognizes her value to the Eight Realms. She's the missing link needed to vanquish a power-hungry Demon Lord who's on the rise. Though he's got a job to do, Edwin's thrown off guard when Hannah bewitches him with her sarcastic nature and her tempting curves. What's one little bite between friends? The unlikely duo runs into a sticky web of supernatural foes and dark deceit in their quest to protect the magic in the Eight Realms. So many riddles, so little time. Despite the danger on their tail and the Demon Lord in their sight, love blooms, and it's not a normal courtship, but then, who needs normal anyway?

When hope in love is lost, fate intervenes... Lady Beatrice Ashdowne-Delacourte has been devastated by the news of her mother's infidelity. Since London is abuzz with half-truths about her real father's paternity, she wants nothing more than to get away and hide, so when the opportunity arises to escort her daughter to a midsummer house party in the Wiltshire countryside, she agrees with alacrity. Perhaps she might vicariously restore her faith in romance by watching the young people.A man cannot be alone forever...Major Owen Kenton is suffering from a large case of ennui. A widower without purpose since an injury ended his military career, he wishes to recapture the magic of those glory days and be needed again, or have the time to take a nap. When his daughter decides to attend a house party in his son's stead, he accompanies in the hopes of dancing a waltz himself... if a lady can look past the scars left behind by the war, for he misses that intimate connection.Being lost in a hedge maze changes everything...When they both find themselves at the heart of the maze after a rout, the attraction simmering between them ignites into a scandalous coupling. Confessions and secrets follow that bring them closer, yet they want very different things from life that might prevent a romance. When an ill-advised horse race at the end of the party is conducted that has Owen's life in peril, everything is suddenly thrown into sharp relief with heart-stopping detail. Only they can decide what they truly want from there.¿Willful WinterbournesRomancing Miss QuillPursuing Mr. MattinglyCourting Lady YeardlyTeasing Miss Atherby - NovellaGuarding the Widow PellinghamBedeviling Major KentonCharming Miss Standish

The heart wants who it wants, and sometimes that means sharing the love despite the scandal. Caroline Montmorency, ten years an assumed widow, is on the verge of having her sea-faring husband declared legally dead. While the country is embroiled in a maritime war with England, all she wants is to wed her longtime friend, Paul Douglas, and begin life anew. But those plans are broken when her husband unexpectedly returns. Captain Adam Montmorency is an adventurer, privateer and general ne'er-do-well-at least, he was. He's come back to Maine with his memories of how he treated his wife missing. After guarding his emotions during endless days of British torture, he'd like to repair relations with Caroline and gain acceptance for the man he is now-reformed and ready for domestication. Paul has loved Caroline for years but waited to declare himself out of deference to Adam's memory. She's promised him her hand, but he's faced with the loss of his lady to Adam, so he does whatever it takes to win-even if it means betraying his best friend to the British. While Caroline has mixed feelings about having Adam back in her life and bed, she won't give up Paul. Before any of them can grasp a happy ending, they'll have to survive a fight with the British and muddle through the aftermath of Paul's deception.

The quest to break a mummy's curse turns dangerous when a peer ends up dead. Miles Lawrence Hawkins, fifth Earl of Archewyne, is alone and the last of his line, save for a young daughter, and he's made peace with that...Yet unexpectedly finding an attractive female thief in his library gives him doubts. Drawn into the lady's insane plot to retrieve various stolen mummies from around London-including the British Museum-he accompanies her merely to see what will happen next. Being captivated by her quest and intrigued by her talent for skirting the law is a much needed distraction from the stress of his own life's misfortunes. Lady Emmaline Darling, skilled thief and only child to the Earl of St. Ives, is under a mummy's curse. Believing herself damned due to her father's penchant for removing antiquities from Egypt, she's vowed to return a pair of mummies to their eternal resting place in order to save his life and her own. Being caught by Miles wasn't in her plan, and neither was falling for his charm, but she'll do anything to see he's free of the curse as well, for their histories are too intricately connected for his ills to just be bad luck. When a peer with ties to them both ends up dead and Emmaline's jewelry is found at the scene, Miles is honor bound to offer for her and lend her his protection. Despite her refusal, desire pulls at them and scandal surrounds them, and when Miles is summoned to once more embark upon a secret mission for the Crown, he must shed everything that will become a liability, but keeping Emmaline out of trouble-and out of his mind-is easier said than done.

Maybe falling in love is the greatest con of all. Julia Spencer may be new at her journalist's job, but that doesn't mean she can't spot a rat when she sees one. When she investigates a con-artist's lies, her own terrible past resurfaces. Despite the acute desire she feels for him, she has to decide if he's trustworthy or if he intends to ruin her life. Tyler Browning needs money-quick. He's a first-rate fraud who has charm and charisma on his side. After making a hasty promise to a dying friend, hawking a bogus tonic seems the easiest way to meet the financial dilemma. All goes well until a chance meeting with a pretty but far too conscientious reporter sends his plans and passion into a tailspin. As their unlikely relationship deepens and they give into mutual need, Tyler begins to reap what he's sowed, while kidnap and extortion schemes push Julia back into her dark past. Together she and Tyler will have to learn to trust each other in order to overcome the obstacles, before they do something they might regret.