Wow! Last night, I’d found out that Ink Master was graciously reviewed by Stacey at Sizzling Hot Book Reviews. To say that I was honored is an understatement. The reviews posted there are genuine and I’ve bought many of my favorite ‘keeper’ shelf books based on what’s been posted. To read and discover Ink Master was given 5 Hearts was a Snoopy dance moment. If you’d like to learn more about Sizzling Hot Book Reviews, here’s a link to the blog/site: http://www.sizzlinghotbooks.net/

If you’re interested in reading the review of Ink Master, available now from Ellora’s Cave, All Romance Ebooks, Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com, here’s the link: http://www.sizzlinghotbooks.net/2011/11/ink-master-by-frances-stockton.html?zx=b7743f9e4f388b64

Sincere thank you to Stacey and Sizzling Hot Book Reviews. Still dancing around the house with glee!

Frances Stockton

Hello everyone!

I thought it would be fun to give you all a taste of Phalen Maddox and Cassie Williams’ story, Ink Master. As mentioned previously, Phalen has been a secondary character in both Quarterback Blitz and Field of Play. Now, it’s his turn for HEA with the submissive of his sexiest, wildest wet dreams. The thing is, though Phalen is a Dominant in every sense of the word, emphasis on the D, he is not arrogant, selfish or in any way abusive. He’s also studied D/s relationships extensively and learned that his favorite ‘letter’ in the BDSM lifestyle is the B. Here’s a glimpse into Phalen and Cassie’s love story…

An Excerpt From: INK MASTER

Copyright © FRANCES STOCKTON, 2011

All Rights Reserved, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.

Chapter One

5:00 a.m. Book Haven Diner-Salem, MA

The first step on my path to submission was acceptance. I’m a professional woman and have responsibilities I’ve worked hard to achieve. There was no way in hell I would willingly submit to a man, much less let him bind me to his will and lead me on a sensual journey few can understand. But that was before I met Master and my body knew before my heart that he was destined to make me fly.

Under his domination, I became a powerful woman. Under his control, I flew. And when I accepted his collar, I did so with the power of love…

Cassie Williams pushed her glasses back into place on her nose and tucked her sister’s journal into the pocket of her apron. Fiddling with the coffee machine, she poured fresh Columbian beans into the grinder while trying to reason out how a financial adviser on her way to being the CFO for a big shot corporation could be something totally different in private.

Allie had been a submissive in a D/s relationship, something her family kept secret.

Even as Cassie filled the water basin, she recognized something in herself. She and Allie may not have been identical twins, but her sister’s prophetic words made her wonder if she’d ever know what it was like to fly beneath the skill of a Dom’s hand.

“Morning, sweetheart, saw your car parked out back and thought I’d check in.” Phalen’s Boston accent turned the r in car into an h. Cassie loved his voice. It never failed to make her weak in the knees.

Waiting for the coffee to begin brewing, she answered, “Hey, Phalen, been awhile since you walked through my door.”

“I’m sorry I was gone so long. Had my brothers keeping an eye on things around here,” he said. “Any chance I can get a mocha latte before the breakfast crew gets in?”

In an instant, Cassie’s panties were damp. The smell of Irish Spring tickled her nose. Phalen Maddox was her darkest fantasy come to life. But damn it, her fantasies scared her sometimes.

“Sure, it’ll just take me a sec.” Turning around, she found Phalen sitting in his seat at the counter.

As always, her heart skipped a beat. Her clit pulsed in recognition of a sexy primal male who could do amazing things with his hands and tongue if they ever got horizontal. Refusing to let him know how much she wanted him, she shoved the glasses up her nose as a show of indifference.

Phalen didn’t just sit at the counter. He commanded center stage, even though all he did was offer his gigantic coffee mug and a charming devil-may-care smile.

Pulling herself together, she went to grab the mug. He caught her wrist first, holding her absolutely still. “What’s going on, babe? You were a million miles away when I walked in. The door wasn’t locked. Not a good idea when you’re here by yourself.”

Every nerve-ending beneath her skin fired in delight at the way Phalen’s hand wrapped around her wrist. His grip was strong. His fingers were calloused from years of martial arts training in Jujitsu, Kung Fu and Judo. Recently, he’d joined the Taekwondo dojo on their block and was mastering that too. There was no force. But to pull back right then wasn’t an option.

“Wow, two nicknames in less than a minute,” she said, slowly lifting her eyes from his long fingers to his face. “At least you stopped calling me darlin’.”

He called every woman that. Now women who came into the diner frequently asked for the hot blond guy with the scrumptious body and wicked charm. Granted, he was ripped. If there was an ounce of fat on him, she’d eat his Sox cap.

“Answer the question,” he insisted. Normally, she’d have thought eyes the color of melted pewter would be cold. No. His gaze made her hot from head to toe.

“Nothing’s going on.”

“Ah huh, then you weren’t daydreaming about Donatelli?” Changing his hold on her wrist, Phalen kept his eyes on her. “Ethan told me he saw you getting cozy with him on TV last Sunday.”

“This little show of dominance is about Michael? Need I remind you we’re never been on a date? Or did you suddenly appoint yourself my Master while you were gallivanting around Fairfax with another woman for more than a month?”

“I’m not interested in any woman but you. When you’re ready, I’ll be your Master, Cassandra Williams,” Phalen declared. Already turned-on, she creamed her panties. “You need to stop going out with him. Or I’ll take issue with it.”

“What will you do? Tie me up like a pretzel and flog me into orgasm? I don’t think so,” she scoffed, refusing to let him know there was a very real part of her that wanted him to tie her up like a pretzel.

“No pretzel twists. No flogger to redden that fine ass of yours, much as you’d like it. I’ll put a chastity belt on you and keep you from coming at all.”

“You wouldn’t dare. That’s barbaric.”

Phalen squeezed enough to keep her attention, his gray eyes boring into hers, one brow raised. She knew if she simply backed up, he’d release her. Choosing to stay was far more thrilling. “Test me on it, Cassie. See how long I’ll forbid you to fuck if you date him again.”

“For your information, I haven’t had sex in so long I’ve forgotten what it feels like. There’s no reason to worry about who I’m dating or not.”

“That’s good. I don’t share. When I fuck you, you’ll never go back to your vanilla boyfriends.”

Did he have to be so damn gorgeous when he said he was going to fuck her? It was difficult enough dealing with a man as confident as he was. Phalen had chiseled movie star looks, extreme height at six foot six, incredible long blond hair which he kept tied in a ponytail, gorgeous eyes a woman could melt into, a strong chin and muscles that screamed former Army Airborne Ranger.

She loved when he wore his faded Boston Red Sox cap, it was such a part of him she couldn’t remember the last time she’d seen him without it. That had been more than six months ago, when they’d opened their businesses within the same week. They’d flirted and danced around each other since.

Yet they’d never gone on a date or kissed. Phalen had learned how her sister died and backed off so far he’d almost dropped off the planet.

“Phalen, if you let go, I can make your latte,” Cassie suggested, letting him decide when to release her.

“Promise you won’t see him anymore.” He loosened his fingers, using the edge of his blunt fingernail to smooth the pulse in her wrist.

She shook her head. “I can’t promise not to see him. Having a state senator as part of my father’s congregation is a huge deal. My parents and his have known each other forever. Sometimes we cross paths when I go to church. But I’m not dating Michael Donatelli. He’s been dating someone for a couple years anyway. What’s the problem?”

Phalen smiled, sending her heartbeat into overdrive when he flashed his pearly whites. It wasn’t that his teeth were perfectly straight that got her. In fact, his canines reminded her of a wolf’s and one incisor was crooked. It didn’t matter. He was sexy as hell. “Thank God I don’t have to pulverize the slimy bastard.”

“You believe me?”

“Of course,” he answered, releasing her wrist. “I don’t like the guy. His TV commercials drove me bat-shit crazy last November. You know that.”

“You think he’s a conservative bore,” Cassie said, reluctantly stepping back. Now that he’d let go, she missed the strength of his hand restraining her.

“Donatelli is an asshole. Never said he was a bore. That’s on you.”

Phalen was right. Michael was boring. And so damn uptight at times that she’d wanted to ruffle his feathers by telling him who she’d voted for. She didn’t though. Her father would have a cow if she openly admitted she was a Democrat to the right wing politician. She was twenty-nine, for goodness sake. She shouldn’t have to hide what she was from anyone.

“Can I get that latte now?”

“Sure. My breakfast crew should be coming in soon if you want something to eat.”

“I ate already, thank you. Any chance you’d like to come over and pick a tat over lunch?” he asked when she turned away to play barista.

“I don’t think I’m ready for a tattoo.” She’d been contemplating getting one for months. The pain involved kept her at bay. “Maybe I’ll get one for my birthday in April.”

“How about I design something for you?”

“That’d be nice.”

Cassie loved coffee and books. Miraculously, she’d found this old diner up for sale nine months ago. She’d been saving her money while working at a coffee shop since she was in high school, had sound investments, was gifted with a nice inheritance from her grandparents’ estate and borrowed a small business loan from her parents, which she was still paying off.

Her cooks and wait-staff served diner-style dishes while customers read or worked on their computers. There were eight vintage booths, ten tables and a counter that could seat eight in the front. The tables and booths had small music boxes, each connected with a digital jukebox to the right of the counter near the restrooms.

Customers had to walk through an archway to get to the store, where she offered magazines, newspapers and gifts such as coffee mugs designed by local artists and jewelry.

Since it was in Salem and a few blocks down from historical landmarks around town, it was an attractive destination for breakfast and lunch crowd tourists. She didn’t serve dinner, deciding when she opened to switch to goodies like soft pretzels and scones until closing time. Coffee, lattes and hot teas were available all day.

“Cassie?” Phalen called out again, putting more push to his voice.

Loving the way he sounded right then, she looked back. He was still in his seat. His eyes were trained on her hair. “Yes?”

“You said maybe about getting ink,” he pointed out. “Not long ago, you said ‘no way in hell’. What’s changed?”

“The idea that getting a tattoo from you doesn’t seem so painful anymore.”

“The degree of pain changes, depending on where you want the work done. Endorphins kick in to help your body deal with the discomfort, sweetheart. For some, it’s very addictive.”

“My answer stays the same. I’m not ready yet.”

“For the tat or me?”

Ink Master is currently available in ebook format from Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Amazon.com, B&N.com and All Romance Ebooks. I’ve included urls for each and below is the cover blurb.

http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9646-ink-master.aspx

http://www.amazon.com/Ink-Master-ebook/dp/B005XZ15D8/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1320151307&sr=1-1

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ink-master-frances-stockton/1106957633?ean=9781419937071&itm=1&usri=frances%2bstockton

http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-inkmaster-624924-144.html

I hope you enjoyed the excerpt and come back for more.

Have a fabulous day,

Frances

Hello everyone!

As you may know, for the last couple of weeks, I’ve been part of a multi-author Trick or Treat contest hosted by the lovely and talented Sam Cheever. As the contest is now closed, it’s time to change to give everyone the scoop on Ink Master. To those who visit to find out about Sam’s contest, scroll down. Winners have been contacted already, congratulations to, Angela Burke & Janet May! Both of you should have received emails from me regarding your prize/prizes.

As to Ink Master, from Ellora’s Cave Taboo, if you’ve read either Quarterback Blitz or Field of Play, you’ve also met Phalen Maddox, a former SpecOps/Airborne Ranger turned PI and tattoo-shop owner from Boston, MA. For months, Phalen’s been playing hero for his friends, all the while he’s been waiting for his woman, submissive-in-denial, Cassie Williams to acknowledge that she wants him.  Now, it’s Phalen and Cassie’s turn for HEA. Warning, this book is novel plus length, but the tale Cassie and Phalen wanted to tell is extremely HOT, extremely SEXY and incredibly heart-warming all at the same time. It is my first foray into the dark, sensual world of BDSM and I do advise any who’d like to experience the lifestyle in their own relationships to do research, research, research before you decide to embark into something that can be dangerous and addictive to the unfamiliar.

Ink Master is currently available in ebook format from Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Amazon.com, B&N.com and All Romance Ebooks. I’ve included urls for each and below is the cover blurb.

http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9646-ink-master.aspx

http://www.amazon.com/Ink-Master-ebook/dp/B005XZ15D8/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1320151307&sr=1-1

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ink-master-frances-stockton/1106957633?ean=9781419937071&itm=1&usri=frances%2bstockton

http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-inkmaster-624924-144.html

Included beneath the cover blurb is a url for an excerpt and excerpts are available at each site/vendor listed above. I hope you’ll check out Ink Master and all of my books, especially Quarterback Blitz and Field of Play if you’d like a hint into what Phalen is like.

For more about Cassie and Phalen’s story, check out the cover blurb:

Phalen, a former Army Ranger turned PI and tattoo-shop owner, is a Master waiting for someone to challenge him. Submissive-in-denial Cassie is the perfect partner in lust. Having been out of town for a case, Phalen returned determined to claim his woman and discovers she’s more open to BDSM than he’d hoped. He couldn’t be more turned-on.

Then Cassie nervously reveals her submissive twin sister may have been killed by an abusive Dom, who died shortly after. Despite the fact that her family and the cops believe their deaths were murder-suicide, Cassie hires Phalen to find the truth.

While he investigates a cold case, their relationship scorches the bedroom and his dungeon. But when his investigation points toward someone close to Cassie, she’s caught in a psychopath’s web of lies. It’ll take all Phalen’s skills to unravel the clues—and save Cassie’s life.

For an excerpt, check out the following link! http://www.jasminejade.com/productspecs/9781419937071.htm

Thank you for spending a little of your time/day on my blog.

Until next time,

Frances Stockton

Welcome everyone! Today’s the big announcement. A Halloween Trick or Treat CONTEST sponsored, hosted and arranged by author Sam Cheever, with several of your favorite Paranormal Romance authors participating. For the details, read the instructions below. For the next few weeks, this blog will be dedicated to the contest.

And, guess what? Not only could you win great prizes and giveaways, but also an iPad! Recently, I got one for my hubby for his birthday, and it’s so much fun. I’m sure you’ll be able to play games, surf the web, enjoy the apps and read dozens and dozens of ebooks. Again, check out the contest details below. In addition to the ‘treat’, an ebook copy of Arrington’s Claim, 4th in my shape-shifter Panthera series with Ellora’s Cave Blush, I’ve added to Sam’s Halloween bag of goodies, I’ll have an individual winner to chose from and will be in contact with you after Halloween to let you know what you’ve won.

Following the instructions, I’ll have a Ghost Story to tell and there will be a clue/question to answer and a link to the next author to visit for the contest. While you’re visiting my ‘house’ on Sam’s street, check out the YouTube playlist I’ve created to keep you entertained as you read.

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4B958EBA092D379F

Want to have lots of fun and play for a chance at an iPad ereader and tons of goodies? Join me and a dozen other talented paranormal authors (lucky 13!) at Sam Cheever’s fifth annual Trick or Treating Bash on a street near you!  Some of your favorite paranormal authors live on Sam’s street, and they will be waiting by the door with tricks and treats for you.  The lucky winner gets a Halloween Bag with an iPad e-reader in it, books, t-shirts, candy, and other wonderful prizes from the authors who live on Sam’s street.  There will also be a bonus prize for one lucky winner from AuthorIsland.com!

To play, visit Sam’s Halloween Contest page at http://www.samcheever.com/Halloween_Contest_2011.html from October 15^th through October 31^st for instructions and to get started.

**If you have trouble with the above link, you can access the contest through Sam’s Contest page on her website: www.samcheever.com.

Only one trip down the street per contestant and you must be at least 18 to play!

Come and join the fun and play for a chance to win an iPad and a bag of goodies. You might be surprised to learn who lives on Sam’s street!

It’s story time! Well, okay, more than a story. It’s a confession. I love all things Paranormal. From kickass vampires such as J.R. Ward’s Blackdagger Brotherhood and Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Dark-Hunters, to Urban Fantasy Mayan doomsday tales by the likes of Jessica Andersen, to shape-shifters, ghosts and things that go ‘bump’ in the night. Speaking of ghosts, I’ve recently become interested in ghost hunting.

Yes, it’s true. I watch Ghost Hunters on the Syfy Channel and Ghost Adventures on the Travel Channel with Zak, Nick and Aaron. There are some shows that I just don’t ‘buy’ as authentic, and there are situations that come across as unbelievable simply to get ratings, but these are my favorites.  Your opinion may differ and I totally respect that. Last April, I had the opportunity to participate in a ghost hunt in Salem, Massachusetts with YA author and ghost hunter Marley Gibson and Patrick Burns. To say I went into the hunt expecting to take great notes for a future book is an understatement. By the end of the night, I’m convinced something or someone was communicating with us. The group got some pretty chilling EVPs while visiting Howard Street cemetery, one of the burial spots for those caught up in the witch hysteria trials in 1692, as well as the memorial location, where many of the accused were put on trial and executed! The most chilling EVP came from a woman with a very unique accent more fitting to the 1600s than today. When Marley asked if the memorial was soothing or healing for her, the woman’s response was clearly ‘No’ and no one in the group had uttered a single word.

Does this mean ghosts exist? Possibly. I think that anything is possible. When there’s an epic time in history, such as the bloody battles of the Civil War, massacres, plague-infested castles and towns or mass-shootings at shopping malls or workplace violence, yes, I believe that the spirits of those people can remain behind. I also think that it’s wise to get some training if you’re interested in ghost hunting. Start by taking classes, research the group leading the ‘hunt’, and go in with an open mind. Ghosts/spirits or whatever you want to call them do not necessarily act on command. It takes tremendous energy to utter a word and experience with the equipment that can make it possible for communication at all.

Do I believe in the evil side of the supernatural? Yes. I think that if you’re into a situation that seems off or makes you feel ill or uncomfortable, get out of it. Here’s another quick tale of an experience that not only I experienced, but my brother and his partner, as well. A couple of years back, we visited the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast. It’s true! You can not only take a tour of the premises of one of the most notorious ax murders in history, you can stay…overnight! You can dine on a meal similar to what Mr. and Mrs. Borden ate the day they were murdered. That the cruelty of their deaths went unpunished, as Lizzie was acquitted by a jury who later gave her a photo of themselves deliberating her ‘innocence’, and no one was charged afterward makes one feel a sense of unease when you go inside that house.

It is, to say the least, creepy! The furniture, all spot-on replicas of the original decor because the furniture had been sold after Lizzie bought a much bigger home after the trials. I won’t go into the details of the murders, but recommend that if you’re ever in Fall River, MA, visit and hear the details of the day the Bordens were killed, see the photos of the autopsies (done right there on the dining room table where they’d breakfasted earlier in the morning) and the ‘viewing’ and funeral done right there in the parlor, you might feel the chill of something watching you, too. I came away believing that not only did Lizzie have a hand in the deaths of her father and stepmother, but I believe the housekeeper/maid, had a hand in the events. There was a history of hatred between Lizzie, her sister and Mrs. Borden, and the girls had arranged to have their stepmother robbed. They’d been caught red-handed! Let’s leave it there. This is what I believe. Tour guides might have a different opinion. They leave it to tourists to draw their own conclusions. What happened to me in the third floor maid’s bedroom was what scared me the most. While listening to the guide, someone or something touched my elbow. I mean tugged, hard, like a child wanting my attention. Immediately uncomfortable, I left the room and asked the guide in the hall if the Bordens’ ever had children living in the house or visiting them? The answer, not the ax-murdered Bordens. But there was a Borden family, of no relation to Lizzie and her parents, who lived in a house right next door to Lizzie’s years before. Tragically, there were children who’d been murdered and their bodies were hidden in a well between the two houses. I told the guide about being touched by what felt like a kid wanting my attention. She wasn’t surprised. Frequently, women or mothers who visit the home experience the same thing and the children like playing in the third floor bedroom of the B&B. It wasn’t that a child’s spirit was bad or in anyway threatning. It was simply disconcerting.  It was the closest I’d come to interacting with someone who was no longer living among us, but who’s spirit remained unsettled. My brother and his partner felt similar uncomfortable moments. 

Again, I advise taking a trip to Fall River, MA. Learn about Lizzie. Afterward, go to Boston, Concord, where there’s a fabulous cemetery, Sleepy Hollow, not kidding, where a host of New England authors are buried on ‘Authors Ridge’, including, Thoreau, Hawthorne, Ralph Waldo Emerson and the Alcott family, Lexington and places central to the American Revolution, as well as, Salem, Massachusetts. Of all the New England towns that embody Colonial History and possibly ghostly history, Salem is quite active. Learn about the witch trials, visit the museums, the memorial, the ‘Witch House’ and don’t forget the pirates! Yes, pirates. Salem’s location on the waterfront was the perfect location for pirates to hideout and plan their dasterdly ways. 

So now that we’ve come to the end of my ghost tales, here’s your chance to participate in the contest. Using multiple choice, answer the following question: 

Where is Lizzie Borden’s Bed & Breakfast located?

A. Salem, MA

B. Lexington, MA

C. Fall River, MA

D. Boston, MA

Send me the answer at romance@francesstockton.com. If correct, your name will be entered into the Sam Cheever’s contest as described at the top of this post. In addition to the prizes to be had in the ‘trick or treat’ contest, including an iPad and copy of Arrington’s Claim, I’ll also draw a random winner for a print copy of Book 2 of my Panthera series with Ellora’s Cave Blush, Rhiannon’s Pride. Now that you’ve read this post, you’re invited and encouraged to visit the next author’s house on the contest-street:

Wow! I am absolutely blown away by another FABULOUS cover by the Ellora’s Cave art department, namely Syneca. With thanks to her, the images of my characters have come to life vividly and so perfectly, I couldn’t have asked for anything better. To Syneca, thank you from the bottom of my heart. To readers, I’m currently finishing up Ink Master edits, so it shouldn’t be too long now that I’ll be able to share excerpts, a contest, and, of course, the release date. As usual, Ink Master for Ellora’s Cave Taboo, will first release with Ellora’s Cave/ Jasmine Jade, then soon be available through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, ARe and Sony ebooks. I’ll keep everyone up to date.

Also, keep on the lookout for a HUGE contest announcement. This year, I’ve been invited to particpate in Sam Cheever’s Trick or Treat contest and there are some fabulous authors taking part, as well as incredible prizes, including an iPad ereader. Stay tuned!

The cover for Ink Master can be seen with this blog post. Still floating around the house and I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did when I saw it. I let off a great big squee! Phalen is hot, hot, hot, and Cassie is his perfect submissive!

Until next time,

Frances

Hello everyone,

As Irene approaches, I hope everyone stays safe, listens to local weather reports and authorities and remains wise. Mother Nature can be unpredictable and should always be respected.

While doing some prep work for the storm, I decided to fill up my Kindle with plenty of reading material. Many of you have Nooks or your favorite ereaders or prefer print books, but I thought I’d go ahead and offer up plenty of urls to find my books if you’re interested.

First, there is always right from Ellora’s Cave Publishing. All 6 of my books, 4 of which are part of the Panthera series with EC Blush, and 2 Erotic Contemporaries, are available in ebook and 3 are in print. You can find them at: http://www.jasminejade.com/m-527-frances-stockton.aspx

You can also find them at ARe (All Romance Ebooks): http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html at incredible prices, too!

Both Amazon.com and B&N have ebook and print versions: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=frances+stockton or http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/frances-stockton?store=ebook

In other news, for which I’ll have much more to share very soon, I’ve recently had my 7th book, this one an Erotic Contemporary for EC Taboo, accepted. Title, blurbs, cover art etc will be posted soon, so stay tuned. I’m wicked excited about this book, as it features Phalen Maddox, who’s appeared in both Quarterback Blitz and Field of Play.

Again, stay safe out there,

Frances Stockton

Very proud and happy to say that Arrington’s Claim is now a Recommended Read from ARe, and available at a wonderfully low price for your favorite ebook reader! I’m hoping the cover is posted soon, but in the meantime, you can view it right here!

Here’s the url for ARe! http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-arrington039sclaim-578404-140.html

Blush sensuality level: This is a sensual romance (may have explicit love scenes, but not erotic in frequency or type).

Book 4 in the Panthera series.

The second oldest of an ancient race, Nicholas, Duke of Arrington, is austere, lofty and elusive. A widower with no wish to remarry, he never expects to meet Miss Regan Saunders during a walk through Parade Gardens. Aware she’s his destined mate, he’s fascinated. She’s an Abcynian Guard. To many of his kind, it would be a relief to find a woman willing to guard his secrets. Due to horrific betrayal by his first duchess, and Regan’s scandalous plan of being a doctor someday, he’s hesitant to simply claim her, and instead court her in secret.

When Guards become the targets of a macabre killer, Nicholas will stop at nothing to protect Regan, including marriage. Despite the circumstances, it isn’t long before they profess their love and consummate their vows.

Their love will stand against many tests. As an enemy far closer than they realize threatens, their faith in each other will be strained.

I hope you’ll check it out, especially if you enjoy sensual Paranormal Romance with a hint of Romantic Suspense-mystery woven into the plot. I love Nicholas, Duke of Arrington and his future Duchess of Arrington, lady’s companion, Miss Regan Saunders, whom has the impossible and scandalous dream of becoming a doctor someday!