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A Highlander for the Holidays by Dawn Halliday
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The Kindling Heart
Carmen Caine - 2011
They were nothing but trouble. Leaving the rash life of his youth behind, he returned to Skye, seeking peace. He never meant to split the clan or start a war with the MacDonald of Duntulm. He certainly never foresaw an arranged marriage to the most scandalous woman in Scotland. Even though she was twice his age, the size of a horse and mother to more than one illegitimate child, he agreed to secure his sister’s freedom. However, even that plan goes drastically awry. On his wedding day, he finds himself faced instead with an enticing, green-eyed lass named Bree. A walking disaster, his bride immediately turns his world into chaos and threatens to melt his resolve never to love again.Betrayed by her own mother, Bree flees to Skye, thinking only to reunite with her long, lost father. Instead, she finds herself wed to Ruan MacLeod as a replacement bride. When she is forced to remain in the castle, she is soon caught between brothers and the mentally ill wife of the laird.Shy, yet strong, Bree embarks on a journey of independence and learns along the way that all men are not necessarily evil. In fact, one particularly brooding, yet gentle-hearted warrior is worthy of love, and she soon loses her heart forever.Excerpt from Chapter Six:...All at once, he noticed he was still holding her, apparently at the same moment understanding dawned in her face.Bree launched into another attack, jabbing his midriff and raking his skin with her nails.“Be still, ye wee hellion!” Ruan bellowed, pinning her wrists behind her back.For a moment, he thought she was going to retch; her pasty skin seemed almost yellow, purple and black streaks adorned her nose and cheekbones. Marriage to him had not served her well; in two days, she had transformed from a lass with a pair of bright green eyes to a drowned, underfed chicken.As her foot grazed his shin, he winced, quickly amending the thought; a mean-spirited, drowned, underfed chicken.Another well placed kicked wrenched a new succession of curses from his lip, but as her tears began to flow, real ones, his exasperation fled. Of all things, tears affected him the most. One slid down her cheek. Succumbing to a wave of pity, he wiped it gently with his thumb. Bree gulped, frowning in a way he could not fathom. For several long minutes, they stared wordlessly at each other.Finally, her cracked lips opened and she wailed, “I’m not wedding anyone!”Gazing down into the bright eyes brimming with tears, Ruan sighed. “Aye, ‘tis a wee bit late, lass.”It was supposed to be comforting, or so he thought, but his response seemed only to renew her resistance. Balling her fists, she struck his chest but more in blows of frustration than anything else. In spite of his best efforts, he grinned. Battling to the last breath was something he could understand, even for a hopeless cause such as this one. Lips twitching, he easily recaptured her wrists in a single hand. They were unusually small hands, perfectly shaped.The fingers jerked free from his grasp. Startled, he met her eyes once more.“You’ll die if you touch me!” Her slurred threat ended with a hiccup, rendering it anything but intimidating.He could smell the whiskey on her breath.His grin widened.Her hand fumbled near his belt before closing over the hilt of his sword. Assuming a fierce expression, she attempted to frighten him. “I’ll sever your manhood whilst you sleep!”To emphasize the statement she tugged at the blade, several times.On the third attempt, the sword cleared the scabbard almost an inch.“Aye.” Ruan laughed outright, his lips curving into a suggestive smile, “But it would take even a larger blade; ye haven’t a prayer if ye can’t lift this one.” His hand closed over hers. Not as a deterrent, but simply to watch her eyes flash defiantly once more....
When a Laird Loves a Lady
Julie Johnstone - 2016
A longing to forget compels him. Fate may send them into each other’s arms, but only love can mend their hearts. An Outlander Raised by a tyrannical father, Marion de Lacy yearns for the comfort of belonging to a loving family. So when her father announces her betrothal to an evil knight in exchange for his help to overthrow the king, she concocts a desperate scheme to avoid the marriage: feigning her own death and then fleeing England. But when her plan goes terribly awry and she’s captured by the knight, not even her careful preparations could ready her for the Scottish barbarian who rescues her and then informs her that he’s to marry her by edict of her king. Certain her father will defy the king’s orders and wed her to the knight if she refuses the Highlander’s hand, Marion agrees to marry the strangely compelling but obstinate laird of the MacLeod clan. A Highlander After the death of his beloved wife, Iain MacLeod has no desire to marry ever again. Yet when he finds himself obliged to do so to secure the freedom of his childhood friend and king, he reluctantly travels across England to collect his unwanted bride, expecting to find a cold Englishwoman. Instead, he discovers a fiery, bold beauty who is fiercely loyal, protective of those she loves, and defies him at every turn, challenging his certainty that his heart is dead. Ensnared Following a hasty marriage and perilous journey to Scotland, Marion harbors no illusions that her new husband loves her. Still, her heart cannot resist the noble, brave warrior, and she cannot suppress the hope that she has finally found where she belongs. However, the harder she tries to fit in with the clan and gain Iain’s love, the farther away her dreams drift. Iain is more than willing to give his respect to his courageous wife—her kisses and caresses even ignite his blood and demand his passion—but he refuses to give up his heart. That is, until enemies near and far threaten to take Marion from him. Now the demons that haunt him can only be conquered by surrendering body and soul to Marion, if only it’s not too late…
The Highlander's Prize
Mary Wine - 2012
But the brusque Highland laird who kidnaps her is a bit too rough to be considered divine intervention.HE'LL DO ANYTHING TO THWART HIS KINGWith rival lairds determined to steal Clarrisa from him and royal henchmen searching for her all over the Highlands, Laird Broen MacNicols has a mess on his hands. Worse yet, there's a magnetic attraction between them, although he's betrothed to another. But even an independent-minded lady like Clarrisa knows that a Highlander always claims his prize...
Wild Angel
Miriam Minger - 1994
and the last thing he needed was a troublesome woman. Yet this fierce Irish warrior took a deathbed oath to protect a chieftain's rebellious daughter.Triona was a hellion of a woman...who would let no man rule her. Raised in the ways of a warrior, she defied Ronan's every command. So he planned to marry her off, to be rid of the wild lass forever. But in the heat of battle—enflamed by her passionate spirit—Ronan decided he wanted this beautiful, impossible woman for himself!
His for Christmas
Skye Warren - 2014
I love the way she infuses emotion and eroticism together.” – Romantic Book Affairs I stand very still, holding a pen I shouldn’t be touching, in the office of a man I’ve never met. The man who’s standing behind me now. The man who has his hand on my hip. He’s my new boss. I could fight him, but then he might ask questions. He might find out about my criminal record, the one I didn’t mention on the job application. So I let him make me come, but he wants more. He needs more, and for some reason I want to give it. But if he finds out about my lie, I’ll be out on the streets—or back in jail. **************** His for Christmas is a sexy dark billionaire romance intended for readers over eighteen. Fair warnings: Contains rough sex in the workplace, a tortured hero who doesn't believe himself worthy of love, and a heroine who's going to give him the best Christmas present. Other dark sexy romance books from Skye Warren: Rough On the Way Home The Beauty Series Praise for His for Christmas: "The elevator scene is delicious. You have to read it. If you’re in the mood for a quick, super hot read, with a ton of emotion, this is for you." - Silken Sheets and Seduction "This was my first time reading anything by this author and I can only say 'WOW', I cannot wait to read more. This was one very hot read that kept me reading from page one to the very end." - Karen, Amazon reviewer "Gage and Angel story started out with a BANG that’s for sure. I would defiantly recommend this one! It was a great dark holiday novella! I cant wait to read more by Ms. Warren that’s for sure!" - Dani's Book Reviews
Must Love Santa
Nina Bruhns - 2012
He just needs to close this one last big case first, by shutting down a human trafficking ring run by a scummy veterinarian. Which is why he’s out on the street street corner dressed as Santa Claus, ringing a damn bell and taking covert photos of the vet’s customers, hoping one of them might be the link he needs to put the vicious bastard out of business.But his irrepressible Airedale terrier has very different ideas. K-9 Zenon has lasered his sights on a cute little perfumed fluff ball trotting his way...along with the adorably sexy lady holding her leash and teetering on a pair of too-tall stiletto heels. When the pretty lady tumbles to the pavement, well, what’s a gentleman—canine or Santa—to do? Why run to the rescue, of course!
Bayou Noël
Alexandra Ivy - 2013
After waiting five years for Garrick to notice her as more than his mother’s caregiver. The aggravating male might always have a place in her heart, but she’s determined to find someone who wants to build a family with her. She had no idea that writing a letter of resignation would bring Garrick back to the Wildlands. It will take a Christmas miracle to bring them together:Garrick can’t believe that Molly is willing to walk away. She’d not only become irreplaceable to his mother, but he’d become addicted to her letters when he was far away from home. He’d be damned if he was going to let her slip away. But once back in the Wildlands, Garrick is forced to choose between opening his heart to the female he loves or risk losing her forever.
Jingle Ball
Cari Quinn - 2013
When that chance comes, she gets a whole lot more from the bargain than she’d anticipated—mainly a few steamy, mind-blowing encounters that include her other equally sexy boss, Cole Warner. Her body enjoys every bit of their attention, but her heart still wants more. She wants Des outside of the boardroom and the bedroom and in her life for good. But he’s hiding secrets and she’s hiding her feelings, and soon they’re drifting farther apart instead of growing closer. But if anything can get them to come together, it’s Christmas Eve… Author’s note: In this book, sex and candy is not a euphemism. And some of the ornaments from the tree have more than one use...just sayin'. Oh, and boys touch in this story. Often. Author’s note part deux: Jingle Ball was originally published by Cari Quinn in 2012. It has been re-edited and includes an epilogue.
His Lady Smuggler
Tamara Gill - 2015
But before she can embark on her new life, May must complete her dealings with the local smugglers, men who have kept a roof over her family’s head during frugal times. One last Christmas at home and her life would change forever. So when William Scott, the Earl of Grandison arrives and crumbles her perfectly planned future to rubble, May is less than pleased. William, Lord Grandison works for the Crown, and is determined to catch the nuisance Englishmen who dare smuggle along the Cornwall coast. William has never veered from his pursuit of these men working against the law, that was until he meets May Stanford, the maddening daughter of his host for Christmas. May drives him to distraction and forces him to admit to feelings he has never felt before. But when May and William discover the crippling truth of each other, their secrets will threaten to tear them apart.
Christmas In The Highlands
Madelyn Hill - 2016
He has few requirements of his new wife; demands he should have insisted with his former betrothed—namely, honesty, loyalty, and resources.Lady Rossalyn Gordon will do anything to be rid of her tyrant father, even if that means deceiving the man who offers her an escape. If revealed, those secrets will either bring her mercy, or thrust her back into the hands of the devil who sired her.When Rossalyn’s bastard of a father arrives at Sutherland Keep, going back on his word and ordering her return, Malcolm must decide if he can forgive his wife enough to listen to his heart and have a family for Christmas.HIS BY CHRISTMASCHRISTMAS IN THE HIGHLANDS, BOOK TWOFiona Sutherland longs for love with the man she has pined after since she was a lass. When he weds another she is devastated, and questions why the man she pledged her heart to has forsaken a vow made in their youth. Could loving her be so hard?Cameron Munro adores Fiona from afar, knowing her heart has been set on another. She is everything he desires—strong, loyal, and fiery in spirit.Determined, he pledges to prove his love to her and win Fiona’s heart by Christmas.
The Highlander's Hope
Cali MacKay - 2012
Catriona Ross discovers clues to a long lost highland treasure, her only hope of finding the jewels is to obtain the help of Scotland's most eligible bachelor and playboy, Iain MacCraigh.Iain can't believe his luck when he finds out the jewels are hidden away somewhere on his land-- and it doesn't hurt that the historian looking for them has curves to go with her smarts. With his brother betting the family fortune, this is the life line he desperately needs.The odds are against them, and with word getting out about the jewels, they're not the only ones on the hunt. Time's running out, but can they learn to trust each other, or will they lose the jewels and true love in the process?
Christmas Cash
Maggie Casper - 2005
Moving back home to Chaos, Texas wasn't working out quite the way Noelle had planned. The last thing she expected was a seasonal job that included dressing up as Mrs. Claus while ringing a bell for charity, but thanks to Cash McCain, she wasn't left much of a choice. Cash can't believe what ten years can do for a woman. The last time he'd seen Noelle, she'd been all knees and elbows. Now a woman grown yet still ten years his junior, thus too young for him, Noelle has filled out in a way that should be illegal. When Cash refuses her a job at Raising Cain, a Texas honky-tonk run by the McCain siblings, she takes it upon herself to make his life miserable. Who could have imagined the damage a tiny, tinkling bell could cause to a man's sanity? But when things heat up, Cash begins to think that raising a little cane with the likes of Noelle might not be such a bad thing after all.
Her Scottish Captor
Kate Wingo - 2014
The laird of his clan, tragedy has turned Iain into a ruthless warrior who is determined to avenge the brutal murder of his twin brother at the hands of a villainous English earl. To collect on the blood debt, Iain kidnaps the daughter of his sworn enemy and holds her for ransom. Lady Yvette Beauchamp has heard many a fearful tale about the wild, barbaric men who inhabit the Scottish Highlands. Abducted on the eve of her wedding to an aging earl, Yvette has reason to fear the brooding chieftain who holds her against her will in his island castle. While the darkly handsome laird may desire her body, she’s certain that he covets the rich ransom even more, Yvette’s worth set at a staggering two thousand pounds. When Yvette is forced to become the châtelaine of Iain’s castle, her duties constantly throw her into the laird’s path . . . and a very dangerous intrigue when she discovers that Iain’s mysterious guest is none other than Robert the Bruce, the newly crowned king of Scotland. With the Bruce in hiding at Castle Maoil – a bounty having been placed on his head by the English king – Yvette is now privy to one of Scotland’s best kept secrets. A secret she can either use to secure her freedom . . . or safeguard the Highland laird she has come to love. Set in 14th century Scotland, HER SCOTTISH CAPTOR is an unforgettable Celtic tale full of riveting action, vibrant historical detail, a high level of sensuous passion, and richly-drawn characters.
Sweet Irish Kiss
JoAnne Kenrick - 2011
Perhaps a one-night stand is just the baby step she needs to begin to build trust again.A match seemingly made in heaven...until morning rolls around -- and Shaun can't bring himself to say good-bye. Can he win her over with his secret weapon, a Sweet Irish Kiss, or is Rachel still too scared to love?
A Knight's Christmas Wish
Lana Williams - 2014
Weary and injured, Sir Rylan de Bremont wants only to return home for Christmas after two long years away. But first he must deliver terrible news to a newly widowed lady.Lady Kayte Dufrane has been miserable in her marriage to a gruff lord far older than she. Rylan’s news gives her freedom, but she fears her late husband’s brother will claim her for his own. This strong, handsome knight might be the answer to her prayers if she can convince him to help her escape. Though Rylan has no desire to become embroiled in the beautiful Kayte’s dilemma, delaying his journey home, he can’t resist her pleas. Will his Christmas wish be filled with more than he bargained for?