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Don't ask Claire Keyes. The twenty-eight-year-old piano prodigy has never had a regular boyfriend, much less a real romance. Her music career has left little room for friends or family—which is just part of the reason she hasn't seen the family bakery or her two sisters in years.

But now Nicole is sick, and Jesse is AWOL. Despite the fact that Claire can't boil water, she's determined to play caretaker. Connecting with her sisters tops her to-do list…along with falling in love, or at least in lust, for the first time.

Ruggedly sexy Wyatt just might fit the bill. Although he keeps saying that he and Claire come from entirely different worlds, he lights up hotter than a bakery oven whenever Claire is near. If this keeps up, she just might sweet—talk him into her bed…and her life.

• Sales Rank: #2285507 in Books
• Published on: 2008-07-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 6.62" h x 1.01" w x 4.21" l,
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• 384 pages

Review
"For "readers who can't get enough of Nora Roberts' family series" (Booklist) "Susan Mallery's gift for writing humour and tenderness make all her books true gems." (Romantic Times)"

About the Author
Susan Mallery is the New York Times bestselling author of more than 100 romance novels, including her acclaimed Marcelli series, her Buchanan family series, and most recently, her first foray into women's fiction, Sunset Bay. The winner of the National Readers Choice Award, she has a Masters degree in Writing Popular Fiction. Susan makes her home in Washington with her husband and an assortment of pets. Visit her website at www.SusanMallery.com.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Claire Keyes jumped to answer the phone when it rang, deciding an angry call from her manager was more appealing than sorting the pile of dirty clothes in the middle of her living room.

"Hello?"

"Hi. Um, Claire? It's Jesse."

Not her manager, Claire thought, relieved. "Jesse who?"

"Your sister."

Claire kicked aside a blouse and sank onto the sofa. "Jesse?" she breathed. "It's really you?"

"Uh-huh. Surprise."

Surprise didn't begin to describe it. Claire hadn't seen her baby sister in years. Not since their father's funeral when she'd tried to connect with all the family she had left only to be told that she wasn't welcome, would never be welcome and that if she was hit by a bus, neither Jesse nor Nicole, Claire's fraternal twin, would bother to call for help.

Claire still remembered being so stunned by the verbal attack that she'd actually stopped breathing. She'd felt as if she'd been beaten up and left on the side of the road. Jesse and Nicole were her family. How could they reject her like that?

Not knowing what else to do, she'd left town and never returned. That had been seven years ago.

"So," Jesse said with a cheer that seemed forced. "How are you?"

Claire shook her head, trying to clear it, then glanced at the messy apartment. There were dirty clothes piled thigh-high in her living room, open suitcases by the piano, a stack of mail she couldn't seem to face and a manager ready to skin her alive if that would get her to do what she wanted.

"I'm great," she lied. "And you?"

"Too fabulous for words. But here's the thing. Nicole isn't."

Claire tightened her grip on the phone. "What's wrong with her?"

"Nothing…yet. She's going to have surgery. Her gallbladder. There's something weird about the placement or whatever. I can't remember. Anyway, she can't have that easy surgery with the tiny incisions. The lapi-something."

"Laparoscopic," Claire murmured absently, eyeing the clock. She was due at her lesson in thirty minutes.

"That one. Instead, they're going to be slicing her open like a watermelon, which means a longer recovery time. With the bakery and all, that's a problem. Normally I'd step in to help, but I can't right now. Things are…complicated. So we were talking and Nicole wondered if you would like to come back home and take care of things. She would really appreciate it."

Home, Claire thought longingly. She could go home. Back to the house she barely remembered but that had always placed so large in her dreams.

"I thought you and Nicole hated me," she whispered, wanting to hope but almost afraid to.

"We were upset before. It was an emotional time. Seriously, we've been talking about getting in touch with you for a while now. Nicole would have, um, called herself, but she's not feeling well and she was afraid you'd say no. She's not in a place to handle that right now."

Claire stood. "I would never say no. Of course I'll come home. I really want to. You're my family. Both of you."

"Great. When can you get here?"

Claire looked around at the disaster that was her life and thought about the angry calls from Lisa, her manager. There was also the master class she was supposed to attend and the few she had to teach at the end of the week.

"Tomorrow," she said firmly. "I can be there tomorrow."

"Just shoot me now," Nicole Keyes said as she wiped down the kitchen counters. "I mean it, Wyatt. You must have a gun. Do it. I'll write a note saying it's not your fault."

"Sorry. No guns at my house."

None in hers, either, she thought glumly, then tossed the dishcloth back into the sink.

"The timing couldn't be worse for my stupid surgery," she muttered. "They're telling me I can't go back to work for six weeks. Six. The bakery isn't going to run itself. And don't you dare say anything about me asking Jesse. I mean it, Wyatt."

Her soon-to-be-ex-brother-in-law held up both hands. "Not a word from me. I swear."

She believed him. Not because she thought she frightened him but because she knew he understood that while some of the pain in her gut came from an inflamed gallbladder, most of it was about her sister Jesse's betrayal.

"I hate this. I hate my body turning on me this way. What have I ever done to it?"

Wyatt pushed out a chair at the table. "Sit. Getting upset isn't going to help."

"You don't actually know that."

"I can guess."

She plopped into the chair because it was easier than fighting. Sometimes, like now, she wondered if she had any fight left in her.

"What am I forgetting?" she asked. "I think I've gotten everything done. You remembered that I can't take care of Amy for a while, right?"

Amy was his eight-year-old daughter. Nicole looked after her a few afternoons a week.

Wyatt leaned forward and put his hand on her forearm. "Relax," he told her. "You didn't forget anything. I'll look in on the bakery every couple of days. You've got good people working for you. They love you and are loyal. Everything will be fine.You'll be home in a few days and you can start healing."

She knew he meant from more than just the surgery. There was also the issue of her soon-to-be-ex-husband.

Instead of thinking about that bastard Drew, she stared at Wyatt's hand on her arm. He had big hands— scarred and callused. He was a man who knew how to work for a living. Honest, good-looking, funny.

She raised her gaze to his dark eyes. "Why couldn't I have fallen in love with you?" she asked.

He smiled. "Back at you, kid."

They would have been so perfect together…if only there had been a hint of chemistry.

"We should have tried harder," she muttered. "We should have slept together."

"Just think about it for a minute," he told her. "Tell me if it turns you on."

"I can't." Honestly, thinking about having sex with Wyatt kind of set her teeth on edge, and not in a good way. He was too much like a brother. If only his stepbrother, Drew, had caused the same reaction.

Unfortunately with him, there had been fireworks. The kind that burned.

She pulled back and studied Wyatt. "Enough about me. You should get married again."

He reached for his mug of coffee. "No, thanks."

"Amy needs a mother."

"Not that badly."

"There are great women out there."

"Name one that isn't you."

Nicole thought for a minute, then sighed. "Can I get back to you on that?"

Claire arrived at the SeaTac Airport early in the afternoon, feeling very smug about making her own travel arrangements. She'd even booked a car for herself. Normally she would have used a car service, but she would have to drive back and forth to the hospital, then to the bakery. Nicole might need her to run errands. Wheels of her own made sense.

After wrestling her two very large suitcases off the baggage claim belt, she grabbed one in each hand and dragged them toward the escalator. The catwalk to the parking garage was long and the bags heavy. She was breathing hard by the time she reached a bank of elevators she had to take down to the rental car place. By the time she got to the Hertz office, she was regretting the long wool coat she'd shrugged on. Sweat trickled down her back, making her cashmere sweater stick to her.

She waited in line, excited about being here, nervous and filled with resolve to do whatever it took to reconnect with her sisters. They were being given a second chance. She wasn't going to blow it.

The woman at the counter waved her forward. Claire dragged the two suitcases along as she approached.

"Hi. I have a reservation."

"Name?"

"Claire Keyes." Claire handed over her driver's license and her platinum credit card.

The woman studied the driver's license. "Do you have insurance or do you want coverage on the car?"

"I'll take your coverage." It was easier than explaining that she didn't own a car and had, in fact, never owned a car. The only reason she had a driver's license at all was because she'd insisted on lessons when she'd turned eighteen and had studied and practiced until she'd passed the test.

"Any tickets or accidents?" the woman asked.

Claire smiled. "Not one." Getting a ticket or an accident would require actual driving. Something Claire hadn't done more than once or twice in the past ten years.

There were a couple of forms to sign, then the woman handed back the license and credit card.

"Number sixty-eight. It's a Malibu. You said midsize. I can get you something bigger, if you want."

Claire blinked at her. "Number sixty-eight what?"

"Your car. It's in slot sixty-eight. The keys are inside."

"Oh, great. I'll pass on something bigger."

"Okay. You need a map?"

"Yes, please."

Claire tucked the map into her purse, then dragged her suitcases out of the glass structure. She saw rows of cars and numbers at the end of each parking space. Counting as she went, she found number sixty-eight and stared at the silver Malibu.

It had four doors and looked huge. She swallowed. Was she really going to drive? A question for later, she told herself. First she had to get out of the parking lot.

Challenge number one turned out to be getting her luggage into the trunk. There didn't seem to be any way to open it. No buttons, no knobs. She pushed and pulled, but it wouldn't budge. Finally she gave up and maneuvered her two big bags into the backseat. Then she slid behind the wheel.

It took her a couple of minutes to get the seat moved up so she could actually reach the pedals. She managed to get the key in the ignition and turned it. The engine caught immediately. Claire carefully adjusted her mirrors, then drew in a breath. She was practically on her way.

Next she turned to the GPS system. It greeted her in French.

Claire stared at it. What on earth?

She pushed a few buttons. Yup, it was speaking French. Okay, sure, she also spoke the language, but not well enough to deal with it while driving. The potential to freak while on the road seemed big enough without adding a foreign language to the mix.

She punched buttons until she'd scrolled through Dutch and Japanese. Finally she heard the pleasant female voice in English.

The need to run sc...

Most helpful customer reviews

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I hated this. If I could return it
By Serious Shopper
I hated this. If I could return it, I would. This should not be the second book. I read what is supposed to be the first book but based on the story all of this has happened prior to the book I just read. I wish I could get my money back.

The characters are very mean. They are not likable whatsoever. I have read lots of Susan Mallery and love reading multi-book stores. But this one is a trainwreck.

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful.
Five Stars
By irene fimiano
Love mallery

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Four Stars
By Becky Johnson
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# Download Ebook The Darkest Surrender (Lords of the Underworld), by Gena Showalter

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Possessed by the demon of Defeat, Strider cannot lose a challenge without suffering unimaginable pain. For him, nothing stands in the way of victory. Until Kaia, an enchanting Harpy, tempts him to the razor's edge of surrender.

Known among her people as The Disappointment, Kaia must bring home the gold in the Harpy Games or die. Strider is a distraction she can't afford because he has an agenda of his own—steal first prize, an ancient godly artifact, before the winner can be named. But as the competition heats up, only one prize will matter—the love neither had thought possible.…

• Sales Rank: #389118 in Books
• Published on: 2011-09-27
• Released on: 2011-09-27
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 6.62" h x 1.20" w x 4.21" l, .50 pounds
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• 432 pages

Features

• For him, nothing stands in the way of victory
• enchanting Harpy, tempts him to the razor's edge of surrender

Review
"One of the premier authors of paranormal romance."
-New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole

"Showalter gives her fans another treat, sure to satisfy!"

-RT Book Reviews on The Darkest Passion

"The Showalter name on a book means guaranteed entertainment."

-RT Book Reviews on Twice as Hot

"If you like your paranormal dark and passionately
flavored, this is the series for you."

-RT Book Reviews on The Darkest Whisper

About the Author

Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of over fifty books, including the acclaimed Lords of the Underworld and Angels of the Dark series, and the White Rabbit Chronicles. She writes sizzling paranormal romance, heartwarming contemporary romance, and unputdownable young adult novels, and lives in Oklahoma City with her family and menagerie of dogs. Visit her at GenaShowalter.com.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.


"I WANT HIM."

"Where have I heard that before? Oh, yeah. The day of the Unfortunate Incident, something you made me swear never to discuss, even upon threat of death. And I won't discuss it now, so don't get your panties in a twist. I just thought you were more careful with your affections nowadays."

Kaia Skyhawk peered over at her twin—Bianka the Heavenly Hills Ho, as Kaia had recently dubbed her. A name her precious sis deserved. Girl had nailed an angel. A freaking angel. 'Course, in return Bianka had dubbed her Kaia: Bed-warmer of the Underworld for getting down and dirty with Paris, the biggest man-whore in existence.

The title didn't sting nearly as much as her last one. Fine, her current one. Harpies had long memories, and shouts of "Look, everyone, it's the Disappointment" still happened anytime she ran into another of her race.

Anyway. Bianka was as ravishingly gorgeous as ever, a dark fall of hair cascading down her back, her amber eyes bright. And just then she was flipping through a rack of designer dresses, a mix of determination and concern radiating from her.

"That happened, like, a million years ago," Kaia said, "and Strider is the first man Fve…damn it, he's just the first man I've wanted, truly wanted," she added before her sister could comment on her "boyfriends" throughout the centuries, "since. Or ever."

"Actually, that, as you called it, happened a mere fifteen hundred years ago, but we aren't discussing it. So what about Kane, keeper of Disaster, huh? I thought you once had a moment with him? A shock to your senses or something like that."

"Nothing but static."

A snort full of amusement. "Try again."

"I don't know. Maybe his demon sensed a kindred spirit in me and reached out, hoping to fan the flames of a romance. That doesn't mean Kane and I are destined to be together. I'm not attracted to him."

"Better, and okay, Kane's out. Maybe you need to look elsewhere for a boyfriend. Like, say, the heavens. I can set you up with an angel." Bianka held up a flowing swath of blue material with sequined flower appliques sewn into the top and layer after layer of lacy ruffles at the bottom. "What do you think of this one?"

Ignoring the dress as she'd been ignored, Kaia pressed on. "No set ups. I want Strider."

"He's no good for you."

He's perfect for me. "One, he doesn't belong to another Harpy. Two, he isn't psychotic. Well," she added with a few seconds of afterthought, "he isn't psychotic all of the time. And three, he's…he's my consort, I know it." There. She'd said the words out loud to someone other than herself and the brain-damaged man in question.

My consort.

Consorts, as Kaia now knew, were extremely hard to find and utterly cherished because of that. Actually, they were necessary. Harpies were volatile by nature, dangerous and, when annoyed, lethal to the entire world. Consorts calmed them. Consorts appeased them.

If only you could select your consort from a catalogue and be done with it. Instead, instinct picked for you, and your body followed suit. Wouldn't have been so bad, except each Harpy was granted one consort during her seemingly endless life. Only one. You lost him, and you suffered eternally. If you didn't kill yourself outright.

That Kaia had once tried to steal Juliette's, that Juliette had been without her male all this time, not knowing whether he lived or had died, hating him for what he'd done but needing him anyway, that Juliette still loathed Kaia and had promised retribution—retribution the bitch still clearly planned to achieve—shamed her. But then, what could she say to defend herself? Nothing!

She had disobeyed. She set the man free. She had unleashed his fury upon an unsuspecting community.

Every year Kaia mailed Juliette a fruit basket with a "sorry about you consort" card, and every year the basket was returned with rotten apple cores, black banana peels, and a picture of Juliette flipping her off with "Die, Whore, Die" written in blood somewhere.

Only reason Juliette hadn't yet attacked was out of respect for Tabitha, who was still a force to be reckoned with among allies and enemies alike.

Don't think about the past. You'll start spiraling.

She'd think about her consort. Strider. Barbaric, slutty, idiotic Strider. He was an immortal warrior who'd long ago stolen and opened Pandora's box to "teach those asshole gods a lesson" for daring to pick a "mere woman" to guard such a "dumb relic," and because of his rampant senselessness, he and the friends who'd helped him—the infamous and deliciously frightening for everyone but a Harpy Lords of the Underworld—had been cursed, forever forced to carry the demons they'd set free inside themselves.

Strider, the beautiful moron, was possessed by the demon of Defeat. He couldn't lose a single challenge without suffering debilitating pain. Of course, that made him determined to win everything, even something as silly as Rock Band. Which she refused to ever again play with him because she'd totally nailed the bass, then the drums, then the mic, and he'd spazzed out and yelled at her before passing out and twitching with pain. So melodramatic.

Anyway, his determination made him stupid, egotistical, stupid, an all around asshat and stupid! But…there was no man more handsome, no man more fierce.

No man who wanted less to do with her.

Had she mentioned he was stupid?

"Well?" Bianka shook the dress in Kaia's face, forcefully claiming her attention. "Opinion, please. And sometime today."

Focus. "Don't kill the messenger, but that thing will make you look like a cracked out prom queen who has no plans to sleep with her boyfriend when the big dance ends—because she doesn't have a boyfriend. She's too weird. Sorry."

Bianka merely shrugged, unperturbed. "Hey, cracked out prom queens might be weird, but they're hot."

"If hot is a synonym for destined to die alone, you're right. So go ahead. Buy the dress, and I'll buy you a hundred cats to keep you company while you spend the rest of eternity trying to figure where your relationship with the angel went wrong, never really understanding that the problems started this very night"

"Do you know anything about me? Hello, I like dogs. But fine, whatever." Red lips pursing, her twin snapped the hanger back onto the rack and continued her search for "the perfect gown" to wear when she broke a bit of bad news to her consort, Lysander.

Poor Bianka. She hadn't just nailed an angel, she'd bound herself to one. Forever. Lysander lived and worked in the heavens and was so boring Kaia would rather shove bamboo splints under other people's fingernails than spend time with him. Okay, bad example. She actually enjoyed shoving bamboo splints under other people's nails.

There was something so best-musical-ever when people screamed and begged for mercy, and she could listen to a good musical all day.

"Kaia?" Bianka said. "What the hell are you sighing about?"

"Musicals."

"Musicals? Seriously? When I'm dying for help? Will you just listen to me for once?"

"In a minute. Geez. I really like this thought train." Or rather, she'd liked the station stop before the musicals. A male this boring needed an equally tedious nickname…like…Pope Lysander the First. That's right. He was an elite warrior with wings of gold and yeah, he was a demon slayer extraordinaire, and okay, that was sexy as hell, but he was also morally upstanding. Like over the edge OCD about it. Kaia shuddered with distaste. He was slowly but surely sucking the fun right out of her once delightful sister.

In fact, Lysander's aversion to blatant shoplifting was the reason they had abandoned Budapest—too many prying eyes—returned to Alaska and broken into Anchorage's Fifth Avenue Mall at night rather than taking what they desired in broad daylight. As usual. Again, too many prying eyes.

To be honest, Kaia was kind of embarrassed about the concession. She would have told her man to take his request to "please don't steal in front of humans, it gives them ideas" and stuff it up his ass. Also, she despised the lack of thrill, needed it to soothe her darker side, but whatever. She loved her sister. More than that, she owed Bianka a debt she could never hope to repay.

They might not ever discuss the Unfortunate Incident, but Kaia had never forgotten it. (See? A Harpy with a long memory.) Every day she remembered how Bianka had writhed in a pool of her own blood, her eyes glassy with pain. How moans of pain had parted mutilated lips.

Bianka sighed. "Okay, let's get your problems out of the way so we can concentrate on me. Tell me why you picked Strider as your heartmate. I know you're dying to extol his virtues."

For a moment, Kaia could only blink at her sister, certain she'd misheard. "Are you freaking kidding me? Heart-mate? Did you just say heartmate?"

Bianka snickered. "I did, and I almost gagged. Ly-sander's influence, you know. Anyway, Strider's such a tool. And a challenge." Another snicker echoed. "Get it? A challenge…he can't lose one…but he sure as hell acts like one."

Kaia rolled her eyes. "I think you've been hanging with the angels too much. Your IQ has dropped."

"What? That was funny." Square-tipped nails painted bright blue drummed against the metal rack between them. "And by the way, the angels aren't that bad."

"Whatever you need to tell yourself, my love."

Bianka blew her a kiss full of fang. "All's I'm saying is that Strider's gonna be a handful—and not the good kind. He's—actually, wait. I recant. He's too big to be anything but a good handful. Or more. But he's also gonna be a bad one. Wait. That doesn't ring true, either. How should I put this? He's going to—"

"I get it already! He's got a huge package, and he's irritating as hell. What's your point?"

"Glad you're finally up to speed. It's sad, really, that you need so much explanation." The sparkle in her sister's eyes dimmed. "Anyway, you told him how you felt about him and he rejected you. He'll be annoyed by any further contact you initiate, and an annoyed demon-possessed warrior is a global disaster waiting to happen."

"I know." If she had realized his importance to her sooner, she wouldn't have slept with his friend Paris, the keeper of Promiscuity. Otherwise known as Paris the Sex-orcist, a male so sensual he could make your head spin. And if she hadn't slept with the Sexorcist, Strider the Stupid wouldn't have rejected her.

Maybe.

Or maybe he would have. Because to her consternation—yes, consternation, and not an all-consuming, organ-flaming rage—he kinda sorta desired another woman. Haidee, a pretty female who belonged to his friend, Amun, keeper of Secrets.

At least Haidee was off limits, and Kaia didn't have to worry about Strider getting handsie. Honor among evil demons, and all that.

But damn it, just the thought of his gaze on another woman caused Kaia's nails to elongate and sharpen, her fangs to sprout and her blood to boil. Mine, every cell in her body cried. She would kill anyone who made a play for him, as well as anyone he made a play for; she wouldn't be able to help herself. Her dark side would take over, driving her to protect what was hers.

"Seriously, he's lucky to be alive, and not just because I want to chop off his man parts and feed them to zoo animals while he watches," Bianka continued. "Any man who can't recognize your worth deserves a good torturing."

"I know." Not because Kaia was anything special—though she was, kind of, maybe…damn it, she used to be—but because no one could reject a Harpy without suffering severe consequences.

Actually, most Harpies would have taken Strider despite his wishes. So maybe she was the stupid one for allowing him to push her away. She just…wanted him willing. She needed him willing. To abscond with him was to defeat him, and to defeat him was to hurt him.

She couldn't bring herself to hurt him. Even at the expense of her sanity.

"You're too good for him, anyway," Bianka said, loyal as always.

"I know," she repeated once more, lying this time. She would only ever be a disgrace to her clan. He deserved better.

Her sister sighed. "But you still want him." A statement of fact, not a question. "Yeah."

"So what are you going to do to win him?"

"Nothing," she said, fighting a wave of depression. "I chased after him once." And he'd found her lacking. "I'm not going to do it again."

"Maybe—"

"No. A few weeks ago, I challenged him to kick more Hunter ass than me." Hunters, the enemy out to destroy all things demon. The fanatics loved to go after innocents who dared get in their way. The pre-dead guys who would meet the tips of her claws if they approached Strider again.

Well, if they dared approach him with a weapon in hand. She might let them crawl toward him to apologize for the trouble they'd caused throughout the centuries. Torturing the Lords—only she was allowed to do so. Blowing up buildings—yawn. Could they be any more B-movie? Sooo irritating. Decapitating the keeper of Distrust—okay, that one was a little more than irritating, considering Strider was still messed up about it and everything.

Speaking of Distrust's murder, Haidee had helped carry it out. Yep, that Haidee. The one Strider desired.

Kaia didn't understand it. If he could want Haidee despite her crimes, why couldn't he want Kaia?

Most helpful customer reviews

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful.
Who knew I'd love Strider so much?
By Jen (Red Hot Books)
I didn't care much for Strider early on in this series. It wasn't until The Darkest Secret that I ever really gave him much thought at all. Here, he charms me utterly with his over-inflated ego and inner dialogue. And while that may not sound all that attractive, I found him more endearing that I ever expected that I could.

As the story begins, Strider is working hard to resist his attraction to Kaia. At the end of the last book, she revealed that he is her consort, but he rejected her outright. After all, he thought he had feelings for Haidee and on top of that, Kaia once slept with Paris. What if Strider couldn't measure up to the Lord of Promiscuity? It would cause him immeasurable pain. But Kaia refuses to give up, and she forces herself back into his orbit.

In the meantime, Kaia and her sisters are summoned to participate in the Harpy Games. The last time they took part was over a thousand years ago, when Kaia made a terrible mistake that resulted in the deaths of many of her kind. Now, it's clear that the Skyhawks are targets; their lives are in danger. So Strider comes along, knowing his blood could help Kaia in the event she is injured.

The story surrounding the Harpy games is really quite good. The backstory allows you to see vulnerability in Kaia, who is overwhelmingly strong. We learn alot about the Harpy culture and the bonds Kaia shares with her sisters. At the same time, a real relationship begins to develop between Kaia and Strider. It's fun watching them challenge themselves and each other, yet somehow they each manage to put the other person first. Like in all of the Lord books, the sexual tension is uber-hot and the payoff is sooo satisfying. Win!

We're also treated to a side story with William and Kane which shines some light on Willy's background and Kane's possible future. And additional cut scenes feature Paris and his search for Sienna. Hallelujah -- Paris' story is finally up next. That poor guy really needs a happy ending. He has been miserable forever. Almost 5 stars.

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful.
Better than the last few
By Amazon Customer
Loved Stridor. His sense of humor is warped and I like that in an H. I definitely think The Darkest Surrender was better than the last books (they have gone downhill since Sabin's). I have never liked Kaia but this book brings out a little more personality to her. It showed a side of her that had some vulnerability to it which made her more well-rounded than just a killer party girl.

Don't get me wrong...I am a HUGE LOTU fan and love the concept and the beginning of the series (Maddox, Lucian, Reyes), but I am finding it a little too close to a take off of the IAD series from Kresley Cole.

The LOTU series started with "not quite" human women who I could relate to but there was still a sense of paranormal to the books. Placing them in a situation like they were in with the immortals and having them fall in love made for very interesting reading. It was masterful how she somehow found a way for them to help the Lords and become "more than" human so they can stay with the immortals. And I even loved Anya, she was hilarious. A perfect foil to Lucian. She complemented calm, sweet Ashlyn and strong but not over the top Danika.)

But somewhere it veered off towards a copycat of the IAD series. The harpies were added (instead of Valkyries)but they attempt to act the same, the Harpy games (a few of the books in IAD had an immortal contest), etc.. There are enough similiarities to make me stop and have to remember which series I'm reading. But the harpies are more annoying and ridiculous than the Valkyries, who are amusing and entertaining. And while I like the comedy, it seems to be more of a college frat party at the fortress with hunting/fighting the hunters a secondary concern. Even with all this, I will continue to read for Paris' story and am patiently waiting for my fav, Torin. What I did like about the book was that it brought more of Kane in since he had basically just been a by-stander who has had to stay at the fortress with Torin and Cameo. And who doesn't love to see more William?

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful.
Not quite enough inner conflict...
By avidreader
First, full disclosure: I am a Lords of the Underworld fan. Of course I'll keep buying the series, and the 3 stars reflects on this book's place in the series as a whole. Gena Showalter does a much better job than most when it comes to paranormal authors.

That being said, this story seemed to lack the deep inner conflict of most of the LotU characters.

This is because, in part, both Strider and Kaia are more laid-back, sarcastic, mostly easy going characters. Sure, they each have a few problems, but their emotional struggle wasn't that great. There were two major points that could've been developed further:

1) Strider's demon, Defeat, barely played a role in this book. It almost makes it seem as if he got off easy compared to, say, Torin (keeper of Disease) or Amun (keeper of Secrets). The one time Defeat had any real impact at all, and Strider felt pain, it really didn't seem that debilitating compared to the descriptions we've been given in earlier books. The Lords' demons have played a much bigger role in the past, and Defeat could've been used a lot more to strengthen the relationship and story.

2) Kaia's confidence about her abilities seemed to disappear and reappear at will. If pretty much every harpy refers to you as the Disappointment, I think it would affect your confidence more often than just whenever your mother shows up, even if she did disown you. And when Kaia's uneasiness did show, it was not always consistent.

So yes, I still love the LofU, and I have high hopes for Kane (keeper of Disaster) based on the beginnings of his tale scattered throughout this book, but I hope more of the angstiness (not a real word, but it fits) returns in future books.

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^^ PDF Ebook Lethal Attraction: Against the Rules\Fatal Affair, by Linda Howard, Marie Force

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Two worlds collide in these timeless stories of love and deception…

Against the Rules by Linda Howard

At seventeen, Cathryn Ashe fought her attraction to Rule Jackson and lost. Humiliated, she fled to the anonymity of the city. Now she's back, independent and more sure of herself than ever—and ready to challenge him again.

But Rule is raising the stakes, and what Cat stands to lose is something she's known all along is his for the taking—her heart.

Fatal Affair by Marie Force

Detective Sergeant Sam Holland needs a big win to salvage her career—and her confidence—after a disastrous case. The perfect opportunity arises when she's assigned to the investigation of a senator's murder. But she has to team up with Nick Cappuano, the senator's friend and chief of staff…and the man she had a memorable one-night stand with years earlier. Their sexual chemistry still sizzles, but sleeping with a material witness is a mistake Sam can't afford—especially when the bodies keep piling up.

• Sales Rank: #920448 in Books
• Brand: Brand: Harlequin HQN
• Published on: 2013-05-28
• Released on: 2013-05-28
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 8.23" h x 1.28" w x 5.42" l, 1.05 pounds
• Binding: Paperback
• 608 pages

Features

• Used Book in Good Condition

Most helpful customer reviews

90 of 98 people found the following review helpful.
Low rating not based on Authors work
By R. L. Kane
Why do publisher reissue past print books with new covers? Linda Howard's book was published in the 90s and while a good book, and worth the buy if you've never read her before, I hate the idea of recycling old stories. Marie Force's book is available on Kindle for free. I understand its a gimmick to make you purchase a book based on your favorite author by presenting their name in bold letters, but I find it more that frustrating to crack open a book and then realize I have already read the thing. Everyone want to make a buck, but not by taking mine for recycled works.

36 of 39 people found the following review helpful.
Not based on the stories
By Amazon Customer
It really is irritating to buy a book and discover, after I open it, that it's 20 years old, and already on my bookcase.
I've also stopped buying my favourite authors books when they are first released because I won't pay twice as much for an e-book as the paperback will cost a few months later.

44 of 50 people found the following review helpful.
lethal attraction
By Jan
I, also, am a Linda Howard fan; I have to say, however, that this is a cheap shot. Sounds like the publisher is trying to sell a so-so writer by teaming her with a proven best seller. I don't care for Ms. Force and I really think that HONESTY dictates that the publisher should tell us that a book has been previously released. Leaves a bad taste in one's mouth; maybe enough to affect sales?!?!

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~~ Download Ebook Behind Palace Doors, by Jules Bennett

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"I have a proposition for you."

Their marriage has all the makings of a great romantic movie: a beautiful Mediterranean setting, a handsome prince and fantastic sex. Too bad it's not real. When Prince Stefan Alexander weds Victoria Dane, the agreement between friends is supposed to be in name only to secure his crown. But it doesn't take long for buried passion to erupt….

Victoria gave up a lot for this seemingly fairy-tale life with Stefan, but all too soon she discovers she's fallen in love with the "Playboy Prince." Now Victoria must fight for what really matters. Because the one thing she can't give up is him.

• Sales Rank: #2240366 in Books
• Published on: 2013-03-05
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 6.64" h x .50" w x 4.13" l, .20 pounds
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• 192 pages

About the Author
Award-winning author Jules Bennett has retired from her career as a beautician to become a full-time writer and stay at home mom. She's married to her high school sweetheart and the two live happily ever after, thus fueling Jules with each and every love story. Jules can be found on Twitter, Facebook (Fan Page) and her website www.julesbennett.com. She holds contests via these three outlets with each release and loves to hear from readers!

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Every little girl envisioned a fairy-tale wedding. The long white train, the horse-drawn carriage, like the magical coach from Cinderella of course, and the proverbial tall, dark and handsome prince, chest adorned with medals and a bright blue sash that matched his eye color perfectly.

And while Victoria Dane wasn't living the fairy tale herself, she did have the glorious job of designing the royal wedding dress that would be seen by millions and worn by the next queen of Galini Isle.

Okay, so being the designer wasn't even a close second to becoming a queen.

"Victoria."

The familiar, soothing tone of her old friend's voice had Victoria turning from the breathtaking emerald ocean view. With a slight bow as was custom in this country, Victoria greeted the prince.

With his tight-fitting black T-shirt tucked into designer jeans, most people would have a hard time believing Prince Stefan Alexander—owner of the most impressive set of blue eyes and some new ink peeking beneath the sleeve of his shirt on one impressive bicep—was the next in line to reign over this beautiful land.

Those muscles seemed to grow between each of their visits. Muscles he acquired from his passion of rock climbing. Yeah, that would make for a beautiful picture. A golden Greek god, shirtless and dangling high above the ground by his sheer strength….

There was one lucky bride waiting for her prince. Victoria would be lying if she didn't admit, even if only to herself, that at one time she'd envisioned herself as the one who would finally tame the great Prince Alexander, but his friendship had been invaluable and something she'd feared risking.

Strong arms that she had missed for the past few years pulled her into a warm, inviting embrace. Yes, this was the connection, the bond that phone calls and emails couldn't deliver.

"Prince Alexander," she said, returning his embrace.

"Don't 'Prince Alexander' me." His rich laughter enveloped her, making her feel even more excited to see him after so long. "And for God's sake, don't bow. Just because we haven't seen each other in a while doesn't mean I've become some royal snob."

"It's so great to see you, Stefan." She eased back and looked up into those striking blue eyes. "When you called to tell me you were getting married, I was shocked. She must be someone very special."

"The most important woman in my life," he said, lifting one of her hands to his lips.

Prince Charming had nothing on Stefan, and a slight surge of jealousy speared through Victoria at the fact another woman would be entering his life…and not just passing through like all the others.

He gestured toward the settee and matching chairs with bright orange plush cushions. "Let's have a seat and discuss my beautiful bride, shall we?"

Stefan dismissed his assistants with a silent nod. A man of his position and power didn't need to use words, but to Victoria he was still that rotten teen who'd tried to get her to go skinny-dipping in the royal pool…while a dinner party had been taking place in the grand ballroom.

"I've brought sketches of several dresses for you and your fiancée to review," she told him, laying her thin portfolio of designs on the tile tabletop and flipping it open. "I can also combine styles or come up with something completely different if nothing here catches her eye. They are all classic designs but different in their own way. Any would be flattering for the next queen."

"I've no doubt you'll make the perfect dress." He laid a hand over hers, a wide grin spreading across his devilishly handsome face. "It's so great to have you here, Victoria. I've missed you."

She returned his smile, unable to hide her excitement about not only seeing him again, but also the fact he'd finally found true love…something she'd started to have doubts about. And yes, she'd once wished his true love had been her, but their friendship was more important. As his best friend, she was thrilled that he was so happy and in love. She needed that reminder that not all men broke their promises of engagement.

"It's my pleasure to design for you, and it gives us both a reason to set aside our busy lives and get some face time," she told him, sliding her hair over her shoulder. "Phone calls just aren't the same."

"No, they're not," he agreed.

That sexy, sultry smile remained. Heavens, but the man was literally a tall, dark and handsome prince, and that cotton shirt stretched so perfectly over his broad shoulders and chiseled biceps. She wondered what the new tattoo was of, but if she knew Stefan, he'd find a reason to shed his shirt in no time.

Yeah, he'd changed over the years, and definitely in all the right places. Rock climbing does a body good.

"These are remarkable," he told her as he fingered through the drawings. "Did you do these yourself or do you have a team?"

A burst of pride ran through her. She may be one of the most sought-out designers, but each client earned her undivided attention and she loved hearing praise for her hard work…especially coming from such a good friend.

"I have a small team, but these are all my own. I was selfish when it came to your bride." She moved one thick sheet to the side, eager to display the rest of her designs. "I'm partial to this one. The clean lines, the cut of the neckline and the molding of the bodice. Classy, yet sexy."

Very similar to the one she'd designed for own wedding. Of course that had been six months, a slew of bad press and one shattered heartache ago when her up-and-coming actor/fiance decided to publicly destroy Victoria. But working with Stefan and his fiancée would help her to remember that happily ever afters do exist.

When she'd met him as a teen on the set of one of her mother's films, she'd developed an instant crush. He'd been a very mature eighteen years old, compared to her fifteen, with golden skin and a smile she'd come to appreciate that held just a touch of cockiness.

She'd been smitten to say the least, but they'd soon developed a friendship that had lasted through the years. Fantasies had come and gone…and come again where she'd envisioned him proposing to her and professing his hidden, undying passion. But those were little girl dreams. Besides, Stefan always had a companion or two at all times.

"You would look beautiful in that gown."

Victoria shook off her crazy thoughts and jerked her attention to Stefan.

"Sorry. I realize your own engagement is still fairly recent, but—"

She straightened her shoulders and stepped back. "No, it's okay. But let's not talk about that. I'd much rather focus on your happiness."

He reached out, cupped her shoulders and gave a reassuring squeeze. "I'm still your friend. I know you didn't open up that much over the phone because of the timing being so close to the passing of my father, but you're here now and I'm offering you my shoulder if you need it."

Warmth spread through her. Other than her brothers, this was the one man she'd always been able to depend on. Even as they'd gotten older, their lives busier, she knew Stefan was always there for her.

"I may take you up on that," she told him with a smile. "But for now let's discuss you."

Because she needed to focus on their friendship and her work instead of her humiliation, her eyes drifted back over the designs. "A dress should make a woman feel beautiful and alluring. I wanted to capture that beauty with a hint of fairy tale thrown into the mix. When I don't know the client personally, it makes designing the dresses a bit harder, so that is why I chose to bring very different designs for her to look at. Do you know when your fiancée will arrive?"

Stefan leaned a hip onto the table and smiled. "Actually, she's already here. I have a proposition for you, Victoria."

Intrigued, Victoria rested one hand on the table and smiled. "And what is that, Your Highness?"

He chuckled. "Now you're mocking me."

"Not at all," she retorted with a grin, loving how they fell back into their easy banter as if no time had passed. "You just sounded so serious. What's your proposition?"

He took her hands in his, looking her in the eyes. "It has to do with my fiancée.sort of."

Oh, no. She recognized that look. It was the same naughty, conniving look he had when he'd wanted her to be his partner in crime in their early twenties…like the time when he'd asked her to pose as his girlfriend for a charity ball because he had a somewhat aggressive lady who wouldn't take no for an answer.

God. The sick feeling in her stomach deepened. The man was up to something no good.

"Stefan." She slid her hands from his warm, strong hold and rubbed them together. "Tell me there's a real fiancée and you're actually getting married."

"I am getting married and there is a fiancée." He threw her a wide, beautiful smile. "You."

Stefan waited for her response to his abrupt proposal. Damn, he'd meant to have a bit more finesse, but time was running out and he couldn't afford to tackle this wedding in the traditional sense. Nothing about this situation was traditional.

She placed her hands on either side of her temples as if to rub the stress headache away…he'd had a few of those moments himself recently. He'd never pictured himself as a one-woman man. And the thought always sent a shudder straight through him.

"I'm sorry to pull you into this," he told her. "I couldn't trust anyone else right now."

He prayed he chose the right words to make her understand. She was, after all, still recovering from an ugly public breakup, and she had always been such a good friend, no matter the distance between them. They'd shared countless phone calls in the middle of the night, during many of which she'd told him her dreams and he'd listened, hoping one day all those dreams would come true. And perhaps he could help that along.

"Why do you need me all of a sudden?"

"Galini Isle will go back to Greece if I don't marry and gain the title of king. My brother isn't an option because his wife is a divorcee and the damn laws are archaic. I couldn't live with myself if I didn't do everything in my power to keep this country in my family. I won't let my people down." He hated being forced into anything. "I want my title, but I do not want a wife. Unfortunately, I've looked for a loophole and there isn't one."

Victoria sank to the patio chair. "Again, why me?"

"I want a wife in name only. And I can't let my country revert to Greek rule. It's been in my family for generations. I refuse to be a failure to my family's name."

"This is crazy," she muttered, shaking her head.

Stefan stepped closer. "You've recently had scandal in your life. Why not show this fiance who jilted you and the media who exploited your pain that you are stronger, you can rise above this and come out on top? What better way than to marry a prince?"

"You're serious?" she asked, looking back up at him. "How could we pull this off? I mean, we haven't been seen together in public for a couple years."

Stefan came over and took a seat directly beside her in the matching wrought-iron chair with plush cushions. "My people don't know who my bride is. I've made sure they only know there will be a wedding. I've been very secretive about this, which only adds to the mystery of the romance."

Romance. Yeah, that was the dead last thing on his mind right now. Couldn't he just have the crown? He was the prince, for crying out loud. Didn't that give him some clout? Why did he need a marriage to claim it?

"Once they see you, they'll know why I kept the engagement so quiet," he went on, knowing he was rambling, but he had to make her see this was the only way.

Damn, he hated vulnerability and being backed into a corner. Not only that, he hated putting Victoria in an awkward position.

Victoria laughed. "And here all this time I thought you were letting your romantic, protective side show."

"You are one of Hollywood's most famous single ladies—a bachelorette, I believe your country calls it—and I will simply explain I was protecting you from even more scandal and we wanted to express our love on our wedding day and not exploit it beforehand. Besides, there are all those articles and pictures from when we were in our teens and twenties. The media practically had us engaged at your twenty-first birthday party when I bought you a diamond necklace. The history is there, and the media will eat it up."

"Oh, Stefan." She sighed. "This is such a big decision. You can't expect me to give you an answer right now."

Leaning back against the chair, Stefan nodded. "I'm asking for only six months, Tori. After my coronation I'll have my title as king and the country will be secured with my family again."

"Then what?" she asked, her eyes searching his.

He shrugged, not really worried about anything beyond getting married and gaining his title. "After that it's up to you. You can stay married to me or you can end the relationship. The control is yours. Who knows, you may like being queen."

True, he may be a playboy, but he could think of multiple circumstances that would be worse than being married to the stunning Victoria Dane.

She stared out across the estate toward the ocean. Victoria's beauty was remarkable and surprisingly natural. She came from the land of perfection brought on by plastic surgeons, yet she looked more stunning than the fake, siliconed women he knew. And he was damn lucky she was in his life.

"This is the craziest thing I've ever heard." With a slight laugh she looked back to him. "You're taking something as serious as a royal wedding, a wedding that will create the new leaders for your country, and turning it into a…a lie. My God, Stefan, this is really putting the pressure on our friendship. Do you realize how risky this is? I can't lose you."

He sat forward, dead serious. "You could never lose me as a friend. If I thought that was the case I never would've asked you. Just think of this as a long, overdue reunion. I need someone I can trust not to back out at the last minute or use me for money in the end."

"Why did you wait so long to ask me?"

"Honestly I thought I could find a way around this." God knows he'd exhausted every avenue looking for one. "When I realized I couldn't, I knew I had only one option. You are the one person in my life I'd ever trust with something so personal, so serious."

She laughed. "I'd do anything for you, Stefan, you know that, but this is asking a lot. What about the people of your country? Won't they feel let down if we end the marriage? And how will this work out after your coronation? Will the country still remain yours?"

"No, my people won't feel let down," he assured her. "I will still be their leader. I will still keep control over my country. I just need the title to do so, which is where you fit in."

"You've really thought this through, haven't you?" She crossed her legs and shifted her body toward his. "You can't expect me to put my life on hold for six months. I'm a busy woman, Stefan."

He'd always admired her take-charge attitude and the way she matched him in this volley of wills. Not to mention the fact the woman was classy and beyond sexy.

Most helpful customer reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful.
4.5 Star Review - Friends to Lovers
By Harlequin Junkie Blog
Behind Palace Doors by Jules Bennett is exactly the kind of read I want to loose myself in at the end of a busy day.

Victoria and Stefan have been friend since their teens and their friendship has only gotten stronger as the years passed. When Prince Stefan is faced with the dilemma of having to marry to secure the crown the only person that’s forefront in his mind is Victoria Dane.

Tori and Stefan are the best of friends and they would pretty much do anything for each other, so when Stefan proposes to Tori it doesn’t take much for her to say YES.

Even though Tori and Stefan have always been attracted to each other they have always valued their friendship and have been wary to cross the line and tempt fate into ruining their friendship. But Marriage gives them the perfect opportunity to be friends with benefits and boy do these two know how to have fun in and out of the bedroom ;)

She reached around, unhooking the unwanted garment and smiled. "Maybe not. We may just like being married to each other. This is the best relationship I've ever been in."
"You're just saying that to get me into bed," he told her, his hands coming up to cup her breasts.
"Yes, because it is so hard to get you naked and horny." She laughed.

If I were to crib about anything it would Tori’s reaction to the conflict at the end. I understand the need for conflict in a romance to get to HEA and considering Tori has been hurt in the past I see why she reacted the way she did…but considering she and Stefan were best friends I would have liked to see her handle that a tad differently. Did Tori’s reaction at the end mess the book for me? Absolutely NOT! Stefan more than made up for it in the end ☺

What I loved about this book was that the focus was solely on Tori and Stefan and their relationship. One could clearly see that they loved and cared for each much beyond one would for a friend even though they didn’t quite realize it yet.

The writing was playful and sexy; the story had the right amount of emotional moments to make you ooh and awww as you read along!

"If you want to ride my bike, in any form of the term, let me offer myself to your services."
Victoria laughed, smacking his shoulder. "I'm so glad you're willing to sacrifice yourself for my work."

If you are a fan of friends to lovers Trope and love badboy Princess this book is a must read!

Reviewed at HarlequinJunkie.com

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful.
Great Read!
By Amazon Customer
I loved this book! But I love all of Jules Bennet's books! A lot of times, authors take too long to get the point of the story, but I can't say the same for this one. It was done without skipping any of the good or important things that make this book an excellent read. The characters were believable & very likable!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful.
Be Still My Beating Heart
By TashNz
Fast paced sexy story that i didn't want to end!

First most important point to mention above and beyond all other points - Prince Stefan - H.O.T! Bring forth the fan!

Where to begin with the likes I have for Behind Palace Doors? Lets start with how refreshing it is that the main characters are best friends. There's no conflict forcing them together which means we can cut straight to the good stuff... you know... like the fairy tale world Tori is about to enter when Stefan calls upon her, his best friend, to help him save his people... what did you think I meant? hehehe

Prince Stefan summons his best friend Tori to town and after she agrees to help him they're suddenly confronted with their feelings that have always simmered below, neither of them wanting to explore in the past in case it ruined their friendship. Taking the bull by the horn Stefan decides to take the first step and before they know it they take their platonic friendship up a notch to friends with benefits... oh let me count the ways.

Enter my next like - how Stefan summons Tori. Loved it!!! Very original for me.

Tori is only meant to be in Stefan's immediate life on a temporary basis but as they explore each other Tori is slowly but surely falling for her Prince.

Have I mentioned how hot Prince Stefan is? I'm not a huge tattoo fan but Jules Bennett has managed to convince me the the tattooed Prince Stefan is perfection!

A hot, fast paced and fantastic read that explores whether two best friends can be life long partners. Stefan and Tori both have their reasons to be reserved about this and while they try to live in the now the future is there... the gnawing background fear that not every Prince has their happy ever after. Both are so well likable characters and I love that Tori has a fantastic career and is an independent woman. The conversation between the two flowed as did the ride I was taken on.

Reading Jules Bennett's website I have learnt Behind Palace Doors is Book 3 of a series. I'm totally going to check out the first two.

Behind Palace Doors is indeed every girls dream.

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# PDF Download Chasing Perfect (Fool's Gold, Book 1), by Susan Mallery

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Chasing Perfect (Fool's Gold, Book 1), by Susan Mallery

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Welcome to Fool's Gold, California, a charming community in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. There's lots to do and plenty of people to meet, especially women. Because there's just one tiny problem in Fool's Gold: the men don't seem to stick around. Maybe it's the lure of big-city life, or maybe it's plain old bad luck, but regardless of the reason, the problem has to be fixed, fast. And Charity Jones may be just the city planner to do it.

Charity's nomadic childhood has left her itching to settle down, and she immediately falls in love with all the storybook town has to offer—everything, that is, except its sexiest and most famous resident, former world-class cyclist Josh Golden. With her long list of romantic disasters, she's not about to take a chance on another bad boy, even if everyone else thinks he's perfect just the way he is. But maybe that's just what he needs—someone who knows the value of his flaws. Someone who knows that he's just chasing perfect.

• Sales Rank: #297155 in Books
• Brand: HQN Books
• Published on: 2010-04-27
• Released on: 2010-04-27
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 6.62" h x .99" w x 4.21" l, .40 pounds
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• 384 pages

Features

• Great product!

From Publishers Weekly
For her first Fool's Gold romance, Mallery (Hot on Her Heels) eschews her tried-and-true formula of a passionate heroine and arrogant alpha male hero linked by a tumultuous past, setting up two wary strangers instead. The mayor of Fool's Gold, Calif., is determined to match-make between Charity Jones, a city planner hired to create jobs that will keep the town's men from moving away, and Josh Golden, a professional cyclist and reputed womanizer. Charity, a veteran of romantic disaster, is skeptical of Josh, who's always surrounded by cute female fans. Josh, traumatized by a teammate's death and no longer able to race, feels too broken to maintain a relationship. The book brims with quick-witted, good-natured characters, and though Charity and Josh occasionally verge on blandness, their romance grows poignantly and with chemistry to spare. (May)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

About the Author

New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery has entertained millions of readers with her witty and emotional stories about women. Publishers Weekly calls Susan’s prose “luscious and provocative,” and Booklist says “Novels don’t get much better than Mallery’s expert blend of emotional nuance, humor and superb storytelling.” Susan lives in Seattle with her husband and her tiny but intrepid toy poodle. Visit her at www.SusanMallery.com.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.


Charity Jones loved a good disaster movie as much as the next person—she would simply prefer the disaster in question not be about her life.

The sharp crack of an electrical short, followed by a burning smell, filled the conference room on the third floor of City Hall. A thin wisp of smoke rose from her laptop, ending any hope of her PowerPoint presentation going smoothly. The presentation she'd stayed up nearly all night perfecting.

It was her first day on the job, she thought, breathing deeply to ward off panic. The first official hour of her first official day. Didn't she get at least a sixteenth of a break? Some small sign of mercy from the universe?

Apparently not.

She glanced from her still smoldering computer to the ten-member board from California University, Fool's Gold campus, and they did not look happy. Part of the reason was that they'd been working with the previous city planner for nearly a year and still hadn't come up with a contract for the new research facility. A contract she was now responsible for bringing to life. She would guess the unpleasant burny smell was the other reason they were shifting in their seats.

"Perhaps we should reschedule the meeting," Mr. Berman said. He was tall, with graying hair and glasses. "When you're more—" he motioned to the smoldering computer "—prepared."

Charity smiled warmly when what she really wanted to do was throw something. She was prepared. She'd been on the job all of—she glanced at the clock on the wall—eight minutes, but she'd been prepping since she accepted the position as city planner nearly two weeks ago. She understood what the university wanted and what the town had to offer. She might be new, but she was still damned good at her job.

Her boss, the mayor, had warned her about this group and had offered to put off the meeting, but Charity had wanted to prove herself. Something she refused to let be a mistake.

"We're all here," she said, still smiling as confidently as possible. "We can do this the old-fashioned way."

She unplugged her computer and took it out into the hall where it would no doubt stink up the rest of the building, but her first priority had to be the meeting. She was determined to start her new job with a win and that meant getting California University at Fool's Gold to sign on the bottom line.

When she stepped back into the conference room, she walked over to the dry erase board and picked up a thick blue pen from the small rack attached to the board.

"The way I see it," she began, writing the number one and circling it, "there are three sticking points. First, the length of the lease." She wrote a number two, "Second, the reversion of improvements on the land. Namely the building itself. And three, the freeway off-ramp signal." She turned back to the ten well-dressed people watching her. "Do you agree?"

They all looked to Mr. Berman, who nodded slowly.

"Good." Charity had reviewed all the notes on the previous meetings and talked to the mayor of Fool's Gold over the weekend. What Charity couldn't figure out was why the negotiating process was taking so long. Apparently the previous city planner had wanted to be right more than he wanted the research facility in town. But Mayor Marsha Tilson had been very clear when she'd offered Charity the job—bring businesses to Fool's Gold, and fast.

"Here's what I'm prepared to offer," she said, making a second column. She went through all three problems and listed solutions, including an extra five seconds of left-turn time on the signal at the top of the off-ramp.

The board members listened and when she was done, they once again looked at Mr. Berman.

"That does sound good," he began.

Sound good? It was better than good. It was a once-in-a-lifetime deal. It was everything the university had asked for. It was zero calorie brownie with ice cream.

"There's still one problem," Mr. Berman said.

"Which is?" she asked.

"Four acres on the county line." The voice came from the doorway.

Charity turned and saw a man entering the conference room. He was tall and blond, good-looking to the point of being almost another species, and he moved with an easy athletic grace that made her feel instantly awkward. He looked vaguely familiar, but she was sure they'd never met before.

He gave her a quick smile. The flash of teeth, the millisecond of attention, nearly knocked her into the wall. Who was this guy?

"Bernie," the stranger said, turning the megawatt grin on the group leader. "I heard you were in town. You didn't call me for dinner."

Mr. Berman actually looked interested. "I thought you'd be busy with your latest conquest."

Blond guy shrugged modestly. "I always have time for anyone from the university. Sharon. Martin." He greeted everyone else at the table, shook a few hands, winked at the old lady at the end, then turned back to Charity.

"Sorry to interrupt. I'm sure under normal circumstances you could deal with this problem without breaking a sweat. But the reason we don't have a deal isn't the lease reversion or the traffic light." He moved close and took the pen from her hand. "It's the four acres the university has been offered by a very wealthy alumni family. They want their name on the building and they're willing to pay for that privilege."

He flashed another smile at Charity, then turned back to the board. "I'm going to explain why that's a bad idea."

And then he started talking. She had no idea who he was and probably should have told him to leave, but she couldn't seem to move or speak. It was as if he projected some space-alien force field that kept her immobilized.

Maybe it was his eyes, she thought, gazing into their hazel-green depths. Or his sun-bleached lashes. It might have been the way he moved or the heat she felt every time he walked by her. Or maybe she'd simply inhaled some weird gas when her computer had sparked, flamed out and died.

While she enjoyed a boy-girl encounter as much as the next woman, she'd never been mesmerized by a man before. Certainly not during a professional meeting that she was supposed to be running.

She knew the type, though. Had seen the power of the havoc they brought with them everywhere they went. Self-preservation stated she should stay far, far away. And she would…just as soon as the meeting was over.

She squared her shoulders, determined to regain control of herself and the meeting. Then her mystery invader's words sunk in. A gift of prime real estate would be hard for any university to refuse. No wonder Mr. Berman hadn't been interested in her solution. It didn't address the problem.

"The research you're talking about is important to all of us," blond guy concluded. "Which is why the city's offer is the best one on the table."

Charity forced her attention to Mr. Berman, who was nodding slowly. "You've made some good points, Josh."

"Just showing you a few things you might not have thought of," blond guy said modestly. Blond guy who was apparently named Josh. "Charity's done all the work."

She frowned. He was taking over her nervous system and her meeting and trying to give her credit?

"Not at all," she said, relieved the power of speech had returned. "Who could compete with your excellent points?"

Josh actually winked at her, then reached for the folder on the table. "This is the letter of intent. I think the signing has been put off long enough, don't you, Bernie?"

Mr. Berman nodded slowly, then pulled a pen out of his suit jacket pocket. "You're right, Josh." Then, just like that, he signed the paper, giving Charity the victory she'd so desperately wanted.

Somehow she'd hoped it would be a tiny bit sweeter.

In a matter of minutes, everyone had shaken hands, murmured about setting up the next meeting to get the planning going and left. Charity was alone in the conference room, only the lingering smell of burned plastic and a signed document proof that anything had happened at all. She glanced at the clock. It was 9:17 a.m. At the rate things were happening around here, she could cure several diseases and solve world hunger by noon. Well, not her. So far her accomplishments seemed limited to frying innocent electronics.

She collected the paperwork, went out into the hall and picked up her cold, dead computer. Had it really happened? Had some guy blown into her meeting, saved the day, then disappeared? Like a local super hero or something? And if he was so in the loop, why hadn't he taken care of the problem weeks ago?

There was no way she could have known about a private donation—no matter how much research and prep work she had done. But Charity still had a vague sense of dissatisfaction. She preferred to win through her own actions. Not because of a rescue.

She made her way to her new office on the second floor. She hadn't had much time to get settled, what with moving to Fool's Gold over the weekend and the presentation preparation taking up all her free time. She'd brought in a box of personal items and dumped it on her desk shortly before six that morning. By one minute after six, she'd been in the conference room, going over her presentation, wanting it to be perfect. A complete waste of time, she told herself as she entered the second floor. Between the computer death and the mystery guy, she need not have bothered.

That morning, the open space in the old building had been empty and quiet. Now half a dozen women worked at desks. Doors to offices stood open and the sound of conversation spilled out to create murmured background noise.

She turned toward her office. Her assistant should have arrived, so they could meet face-to-face for the first time. Technically they'd been working together for a couple of weeks now, with Sheryl faxing and e-mailing information to Charity in Nevada.

Charity had visited Fool's Gold during her interview process. She'd met with the mayor and a few members of the city council, and toured the area. She'd never lived in a small town before. The closest she'd come was Stars Hollow, from watching Gilmore Girls while still in college. She'd liked everything about Fool's Gold and had been able to imagine herself putting down roots in the lakeside town. She had even been in this building, had looked around. But apparently she hadn't noticed the giant poster on the wall.

Now she stared into a larger-than-life-size picture of her mystery guy. He smiled down at her, a bicycle helmet under one arm, a tight shirt and bike shorts leaving very little to the imagination. The print underneath the picture proclaimed Josh Golden—Fool's Gold's favorite son.

She blinked, then blinked again. Josh Golden as in the celebrated cyclist Josh Golden? Second youngest winner of the Tour de France and possibly hundreds of other bike races? She'd never followed the bike racing circuit or whatever it was called. She didn't follow any sports. But even she had heard of him. He'd been married to somebody famous—she couldn't remember who—and was now divorced. He endorsed energy drinks and a major athletic brand. He lived here? He'd come to her meeting and had saved the day?

Not possible, she told herself. Maybe she'd fallen and hit her head and now couldn't remember the event. Maybe she was in a coma somewhere, imagining all this.

She walked past the poster and moved toward her office. Just outside the open door, she saw a thirty-something woman on the phone. The woman, dark-haired and pretty, looked up and smiled. "She's here. I gotta go. Love you." The woman stood. "I'm Sheryl, your assistant. You're Charity Jones. Nice to finally meet you, Ms. Jones."

"You, too, and please call me Charity."

Sheryl grinned. "I just heard you got the university to sign. Mayor Marsha will be doing the happy dance. They've been slippery little suckers, but you nailed them."

A flash of movement caught Charity's attention. She glanced over her assistant's shoulder and saw Sheryl's screen saver had come on with a picture show.

The first shot showed Josh Golden on a racing bike. The second showed him shirtless and grinning. The third photo was a very naked guy in a shower, his back to the camera. Charity felt her eyes widen.

Sheryl glanced over her shoulder and laughed. "I know. He's gorgeous. I downloaded these from the Internet. Want me to put them on your computer?"

"Ah, no. Thank you." Charity hesitated. "I'm not sure naked pictures are appropriate for a business office."

"Really?" Sheryl looked confused. "I hadn't thought of that. I guess you're right. I'll take off the shower picture, even though it's my favorite. Have you met Josh? He's what my grandma would call dreamy. I've told my husband if Josh ever comes calling I am so outta here."

So every other woman on the planet also reacted to Josh the way Charity had. Fabulous. Nothing was as thrilling as being part of an adoring crowd, she thought as she made her way into her office.

But it wasn't a problem. She would simply avoid the man until she figured out how to control her reaction to him. She wanted a nice, normal, safe man. Her mother had always been attracted to the Joshes of the world: too handsome and adored by women everywhere. She'd gotten her heart broken regularly and painfully. Charity had been determined to learn from her mother's mistakes.

After putting her dead laptop next to her box of personal things she had yet to unpack, Charity glanced through the open door toward Sheryl.

Most helpful customer reviews

30 of 33 people found the following review helpful.
4 1/2 stars. Great start to a new series!
By Laura B
4 1/2 stars

This is the first in a new series from Susan Mallery about a town in California called Fool's Gold. I received this book from the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.

Charity Jones has been hired by Fool's Gold's mayor to be the new city planner. She moved around all through childhood and now at 28 wants to settle down and grow roots. She loves the small town and can't wait to find a house and make a home. She's leaving behind a string of bad relationships and doesn't plan to do any more dating for a while.
Josh Golden is Fool's Gold's golden boy. He's a retired professional cyclist who has returned home after leaving cycling at a young age. He's got reputation of being a real ladies' man and all the women in town drool over him. Charity doesn't want to be part of the crowd, but she can't help but be attracted to him.

This is a classic and sweet romance. Many of the plot points are a bit predictable, but not annoyingly so. I liked the turn-around of how the golden boy can sometimes be the right guy and the "nice" guy isn't always the right one (think like the movie The Mask).
Both Josh and Charity were well developed characters with enough depth to give them realism and likability. I enjoyed the banter between the two as well as their development apart.
This is the first in the series and I was happy that the setup for the next book didn't occur until the very last paragraph in the book. This book can be read stand alone and you aren't left hanging too much--just a little interest left at the end. I have found lately than many series books have been setting up the next book 1/3 of the way through the one you are reading and you lose time with the current couple. Thankfully, no so in this one. Ethan is the next hero, but the next book could have included any number of characters right until the last paragraph when Ethan's story is setup.

I'm a Susan Mallery fan and have read almost all of her recent series books. If you have enjoyed her latest series, you will like this one and be looking forward to reading more.

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful.
So bad I could not finish the book
By Trish
I think Susan Mallery was trying to appeal to a younger demographic with this book. I must of read about Josh's back side, front side, handsome face on just about every one of the 234 pages I made it through. The way Ms. Mallery seemed to keep describing him over and over was like a bunch of teenage girls would talk at a slumber party. Also, I have attended many all women meetings and they were never like the women in this book. The author tried to make them sound professional, but in the end it seemed like at every meeting the women had the same conversations about Josh and his wonderful body. Truthfully, Josh was just to good to be true for me. I actually got tired of hearing about him and his outstanding body. The romance between Josh and Charity was flat, I didn't really understand what Josh saw in Charity, and the only thing Charity seemed to care about was his fine butt (doesn't that make for long lasting relationships). Maybe pages 235 - 376 were better, but I just could not force myself to keep reading it.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful.
A Good Series, But...
By FWM
As much as I enjoy Susan Mallery's books, this one was less-interesting to me than some others I've read. I never really took to either Charity or Josh, but Charity particularly didn't resonate with me. Her character fell a bit flat, her motives and reasoning never really ringing true. And some parts of the story just didn't fit smoothly with the rest. This book introduces a series based around the small town of Fool's Gold, and I have moved on the second book, which I enjoyed more than this one. If possible, I would recommend reading all three books in succession like one larger novel to even out experience.

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