1. Introduction

June Contest Winner

Congratulations to member: tkozeluh

You just won an autographed paperback copy of Titania Ladley's A WANTON'S THIEF, the first in her Robin Hood Thieves & Lovers series. To redeem your prize, please email her by the publication of the August issue* at titanialadley @yahoo.com (no spaces) with "Sensual Romances Newsletter Winner" in the subject line. Congratulations!

July Contest

The Siren for the month of June is Katherine Kingston. She'll be giving away a signed copy of the trade paperback of RULING PASSION or HEALING PASSION and a deck of Ellora's Cave playing cards. Good luck to all subscribers!

*Subscribers, please note our contest rules have changed: Winners must now contact the Siren/author of the month named in each issue to redeem prizes. The author must be contacted by the winner before the publication of the following month's newsletter to be eligible to win, or forfeit prize(s).

2. Siren News

Lani Aames
http://www.laniaames.com

ETERNAL PASSION

8 (out of 9) Gargoyles!* "I loved this story. It has romance, sizzling sex scenes, and the mystery of whodunit. Jo and Vincenz are wonderful characters that quickly came to know and love, and I was easily pulled into their struggles. I couldn't stop reading Lani Aames' *Eternal Passion* until the final word. I will certainly be picking up more books from this very talented author."
~ -Summer Lasaire, In The Library Reviews
http://www.inthelibraryreviews.net/AamesLani.html#eternalpasssion


Beverly Havlir
http://www.beverlyhavlir.com

IRRESISTIBLE
Available now at www.ellorascave.com

4 Ribbons
"…the sparks are still flying and it's obvious they still love each other even though they are trying to fight it. The love scenes have a passionate desperation that will leave readers in tears. Beverly Havlir knows how to write a story that draws the reader in and makes them feel everything along with the characters."
~ Angel Brewer, Romance Junkies

5 Angels!
"Irresistible has all the sexuality and flaming hot sex scenes to have the reader coming back for more. Ms. Havlir has beautifully written the characters that made this reviewer screaming "no" when I read the last page. Ms. Havlir, you have a new fan and I cannot wait to read your next book." ~ Sonya, Fallen Angel Reviews

"…will bewitch the readers."
~ Danny, Love Romances

"Ms. Havlir tells a terrific tale that could easily happen to just about anyone. Madison and Gavin are wonderful characters with easily believable personalities. Anyone who enjoys contemporary tales of love lost and found again is sure to enjoy this book."
~ Susan White, Coffee Time Romance


Katherine Kingston
http://www.katherinekingston.com

FUN IN THE SUN: DOMINANT BOYS OF SUMMER

5 Stars!
"I found this to be an exciting short story. Even though the focus seems to be on the BDSM aspect, the author does well at examining the motivations of each of the three characters and makes them sympathetic personalities. I highly recommend this one as well worth the read."
-- Annie for Euro-reviews http://euroreviews.eu.funpic.de/bookdetails.php?book_id=396

4 1/2 Roses!
"Ms. Kingston has given us a wonderful story of introducing someone to bondage and submission. It takes trust in each other completely in order to really be submissive and give up the control, to listen to your body and let is respond to the stimulation it needs in order to reach the ultimate goal. In Julie's case it was finding out that she was submissive when it came to sex, she needed that extra edge to push her over the edge. I'm hoping that Ms. Kingston will give us another story about these three unique and caring characters of Dominant Boys of Summer. Nick needs to find the one special lady that will light up his life like Julie does Dave's."
-- Pam for A Romance Review

5 Stars!
"A part of the Fun in the Sun series, Dominant Boys of Summer is excellent short story. The plot has been so flawlessly developed that the storyline makes sense and the scenes that incorporate Nick, Dave and Julie never feel forced or artificial. The pace is perfectly set, so that the sex slowly builds up instead of unrealistically forcing a sexual encounter right off the bat. The relationship that develops between these three is believable and strengthens the plot. All three characters are expertly written. Julie is slightly fearful and unsure of herself, not knowing what to expect of the weekend. Her confusion evolves into strength, making her journey warm and deliciously intense. Dave is a loving man yet deliciously dominant. He has more at stake with the outcome of the weekend and his desire to see Julie happy is comforting. Then there is Nick; he's authoritative and confident yet just a little unsure of his place in Julie and Dave's relationship. This doubt makes him likeable and realistic. As a threesome, they burn up the page. The sex scenes incorporate BDSM acts, including pain induced orgasmic feelings and lots of intense passion. This quick read is a fabulous addition to the Fun in the Sun series."
-- Francesca Hayne Just Erotic Romance Reviews
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/justeroticromancereviewsnewsletter/join

4 1/2 Ribbons!
"Katherine Kingston's DOMINANT BOYS OF SUMMER is a fast paced read full of love, friendship and very intense sex scenes. There's no doubt that Julie and Dave are very much in love but their sexual relationship needs something more than the vanilla lovemaking they've been trying. Throw in Nick's more commanding nature and he teaches Dave all about Domination while Julie discovers the joys of submission as well as how much it turns her on. I adored the interaction among the three characters. I'd love to see a follow up story for all three of them, hopefully with Nick having a love interest in his life as well."
-- Chrissy Dionne, for Romance Junkies
http://www.romancejunkiesreviews.com/artman/publish/article_6050.shtml


Titania Ladley
http://www.titanialadleyromance.com  

A GYPSY'S THIEF
http://www.ellorascave.com/productpage.asp?ISBN=1-4199-0654-2

5 Stars!
"Titania Ladley has done it again! Many praises for her creative story and her talent for bringing characters alive off the pages. She has a way of emotionally connecting the reader to the story, it's characters and the time period it's written in. She has a writing style that isn't to be missed… I highly recommend this series and this book is a definite "do not miss." Highly recommended."
~Tara, Euro-Reviews

4 Stars!
"…extremely hot and definitely a turn on. Ladies, break out your toys for this one… If the writing in the first novel is half as well-done and suspenseful [as] Thieves & Lovers Book 2: A Gypsy's Thief then I am breaking out my credit card. I truly enjoyed my time with Titania Ladley. She is an author worthy of your attention."
~ Suni Farrar, Just Erotic Romance Reviews

4 Steaming Cups!
"What a fascinating take on the old myths of Robin Hood and his Merry Men! …Ms. Ladley has hit upon a new extremely enthralling and satisfying way to tell an old tale. I highly recommend this wonderful book to anyone who loves swashbuckling tales of adventure and the paranormal."
~ Susan White, Coffee Time Romance

A WANTON'S THIEF
http://www.ellorascave.com/productpage.asp?ISBN=1-4199-0231-8

"…fantastic, sexy, and smart!!! I loved how you developed Robin Hood and placed an entirely new spin on a widely known character. Keep it up! EXCELLENT BOOK!!!"
~Kerensa Wilson, reader

MIDNIGHT HOUR
Triskelion Publishing

4 Stars!
"Titania Ladley tells the story of the magic of Christmas where anything can happen."
~Candy, Ecataromance


Judy Mays
http://www.judymays.com

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S HEAT

4 ½ stars, Romantic Times Magazine
Page Traynor
"This story of lust remarkably achieves a great amount of romanticism. Both Alex and Belle are strong, attractive and heartwarming characters. Part of a series, the overall story continues to grow and remain interesting." (dl $5.20)

Just Erotic Romance Reviews
Reviewer: Patrice Storie
Rating: 5 Stars
Heat level: O
"A Midsummer Night's Heat is the third book in Judy Mays great series, but you can enjoy this story alone. Belle grabs your attention right from the start. All she wants is to relax without having to take care of anyone or anything. Alex Whitehorse is a handsome, irritating, ultra responsible and totally sexy alpha male. "Obey me" he demands and expects compliance. Belle is as apt to say "Bite me" as she is to obey, unless she wants to of course! The sparks fly especially when their instincts recognize they are soul mates... This fast paced, sexy story is enhanced with themes of overcoming prejudices and following our instincts about love. Well drawn secondary characters like the Beta wolf Josh, Omega wolf Dave, Alesandra, and Callie the kitten add humor and interest. A Midsummer Night's Heat is a must for paranormal lovers' keeper files!"

Susan Biliter
eCataRomance Reviews
5 stars
"A Midsummer Night's Heat" is a scorchingly erotic tale of love and acceptance. Spend a little time with Alex and Belle and find out what happens when two alpha werewolves find out just how hot a summer night can be. Once again, Ms. Mays' wonderful writing style really shines as she tells the story of Belle and her mate Alex. The story flows effortlessly with vivid descriptions and engaging characters. You find yourself totally lost in the story right from the first page. The sexual tension between Alex and Belle is palpable and Ms. Mays' evokes so many emotions as she leads you through the story. Belle and Alex are wonderfully written characters. I was immediately drawn to them. The secondary characters are just as interesting and add so much to the whole of the story. I especially loved Belle's cat. She's absolutely perfect! Besides being superbly written, this story is also incredibly erotic. Alex and Belle sizzle, even in the rain. You'll definitely need some cooling down after this story. If you love werewolves, this is a must read!"


SOLSTICE HEAT

Rating 5 stars
Keely Skillman
eCataromance Reviews
"Solstice Heat by Judy Mays is sure to leave you panting for more as well as panting from the heat it generates. Ms. Mays just proves that some series get even better as they go along with this installment in her Heat series....
Garth is the strong silent type wrapped in a cuddly wolf. Eileen is battered but strong. Both are absolutely wonderful characters. The supporting characters are entertaining and richly detailed enough to fill out the plot without detracting from the main focus. The story line is wonderfully intricate and exciting without dangling the reader off into tangent land. All in all, Ms. Mays deigns to bless us with her talent for creating a masterpiece capable of making you forget that dinner is burning in the oven despite the smoke-alarm going off over your head."

Just Erotic Romance Reviews
Kirra Pierce
Rating: 5 Stars
Heat level: H
"Ms Mays manages the tricky job of mixing characters a reader may have known well from previous books with those this story centers on without shorting anyone. A reader new to her writing could also read this as a stand-alone and not feel confused as previous action is explained without being intrusive to this storyline. Garth is a luscious alpha character whose nature tends to more lone wolf than pack. Eileen is his werewolf mate who was torn from him in their youth and then deceived into thinking Garth didn't want her. Their joy and then pain upon reuniting was very believable. I loved that Eileen was immediately honest with Garth about all that happened while they were apart: that took real strength of character. The couple's passion was oh, so sweetly hot. They have an intense need for each other and will not be separated again. My only complaint with the story is that some threads were clearly left dangling for the next Grey werewolf story and I hate to wait!"

Fallen Angels Reviews
Elizabth
5 Angels
"Judy Mays is a fabulous author. I love her Heat series and have been anxiously awaiting this tale for many months...The characters are all simply superb; well developed and very affable, I would love to count among my own friends. Ms. Mays deals with a fairly sensitive social topic in this story: spousal abuse. Though not focused on in overly much detail, it is a fundamental part of the plot that fits in with the storyline and is written about in such a way as to make the reader sympathize with Eileen and hope her luck with men improves... This is a must for any Mays fan, particularly followers of the Heat series. If you haven't read a Judy Mays tale before, I suggest you do so. You will soon find yourself a Judy Mays convert and will be looking with eager eyes towards her next novel - as I am."

3. Presenting our featured author for this month - Katherine Kingston

Interviewed by Rachel Bo

Reading, Food & Inventive Fun
By Samantha Winston
http://www.samanthawinston.com

Cool Summer Recipes

Our intrepid food editor is unavailable this month, dealing with a family illness, so a few other Sirens have donated some favorite summer recipes in her place.

Katherine Kingston
http://www.katherinekingston.com

Easy Gazpacho

1 can tomato soup + 2 cups water
bay leaf
1/3 cup vinegar
Worcestershire sauce
25 drops Tabasco
salt + pepper to taste
garlic salt
3 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
1/2 cucumber, finely chopped
1 big stalk celery, finely chopped
1/2 green pepper, finely chopped

Boil soup with water and bay leaf. Let cool, add rest of ingredients and chill thoroughly. Gazpacho is eaten cold.


Titania Ladley
http://www.titanialadleyromance.com

Low-fat Strawberry Jello Salad
A cool summer dessert contributed by Siren Titania Ladley

2 small boxes strawberry Jello (6 ounces total)
3 ½ cups very hot water
1 block no-fat cream cheese (8 oz.)
1 carton Lite Cool Whip (8 oz.)
1 small box frozen strawberries
1 ½ cups mini marshmallows

Dissolve Jello in hot water. Cool to just warm and add strawberries. When mixture is cooled to room temperature, add marshmallows. Cut cream cheese block into small pea-sized hunks and add to Jello. Refrigerate until partially thickened. Stir in Cool Whip. Finish chilling and serve.


Low-Fat Broccoli-Cauliflower Summer Salad
A quick and easy salad contributed by Siren Titania Ladley

2 12-oz. bags of broccoli-cauliflower mixture (in fresh produce section)
2 cups reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
2/3 cup chopped red onion (or substitute dehydrated onions)
1 cup Miracle Whip Lite
½ cup sugar
2 Tablespoons apple cider or red wine vinegar
½ cup sunflower seeds
Bacon bits to taste

Mix cheese, onion, Miracle Whip, sugar, vinegar, and sunflower seeds in large salad bowl. Add broccoli and cauliflower and toss until coated with dressing. Stir in bacon bits to taste, or reserve and allow each person to sprinkle desired amount on their serving. Chill and serve.


No-Sauce Barbequed Ribs
Addictive, easy-to-prepare ribs contributed by Siren Titania Ladley

Slab of babyback pork ribs (or pork steaks)
1 container Tones Louisiana Style Cajun Spice*
Salt
Pepper

Fire up grill. Sprinkle ribs (or steaks) liberally with Cajun spice. Douse lightly with salt and pepper. Grill 25-30 minutes, turn, sprinkle on more spice and grill 25-30 minutes longer. Great straight off the bone without sauce! [*Note: Tones brand is highly recommended for that special addictive flavor.]


Judy Mays
http://www.judymays.com

Frozen Kiss on the Lips
C. J. England
1.25 oz Peach Schnapps
4 oz Mango Mix
Grenadine

Put schnapps and mango mix in blender with crushed ice, Blend until smooth.

In hurricane glass, coat the bottom and side with splash of grenadine. Add blended mixture and cut with straw so grenadine is swirled through drink. Garnish w/ cherry.

Present to that special someone, with your own kiss on the lips! Enjoy!


ZIPLOC OMELET

(This works great !!! Good for when all your family is together. The best part is that no one has to wait for their special omelet !!!)

Have guests write their name on a quart-size Ziploc freezer bag with permanent marker.

Crack 2 eggs (large or extra-large) into the bag (not more than 2) shake to combine them.

Put out a variety of ingredients such as: cheeses, ham, onion, green pepper, tomato, hash browns, salsa, etc.

Each guest adds prepared ingredients of choice to their bag and shake. Make sure to get the air out of the bag and zip it up.

Place the bags into rolling, boiling water for exactly 13 minutes. You can usually cook 6-8 omelets in a large pot. For more, make another pot of boiling water.

Open the bags and the omelet will roll out easily. Be prepared for everyone to be amazed.

Nice to serve with fresh fruit and coffee cake; everyone gets involved in the process and a great conversation piece.

Imagine having these ready the night before, and putting the bag in boiling water while you get ready. And in 13 minutes, you got a nice omelette for a quick breakfast!!!

5. Enticing Excerpts

 

Lani Aames
http://www.laniaames.com

Statuesque
Available July 26, 2006 from Ellora's Cave
www.ellorascave.com


"What are we looking for?" Lia shivered with sexual tension and fear and her voice reflected it, but Mac didn't seem to notice.

"Anything that looks odd. Some sign the Zamarians used this chamber for their ritual. This might well be it, Lia. They made the tunnels that led to this cave to perform their ritual in a natural setting."

It made as much sense as any of this did, she supposed, and did as he told her. She climbed boulders and squeezed between stalagmites, hoping to find some indication that anyone had ever used this cavern for anything. All she saw were rocks and more rocks, as she flashed her light around and the fingers of her free hand pinched at one nipple. When she realized what she was doing, she dropped her hand.

Mac was somewhere on the other side of the cavern. If she had a few minutes she could ease this tortuous ache quickly. She felt her face grow warm in embarrassment. How could that be the foremost thought in her mind when they might die here?

"Find anything?" she shouted.

"Not a thing," he called back and she was disappointed that he sounded too near. It sounded as if he was coming back toward her.

Her only defense was that if she could get rid of her need, she would be able to think more clearly.

She waited a few minutes, but didn't hear his footsteps.

"Mac?" Her voice reverberated softly around her. She waited a few more minutes. "Mac, did you find something?"

There was still no answer. Panicking, she hurried back toward the place where they'd separated.

"Mac!" she screamed. "Can you hear me?"

The floor in this cavern was covered in mottled sand, a mix of black and gray, not the neutral beige color of the desert and layered sand in the passageways. She saw his footsteps trail to a line of boulders he had climbed, but there was no return track. She ran to the boulders and shone her light beyond them. She could see clearly that he wasn't here. He hadn't fallen and struck his head. He wasn't hiding out to tease her.

"Mac, where are you?"

Her echo was the only answer she received.

She made her way to the new exit, but the sand around the opening lay undisturbed. He hadn't gone out without her, but where had he gone?

"MAC! MAC! MAC!" she screamed as long and as loud as she could, until her throat felt raw and her breath was almost gone.

Gasping for air, Lia made her way back to the line of boulders. He might have fallen in a way that she couldn't see. Or dropped into a pit. Or a poisonous snake might have bitten him, paralyzing him, after he stumbled into a far corner. Any number of gruesome things might have happened and she imagined them all as she climbed over the rocks and landed in the sand beyond.

She flashed her light around, but there was no sign of distress. In fact, there were no footprints at all. Mac had never made it this far. She climbed back upon the boulders and looked at them all. They were wedged tightly together, no crevice for him to have fallen through.

Where had he gone?

From where she stood, facing the way they had come in, there was only the cavern wall to her left and a thick column of rock that seemed to be holding up the ceiling to her right. She had been exploring on the other side of the column. He couldn't have gone behind the column or she would have seen him.

She dropped to the ground. She was still shaking, more with fear now, but her breasts and clit still burned where her clothes rubbed them. She had to fight the urge to strip the offending material from her body.

She shook her head to clear it. What should she do? Stay here where she'd last seen Mac in the hopes that he would be able to return from wherever he'd disappeared to? Or go through the new exit and try to find the way out and call for help?

Call! She struggled with her backpack and nearly ripped it open in her anxiety. The radio! It wouldn't reach outside, but maybe she could reach Mac.

She pressed the button. "Mac! Mac, can you hear me?"

She strained to hear beyond the static in case he had somehow gotten far away from her. She called him again and again, but received no answer. At last, she gave up, deciding to save the batteries. If he was unconscious now, he might wake up later and try to contact her.

Deciding to wait here for now, she sat in the dark sand and leaned back against a boulder. She pulled out her canteen, only allowing herself one deep swallow. She hadn't seen any sign of water at all even in this cavern.

All Lia could do now was wait. She rested her head on the boulder and closed her eyes...

"My One," a caressing voice whispers in the dark, and she relaxes against him, pressing her palms flat over the expanse of skin between the open folds of his robe. A fingertip on each hand brushes a nipple and they harden beneath her touch. She is pleased by his sharp intake of breath, and the growing proof of his desire pushing toward her.

"I have missed you, Beloved," she murmurs. She is glad there is darkness for it hides the tears she sheds in sadness. "Please, let us leave now. Tonight. I do not know how much longer I can bear to be separated from you.

His lips brush hers, caress her cheeks, and kiss away her tears. She smiles. She should have known that he would be aware of her tears.

"Soon," he says, his voice filled with promise. She clings to it with all her heart. "We cannot abandon our people and leave them at the mercy of the Dark Priest."

She knows he is right, but she senses that if they do not leave soon, they might never leave at all.

"They will not listen. He is the one they follow, that our people have always followed. How can you turn them all against him?"

They dare not say names, that of the Dark Priest or their own, in case someone suspects and listens to them in the dark. Yet, who else would they be speaking of? There is only one priest who wields such power.

"I am not the only one who sees his corruption. Others have joined me in the fight against him. As soon as there are enough, we will defeat him. When that is done, you and I will be free to leave all of this behind."

His hands run over her skin as he speaks and she shivers in anticipation. She slips the robe over his broad shoulders and kisses the hollow at his throat.

"It will not be easy, my One. Your father—"

"My father will not stop us!" she cries out in defiance although she is fearful he will do just that. They dare not make proper love because if her maidenhead is discovered to be broken, she will die at her father's decree. The virginity of the king's eldest daughter is sacred. Its loss would bring a generation of darkness and war, plague and pestilence to the kingdom—so the followers of the goddess Seniha believes.

"On your father's command, his soldiers will follow us to the ends of the earth to avenge Seniha's loss. You know this."

She nods in the darkness, against his chest.

"But we will hide, my One, where no one can ever find us. We will go where they will not know to look. This world is larger than you know, and there are lands across the ocean that will be our refuge."

Lands across the ocean...her lover knows so many things of which most others do not.

"Are they arid lands, Beloved?" she asks in a whisper, her lips teasing his skin. "Or lush mountains and fertile valleys?"

"Both," he breathes into her hair as he unfastens the cloth that binds her breasts. "Lush mountains," he says with wicked teasing in his voice as her breasts overflow his large hands.

She wets her lips and bends her head, placing his thumb in her mouth, suckling in imitation of another part of his body. His breath quickens and he uses her wetness to run lazy circles around the nipple, bringing it to hardness.

His hands skim her ribs and stomach. "Flat plains," he says. He strips away the length of cloth wrapped around her hips, and his fingers tangle in her nether curls. "Grasslands as far as the eye can see." His finger dips and she gasps, her hips surging toward him at his tender touch. "And the most fertile of valleys. You are my world, my life, my love. You are my One forever."

"Forever," she echoes and her heart melts. Her fingers dig into his shoulders, and she throws back her head as he begins to summon that most delicious of feelings from deep inside the center of her being. Her senses heighten and her body arches, as taut as a bowstring.

A wail started low and built with intensity, and Lia was barely aware the sound came from her as she shuddered with the explosion of heat throughout her body, rushing from where her fingers moved round and round her clit and labia, through her limbs, to her toes. Her back rose from the boulder she leaned against as her hips convulsed against her hand. Her other hand had cupped one breast, pinching the hard nipple until pain mixed with the pleasure.

Even in her state of abandon, she didn't dare dip her fingertips into her wet vagina because she knew she would freeze before she could do it. But she craved something there. Anything long, hard, and phallic would do, and the thought of a cock, velvet-smooth and deep inside her made her fingers circle her clit furiously, wringing every sensation possible. She roiled with the waves, the sound from her parched throat growing louder and begging for release.

After what seemed an eternity, the last tremor wound down and Lia opened her eyes, wincing at the last echo of her cries. Now she could remember how the chamber had filled with her ragged voice, multiple reverberations sounding like a dozen women screaming in ecstasy.

Lia leaned back against the boulder again and stiffly pulled her hand from her shorts. She was gulping in air and her mouth was as dry as the desert, her tongue like sandpaper. She fumbled with her backpack, legs still spread wide, aching with the aftershock.

Beverly Havlir
http://www.beverlyhavlir.com

IRRESISTIBLE
Available now at www.ellorascave.com

She faced Gavin. "I don't want to fight. Whatever happened in the past is over. None of that matters anymore. I know you've…moved on." Under his unrelenting stare, she flushed and tried to smile. "I mean, I've seen pictures in magazines. The woman you're with, she's very beautiful."

Gavin crossed his arms over his chest. "If I didn't know better, I'd think you were asking me if I'm dating her." His eyebrow rose in faint challenge. "You lost that right when you divorced me, Maddie."

Her smile died a quick death. "Forget it. I don't know why I even mentioned it."

"Are you jealous?"

Her face felt hot, all the way to the tips of her ears. "Of course not," she replied quickly. Too quickly. Her thoughts scampered, unable to form any coherent, sensible thought. "I, ah, I'm dating someone, too." As soon as the words were out of her mouth, Madison wanted to smack her forehead. What on earth had possessed her to say that? Was it her way of salvaging some pride after finding out her ex-husband was dating again? "I just think it's time we put the past behind us and try to become friends," she finished lamely.

Gavin's face was carved from stone. Had she not been reeling from the big fib she'd just made, Madison would have recognized that as a sign of impending doom. "You're dating someone," he repeated, his voice low and throbbing with intensity.

A cold knot formed in her belly when he pushed off from the chair and came towards her. She took a step back. "T-that's a good thing, right? I-I mean, we…we shouldn't let what happened to us get in the way of living normal lives again. You know, bitterness warps the mind and all that," she added breathlessly.

He didn't stop until he was only inches away from her. Awareness hit her squarely in the chest, gathering in the already sensitive tips of her breasts. She had the strongest urge to rub them against him, to find relief from the need pulsing in her pussy. "What are you-?" Madison jumped when he grabbed her hand and placed it on the front of his jeans.

Oh God. His cock was thick and hard beneath her palm. "This is what you do to me, Maddie." His breath washed over her, as hot and as urgent as his words. "I look at you and I get a fucking hard-on. I imagine you naked, laid out on my bed for me to feast on." His hand tightened over hers, forcing her to clamp around the long shaft under the soft, worn denim. "I want to see your nipples adorned with the rings I gave you. I want to lick and suck them until you beg me to bite you."

Madison shuddered, her knees almost buckling from under her.

"I want to fuck you, Maddie, so bad I can almost taste it. I jack off at night thinking of you tied up in my bed, remembering your pussy wrapped around my cock like a wet glove while you begged me for more."

A whimper escaped her lips. Hunger exploded inside her, drowning out the persistent voice that warned her not to let him do this. She'd been too long without him, too long denied his touch. She was starving for him.

"That's what I think about when I come, Maddie. That gets me through the night. But in the end, it's not enough. It's never enough." With his other hand, he cupped her nape and tipped her face back. "You still think we can be friends?" he snarled, jerking her hand away and thrusting her from him. He went inside the bedroom and slammed the door shut behind him.

The silence in the cabin was deafening.

Madison trembled, panting hard, falling back on the couch. Need vibrated through her body, concentrating in the soaked folds of her sex. She squeezed her thighs together, moaning softly. How was she supposed to stay here with Gavin and not go insane with wanting him? She looked at the bedroom door, hunger eating away at her common sense. For months, she'd fooled herself into thinking she didn't want him anymore, that she was over him, that she could move on with her life. Yet tonight, as soon as he'd touched her, every cell in her body came to stinging, pulsing life. The pain of betrayal, the months of separation and the bitterness of divorce melted away. She was right back where she'd started, with Gavin holding her body and her heart in the palm of his hand.

The inevitable was about to happen. She'd lost the war when he'd rescued her from the storm. From the first moment she'd seen him again, the chemistry that had always simmered between them had already begun to work its magic on her susceptible senses. It was undeniable. Unstoppable.

She moved towards the closed bedroom door and opened it. Gavin stood by the window, stiffness lining every muscle, his fists clenched as he looked out at the dark night. When he eventually faced her, Maddie was singed by the intensity of his gaze.

"You have five seconds to get out of here. I'm this close to throwing you on the bed and saying to hell with the consequences."

Madison trembled, awash with need. She couldn't get beyond wanting to be with Gavin again, beyond having him inside her once more. Let tomorrow take care of itself.

"I'm warning you. I'm hungry, Maddie. I won't be easily satisfied." His eyes pierced her with heat. "Get out now while you can."

With shaking fingers, she gripped the hem of her sweater and pulled it over her head, tossing it off to the side. Holding his gaze, she unbuttoned her jeans and shimmied out of them. The air was so thick she could have cut it with a knife, but she didn't waver. In moments, she was completely naked, her body bared to his gaze.

Gavin sucked in a harsh breath.

Madison knew she was playing a dangerous game, but she could no more stop this than she could stop breathing. Tonight was about Gavin.

"You had your chance," he growled. In no time at all, he covered the distance between them, grabbed both her hands in his and pulled them over her head. "No regrets."

"No regrets," she confirmed huskily.

He pushed her against the wall, at the same time clamping his mouth on hers, wasting no time in preliminaries as he thrust his tongue inside in a blatantly erotic kiss that devoured her. It was unrepentant, carnal and hot.

© 2006 Beverly Havlir

Katherine Kingston
http://www.katherinekingston.com

RULING PASSION
Electronic formats: http://www.ellorascave.com/productpage.asp?ISBN=1-84360-019-6
Trade Paperback: http://cgi.ebay.com/Ruling-Passions-Katherine-Kingston_W0QQitemZ4529093059QQihZ002QQcategoryZ377QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

Ruling Passion is a medieval, historical romance, my first novel for Ellora's Cave. The hero is Lord Jeoffrey, a lord who's inherited an estate that barely supports itself. He rescued Lady Rosalind, the penniless, orphaned daughter of an earl. They've come to love each other, but he needs to marry an heiress, something Rosalind definitely isn't. For those who are offended by it, Ruling Passion contains numerous bondage and spanking scenes.


Lord Jeoffrey climbed out of the bed, turned back, slid his arms under her and carried her across the room.

"A bath will help soothe your aches," he said, setting her down beside the most enormous hip bath she'd ever seen. Since she had no clothes to shed, he immediately helped her in. The water was hot and cradled her in its steaming glory. She understood the size of the tub when Jeoffrey stepped into it with her and settled himself facing her.

"My second bath in as many days," she said, resting her head against the edge of the tub while the heat penetrated her skin and relaxed her sinews.

"It's a pleasant habit." He reached over the side of the tub to a small table where a flagon of wine stood beside two cups. His legs touched alongside hers as he moved and poured a measure of liquid into each cup. Rosalind admired the play of strong muscles in his shoulders as he leaned away from her. He turned and handed one of the cups to her, then held his own up, extended toward her. "What shall we drink to?"

Rosalind remembered happier days when her father had made such toasts before the start of a feast. "The usual are things like long life, health, happiness, success."

He cocked his head, waiting for her to continue.

She thought about her childhood and where she was now. Just a few years ago she had felt so safe, so secure in her future. Never would she have anticipated what life would bring her to. She sighed and leaned back against the side of the tub. "I cannot think of anything worth toasting."

"You're alive and no longer in a dungeon," he suggested gently.

"But with an uncertain future."

"Certainty is given to none of us," he said. "We take what we're given and do what can be done with it."

"Then shall we drink to that?" she asked. "To an uncertain future and whatever opportunities it may offer."

A smile spread across his face, lighting the stern features with an unexpected joy. "To opportunities," he agreed and took a long swallow of the wine.

Rosalind straightened up and tried to copy his action, but was surprised by the unexpected burn of it going down and nearly choked.

"Take care," he warned, a trifle late. "Bedwell's brew is more potent than most people expect."

"That it is," she said, staring into the cup, though nothing about the red liquid could serve warning as to how it would burn in the mouth. "But it feels warm all the way down."

She looked up and surprised him staring very hard at her. She watched the intent way his eyes studied her, then let her gaze slip down along his straight nose, the mouth set in uncompromising lines, the firm chin, to the broad, solidly muscled shoulders. The strength and power in the man made her feel small, helpless, frightened.

"Your eyes appear to change color," he said. "Earlier I would have sworn they were brown, but now they look more greenish."

"It has been remarked on before."

He raised the cup and extended it. "I'll drink to your changeable eyes." He took a long sip from the cup.

Hesitantly she held out her cup in turn. "And I'll drink to your eyes -- the color of the clouds that precede snow on a winter day." She sipped her wine and waited to see how he would react.

His expression lightened and brightened at her response. "And I'll drink to your hair, neither red nor brown, exactly; the color of some leaves in October," he added, suiting action to his words as he finished.

"And I'll drink to your hair, the yellow of the buttercups in the field."

He frowned wryly. "I know not that I like being compared to a flower."

"It's the only thing about you I'd compare to so meek and mild a thing."

"Then perhaps I'll allow it," he said. "To your nose, as delicate and graceful as the cup of a daffodil and to the freckles across it and your cheeks like the speckling of dew on the grass."

"Those freckles were my mother's despair." For a moment the memory brought sadness, but he splashed a bit of water in her direction and she let it go. "Your nose, my lord, is anything but delicate, but I drink to the strength and length of it, which reminds me of a guard tower on a castle wall."

He smiled at that and tipped his cup again. "Your lips, my lady, are the soft pink of the earliest spring rosebuds."

She sipped from her own cup and then responded in kind. "To your chin, my lord, which is like the jutting prow of a ship set to sail."

"Have you seen such a ship, my lady?"

"Once. I accompanied my family to France when I was small. The ship made a great impression on me. I should like to set sail on one again sometime."

"Perhaps it will be so for you."

"Perhaps," she agreed.

"In the meantime, I drink to your white shoulders like shapely cliffs and your breasts…to what shall I compare your breasts? Such perfection of form and feel and taste? Perhaps like cook's egg pudding when it comes forth perfect from the mold."

The wine and the heat and the man combined to make her head swim in a pleasantly relaxed way. She let her gaze skim down his form. "And I, my lord, drink to your shoulders, strong as cliffs overlooking the sea; and to your cock, strong, jutting lance that it is, set to penetrate, to bring both pain and ecstasy."

When his arms wrapped around her and his lips locked against hers, the pleasure spurted through her in joyous waves.

Ruling Passion, copyright 2002 by Katherine Kingston