The past is something he’d sooner forget…
Aaron McNally hates his past. Banished from his home for betrayal, he trades his tartan for a Norwegian title and sword to win back his honor.
She has a warrior’s heart…
It’s difficult for Kara Dalgaard to act like a lady, even when her father demands it. After the handsome Jarl Aaron McNally arrives at her home recruiting for the king’s army, she’s forced to participate in a cruel deception to humiliate him.
Drawn to his strength and passion, she quickly regrets what she’s done. But duty comes before happiness.
Aaron wants a second chance at life—and Kara is everything he’s dreamed of. But the past always has a way of catching up with you. Will Kara trust him or condemn him to a life of loneliness?
EXCERPT
Truly, he wanted to kiss her pouty
lips. His body reacted violently to her. He tried to convince himself with a
sire as shrewd and dominating as Erik, she’d never really resort to trickery on
her own. She only did as she was commanded. How could anything so sweet
willingly deceive the king’s loyal servant? Rage and lust collided inside him. Why
deprive himself of the opportunity?
“Will you stand there gawking all night or are
you going to say something intelligent?” she asked.
“Shall I tell you what you are?” He didn’t wait for her to
answer, but gripped her by both shoulders and then slanted his mouth over hers.
The kiss awakened a powerful desire for more of her. Aaron didn’t hesitate
before clamping both hands onto her hips. In turn, she palmed his chest, perhaps
regretting her words. He laughed at her feeble attempt to hold him back.
Inside, he roared as wildly as a beast. Mine.
It translated into a fierce kiss. He forced her lips apart with his tongue,
wetting her bottom lip. Sweet Virgin Mary … his groin throbbed cruelly. She
tasted so goddamned delicious. A prudent man wouldn’t tempt his enemy’s
daughter. Consequences were certain.
She drew back and slapped his face.
“I didn’t give you permission to kiss me.”
“Did I misinterpret your smiles in
the great hall?” he asked innocently. “I’ve never been given a more clear
invitation.”
She opened, then closed her mouth.
“You’re a fool.” She fisted her hands. “Stay away from me.”
He laughed and edged closer. “You
speak boldly for a girl only half my age.” For a moment, Aaron thought he saw a
flash of amusement in her beautiful eyes.
“How old are you?” She frowned.
“Twenty-six.”
“Thirteen? You think me a foolish
girl of thirteen?” Her chin jutted forward.
He chuckled. Why were women obsessed
with appearing older when they were younger, and younger when they were older?
Pleased to have found a point of contention, he continued teasing. “Maybe
fourteen, but not a day older.”
“My father told me what an insolent, blind
bastard you are.”
He reacted without thought, grasping
her arm. “Didn’t he teach you to respect your elders?”
She thrust her hand on her hip. “My
father says respect isn’t given freely.”
Damn him to the lower realms of Hel if
her eyes didn’t glow as brightly as the stars. He let her go. “Your sire is
wise.”
“I’m glad you’re honorable enough to
acknowledge it,” she said turning to go. “And don’t ever kiss me again.” She
left him standing alone.
Violetta Rand holds a bachelor's degree in Environmental Policy and a master's degree in Environmental Management. Serving as an environmental scientist in the state of Alaska for over seven years, she enjoys the privilege of traveling to remote places few people have the opportunity to see.
Violetta has been "in love" with writing since childhood. Struck with an entrepreneurial spirit at a young age, at five, she wrote short stories illustrated by her best friend and sold them in her neighborhood. The only thing she loves more than writing is her wonderful relationship with her husband, Jeff. She enjoys outdoor activities, reading whatever she can get her hands on, music, and losing herself in the fictional worlds she enjoys bringing to life.
Ms. Rand’s debut historical romance series, The Blind Series, is set in the fascinating world of 11th century Vikings. Her New Adult romance series, The Devil’s Den, is edgy and evocative, and explores the sexy world of exotic dancers.
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