Setting: Colonial North Ameria The flame in his touch... When the bold sea captain bought her in a tavern auction, raven-haired Mirella knew she had traded one terror for another. Instead of a roomful of hooting sailors, she was now alone with a handsome stranger who intended the very worst! Her mind raced to find the quickest means of escape—but his nearness filled her body with unfamiliar desire. Before she could utter a word of protest, Mirella's ruby lips discovered the salty taste of his skin; then her creamy flesh exulted in the new-found pleasure of being covered by his hard male frame... The fire in her eyes... From long experience, Jason Fletcher learned that women were trifles for an evening's entertainment. But the moment he gazed into the voluptuous wenchs smoky blue eyes, he wanted to caress her silken curves forever! Though he'd never allow himself to love the bewitching beauty, he vowed he'd cherish her and keep her as his mistress. He'd teach her to respond to the blazing heat of his passion—and force her to surrender to the ecstasy of his Defiant Embrace.

Setting: Colonial North Ameria Age-old enemies... Elise d'Evereaux was horrified when she spilled wine on the pants of the tall, handsome stranger—and even more shocked when the bold Englishman made her clean it up. She had noticed Tony Fletcher the moment he walked into the room. The tight fit of his breeches left nothing to the imagination. The broad muscled torso made her want to be crushed in his embrace. She was attracted to this arrogant rogue, no doubt. But she was unprepared for the rush of desire than the mere touch of him would ignite... Timeless conflict... Tony Fletcher was mesmerized by the stunning, sensuous serving girl. Her hair had the jeweled sheen of autumn leaves; her slim waist invited his caress; her lips seemed to cry out for his kiss. Had he been watching her serve instead of admiring her beauty, he probably would have moved out of harm's way. Instead, it was as though fate had given him the chance to take her in his arms and teach her the ways of love. And Tony vowed to hear her murmur his name in ecstasy, until she screamed out in Defiant Surrender.