A TOUCH OF PASSION by Bronwen Evans

A TOUCH OF PASSION is the third book in the Disgraced Lords series by Bronwen Evans. If you've been following this amazing series than you know that at its core are the infamous Libertine Scholars a group of young men with very diverse backgrounds but who are as close to each other as brothers. When one is in trouble they join ranks. A TOUCH OF PASSION is a wonderful addition to this historical romance series and reintroduces several of the characters from the first two books. Each of these stories definitely stands on its own but there is a thread that runs through them all. I am certain Bronwen Evans has an amazing end to this mystery -- we are just not there yet. But that's okay after all I was a huge Dallas fan and cliffhangers are a favorite. In the meantime welcome to A TOUCH OF PASSION.

Life teaches so many lessons and for many those lessons leave an indelible mark. We learn how to love from our parent's example. And what happens when left with an unfortunate impression about love and marriage. People love in many different ways and sometimes that's what makes coupling so interesting. In historical romances love sometimes appears to be the least important facet of a marriage. If there is love than that is certainly an unexpected bonus -- at least to some.

Not to Portia -- love is the most important and she learned that from her parents who were openly affectionate to each other as well as to Portia and her brothers. When Grayson came to live with her family he learned this kind of love with the total acceptance of Portia's family. Grayson became a member of this large loving family complete with brothers and a sister. But Grayson's past has left him wary of opening his heart to love anyone completely. When they leave the hurt remains and this is the life lesson Grayson learned.

When Portia and Grayson are faced with a dilemma that could rock each of their worlds and adversely affect Portia's reputation, not to mention put her very life in peril, they are faced with a challenging decision. Grayson has immense feelings for Portia and will of course do anything to protect her including marriage. But Portia is determined to marry for one reason only -- love. Portia wants a marriage like her parents -- tough to find in polite society but she is tough, intelligent, and independent and way ahead of her peers in a woman's right to chart her own path.

Grayson has his sights set more narrowly -- he has to protect Portia in any way possible. His motives are honorable but he knows his work is cut out for him. Convincing Portia is daunting. Protecting Portia has become challenging as a very devious force has targeted her. This will definitely tax all Grayson's resources and if he loses his heart along the way -- that may be the price he has to pay -- for Portia.

This series just gets better and better. A TOUCH OF PASSION is mesmerizing. The story is filled with romance and mystery. Bronwen Evans pits this group of old friends against a common enemy who remains elusive. We are on a mission. Only the most cunning and intelligent player will survive. The danger is real -- palatable. But fear not the Libertine Scholars are once again on the case. Love it.

Learn more about A TOUCH OF PASSION

SUMMARY

In the latest Disgraced Lords novel from USA Today bestselling author Bronwen Evans, a vivacious thrill seeker clashes with her dutiful defender—causing irresistible sparks to fly.

Independent and high-spirited, Lady Portia Flagstaff has never been afraid to take a risk, especially if it involves excitement and danger. But this time, being kidnapped and sold into an Arab harem is the outcome of one risk too many. Now, in order to regain her freedom, she has to rely on the deliciously packaged Grayson Devlin, Viscount Blackwood, a man who despises her reckless ways—and stirs in her a thirst for passion.

After losing his mother and two siblings in a carriage accident years ago, Grayson Devlin promised Portia’s dying brother that he’d always watch over his wayward sister. But having to travel to Egypt to rescue the foolhardy girl has made his blood boil. Grayson already has his hands full trying to clear his best friend and fellow Libertine Scholar of a crime he didn’t commit. Worse still, his dashing rescue has unleashed an unforeseen and undesired consequence: marriage. Now it’s more than Portia he has to protect . . . it’s his battered heart.

EXCERPT

“I say, Grayson, the ladies are eagerly waiting.”

Robert! Her eyes flew to Grayson’s in alarm. He
immediately pressed her back against the wall, his large
body shielding her from Robert’s eyes.

He whispered in her ear, “Put your arms around me.
Pretend this is an illicit liaison.”

She did what she was told, her body afire with sensation
as his lips trailed down her neck. The material covering
his hard thighs rasping against her bare legs exposed
through her harem outfit.

“I’ll be right with you. I’m just reacquainting myself
with an old friend.” The low, husky sound titillated her
skin as his fingers caressed her bare stomach.

Robert seemed to hesitate, seeming to notice the
possessive stance behind his words. “I’ll keep the other
ladies entertained until you can join us. Unless you’d
like to share the lady who has kept you so occupied that
you’d keep five exquisite beauties waiting.”

Portia froze. The feelings and desires sweeping through
her seemed to be scrambling her brain. If her brother
found her like this, in Grayson’s arms . . . Thankfully,
Grayson was in control. “No need. The beauty in my arms
never shares. I’ll be along soon.”

Robert shrugged and clapped him on the back. Portia
pushed herself fully into Grayson’s embrace, hiding as
much of herself as she could.

Robert chuckled. “I see how it is. You always keep the
best for yourself. However, it leaves the field open on
five delicious ladies until you return.” With that he
slipped back through the door into the ballroom.

She was surprised when Grayson did not immediately push
away. He continued to hold her trapped, and warmth
radiated from his chest, infusing her breasts with a
delicious heaviness.

She tried to move. “You can let me go now. I’m sure the
ladies are waiting for you.”

His eyes smiled into hers. “That almost sounds like
jealousy.”

Of course it did. She was jealous, but she was not about
to let him know that. “Don’t be ridiculous. If you
remember, I left as soon as you arrived. Why would I be
jealous?”

“So, you’re saying you’re unaffected by me?”

What game was he playing? Portia found her gaze riveted
on Grayson’s lips, watching them move, wondering what
they would feel like. She shook her head. What had he
asked?

“Of course I’m not jealous. Not every woman wants to fall
into your bed.”

“Liar. I can feel your heart pounding in your chest.”

“We were almost caught by my brother. He does allow me
more leeway than most men, but dressed like this, in your
arms . . . there would have been consequences.”

He reached up and slid his fingers behind her nape, and
her breathing faltered as she watched his lips draw
nearer. “So if I were to kiss you, you’d feel nothing?”

He didn’t allow her to reply but drew her mouth up to
meet his. He permitted his lips, soft and firm at the
same time, to play over hers like a maestro. Liquid heat
washed through her, making her light-headed. She was
losing herself in his kiss. She wanted to experience
everything his kiss had to offer, and never leave his
embrace.

After only moments she felt him begin to pull away.
Blast! She was determined to have more.