Winter Ashburn has not believed in fairy tales in a very
long time. After a brief but memorable encounter with a
stranger in the local village stable, Winter thinks fairy
tales might be possible. The memory of that passionate kiss
will warm her heart and keep the reality of poverty and the
enormous burden of caring for her ill mother and young
brother at bay. Winter fought and lost control of their
estate and fortune six years ago after the death of her
father. Now, they simply survive any way they can.
With mixed feelings, Rory Jameson answers a summons from
the dying grandfather he's never met. Rory's father was
banished after his marriage to a Scottish gypsy. Rory is
the product of that union and returns to deal with his
inheritance. Rory stops at an inn before arriving at the
estate and engages in a passionate kiss with a beautiful
thief who picks his pocket. Minutes later, Rory is attacked
by highwaymen intent on killing him. He escapes with his
life but wonders if the thief is in league with the killers.
Winter comes to Rory's aid after the attack and she gives
him safe haven. The attraction between them intensifies.
Winter strives to trust Rory with her secrets. He's silent
regarding his past and refuses to tell Winter his plans to
deal with a crooked landowner who holds power to destroy
Winter. That lack of trust on both sides endangers Winter's
life and causes Rory to re-evaluate his purpose in being
there.
I look forward to each new story by Melody Thomas.
They are special treats that demand your full attention.
The stories are rich in multifaceted characters who endure
difficult challenges that test their resolve. As always,
every one belongs on your keeper shelf.
Winter Ashburn was once the toast of the ton, but now she
skirts the margins of high society by stealing from the
rich to give to the poor. Her latest mark is none other
than Rory Jameson, the rake who dared mistake her for a
lady of the evening. Winter has stolen from her fair share
of scandalously handsome men in the past . . . so why does
her heart beat faster as she approaches his door?
Rory Jameson is a rake, it's true. And he's caught many a
thief while on secret missions for the Crown, but none has
been this intriguing, this enticing. He will make Winter
repay what she took so shamelessly . . . and melt her icy
façade with the heat of his wicked touch. But her kiss sets
his soul on fire—and now he will never be satisfied until
he has made this alluring temptress his own.