Title: Thief of Hearts
Author: Kristal Dawn Harris
Genre: Historical Erotic Romance
Book Blurb:
Lord Simon Devon is a thief, but a respected member of The Haute Ton. Cassandra Montgomery is the illegitimate daughter of the Earl of Montgomery, and a maid who has watched Simon steal for years. After the death of her father, Cassandra learns a fortune was left to her in a dowry. When a thief sets out to steal a young woman's fortune, he encounters more than his match in the fiery beauty. Will a marriage of deceit result in true love? Will Cassandra steal Simon's heart or will Simon steal hers? After one night of passion, who will be the better thief?
Excerpt:
Simon sat nonchalantly in one of the wingback chairs facing the doors with one leg crossed over the other. Cassandra sashayed into the room with her chin lifted and her back stiff. Disdain flew from her gaze when she glanced his way, but he ignored it because he deserved it. Simon sighed deeply. He hated treating Cassandra as someone below his station, but his reasons were important.
Evening sunlight captured the natural highlights in her auburn hair. Winged, auburn eyebrows framed golden-brown eyes surrounded by thick lashes. The smell of roses saturated the air. Heated, intense, blue eyes traveled down the revealing gown she wore. His mouth watered desperate for one taste of her creamy skin. He should have claimed her as a mistress years ago, but he knew she’d never accept. Women would kill to have natural beauty such as Cassandra’s and did try, but never got it quite right.
She perched her perfect bottom on the edge of the matching chair next to his own and arched one eyebrow. Simon could only guess what she thought of him. High-born, arrogant and perverted, but it was an act he carried out well. Penniless after spending every dime on his sister’s medical care and his father’s debts, forced him into a life of thievery. He almost regretted what he was about to do to this naïve, beautiful woman. If there were any other way, he would grasp it.
Deciding to be direct, Simon uncrossed his legs and leaned forward. “I need a wife and you are the woman I desire more than all.”
Cassandra’s eyes widened, but then slowly narrowed to thin slits. “No.”
“No?”
“No,” Cassandra reiterated firmly.
Simon stood to his full height of six-foot three towering over her daintier frame. He unbuttoned his waistcoat, knelt on the floor at her feet, and lifted his blonde head with the most pleading, pitiful look he could muster on his face. “Please consider my offer, Cassandra. I can make you a very happy woman. If you give me a chance, your body will weep for mine, and your nights will flourish with endless passion. I will be faithful. I will give you children. The Ton will accept you with my name. It’s a win for you either way.”
Simon waited for Cassandra to answer expecting her to deny him again, but then she smiled a devious smile. Something wasn’t right. When she said, “Yes,” the blonde hairs stood at attention on the back of his neck. His eyes narrowed in suspicion when she snapped her fingers and the double doors slid open once more, revealing an elderly man holding a Bible in his hand and the cousin, Bernard, in control of her dowry. Bernard offered Cassandra a document which she laid on her lap before him. “Sign the agreement Simon. It is proof you love me and not my dowry, and then I’ll be the devoted wife you cannot live without.”
Simon scanned the document quickly. Blue eyes flicked to brown ones, then back down. Bernard would continue to control Cassandra’s dowry until he proved himself a worthy husband. Simon wanted to swear or throw something, maybe ring Cassandra’s lovely neck, but forced a gritty smile instead. A quill pen with a bottle of ink magically appeared in front of his face from Bernard. Simon gripped the pen in his fingers, dipped it in the ink, then held it over the line where his signature was required.
Cassandra wasn’t the naïve woman he originally thought. She’d tricked him just as he’d tricked others for years, but that was acceptable. It was only a matter of time before Bernard’s death. Cassandra would make a fabulous enemy, and he would enjoy her body as he convinced her cousin what a devoted husband he could be. He quickly glanced at his bride. He knew her thoughts because they mirrored his own. His head slightly tilted as he studied his adversary. She was betting on the odds that he would not agree to the condition offered with regards to her dowry, but he was a patient man if nothing else. She thought to outsmart him, but he was a thief, with a few tricks still up his own sleeve. A satisfied grin lit up his face just as Cassandra’s paled. Simon chose his words carefully for his audience. He placed one hand over his heart as the sweet lies fell from his lips. “I am beyond happy to have the mother of my unborn child become my wife. Cassandra is the true jewel in my life and always will be.”
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November is a time to be thankful. What are you most thankful for this year?
With my children grown and living in different parts of the country, I find myself thankful for the time I’ll spend with them over the holidays. Time is fleeting, so make the most of every precious moment!
Why is your featured book worth snuggling up to?
Thief of Hearts is a novella, so it is a quick read with a tremendous amount of humor and passion. During the busy holiday season, I do not have much time to read, so finding a book I can demolish in an hour is perfect! Grab a warm blanket, plop on a soft couch, and add a cup of hot cocoa then forget the world in this short, historical, erotic romance.
Giveaway:
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Open internationally.
Runs November 1 – 30.
Drawing will be held on December 1.
Author Biography:
Kristal Dawn Harris is an American author, born in Middletown, Ohio. She currently resides in Ohio with her husband. Kristal has been married for 27 years and has two children. She graduated from Carlisle High School, then furthered her education at Miami University. She has a business degree in Accounting Technology. Kristal spent twenty years working as an Office Coordinator in the hospital until she released her debut novel, “The Rings of Faolan-Emeralds,” through The Wild Rose Press.
In 1999, Kristal suffered a debilitating disease called “Guillain-Barre Syndrome.” This rare disease damaged the nerves in her body requiring the use of drop-foot braces in order to walk. Kristal considers herself a survivor and encourages anyone with a disability to follow their dreams.
Kristal is considered a hybrid romance author since she published “Hand-Carved Wolf” and “Thief of Hearts” on her own. Kristal is an avid reader who enjoys romance from all genres, but paranormal is her favorite.
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