ISBN: 0-8041-1975-9
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Knight Miscellany, Book 5: DEVIL TAKES A BRIDECelebrated storyteller Gaelen Foley brings her craft to new heights with Devil Takes a Bride, the seductive tale of a man bent on revenge and the beauty who teaches him to love again...
In the quiet English countryside, far from the intrigues of London, Lizzie Carlisle slowly mends her broken heart, devoting herself to her new on as lady's companion to the Dowager Viscountess Strathmore―until her peaceful life is turned upside-down by a visit from "Devil" Strathmore, the old woman's untamed nephew―a dangerously handsome man whose wicked reputation hides a tortured soul. Devlin Kimball, Lord Strathmore, has spent years adventuring on the high seas, struggling to make his peace with the tragedy that claimed the lives of his family. But now he has uncovered the dark truth about the so-called accident and swears retribution. Then, to his astonishment, his eccentric aunt's will forces him and Lizzie together, and Devlin finds his path to vengeance blocked by the stubborn but oh-so-tempting Miss Carlisle. Her passionate nature rivals his own, but disillusioned once by love, Lizzie will accept nothing less than his true devotion... |
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AWARDS
2005 HOLT Medallion Winner Borders Top 10 Romances of the Year REVIEWS “A truly sensual romance, possessing depth of plot and character.”--Publishers Weekly "Foley's latest Knight's Miscellany Historical Regency is simply superb! Devlin "Devil" Kimball, Viscount Strathmore, has one goal in life: to find and punish the fiends who killed his parents and young sister. Devlin infiltrates the Horse and Chariot Club, searching for the murderers among the dissolute members only to be pulled away from his mission of vengeance by a hasty missive penned by Lizzie, his Aunt Augusta's companion. When Devlin arrives at his aunt's home he discovers the letter is merely a ruse on Lizzie's part to get him to visit, but her plan brings some unexpected consequences when Lizzie finds herself being seduced by the devilishly sexy Devlin. At first Devlin has no intent of seriously pursuing Lizzie, but when his matchmaking aunt adds an interesting twist to her will, Devlin and Lizzie are forced to consider an arrangement neither would have imagined: marriage. With its wonderfully complicated, unforgettable characters; sharp wit; and riveting plot rife with menacing danger and sizzling passion." —Booklist Top Pick! 4½ Stars + K.I.S.S. Hero! "To the world Devlin Strathmore is a roue and a cad. In reality, he's a man bent on avenging his family's tragic death in a fire. Elizabeth Carlise, his aunt's companion, sees only Devlin's mounting bills and disinterest in the aging lady's health. So she writes a letter that has him rushing to his aunt's side. Neither realizes each has played into her matchmaking scheme. Though furious with Elizabeth's ruse, Devlin admires her devotion to his aunt. Despite her sharp tongue, he's intrigued by Elizabeth's strength and passion. She finds it difficult to resist Devlin's charm and it's easy to see how they fall in love. But before Devlin can be free to love, he will have his revenge on the notorious noblemen responsible for his parents' deaths. But will history repeat itself as Elizabeth faces down his enemies? The devil certainly gets his due in this high-powered romantic suspense. With complex and engaging characters, Foley pushes this traditional romance to the edge. Intense emotions and great depth of poignancy enthrall from beginning to end." —Romantic Times Bookreviews "A Perfect 10! Devil Takes a Bride is simply marvelous.” —Romance Reviews Today DEVIL TAKES A BRIDE is the latest and definitely one of the best in Gaelen Foley's Knight Miscellany series. "Lizzie' s story is one of suspense, revenge, heartbreak and true love. Just as Lizzie and Devil run the gamut of emotions, so will the reader. Though this book is a must have as part of the Knight series, it can be read alone too. The reader will eagerly be hoping for Devil's revenge as they discover the depths of his despair and hurt. It is through Lizzie' s love that he finds redemption and it is through Devil's love that Lizzie finally believes in herself and her worth. Fans of Gaelen Foley's stories will be very impressed with her latest offering as Lizzie and Devil are a great duo." —Romance Junkies |
Excerpt
“Tell me, my clever Miss Carlisle,” he asked in a sinister purr as he pressed his advantage, stalking her aggressively through the room. “Are you in the habit of deceiving my aunt as you did me?”
“Obviously you have not heard a word I’ve said. I see there is no point in trying to reason with you in your present state.”She cleared her throat, determined to bring the situation under control, backing away as he advanced, step by slow, tantalizing step. “Wh-why don’t you go upstairs, change out of your wet clothes, and have something to eat? Then perhaps you will be in a more receptive humor— ”
“Don’t…manage me, little miss,” he taunted just as she found her retreat blocked by the sofa behind her.
She blanched, bending back as he leaned closer, trapping her against the couch. Her heart pounded wildly.
All dressed in black and wickedly handsome, he loomed over her, his shoulders so broad she could no longer see the door behind him. She gasped when he reached out and captured her chin between his black-gauntleted fingers, raising her face to inspect her.
She stared up at him, wide-eyed. A cynical smile full of menace and mockery curled one side of his lips as he studied her at close range, his pale eyes gleaming with dangerous intelligence.
Lizzie felt absurdly faint, a trifle dizzy. He smelled of winter and leather, wet horse and warm, ruthless male. For a moment, she could only watch, transfixed, as an ice crystal melted off his long, jet lashes with the throbbing heat of his body. Her gaze tracked the droplet’s trickling course down the scratched side of his sculpted face to the corner of his hard, beautiful mouth. When he licked it away, she caught her breath abruptly, jerking her face out of his light hold…
“Obviously you have not heard a word I’ve said. I see there is no point in trying to reason with you in your present state.”She cleared her throat, determined to bring the situation under control, backing away as he advanced, step by slow, tantalizing step. “Wh-why don’t you go upstairs, change out of your wet clothes, and have something to eat? Then perhaps you will be in a more receptive humor— ”
“Don’t…manage me, little miss,” he taunted just as she found her retreat blocked by the sofa behind her.
She blanched, bending back as he leaned closer, trapping her against the couch. Her heart pounded wildly.
All dressed in black and wickedly handsome, he loomed over her, his shoulders so broad she could no longer see the door behind him. She gasped when he reached out and captured her chin between his black-gauntleted fingers, raising her face to inspect her.
She stared up at him, wide-eyed. A cynical smile full of menace and mockery curled one side of his lips as he studied her at close range, his pale eyes gleaming with dangerous intelligence.
Lizzie felt absurdly faint, a trifle dizzy. He smelled of winter and leather, wet horse and warm, ruthless male. For a moment, she could only watch, transfixed, as an ice crystal melted off his long, jet lashes with the throbbing heat of his body. Her gaze tracked the droplet’s trickling course down the scratched side of his sculpted face to the corner of his hard, beautiful mouth. When he licked it away, she caught her breath abruptly, jerking her face out of his light hold…
