- Table View
- List View
Smitten
by R. W. ClingerFeeling his age and somewhat blue about his singlehood and dull life as a finance advisor, Jesse Fitzpatrick is about to have his world turned upside down.Out of the blue, Jesse’s best friend Carr returns from the jungles of Ecuador for four days. It’s a very rare occasion, since Carr has been traveling the world for the last twenty years for Armistice Coalition, a group similar to the Peace Corps. Excited about Carr’s visit, Jesse has to face the bittersweet truth -- he’s always been smitten with Carr, although Carr only treats him as friend, nothing more.Carr’s visit takes an interesting turn when he slips into bed with Jesse. As secrets of Carr's life begin to quickly unfold, Jesse starts to hope the traveling man might be smitten with him. Do the two have a chance at romance, or will Carr take the next flight back to the jungle and out of Jesse’s life for good?
Smitten (Smitten #1)
by Colleen Coble Kristin Billerbeck Diann Hunt Denise HunterWelcome to Smitten, Vermont.With the help of four friends, it's about to become the most romantic town in America.The proposed closing of the lumber mill comes as unwelcome news for the citizens of Smitten. How will the town survive without its main employer? A close-knit group of women think they've got just the plan to save Smitten. They'll capitalize on its name and turn it into a tourist destination for lovers--complete with sweet shops, a high-end spa, romantic music on the square, and cabins outfitted with fireplaces and hot tubs.But is this manly town ready for an influx of romantically-minded guests?Country music sensation Sawyer Smitten, the town's hometown hero, wants to help by holding his own wedding there on Valentine's Day. And little Mia's lavender wreaths hang all over town as a reminder that faith can work miracles. Along the way, four women spearheading the town's transformation--energetic Natalie, sophisticated Julia, graceful Shelby, and athletic Reese--get in the spirit by reviving their own love lives.Join best-selling inspirational romance authors (and real-life BFFs) Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, and Denise Hunter for an inspiring stay at the (soon-to-be) most romantic town on the eastern seaboard.One visit . . . and you'll be smitten too.
Smitten Book Club
by Colleen Coble Kristin Billerbeck Diann Hunt Denise HunterThe century-old Gentlewoman's Guide to Love and Courtship is no ordinary book club choice. But for the little book club in Smitten, Vermont, it might be their best pick yet! The thick, leathery tome Heather pulled out of the dusty cardboard box was definitely coming home with her. Not only was The Gentlewoman's Guide to Love and Courtship an appealing curiosity by virtue of its title; it was also written by Smitten, Vermont native Pearl Chambers, a local gentlewoman from three generations back. Little did Heather know the repercussions this little curiosity would have on her and her friends' romantic exploits. When Heather and her fellow book club members begin passing the book around, their respective interpretations are unleashed on their respective love lives . . . for better or for worse. Is it a mystery? An idealist fantasy? An intimation of Jane Austen? As romantic love finds its way to each woman, the Guide proves itself both surprisingly prescient and hilariously irrelevant. What's more, a handwritten inscription indicates that the arcane book might hold the only extant clues leading to buried gold -- exactly what one of the members needs to keep her house. How could they not go treasure hunting? In this remarkable collaborative novel, besties Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Denise Hunter, and Diann Hunt tackle the tale of the Gentlewoman's Guide by writing for one book club member apiece. Smitten Book Club is a hopeful, hilarious story of friendship and healing, written by friends for friends.
Smitten Ever After: Three Small-Town Love Stories (Smitten Ser.)
by Colleen CobleBirthday WishesWhen a group of friends devise a plan to turn Smitten, Vermont, into the country&’s premier romantic getaway, Natalie finds her own true love along the way.With the local lumber mill closing, residents wonder if their town can stay afloat. Then four friends and local business owners—Natalie, Julia, Shelby, and Reese—decide the town is worth saving. How will they do it? They&’ll turn Smitten into a honeymoon destination!In "Birthday Wishes" by Colleen Coble, Natalie Mansfield must persuade alderman Joe Smitten to agree with their plan to save the town, putting aside her dislike for him—until she discovers he's not the man she thought he was.Excerpted from Smitten, a novel in four parts written by Christian Fiction&’s most popular romance novelists—and real life BFFs!Love Between the LinesSummer, fall, winter, and spring, Smitten is a place for love . . . and mystery.But will Tess ever find herself a partner in crime?There&’s a secret in Grandma Rose&’s attic—a forgotten set of dog tags belonging to her first love. But David Hutchins was killed in action and never returned to town, so how did his dog tags end up in the Grandma&’s attic? It&’s a romantic mystery fit for a town like Smitten, Vermont, which has been working hard to reinvent itself as a destination for lovers. Rose&’s three granddaughters—Tess, Clare, and Zoe—vow to investigate, though their mother, Anna, warns against digging up the past. But will they all be distracted by mystery men of their own before the puzzle is resolved?In Love between the Lines, bookstore owner Tess recruits widower Ryan to help her solve her family riddle. She&’d like to recruit him as leading man in her own story, but she&’s convinced he&’s out of her league. But does Ryan have a few secrets thoughts of his own to reveal?Excerpted from Secretly Smitten.Love by the BookThe century-old Gentlewoman's Guide to Love and Courtship is no ordinary book club choice. But for the little book club in Smitten, Vermont, it might be their best book yet!This book club selection reads like a mystery to Heather. But when Paul comes back into her life, their mystery leads to romance.Heather is the Smitten Book Club's most devoted mystery-genre reader, a single mom, and the resident organic gardener. When she discovers a decades-old tome at a library sale, she thinks it might hold clues leading to buried gold—exactly what one of the members needs to keep her home. She can't resist a mystery that could lead to treasure.Paul and Heather have history—history she would rather forget. But when he comes back to his hometown of Smitten, he's determined to put down roots. He soon becomes the architect behind a town community garden and enlists Heather's help there in exchange for his own help looking for hidden gold. As they dig into the earth and the clues, they discover something amazing: lasting love.Excerpted from Smitten Book Club.
Smitten Image
by Pam B. MorrisIn high-speed, high-tech New Chicago, 2039, magic has gone viral. Lily Barnett, a brilliant but drifty artist wanders into a strange magic shop where she impulsively guzzles a love potion. Erratic and unpredictable powers awake inside her. Her houseplants turn ravenous and strings of flamingo lights spout poetry. When she paints a portrait of her perfect man, he steps free of the canvas and stalks her. Desperate, she turns to her best friend, Daniel, for help. But Daniel has problems of his own. He's a telepath who must shield thoughts, emotions, and desires or go mad. He wants Lily, desperately, but knows his passion will drive her away and that his friendship is of more value to her than his love. As Lily negotiates the catastrophic blends of her fear, imagination, and chaotic magic, Daniel must fight against his own impenetrable reserve and the psychic gifts he's always despised. Magic and love might save them, but can they survive each other? Sensuality Level: Sensual
Smitten Image
by Pam B. MorrisIn high-speed, high-tech New Chicago, 2039, magic has gone viral. Lily Barnett, a brilliant but drifty artist wanders into a strange magic shop where she impulsively guzzles a love potion. Erratic and unpredictable powers awake inside her. Her houseplants turn ravenous and strings of flamingo lights spout poetry. When she paints a portrait of her perfect man, he steps free of the canvas and stalks her. Desperate, she turns to her best friend, Daniel, for help.<P> But Daniel has problems of his own. He’s a telepath who must shield thoughts, emotions, and desires or go mad. He wants Lily, desperately, but knows his passion will drive her away and that his friendship is of more value to her than his love.<P> As Lily negotiates the catastrophic blends of her fear, imagination, and chaotic magic, Daniel must fight against his own impenetrable reserve and the psychic gifts he’s always despised.<P> Magic and love might save them, but can they survive each other?
Smitten by the Brit: A Sometimes in Love Novel (Sometimes in Love #2)
by Melonie JohnsonDEFINITELY, MAYBE...OR LOVE, ACTUALLY? English professor Bonnie Blythe expects her life to play out like her favorite novels, especially now that her long-term boyfriend has finally proposed. So when a shocking discovery leads Bonnie to end her engagement, she decides to close the book on love. But the plot thickens when a brand-new character enters the scene—and quickens Bonnie's heart. With his brilliant blue eyes, sexy accent, and irresistible charm, Theo Wharton is like a romantic hero straight out of a Jane Austen novel. When fate places Bonnie in England for a summer—conveniently close to Theo—she realizes a hot friends-with-benefits fling is exactly what she needs to start a fresh chapter. Just as Bonnie begins to believe she's falling in love, an eye-opening revelation into Theo's life makes Bonnie feel like she's wandered into one of her favorite books. Will Bonnie have the courage to risk her heart and turn the page with the dashing Brit to find her true happy ending after all?
Smitten: The Way of the Brilliant Flirt
by Ariel Kiley Simone KornfieldFinally, an empowering dating guide for every woman who wants to have fun, express her opinions, and keep it real. No cheap tricks, no behavior changes, no nonsense. In Smitten, Ariel Kiley and Simone Kornfeld show women how to let their unique selves shine so they can become blissfully enlightened man-magnets. With tips on how to perfect the look of a flirt, build confidence, and let your true self emerge, Smitten teaches that being exactly who you are will get you what you want—whether it's a smile across the room, a first date, or long-term love. Soon enough, women everywhere will be turning heads and causing men to become completely, absolutely, entirely, downright smitten.
Smoke
by Amy SpectorWyatt Calder is trapped -- in a rundown neighborhood, in a dead-end job, by the endless string of trouble his brother drags to their door -- and it seems he’s destined to slowly fade away within the aging walls of Picket House, longing for his neighbor. That is, until his upstairs neighbor Abel Walters dies on the staircase just outside Wyatt’s door.Saalik has spent most of his existence asleep and waiting for the next person to discover his bottle and claim their wishes. And the last four years playing prized possession to Abel Walters and spying on the downstairs neighbors. But he has a plan. And, like every plan worth planning, it has taken patience. But if life as a Jinn has taught Saalik nothing else, it’s taught him that.When a break-in sends Wyatt out his second-story bedroom window and into his dead upstairs neighbor’s apartment, he finds more than a place to hide. He discovers a magical solution to all his troubles.Or does he? Because really, when is life ever that simple?
Smoke & Mirrors (THIRDS #7)
by Charlie CochetSequel to Catch a Tiger by the TailTHIRDS: Book SevenLife for Dexter J. Daley has never been easy, but he's always found a way to pick himself back up with a smile on his face. Taken from his home and the arms of Sloane Brodie, his boyfriend and THIRDS partner, Dex finds himself in a situation as mysterious and lethal as the Therian interrogating him. Dex learns what he's secretly believed all along: his parents' death wasn't an accident. Discovering the whole truth about John and Gina Daley's homicide sets off a series of events that will change Dex and Sloane's life forever. As buried secrets rise to the surface and new truths are revealed, Dex and Sloane's love for each other is put to the test, with more than their relationship on the line. If traversing the waters of murder and secret government agencies wasn't enough, something inexplicable has been happening to Dex--and nothing will ever be the same.
Smoke Bitten (Mercy Thompson #12)
by Patricia BriggsMercy Thompson, car mechanic and shapeshifter, faces a threat unlike any other in this thrilling entry in the #1 New York Times bestselling series. I am Mercedes Athena Thompson Hauptman. My only &“superpowers&” are that I turn into a thirty-five pound coyote and fix Volkswagens. But I have friends in odd places and a pack of werewolves at my back. It looks like I'm going to need them.Centuries ago, the fae dwelt in Underhill—until she locked her doors against them. They left behind their great castles and troves of magical artifacts. They abandoned their prisoners and their pets. Without the fae to mind them, those creatures who remained behind roamed freely through Underhill wreaking havoc. Only the deadliest survived.Now one of those prisoners has escaped. It can look like anyone, any creature it chooses. But if it bites you, it controls you. It lives for chaos and destruction. It can make you do anything—even kill the person you love the most. Now it is here, in the Tri-Cities. In my territory.It won't, can't, remain. Not if I have anything to say about it.
Smoke Bitten: Mercy Thompson: Book 12 (Mercy Thompson #12)
by Patricia Briggs'Patricia Briggs is an incredible writer . . . I love hanging out with the amazing characters in this series!' Nalini Singh, New York Times bestselling author of the Psy-Changeling series'It is always a joy to pick up a new Briggs novel' RT Book Reviews'Patricia Briggs never fails to deliver an exciting, magic and fable filled suspense story' Erin Watt, No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of The Royals series.I am Mercedes Athena Thompson Hauptman. My only 'superpowers' are that I turn into a thirty-five-pound coyote and fix Volkswagens. But I have friends in odd places and a pack of werewolves at my back. It looks like I'm going to need them.Centuries ago, the fae dwelt in Underhill. When they were cast out, they left behind their great castles, troves of magical artefacts . . . and their prisoners. Without the fae to mind them, those creatures roamed freely through Underhill wreaking havoc. Only the deadliest survived.Now one of those prisoners has escaped. It can look like any creature it chooses and if it bites you, it controls you. It lives for chaos and destruction and can make you do anything - even kill the person you love the most. Now it is here, in the Tri-Cities. In my territory. It won't - can't - remain. Not if I have anything to say about it.Mercy Thompson returns in another thrilling instalment from No. 1 New York Times bestselling author Patricia Briggs.Books by Patricia Briggs:The Mercy Thompson booksMoon CalledBlood BoundIron KissedBone CrossedSilver BorneRiver MarkedFrost BurnedNight BrokenFire TouchedSilence FallenStorm CursedSmoke BittenShifting Shadows (Stories from the world of Mercy Thompson)
Smoke Bitten: Mercy Thompson: Book 12 (Mercy Thompson #12)
by Patricia Briggs'Patricia Briggs is an incredible writer . . . I love hanging out with the amazing characters in this series!' Nalini Singh, New York Times bestselling author of the Psy-Changeling series'It is always a joy to pick up a new Briggs novel' RT Book Reviews'Patricia Briggs never fails to deliver an exciting, magic and fable filled suspense story' Erin Watt, No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of The Royals series.I am Mercedes Athena Thompson Hauptman. My only 'superpowers' are that I turn into a thirty-five-pound coyote and fix Volkswagens. But I have friends in odd places and a pack of werewolves at my back. It looks like I'm going to need them.Centuries ago, the fae dwelt in Underhill. When they were cast out, they left behind their great castles, troves of magical artefacts . . . and their prisoners. Without the fae to mind them, those creatures roamed freely through Underhill wreaking havoc. Only the deadliest survived.Now one of those prisoners has escaped. It can look like any creature it chooses and if it bites you, it controls you. It lives for chaos and destruction and can make you do anything - even kill the person you love the most. Now it is here, in the Tri-Cities. In my territory. It won't - can't - remain. Not if I have anything to say about it.Mercy Thompson returns in another thrilling instalment from No. 1 New York Times bestselling author Patricia Briggs.Books by Patricia Briggs:The Mercy Thompson booksMoon CalledBlood BoundIron KissedBone CrossedSilver BorneRiver MarkedFrost BurnedNight BrokenFire TouchedSilence FallenStorm CursedSmoke BittenShifting Shadows (Stories from the world of Mercy Thompson)
Smoke In My Eyes
by Becky BlackAfter a decade together, death took Daniel’s lover away in an instant. A year of grieving kept him from thinking about the future. But now fearing loneliness, fearing aging and its effects, he’s ready to find someone new before it’s too late. Filled with good intentions, Daniel joins a gym. He plans to work hard to keep what time is all too quickly taking away from him. But are good intentions enough against the many distractions and temptations of life? Is he really prepared to make the sacrifices required? Meeting gym owner Chris may be the extra boost his motivation needs -- if only he could figure out why Chris keeps blowing hot and cold on him.Death claimed Chris’s lover too, but took much longer about it. The memory of watching the man he loved suffer has left Chris terrified of getting close to anyone again. He likes Daniel a lot, but there’s a problem and Chris can’t fix it, only Daniel can. If he’s serious about being with Chris. It’s a straightforward ultimatum. Daniel smokes and Chris will not date a smoker. Daniel has a choice. It’s Chris or the cigarettes.Daniel has to prove to Chris that he’s ready to make changes and he’s not all mouth. But can he do it? Are the sacrifices he’ll have to make worth it? Should he even be changing himself to suit a man who’s made him no promises and who might still back off later? Chris has to learn to accept Daniel’s imperfections and mortality. Only once he gets past the grief and fear can he take a risk on loving Daniel, even knowing he could be hurt again.Daniel takes on the biggest physical challenge he’s ever faced to prove he’s serious about Chris. But in the end, he has to decide if he wants to make the changes for himself and his own future, whether Chris is part of that or not.
Smoke River Bride
by Lynna BanningA mail-order bride in nineteenth-century Oregon must overcome prejudice and mend a broken family in this historical western romance.It’s whispered in Smoke River that single father Thad MacAllister is a few quarters short of a dollar: his ambitious plans for his farm are downright crazy and his young son is heading off the rails. This family needs a woman’s touch!But the arrival of Leah Cameron, Thad’s mail-order bride, causes a ripple of disapproval. Oregon is a far cry from China, and to make her dream of family come true, Leah will have to win over the townsfolk . . . and unlock the secrets of her husband’s shattered heart.
Smoke River Family: Smoke River Family The Demure Miss Manning Enticing Benedict Cole
by Lynna BanningA baby to bring them together... When Dr. Zane Dougherty swept Winifred Von Dannen's sister off to Smoke River, Winifred was resentful, but now she wants to be part of her late sister's baby's life. That means dealing with Zane and the shadows of loneliness-and incredible hunger-she sees in his eyes. Zane knows he and his infant daughter are truly blessed. But he wants more. He wants Winifred! Is there a way he can mend this broken family and care for them forever?
Smoke Screen
by Stephanie NewtonFirst, his fiancée was murdered. Next, a dear friend. Is an arsonist targeting firehouse chaplain Jake Rollins through his loved ones? FBI agent Chloe Davis is on the case--even though it brings her far too close to the handsome pastor. Chloe has always worked undercover, trusting only herself. How can she believe a man who says he knows her--and loves her--for who she is? Only when the smoke begins to clear will Chloe learn to see past her doubts and fears. . . and find the vengeful killer closer than anyone realizes.
Smoke Screen
by Terri BlackstockA gripping new novel from New York Times bestselling suspense author Terri Blackstock.One father was murdered. Another was convicted of his death. All because their children fell in love.Nate Beckett has spent his life fighting wildfires instead of the lies and rumors that drove him from his Colorado hometown. His mother begs him to come back now that his father has been released from prison, but it isn’t until he’s sidelined by an injury that he’s forced to return and face his past. But that means facing Brenna too.Fourteen years ago, Nate was in love with the preacher’s daughter. When Pastor Strickland discovered Brenna defied him to sneak out with Nate, the fight between Strickland and Nate’s drunken dad was loud—and very public. Strickland was found murdered later that night, and everyone accused Roy Beckett. When the church burned down not long after, people assumed Nate set the fire to get even for his father’s conviction. He let the rumors fly and left town without looking back.Brenna is stunned to learn that the man convicted of murdering her father has been pardoned. The events of that night set her life on a bad course, and now she’s fighting a brutal custody battle with her ex and his new wife where he’s using lies and his family’s money to sway the judge. Brenna is barely hanging on, and she’s turned to alcohol to cope. Shame and fear consume her.As Nate and Brenna deal with the present—including new information about that fateful night and a wildfire that’s threatening their town—the past keeps igniting. Nate is the steady force Brenna has so desperately needed. But she’ll have to learn to trust him again first.Praise for Smoke Screen:“Full of secrets, lies, and with a visceral impact that grabs from the first sentence, Smoke Screen is Terri Blackstock at her finest.” —Colleen Coble, USA TODAY bestselling author“Terri never fails to deliver a plot that moves, well-developed characters who are real, flawed, and relatable . . . Just a word of warning if you decide to pick up this book—don’t plan to do anything else until you finish it.” —Lynette Eason, bestselling, award-winning author
Smoke and Ashes: Allegiances Urgent Pursuit Smoke And Ashes
by Danica Winters“A suspenseful read about a fire inspector and a troubled neighbor . . . For those who enjoy romances on the edgy side.” —Fresh FictionWith a mysterious arsonist on the loose in Missoula, fire inspector Kevin Jensen saves more than Heather Sampson’s house. The sexy single father rescues her from an abusive marriage—and discovers his own past failures don’t have to rule his life. Especially when sparks between him and Heather ignite irresistible desire.But who’s the arsonist? Why target Heather? What’s his shocking motive? When Heather faces off with him in a brutal attack, she needs her “white knight” as much as he needs her. Both have looked into their souls and risked their broken hearts for each other. Now Kevin will have to risk his life as well.Praise for Danica Winters“You are going to love Danica Winters!” —B. J. Daniels, New York Times–bestselling author“Since her first Intrigue novel, Smoke and Ashes, hit bookshelves in 2016, Winters has been busy reinventing the traditional Harlequin romance for a modern audience . . . In the process, she has acquired local sources in law enforcement and Spec-ops who have proven invaluable in helping make her fictional adventures credible—and at times, uncomfortable.” —Montana View
Smoke and Dreams
by Rhozwyn DariusThe last place medium and artist's model Tally Munro wants to be is Galveston, Texas, in 1908. After the terrible hurricane devastated the island, killing thousands, ghosts assail her with their cries for help. But her fiancê, artist Crispin Reid, has asked her to join him and his new friend, businessman and inventor, Angus McClaren at the Reid summer home.Angus is a pragmatist and dubious about the reality of spirits. But he's willing to join the couple in their spiritual venture, plus he's interested in both Tally and Crispin -- and not just as friends.Cris is a romantic and just wants them all to get along -- really well. With the help of one of Angus's inventions, they take on the spirits of the hurricane and their feelings for one another.
Smoke and Mirrors
by Elizabeth PetersAn idealistic young woman finds working a political campaign can be murder in this romantic suspense novel by &“a master storyteller&” (Mary Higgins Clark). Young Erin Hartsock arrives in Washington, DC, with ambition—and little interest in politics. However, when she&’s offered a position on a congresswoman&’s campaign for the Senate, she&’s more than happy to flee her dead-end job to take on what she expects will be boring administrative work . . . But as the campaign heats up, disturbing events follow. There&’s a string of dangerous fires, a violent attack, and a seemingly accidental death. Erin begins to wonder about her colleagues all while they grow suspicious of her. Someone&’s got a secret—and with the election looming, Erin must quickly uncover who&’s behind the chaos before she becomes a prime candidate for murder. Previously published under the pseudonym Barbara Michaels Praise for New York Times–bestseller Elizabeth Peters and Smoke and Mirrors &“[Peters] delivers another sure-fire winner in this romantic adventure set in the smoky, deceptive arena of American politics.&” —Publishers Weekly
Smoke and Mirrors
by Jenna MillsUndercover cop Cassidy Blake's top priority was to infiltrate mercenary millionaire Derek Mansfield's life-and take him down. Cass expected to find a ruthless criminal; instead she found a darkly magnetic man whose bone-melting intensity blurred the line between her duty and her own desires.Derek Mansfield had returned to Chicago to settle a score, not to become entangled in a seductive game of cat and mouse with the intriguing Cass. But the secrets in her eyes and her searing kisses had made him hungry for more than revenge. Could either of them risk their hearts in this perilous game of smoke and mirrors?
Smoke and Spots
by Deirdre O’dareWhen firefighter Grady Ashcroft adopts his deceased sister’s son, he knows life will change. He never expected to be a dad, but he’ll give young Jamie his best, even if it means a celibate life in a new home. He does not expect to find the man of his dreams in the Colorado village where he takes a new job, either.Sullivan Parker wanted to be chief of the Valle Vista fire department when the former chief was forced to leave. Instead, the town council hires a stranger from far away. Despite his resentment, Sully finds himself drawn to the newcomer. He also discovers a need to take Jamie and the spotted pup the former chief left behind under his wing.Can the brotherhood of battling dangerous blazes morph into stronger feelings for the two men, or will conflict prevail?
Smoke in Mirrors
by Jayne Ann KrentzA con artist and seductress, Meredith Spooner lived fast--and died young. But her final scam--embezzling more than a million dollars from a college endowment fund--is coming back to haunt Leonora Hutton. T<P><P>She tainted money is stashed away in an offshore account for Leonora. And while she wants nothing to do with the cash, she discovers two other items in the safe-deposit box: a book about Mirror House--the place where Meredith engineered her final deception and a set of newspaper stories about an unsolved murder that occurred there thirty years ago. Now Leonora has an offer for Thomas Walker, another victim of Meredith's scams and seductions. She'll hand over the money--if he helps her figure out what's going on. Meredith had described Thomas as "a man you can trust." But in a funhouse-mirror world of illusion and distortion, Leonora may be out of her league...
Smoke in the Sun (Flame in the Mist #2)
by Renée AhdiehThe highly anticipated sequel to New York Times bestselling Flame in the Mist--an addictive, sumptuous finale that will leave readers breathless from the bestselling author of The Wrath and the Dawn. After Okami is captured in the Jukai forest, Mariko has no choice--to rescue him, she must return to Inako and face the dangers that have been waiting for her in the Heian Castle. She tricks her brother, Kenshin, and betrothed, Raiden, into thinking she was being held by the Black Clan against her will, playing the part of the dutiful bride-to-be to infiltrate the emperor's ranks and uncover the truth behind the betrayal that almost left her dead. With the wedding plans already underway, Mariko pretends to be consumed with her upcoming nuptials, all the while using her royal standing to peel back the layers of lies and deception surrounding the imperial court. But each secret she unfurls gives way to the next, ensnaring Mariko and Okami in a political scheme that threatens their honor, their love and the very safety of the empire.