Alexandra Hawkins Website

Book 1

Book 2

Book 3

Coming 2012

Book 1

IT BEGAN AS A FAVOR…

S educe Lady Juliana Ivers and then cast her aside: Those are his sister’s instructions. Alexius Braverton, Marquess of Sinclair—known as Sin to the ton—is happy enough to oblige, especially when he catches a glimpse of his target. Juliana is completely unlike the empty-headed chits who barely hold his attention for a week. A true gentleman would leave her to find a worthy suitor. But then, a Lord of Vice would never claim to be a gentleman.

WOULD IT END IN FOREVER?

Juliana is expected to marry well to improve her family’s finances, even if she secretly longs to make a living through her musical compositions. A dalliance can only complicate matters, though not even practical Juliana can help succumbing to the aptly named Sin. But one unforgettable night will draw her into a scandalous affair—and a seduction begun as sport will soon become deliciously, dangerously real…

Excerpt
CHAPTER ONELondon, May 27, 1820Seduction was not foremost in Lady Juliana Ivers's thoughts. However, the same could not have been said for her escort, Mr. Engelheart. The moment she had agreed to step out onto the upper garden terrace with him, her amiable supper companion at Lord and Lady Lettlecott's prestigious ball had turned into a lecherous, brutish knave.So naturally Juliana ended up in the Lettlecotts' hazel tree.Juliana pressed her lips against the comforting trunk and uttered a brief prayer of appreciation for the beautiful old tree that had been coppiced in its youth. Four distinct trunks radiated out from the ground at thirty, fifty, and seventy-degree angles. In spite of the hindrance of her evening dress, she had managed to use one of the opposing low-lying trunks as a step as she carefully inched her way high enough for the foliage to conceal her.Her beautiful dress was ruined.The stylish frock of white satin with pearl and jet beads dangling from the short sleeves was now etched with smudges of dirt and lichen from the trunk of the tree. The higher confusion of corkscrew branches and spiky serrated leaves caught at the jet beads and flounces adorning the bottom of her skirt and her upswept hair. Even her sandal slippers and white kid gloves had not been spared the abuse.Maman would likely despair over the loss. The tumultuous five years following her husband's unexpected death had cast their family on the precipice of financial ruin. Maman had done her best to provide for their basic needs and the considerable investment needed to launch Juliana and her two older sisters, Cordelia and Lucilla, into polite society. When Maman had summoned a modiste from London to their rather unassuming house in Norfolk, the widowed Marchioness of Duncombe had vowed to see each of her daughters married and their future secured.She would undoubtedly be shocked to see Juliana perched in a tree as she tried to escape the potential suitor. "Lady Juliana!"She froze at the sound of Mr. Engelheart's voice. In the distance, Juliana could hear the merry tempo of string instruments and a tambourine as the musicians in the ballroom played the old ballad "Blow the Candle Out". It was a cautionary tale of a young lady and her apprentice lover. Without a doubt, the song added a certain irony to Juliana's predicament. One that would be likely lost on her lovelorn supper companion.Juliana had hoped Mr. Engelheart would have given up by now. After she had broken free from his unwanted embrace, she had spun around and escaped down the polished stone steps that led into the Lettlecotts' expansive back gardens. The moonlight and flickering lanterns that lit up the meandering paths had bolstered her nerve. She had assumed that the gentleman would have surrendered with dignity.Sadly, the man's head was as thick as his hands were clumsy.Her illuminated path to freedom also fired Mr. Engelheart's passion to catch his slippery quarry. She veered off the gravel paths into a small thicket. The time had come for drastic measures.Hence the hazel tree."Lady Juliana?" Mr. Engelheart was close enough that she heard the fine tremor in his inflection. "You have nothing to fear from me. I just want to escort you safely into the ballroom."He paused and listened to the night sounds for some clue to her whereabouts.Juliana's lips thinned as she wondered how long would she have to remain in the tree? Minutes? An hour? The rest of the evening?Juliana shifted her body in an attempt to scoot down from her perch. A faint hiss escaped Juliana's lips as the sharp point of a broken branch punctured her stocking and scratched her left calf. Leaves rustled a warning as she struggled to free herself. Her struggles only made matters worse. Portions of her skirt were snagged, and the more she moved, the higher the hem crept up her legs. She was soundly caught by this wretched tree!Then soft feminine laughter floated like pollen on a spring breeze, and Juliana came to a halt at the throaty sound."Catch me if you dare," the unidentified woman called out to someone, probably her lover, as she unknowingly raced toward the tree Juliana was starting to view as her own.There was the sound of multiple footfalls on the gravel path and a brief tussle. It was followed by a high-pitched burst of laughter. Clearly the lady had been caught by her male companion.However, sheer panic set in when a dark-haired woman adorned in a black bombazine dress carelessly brushed against the nearby shrubbery and staggered toward the bench next to the hazel tree. She slipped onto the bench and extended her outstretched gloved hand to the man casually strolling into Julianas line of vision and for some reason her heart immediately began to pound.This gentleman was no Mr. Engelheart. He moved stealthily, like a well-fed predator in his prime. His dark hair was long and straight. Most of the length was tied in a queue at the back of his nape. However, some of the dark, glossy ends had escaped during his playful romp with his lover and the ends curled slightly at his jawbone. Juliana could only see intriguing glimpses of his face. Her elevated position and the shadowy thicket deprived her of details, but Juliana sensed his gaze was fixed on the lady beckoning him to join her on the bench."I have been waiting all evening for this," the woman purred.Juliana's forehead furrowed in puzzlement. The woman's voice sounded dreadfully familiar."Half the fun is the chase," the man said, his low, smooth tones trailing down Julianas spine like phantom fingers. He clasped his companion's wrist, drawing her up so that her breasts were flush against his chest. "Besides, I doubt you want an audience when we fuck."Juliana's breath caught and she found her eyes locked on this depraved gentleman in fascination.He lowered his head and claimed the woman's lips. For a few minutes, the only sounds were breathy gasps and moist sucking sounds of fervent kissing."Or maybe you do," the man chuckled with something akin to admiration in his silky, rich tone. He tugged on her full sleeve and bared her left shoulder. The woman clutched him tightly and moaned when he put his mouth on the exposed flesh.Juliana peeked down as the woman uttered a wordless sound of need. She slipped her hands into the man's coat, her fingers splayed over his inner waistcoat. From her perch, Juliana recognized the bird egg-sized diamond pinned to the front of the womans gown. Juliana's lip curled into a sneer. She had been wrong about the color of the dress. It was a dark blue rather than black. The gaudy diamond winked at her. The amorous lady below was her hostess, Lady Lettlecott. The same odious woman who had cheerfully paired Juliana earlier with the lecherous Mr. Engelheart. She did not recognize the lady's companion, but he was not Lord Lettlecott."Sin, it has been too long since our last meeting," the countess said breathlessly, losing her concentration when he cupped the swell of her right breast and worshiped the flesh with his mouth. "I-I was beginning to feel . . ."--she sucked in her breath--"undesired."Sin paused in his sensual ministrations and touched Lady Lettlecott's cheek with undisguised affection. "If you move your hand lower, you can feel my desire, Abby. All the same, let's not complicate our friendship with messy sentiment that neither one of us wants. Our needs are pathetically basic. Fortunately for you, I'm in the mood to accommodate you."Juliana blinked at the man's detached bluntness. She hugged the tree trunk, watching Lady Lettlecott struggle about in Sin's embrace as if she was trying to raise her hand to slap him. The man seized the lady's wrists with one hand as he delivered a firm swat to her backside."Behave!" he growled.Juliana grinned at the countess's well-deserved comeuppance. This was more entertaining than any drama Juliana had ever witnessed in a ballroom, and the ton was notorious for public spectacles."Do you really want to fight me, Abby?" Sin separated the countess's hands and nipped one of her palms with his teeth. For chastisement, it was mild and oddly sensual. Juliana's stomach fluttered in response.Lady Lettlecott evidently agreed with Juliana's private assessment. The lady ceased her futile struggles and leaned heavily against him. She moaned, signaling her surrender to his overwhelming dominance."You are so wicked, Sin. If I had any sense, I should leave that preening cock you are so proud of stiff and aching."Sin released her wrists and stepped back. "Then leave," he replied, sounding almost bored by her threat. He sat down on the bench, resting his left arm casually on the back of the bench. "This quiet spot and my hand are more than enough for the delicate chore, my dear."Juliana's eyes widened in shock and she craned her neck to glimpse even more of the gentleman who Lady Lettlecott thought was worth the risk of inciting her husbands wrath. She could not see Sin's face at all from this angle, though she deduced from his confidence and movements that he was undoubtedly handsome. She had met the Earl of Lettlecott on her arrival. He possessed an admirable face, and Juliana doubted his wife would settle for an inferior specimen of manhood."There was a time when you claimed that you liked it best when I used my hands on your flesh," the countess said, edging close enough so that her skirts brushed his knee."Did I?" he said, his soft patronizing tone was enough to make Juliana grit her teeth.Sin had slumped down into an informal sprawl on the bench, his long legs spread out in front of him. Lady Lettlecott seemed to be staring between his legs intensely. Juliana conceded that she was curious, too, about this so-called magnificent testament of maleness concealed within his trousers. As she had lived a sheltered life, her knowledge of the male body was woefully incomplete. What was it about Sin that warranted such rapt attention from Lady Lettlecott?To Juliana's surprise, Sin did not seem troubled by the countesss frank perusal. In fact, Juliana sensed that he was enjoying his companion's brazen actions. Without making a sound, Juliana lifted her upper torso slightly to the left of the sturdy branch. She ignored the burning sensation in her eyes as she strained to see beyond the enigmatic shadows just above the mans muscular thighs.Lady Lettlecott slowly moved into the V created from Sin's outstretched legs. Wordlessly she knelt down between his legs so her upturned face was inches from the buttons adorning the front of his trousers. Perhaps a demonstration is in order, my lord. Her hands lovingly stroked the intimate contours on display.Here? No! She would not dare!. . .Would she?Not trusting herself, Juliana clamped her hand over her mouth. Egad, this was not happening! The faint sounds of fabric sliding over fabric and the countess's sigh of appreciation at what she had uncovered confirmed that Juliana was about to become the unwilling spectator of a lovers tryst. It took an immeasurable amount of inner fortitude to quell her mounting panic."Oh, Sin, my love, I will perish if you deny me a taste!"Juliana cringed, unwilling to dwell on what portion of Sin that the countess wanted to taste. Juliana had never kissed a man, let alone examined his--what had the countess called it?--his preening cock? Lady Lettlecott, conversely, seemed to have an unnatural obsession and familiarity with it.If she and Sin discovered Juliana, what would they do to her? Offer payment for her silence? Threats? Violence? She felt her throat constrict as half a dozen choices flashed through her mind like repeating lightning strikes on her skull. A murmur of encouragement rumbled deep from Sin's throat. Juliana shivered at the wild masculine sound of abandonment. She rubbed the sudden ache in her breasts. The poor constricted flesh was mashed by her corset and the unyielding hardness of the trunk. She yearned for the moment when her maid would free her from her clothing to ease the tightness that she felt all the way down to her stomach. Below, Sin widened his stance, giving the kneeling woman better access to his defining attributes.Juliana bit her lips to suppress her soft groan. Her legs instinctively tightened around the trunk of the hazel tree, pressing the hard roughened surface against her feminine core. In spite of the coolness of the evening, she felt hot and light-headed. If she did not calm her rattled nerves, she was going to do something to give herself away like fainting and falling out of the cursed tree!In an agitated gesture, she dragged her hand from her hair, causing the unexpected to happen. One of the tiny white plumes tucked into her upswept tresses slipped free. Without thinking, Juliana reached out to grasp the errant two-inch curl of fluff that was destined to be her downfall. The lissome plume evaded her fingers, dancing on the breeze created by her frantic motion. It silently drifted down to the couple.Juliana brought her fist to her mouth and silently prayed. Both Lady Lettlecott and Sin were distracted for the moment. Perhaps the tiny feather would remain unnoticed. The husky moans and disconcertingly wet smacking noises coming from below heartened Juliana.Until the fragile white plume landed on the top of the countesss dark tresses. Even in the moonlight, it was a stark beacon. Juliana held her breath. She mentally willed the plume to catch another breeze and disappear into the inky blackness of the ground.Fly!Any hope she harbored was dashed when Sin's fingers moved from his lover's shoulder to the lady's hair. To the traitorous plume. His shoulders stiffened as he held up the feather, rubbing the light down between his fingers as he wordlessly contemplated its origins. Then without warning, Sin tipped his head back and stared directly into Juliana's troubled gaze.Excerpt from All Night With a Rogue. Copyright © February 2010, Alexandra Hawkins. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced without written permission.

Book 2

Till Dawn with the Devil hi res cover 2-10.jpg

SOMETIMES IT TAKES A ROGUE

Few women can resist a man like Gabriel Reign Housely, the Earl of Rainecourt. With divine good looks, delectable charms, and delicious wealth, he would seem to be every marriage-minded mothers dream match for their daughters. But not so, given the scandalous death of his first wife. Fortunately for Gabriel, he has no plans to seriously court any of the London ladies ever again. That is, until he shares one unforgettable dance with a mysterious stranger

TO CAPTURE AN ANGEL

Exquisitely beautiful though decidedly modest, Lady Sophia usually shuns the festive ballrooms of London society. But when a man who calls himself Reign enters her lifeseemingly from out of nowhereand shows her true kindness, her wary young heart begins to melt. Of course, Sophia would be shocked to the learn the truth about Reigns past. But with family money running out and her own marital prospects growing dim, this devilish stranger may be her only salvation.

Excerpt

Gabriel was only half serious about ravishing an innocent miss. He really craved a lady greedy enough to grant his every wicked whim without question. Gabriel openly prowled the ballroom, searching for a familiar face or a new one that tempted him.His expression must have hinted at his dangerous mood.Gentlemen and ladies separated, giving him a clear path. Several mothers seized their daughters by the arms and dragged them away for fear his mere presence might tarnish their daughters' reputations. Others shyly glanced away as he passed. Gabriel heard the gasps and whispers in his wake. Scandals never truly died. They were akin to dust on old flooring that when stirred, choked the air whenever anyone dared to tread over them.And then he saw her.With Theodore Enright.Well, well . . . this is most unexpected, Gabriel thought.Lady Harper's little ball was riddled with surprises.Standing near a wall of potted plants, a blond-haired angel dressed in charming white satin frock with light blue Claremont braces, and matching bows and ribbons at the bottom of her skirt appeared to be hanging on every prosaic word Enright was uttering. Gabriel shook his head in disgust. Snatching the beautiful blonde away from the preening dilettante would be a pleasure. In truth, he was doing the chit a favor, though he doubted she would thank him for it."Enright."Gabriel watched with a bland interest as the dark-haired gentleman turned a sickly pale green."Y-You!" he sputtered.Concern furrowed the blonde's brow as she peered intently at her companion. "Mr. Enright, are you ill?"Gabriel looked hard at woman. Her concern for the sniveling bastard irritated him. "There is nothing wrong with him that a little fresh air will not cure. Is that not correct, Enright?""Yes." Enright retrieved a handkerchief from the pocket of his waistcoat and blotted his upper lip. "With your permission, Lady Sophia, I will escort you to your friends."Gabriel's dark blue eyes narrowed on Enright's pinched face. "Do not trouble yourself. I have come to claim a dance from Lady Sophia." He extended a gloved hand, but the lady rudely ignored it."Dance?" The lady wrinkled her nose. "I must regretfully decline, my lord . . .?""Reign," Gabriel politely supplied. "And I really must insist."Lady Sophia squeaked as Gabriel shackled her wrist, and pulled her into his arms. Not expecting his high-handed maneuver, the lady stumbled and her walking stick went skidding across the polished marble floor. Without the stick as support, she was forced to embrace him to keep from falling on her lovely backside.The blonde straightened, but his iron grip on her wrist prevented her from stepping away. "Oh, I do beg your pardon, my lord.""See here, Reign," Enright said, working toward righteous indignation. "Lady Sophia is not--""Your concern, Enright," Gabriel said, displaying plenty of sharp teeth. "Leave, at once, or I just may decide to spare Lady Sophia and play with you. The choice is yours.""Mr. Enright?" Lady Sophia queried hesitantly."Forgive me, Lady Sophia," Enright said, backing away. As Gabriel had assumed, the coward was more than happy to leave the lady to meet her fate alone. "The devil take you, Rainecourt!""He already has, Enright," Gabriel drawled. "And he is looking forward to meeting you."Rainecourt.Sophia tugged, attempting to free herself from Reign's unyielding hold. She was convinced this man was intimately acquainted with the devil. And curse Mr. Enright for abandoning her to a Rainecourt.This is the son.She had forgotten that the Earl of Rainecourt had had a son. How old had Reign been when his father had cold-bloodedly murdered her parents, and then had taken his own life? Twelve? Thirteen?Reign started to pull her toward the other dancers. "I have promised you a dance.""That is hardly necessary," Sophia protested, barely keeping up with him. "If you could help me find my walking stick, I will leave you to pick a fight with someone who has actually offended you."Reign abruptly halted. He caught Sophia before she went sprawling forward onto the floor. "You are the clumsiest creature I have ever encountered."His insult was just too much to bear."Ooph! My eyesight is ruined, you horrid man!" Sophia seethed, resisting the urge to hit him with her reticule. "You are walking too fast and everything is scrambled. And--and I want my walking stick!"Reign waved his hand over her eyes.Exasperated, she said, "I said, ruined, not blind, you twit!" Utterly provoked, Sophia slapped his arm with her reticule.Where was Fanny or Griffin? Why was Rainecourt just staring at her? Good grief, had she just made a complete fool out of herself in front of Lady Harper's guests. She could not stop her mutinous lower lip from quivering."Do not move," Reign ordered as he backed away.Sophia dutifully stood there trembling and imagining the worst. Blinking furiously to battle the tears that threatened to fall only added to her humiliation. Through the watery blur, she overheard Reign as he exchanged a few pleasantries with a helpful gentleman who had retrieved her walking stick from the floor.Reign held up the white and gold stick. "I have it."Not feeling gracious, Sophia snatched it from his hand. The smooth firmness of the painted wood clasped within her palm calmed her. It helped to banish the vulnerability she was feeling, and gave her the strength to find her way back to her friends without the assistance of the Earl of Rainecourt."Good evening, Lord Rainecourt," Sophia said, grinding the tip of the walking stick into the floor as she stepped away from the infuriating gentleman. The earl caught her elbow. "And what of our dance?"Sophia was getting weary wrestling Reign for her freedom. "I do not dance.""Nonsense. Your vision is impaired, not your feet, Lady Sophia," Reign said, leading her away from the edge of the ballroom toward the other dancers.A waltz was playing. Staring at the flashes of movement and color made her head spin. No, she could not do this. Not with so many people looking at her. Sophia locked her ankles together refusing to move."No."Reign did not seem to comprehend the meaning of the word. With a soft sigh of impatience, he captured both of her hands. He guided the hand holding the walking stick to his shoulder so her stick dangled down his back. To keep her from pulling out of his brazen embrace, he placed his free hand on her waist."What are you doing?""The waltz," he said, immune to her outrage. "This is not the time to fuss. People are watching us."She ceased struggling at his announcement."How many?"Reign grinned, melting away the grim lines around his mouth. "Enough. Everyone is curious. They will think I chased Enright off because I wanted to claim your first dance."Sophia did her best not to notice how handsome the man was when he wasn't glowering at everyone. "That was not the reason why you ran Mr. Enright off."As they stirred the air with their movements, Sophia noted that Reigns scent differed from Mr. Enright's. It was heavier, a heady mix of musk, wood, and smoke. She tried not to inhale too deeply."No, I ran Enright off because I despise the sniveling bastard." They slowly circled about with the other couples. "Of course, only you and I know the truth.""You honor me," Sophia said, her voice laced with sarcasm.Reign tossed his head back and laughed. "More than you know, my lady. Lord and Lady Harper's guests are watching you with interest. Who is, Lady Sophia, the mysterious lady who lured the Earl of Rainecourt out onto the ballroom floor to dance the waltz? I wager half the ton will be knocking on your door tomorrow afternoon."Gracious, her brothers would be furious with her if what the earl was correct. More importantly, they would be upset when they learned that Lord Rainecourt was the reason. "I do not want to be mysterious or fascinating to the ton, my lord!""Liar," the earl countered, his amusement taking the sting out of the insult. "All ladies crave attention.""Perhaps I am a different sort of lady, Lord Rainecourt," she said, mildly peeved with the earl's opinion."Reign," he pleaded, infusing enough charm into the request that Sophia could not think of a reason to refuse him. "Mayhap you are correct, dear lady. After all, you have managed to do the impossible.""Now you are teasing me.""A little," he conceded. "However, I cannot resist. Your cheeks turn a delightful pink hue and your blue-green eyes sparkle like a chest of priceless gems. It flatters a gent to think all that beauty shines for him alone."Sophia glanced down and would have stumbled if Reign had not pulled her closer."Now you truly flatter me," Reign said, smoothly setting her apart without missing a single step. "The secret is to keep your gaze on my face. I am tolerably good looking, would you not agree?"Sophia bit back a smile. She did find him more than tolerable in looks. Not that she would dare admit it. "You want compliments? I thought you told me that it was only the ladies who craved attention?""Only a fool would not desire a beautiful lady's notice," he said lightly.Was Reign actually flirting with her? The deadly intent that had driven the man to separate her from Mr. Enright had vanished, and now she was uncertain on how to proceed. After all, once the earl learned of their connection, their friendly alliance would come to a sudden end."Ah, now you are frowning. What are you thinking about?"Sophia gave Reign what she hoped was a scolding look. "It is rude of you to inquire."The annoying shadows and blurring that obscured her vision, ebbed and flowed as they circled the ballroom with the other dancing couples. Focusing on Reign's face helped to quell her frustration. It was no hardship to study such masculine beauty. Dark brown hair that was as rich and thick as molasses. Strong cheek bones, a fine blade of a nose, but it was his eyes that drew her gaze, ensnared her. Framed by dark, thick brows and long lashes, his dark blue eyes were an unfathomable sea of restraint, confidence, and intelligence. During their brief encounter, Sophia has glimpsed in those beautiful dark blue eyes cold, mute fury, calculation, humor, and even though it rankled to silently admit it since it was directed at her--pity. What she now saw in his gaze, wasn't pity. It was frank appreciation for the lady in his arms. Sophia's stomach fluttered like restless butterflies in a cage at the thought that Reign's interest was more than gallant flattery to bedazzle his dancing partner.Reign ruined her speculative thoughts with his next words. "Squinting like that should give you a megrim."Sophia's lips parted in surprise at his rude observation. Perhaps she had been wrong about the appreciation. "Forgive me. It is the reason why I never dance. My eyes . . . ," she let her explanation trail off into silence.His hand flexed, and then tightened over hers. "So you were telling the truth. I thought you might have exaggerated your claims in an attempt to refuse my invitation."Invitation? The man literally dragged her across the ballroom floor to join the other dancers. "Why would I decline such a polite invitation, Lord Rainecourt?" she asked a tad too sweetly.The earl had the grace to wince. "If you wish to berate me for my boorish behavior, let us adjourn to a less public setting," he muttered, taking charge of the situation in his usual high-handed manner. He took Sophia by the elbow and escorted her away from the dancers."My lord--Reign, I cannot just leave the ballroom with you!" Sophia protested."No one will object, Lady Sophia," Reign said, guiding her toward the open doors that led to the garden terrace. "My reputation does provide certain benefits, and I am selfish enough savor them."Excerpt from TILL DAWN WITH THE DEVIL. Copyright © August 2010, Alexandra Hawkins. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced without written permission.

Book 3

ONE STOLEN KISS

Young, tender, and highly impressionable, Lady Regan can’t help but be intrigued by her brother’s wayward friends—the wickedly charming Lords of Vice. One man in particular, the dashing Lord Hugh Mordare, known simply as “Dare” among the ton, utterly captivates her—in spite of his reputation as a notorious womanizer. But when she steals an innocent kiss from Dare, Regan is swiftly packed off to boarding school, safely away from danger…and desire.

ONE SWEET SEDUCTION

Five years later, Regan returns—a proper lady and ravishing beauty. Miss Swann’s Academy for Young Ladies has taught her how to behave in polite society. But all the training in the world cannot extinguish her love for Dare. Now, she hopes to beat the master of seduction at his own game—by daring Dare to love her in return. This time, both of their hearts are on the line…and winner takes all.

Excerpt

London, April 25, 1822"Is Lord Chillingsworth pleased that you will be able to join him in London this season?"Regan blinked, distracted by the innocent question. All she wanted to do was rend the paper in her hand into dozens of illegible pieces and scream. Instead, she carefully folded Frost's letter and smiled demurely at her friends' expectant expressions."Of course." Her fingers tapped the paper lightly. "While it has only been four months since I last saw Frost, I have not had the pleasure of visiting London in almost five years."And if Frost has his way, another five years will pass before he grants me his consent."Our first social season in Town!" Nina sighed.Miss Tyne was nineteen and possessed an overly optimistic view on life. The daughter of a baron, Nina was expected to make a good match for her family. It was a laudable goal, and the young woman was amendable to her family's wishes. Regan was confident that Nina would soon have a dozen suitors vying for her affections.Perhaps some of Nina's optimism had rubbed off on Regan while they were in school, after all."Well, I say it is high time Lord Chillingsworth does his duty by you, and gives you a proper season, Regan. I will have you know that Mama agrees as well."She did not have the heart to remind Thea that her mother was the person responsible for Regan's banishment from London in the first place. Frost would have never thought to send her away to school if it had not been for Lady Karmack's meddling. He had been too busy pursuing his own amusements to be bothered with giving his sister the education and polish befitting an earl's daughter.Lady Karmack, on the other hand, had taken one look at Regan and feared that under the care of her notorious brother, she was destined to become a famous courtesan or, worse, the wife of one of the Lords of Vice. As a distant cousin, the older woman felt it was her Christian duty to remove Regan from her brother's ghastly influence.It still hurt that Frost had not fought harder to keep her.In the beginning, Regan had not appreciated Lady Karmack's keen interest in her welfare. She had been disrespectful, outrageous, and oftentimes deliberately obtuse when it came to her lessons. The first year away from Frost and the men she considered her family had been the worst, and Regan had not been shy about displaying her anger toward the people who sincerely believed that they were saving her from a life of depravity. It was at Miss Swann's Academy for Young Ladies that she gradually became friends with Thea and Nina.Instead of looking down their noses at Regan's outlandish behavior as many of the other girls had, the two young women had been in awe. No one dared to challenge Miss Swann or speak her mind, yet Regan often did both. The trio had banded together by the end of their first year, and had been nearly inseparable. When Regan had not been sequestered at school, she often spent her summers visiting her friends. If Frost was in residence at the family's country seat, she joined him. However, their weeks together were usually strained, and, in hindsight, Regan acknowledged that she was often to blame.In those early years of what she had come to view as her banishment, she had written her brother dozens of letters, begging him to relent and come for her. She missed her old life. She missed Nox and the Lords of Vice. She had often wondered if Dare might kiss her again if she returned to London.Frost never gave her a chance to satisfy her curiosity.He always denied her requests. Not one for sentimentality, the only time her brother wrote to her was to tell her that she could not return to London until Miss Swann had transformed the hoyden into a lady. His casual rejections had taken their toll on their relationship, and Regan could not quite forgive Frost for sending her away.However, she was willing to let bygones be bygones if her brother was willing to be reasonable.She intended to spend the entire season in London with or without his blessing.With Lady Karmack on her side this time, Frost was going to find it difficult to dismiss her polite request."Will you be remaining at our house or will you join Frost at his town house?" Thea asked."My brother undoubtedly will want me to reside with him," Regan brazenly lied. "However, it might be prudent to remain here until I have had a chance to speak to him."Nina shut the book that she had been readin—g and placed it on her lap. "Good heavens!"Regan tried to appear innocent. "I beg your pardon?"Her friend rolled her eyes heavenward. "I cannot believe your audacity. Now tell us the truth, is your brother aware that you are in Town?"Thea gasped. "But you told Mama—--"Regan gave her friends an exasperated look. "Be sensible. Our recent travels have added to the delays in my correspondence with my brother. While Frost is looking forward to seeing me"--she crossed her fingers behind her back and prayed that her words were true--"he most likely has not received my last letter."There was no reason to tell Thea and Nina that Frost was expecting to see her in August when he returned to the family's country estate.Her arrogant brother had not mentioned London at all.Thea thought Regan's explanation was sound. "Should we send a messenger to his town house?"Unconvinced, Nina glanced at Thea and then Regan. She nodded, silently agreeing to whatever plan Regan had concocted. "Or that club he frequents. Oh, what is it called?""Nox," Regan absently replied, rising from her chair. With Frost's letter in her hand, she gracefully strolled over to the small fireplace. "I do not believe that will be necessary, ladies. Some messages are best delivered in person."Regan bent down and dropped Frost's letter onto the burning coal embers. The folded paper quickly caught fire, the flames greedily destroying the letter.Her banishment was finally over.Dare smoothed his hair back before he pulled the crimson drapery aside and entered the private theater box that Hunter had rented for the season. His late arrival would likely provoke a few comments from his friends.Frost did not disappoint him.With his chair positioned at an angle to accommodate his long legs, the earl grinned up at him. "Why, a good evening to you, Lord Hugh!"Dare stepped over his friend's legs and nodded to Hunter and Saint, who had yet to take their seats. "Keep your nasty wit to yourself, Frost. I know that I am late. It could not be helped."Frost pivoted, pulling his legs in as he faced Dare. "How kind of you to join us this evening. I must confess when I espied Lady Pashley sitting alone in her box, I feared that your honorable nature might rear its ugly head and put an irreparable blight on our promising evening.""If true, Dare's honor might not be the only head rising this evening," Saint muttered to Hunter as he nudged the duke.Dare acknowledged his friend's ribald comment with a low chuckle. He peered out into the sea of private boxes in search of his brother's marchioness. He spotted her one tier down. Another couple had joined Allegra, and with luck they would remain at her side for the evening. "Unlike you, Frost, manners and duty may dictate me to stop by Lady Pashley's private box to pay my respects. Nevertheless, I have no inclination to tarry."Frost snorted, making his disbelief apparent."While you may find this difficult to believe, another lady has engaged my attentions this evening. " Dare was in too good a mood to be annoyed with Frost. "Mrs. Randall has invited me to call on her after Lord and Lady Quinton's ball."Frost's eyebrows slid upward as he nodded with begrudging approval. Hunter and Saint offered their congratulations. The lovely twenty-eight-year-old widow had come out of mourning last season. She had rejected all suitors and, as far as anyone knew, all potential lovers. The young widow had even been impervious to Frost's charms."I assume you expect us to join you at Lord and Lady Quinton's ball?" Frost said, casting a sly glance in Lady Pashley's direction.Dare braced his palm against the back of his friend's chair and stared directly into Frost's turquoise-blue eyes. "Mrs. Randall never mentioned me joining her at the ball. Nor would she approve of me bringing the likes of you along to her town house.""Widows are daring creatures. She might be agreeable with the proper enticement," Frost said, bringing his gloved hand up to the apex of his trousers to make his vulgar point.All four men laughed, earning them several curious looks from the nearby boxes. Dare sat down beside Frost. He was looking for another subject to distract his friend when Saint came to the rescue."Has anyone heard from Reign or Sin this evening?"Hunter slid into the seat in front of Dare. "Sin will join us later. His wife decided to sit with her mother and sisters this evening."A noncommittal noise rumbled in Frost's throat. He did not exactly approve of Lady Sinclair, and the lady did not hide the fact that she was merely tolerant of Frost for her husband's sake.Hunter gave their friend a bemused glance. "Show some respect, Frost. Lady Sinclair is expected to deliver the Sinclair heir sometime in September. Sin is just protective of his lady.""And Reign?" Dare prompted."Worse than Sin, now that he is a father." Saint crossed his arms across his chest and braced his stance by bending his left knee. "He left London five days ago to collect his wife and infant daughter. Reign did not want them traveling alone."Dare could not blame Reign. He had never seen a gentleman so besotted. Last season, when Reign had encountered Lady Sophia Northam at a ball, he had fallen hard for the demure blonde. Reign had the lady wedded, bedded, and with child before the season had ended."Another good man . . . ," Frost mumbled, the rest of his sentence unintelligible, but his meaning was clear to his friends.Frost enjoyed ladies as well as any other gent. He just did not view them as anything permanent in a man's life. As far as the earl was concerned, marriage had ruined Sin and Reign.To some degree, Dare silently agreed with Frost. His older brother's marriage to Allegra was a miserable union, and Reign's first marriage to Miss Roberts had been an unmitigated disaster. Still, both Reign and Sin seemed happy in their recent marriages. Dare did not begrudge his friends their newfound bliss.While Saint regaled them with Vane's latest mischief, Dare idly observed the lords and ladies from private box to private box. He immediately spotted Lady Sinclair. Seated beside Lady Harper, the marchioness was engrossed in a discussion with one of her sisters. Sin was nowhere in sight.Dare moved on to another private box, recognizing some of the patrons as he let his gaze continue to wander. It meant nothing if his attention lingered on Allegra. After all, she was a beautiful woman. If his heart ached, it was his own damn business. Before his older brother had stolen her from him, Allegra had been his.Frost often teased him about Allegra, but his friend did not understand Dare's inner conflict. While a part of him would always love the lady, he also hated her. His familial obligations kept him tethered, and he seemed doomed to never be quite free from her.And his brother enjoyed Dare's torment.Before he could dwell further on his dark thoughts, a glint of amber caught Dare's eye, distracting him from Allegra's private box. One tier up and two boxes to the right, a dark-haired lady in an amber evening dress presented him her elegant profile. Captivated, he watched as the silken fabric of her dress gleamed like the sun while the candlelight from the chandeliers played across the angles of her puffed sleeves and skirt. Her dark tresses had been pulled high, and only a few curls near her hairline had escaped. The lady's pale creamy complexion was untouched by the sun, yet even in the dim interior of the theater, her skin glowed with health and vitality.Dare watched as she extended her gloved hand to a gentleman who had slipped into their private box to pay the woman and her female companions his respects. Slightly envious that the gent had discovered the lady in amber before he had, Dare leaned forward as he watched the silent courtship play out before his eyes. The young woman smiled and gestured as she formally introduced her friends. The gentleman bowed, his eyes remaining on his amber prize.Arrogant bastard.The gentleman was older and possessed a weak chin. Possibly two. A lady of wealth and beauty could do better. The three gentlemen entering the crowded box must have thought the same thing.Dare stood when the young woman brought her hand to her heart, and then practically threw herself into the arms of one of her would-be suitors. His gaze narrowed as recognition flooded his envious heart."What the devil--is that Vane?" Dare said his voice infused with such fury that Frost, Hunter, and Saint ceased speaking and stared at him with varying degrees of amazement.He could not blame them for their curiosity. Dare did not understand his reaction himself. A small part of him was still tempted to leap from box to box until he reached Vane so he could have the pleasure of tossing the rogue headfirst into the pit.What spared him was that the woman in amber released Vane and stepped back. At Vane's urging, she looked across the interior of the theater. Dare inhaled sharply as his hungry gaze drank in her beauty. Familiarity tickled his senses, but it was elusive. Unexpectedly their gazes locked, and the dark-haired beauty seemed almost as startled as he was by the impact.Recognition popped in his head like miniature fireworks.The last time Dare had seen her endearing face, it had been sullied by soot and grime."Gents!" Sin said, bursting through the closed curtains at the back of their private box. He was grinning from ear to ear. "Why did no one tell me that our little Regan has come home?"Excerpt from AFTER DARK WITH A SCOUNDREL. Copyright © February 2011, Alexandra Hawkins. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any format without written permission.'

Coming 2012

FOREVER THE BACHELOR

Christopher Courtland, Earl of Vanewright—known around London as “Vane”—is the very picture of a rich, handsome ladies’ man. Why shackle himself to just one lady when he’s free to sample them all? In spite of his own mother’s attempts at matchmaking, Vane has sworn to stay single. Until he has a chance run-in with Miss Isabel Thorne…

NEVER IN LOVE—UNTIL NOW…

A modest and refined beauty, Isabel is a lot more brazen than she appears. When a pickpocket tries to make way with Vane’s bejeweled snuffbox, Isabel attempts to thwart his escape…and manages to steal Vane’s heart. But the harder he tries to seduce the sharp-tongued, strong-willed Isabel, the more she resists. Now it’s up to this tried-and-true bachelor to find a new way to play the game…or risk losing the one woman who’s ever captured his heart.

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Excerpt

COMING SOON ;-)

On Sale 1/3/2012

The Lords of Vice Series

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