Dangerous Beauty

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Details

EROTIC HISTORICAL ROMANCE

In one night, their lives will change forever.

No longer available as of October 13th, 2011. Some copies may linger in retail stores after this date, but this Ellora’s Cave edition will cease publication on this date.*
Erotic Historical Romantic Suspense
MF, Late Regency London settings
This is the sequel to Forbidden.
Will be re-released in all the popular e-book formats, and print
Pages: About 175, in PDF, including front matter (Novel-sized story).

[*This book will be repackaged and re-released shortly. If you're interested in obtaining a copy of the new edition, sign up for my newsletter, so that you get a notice of the release of the new edition, or subscribe to my RSS feed via your favourite Newsreader or via Email, to catch any announcement I make on the blog.]

Anastasia Black is the pen name used by Julia Templeton and I when we co-write historical romances together. You can find out more about Julia on her site.

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Outline

In 1835, in London, during the night of the annual, prestigious Sweet Pea Ball, two lives are about to be changed forever.

Natasha is one of the most beautiful women in London, but will not suffer fools, and finds most men arrogant beyond tolerance. Her mother, however, will have her married before the end of this, her third season, no matter what it takes, and Natasha will fight her every step of the way.

Seth Harrow is an uncouth Irish sea captain fresh from the colonies of Australia. He’s dressed as a lord, and carries a secret that would tear London society apart if it were revealed. He’s in London for one small task before heading to Ireland to help an old friend. He has no time for giddy debutantes and the hypocrites of society, but must deal with them both to achieve his goal.

In one watershed night, Seth and Natasha will face hatred, bigotry and soul-searing passion. The outcome of that night will plunge them into a churning maelstrom of love, life … and death.

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Reviews

Anastasia Black weaves the conflict between the English and the Irish into a tale full of action and intrigue. The love story of Natasha and Seth is beautifully written. Their night of forbidden love is very erotic. The reader will still be guessing the identity of Seth’s enemy as the book reaches its intense climax. I could not put this book down. I look forward to reading more books by Anastasia Black.

Candy for Karen Find Out About New Books and Coffee Time Romance

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I have read Ms. Black’s other book Forbidden and this book is loosely tied to it and may be read alone. However, for those of you, like me, who must read your books in order you will probably wish to purchase Forbidden before moving onto Dangerous Beauty.

I absolutely loved this book. This story has intrigue, sensual love making, teasing foreplay, high drama, death and characters who have the strength of their convictions backed by their will. All of this is packaged in a wonderful story line that slowly draws you in and doesn’t let go until the end.

Get it, you’ll love it.

Teri for Fallen Angels Reviews

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I thought Vaughn and Elisa’s story was great but this one concludes a great series. Natasha has grown so much and Seth is just the right man for her. From the beginning you can instantly feel the attraction between them and you root for them throughout the end. Pick up the book and enter into a world of dances, love and passion by Anastasia Black another book worth keeping.

Melinda Barrera for Enchanted in Romance

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I enjoyed Forbidden so much, I couldn’t wait to review the sequel, Dangerous Beauty. Anastasia Black has shown us how Natasha has grown into a fiercely independent woman who knows what she wants from life, no matter the cost. Ms. Black also examines the heartless acts of society who are blind when it comes to protecting their own reputation and greed at the cost of the innocent. Dangerous Beauty is a dynamic continuation of Forbidden that you will not want to miss.

Briana Burress for Romance Junkies

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Dangerous Beauty is a fantastic historical romance that is extremely well-written and which you will struggle to put down. It is truly historical romance at its finest! Featuring an irresistible hero, a remarkable heroine, evocative descriptions, a gripping premise, sizzling sexual tension and scorchingly hot love scenes, Dangerous Beauty is a book lovers of romantic fiction will adore. Anastasia Black writes books which are romantic, sensual and gripping and which deserve a place on keeper shelves everywhere!

Julie Bonello for ECataRomance Reviews

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Dangerous Beauty was very true to the Regency genre, even with the sex, something I appreciated. Seth just didn’t take Natasha at her word, instead keeping in mind that rash behavior could ruin her reputation, something she’d need in her society. The mystery surrounding Seth’s conviction of murder and why his father never intervened kept me reading past the initial spark between Natasha and Seth… Half the time I would forget I was reading an erotic romance, since most of the focus was on the developing relationship between Seth and Natasha with only a little regard for the sexual tension (though that light tension was enjoyable).

I’d definitely recommend Dangerous Beauty.

Dani Jacquel for Just Erotic Romance Reviews

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With Ms. Black’s eloquent writing style and vivid description she makes Dangerous Beauty come alive. You will fall in love with Natasha and Seth, they are strong well defined characters that will tug at your heartstring, especially Seth, who has gone through so much, both physically and emotionally. These two characters will pull the reader into their lives and make you care what happens to them.

When death comes calling at her lovers door, will Natasha be able to save Seth’s life in time?

The plotline moves at a realistic pace, and gives the reader time to get to know the characters. The sensual tension is high and the love scenes are erotic and sensual that fit well with this couple. The addition of the returning characters of Vaughn and Elisa (from Forbidden) are not only essential to the storyline of this book, but also a wonderful way to see that Vaughn and Natasha have worked out their difference and are now good friends. Ms. Black also introduces us to Natasha’s half-brother, Rhys, who I’m hoping will be getting his own story soon.

Dangerous Beauty is a love story of two people that will have to overcome bigotry and hatred if they have any chance at being together. If you enjoy a well written historical romance, then I recommend you pick up Dangerous Beauty, you won’t be disappointed!

Note: it’s not necessary to read Forbidden to enjoy this story.

Luisa for Cupid’s Library Reviews

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Excerpt

Natasha found a quiet corner of the room, as far from her mother as geography would allow and, thankfully, far away from Piggot. The baron had reappeared, his mouth pulled back into a thin, meaningless little smile as he scanned the ballroom, no doubt searching for her.

She shivered at the memory of his fingers so near her breast. All she wanted was to go back to the townhouse and hide away in her room for the night, read her book and forget about men like Baron de Henscher.

There was a group of three debutantes giggling and gossiping behind their fans, just to Natasha’s left. She glanced at them. Her own first season had been barely three years ago, but comparing herself to the girls made her feel very old, and oddly tired. She had giggled and gossiped just like them, once.

“Oh, my goodness me. Look at that one,” one of them said, staring towards the grand entrance of the ballroom. Another of them turned her head to look, and her eyes opened wide and her lips parted with a sigh.

Curious, Natasha followed the women’s gazes. At the top of the short, broad flight of steps down to the ballroom proper, a man stood visually searching the room.

Her heart gave a fierce, odd little tug as she stared at him, and something low in her stomach seemed to roll over slowly.

Even from across the vast ballroom she could tell he was not comfortable here. Though he looked like any other peer of the realm in his black suit and snowy white shirt and cravat, there was a ruggedness about him that told her he fit an outdoor environment more naturally. There was an animal-like restlessness in his pose, which was at odds with almost every other man she knew. It made him different from all of them.

He stood a good head taller than most of the men present, and his hair was quite black. He had a breadth of shoulder that spoke of a man who enjoyed physical activity. As Natasha watched, he spread his jacket so he could plant his fists on his hips, and the tight trousers clearly displayed a flat stomach and muscled thighs.

She could not see what color his eyes were, but they were striking even from this distance, piercing in their intensity as he surveyed the crowd.

Who was he searching for? She felt a sudden jab of jealousy, as she wondered who it was. Then her breath caught as she realized that his roving scrutiny had almost reached her.

His gaze skipped past her.

Natasha let her breath out with a rush, venting her acute disappointment, even as she mentally chided herself. What had she expected? That he would cross the room, bow and ask her to dance?

No, I want him to kiss me. And more.

She felt a touch of shock at her own daring thought, but with the honesty she had been forcing herself to cultivate these last few years, she acknowledged that yes, one glance at him had reduced her to a carnal wantonness.

Oh, to be taken by a man like that! He would satisfy a woman in all ways.

And that was when his gaze checked…and returned to her.

Her heart stood still.

He was staring at her with frank openness, with no alleviating smile, no nod of acknowledgment, not even a bow. He just stared, his gaze pinning her like a butterfly to the mount.

She thought she could see a hint of puzzlement in his eyes, but the idea faded under the onslaught of wicked thoughts flooding her.

Yes, much more than a kiss! Her books, the ones hidden in the secret drawer at the bottom of her bureau, had been frustratingly unclear on exactly what happened to a woman who was ‘taken’, although many of the heroines she read about seemed to enjoy the process as much as the dashingly handsome heroes. She had supposed, when she puzzled over the lack of details, that she might draw parallels from the rutting sheep and other farm yard animals she had observed growing up in the country…but the idea had not thrilled her when she applied it to men and women. It had seemed ridiculous and physically uncomfortable.

But now, with this man staring at her, she thought she understood the passion that drove such acts, if not the actual physicality of it. That passion burned in her chest, made her breasts tingle, and between her legs an aching throb began. She could feel each breath draw down her throat.

His eyes would not let her go. They seemed to be drawing her soul out of her body, bringing her towards him across the room. He was so different! So…alive. His whole body radiated his emotions.

He is a dangerous one, this man.

But the caution did not calm her at all. On the contrary, recognizing the uncivilized edge in him made her heart beat faster. She could feel herself sway towards him, her breasts pushing against the bodice of the dress. Her nipples rubbed with delicious pressure against her camisole.

He took a step towards her, and Natasha’s breath caught again and her heart leapt.

Another group of people pushing in through the double-doored entranceway brushed up against him, tearing his gaze away from her. He was forced to deal with them, accept the fellow’s well-meant apologies, and Natasha could feel his frustration, could see it in every line of his body.

Then he turned away, searching her out again—she knew he searched for her with utter certainty. A thrill raced through her body when his gaze caught hers once more, however, he did not come towards her. He smiled a little, and it was almost a grimace.

Her disappointment this time was a tangible thing. It swept through her like hot acid, leaving her trembling. As clearly as she had read his frustration, his impatience, and the shock her appearance had wrought upon him, she read now his regret.

The corners of his perfect, full lips lifted in a little smile. His hand rested against his breast and he gave a small bow, merely an inclination of his head.

I regret, that bow told her. It cannot be.

She could not muster even a smile in return. She felt like weeping. She swallowed hard, forcing back the tears, and managed to give a small nod of her own. She kept her shoulders and back very straight, determined not to let him see how his silent rejection had devastated her.

But he saw through it. His smile grew warmer, showing the edge of fine, white teeth, and the warmth touched his eyes, bathed her in his good regard….

Then he turned his gaze away, returning to quartering the room.

She felt chilled, almost ill. The trembling had worsened. She stood very still, waiting for the sick moment to pass.

Did he look for his lover, a wife, a mistress, or a friend? A business associate perhaps? Let it be the last she wished silently, but knew it could not be. Whoever he looked for had been the reason he could not speak to her—

—kiss her—

—and a simple business associate would not make such demands.

The quadrille ended and dancers began to drift from the floor. The man on the stairs took advantage of the clearing dance floor to hurry down the steps, heading towards the other end of the long ballroom, away from her.

Natasha tried to bring her hurried breathing under control, to calm her heart, which beat at her stays with an alarming, almost painful flutter.

Lord Shelburne, the host of the annual ball, stepped up onto the musicians’ dais, and acknowledged the polite applause of the assembled people. A hotel butler hurried over to him, and handed him a long golden rope with a big tassel on the end. The rope soared up to the ceiling, where it was attached to the huge swan hanging over the heads of the dancers.

There were squeals of delight from debutantes, as they hurried to clear the floor, while all the young single men scrambled to stand beneath the swan. There was a lot of good-natured jostling and shoving to find the perfect position beneath.

Shelburne pulled hard on the rope and with a loud crack, the swan split apart, showering the men beneath with hundreds of nosegays made up of thornless red roses and sweet peas.

The guests oohed and ahhhed in delight, laughing and clapping as the men fought to pick up as many of the small bouquets as they could. Then the little squeals and giggles began as each man sought out a favored lady and offered her the nosegay. To accept the nosegay also signaled agreement to be escorted to supper by the gentleman.

Natasha released a heavy sigh. It was all quite ridiculous, really. Why had she ever found the custom exciting, even thrilling? It was an expensive gesture that meant nothing at all. Did the rich have nothing better to spend their money on? She pursed her lips together and shook her head slightly. If only the duke had put his money toward helping those less fortunate. No doubt what he had wasted on this extravagance could have helped an entire poverty-stricken village.

Then her breath caught in a painful mass in the base of her throat, for skirting the mass of young men in the middle of the dance floor was him. And he was coming towards her.

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Author’s Note

Dangerous Beauty is the sequel to Forbidden. Julia and I are very pleased to see the sequel finally make it to print. We’ve had a lot of reader feedback, asking for Natasha’s story, and at last we can tell that story.

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