Very excited to hosting author Claire Ashgrove and her newest title Bound By Decency.
After inheriting a portion of Spain’s Royal Inheritance,
Cain left The Flying Gang for a chance at honest wealth. With the secrets of
his piracy tucked away, he achieved his lofty aspirations. But when his partner
and best friend betrays him to the Royal Navy, Cain’s dreams are ripped to
shreds. He’s left with his ship, the tattered remnants of a stolen future, and
a piece of Spanish mystery. Wanted by three nations and destined for the
gallows, he returns to the legendary band of buccaneers for one purpose --
vengeance.
Kidnapped by the
formidable Cain, India Prescott discovers he intends to kill the man she’s to
marry. Cain’s story reveals betrayal. Treachery that extends to her as well.
Although she holds the key to retribution, India refuses to become another
man’s pawn. Freedom lies before her, the liberty to shrug off propriety, make
her own decisions, and claim her destiny. But when she uncovers goodness in
Cain’s soul and he awakens passion in her heart, she must combat the chains of
convention once more.
Only this time
India's not fighting society. She’s battling a pirate bent on keeping her
decency intact.
Series Concept:
The Flying Gang Legacy
1717...
With Europe in chaos over who
would claim the Spanish throne, the Atlantic waters bred a most despicable lot.
Privateers who pillaged and claimed, loyal to no country, more thief than noble
mercenary. One man would claim Spain’s inheritance. He would pass it on. To a
band of cutthroats more terrifying and deadly than the nightmares of the deep.
As the nations settle into
peace, The Flying Gang knows no boundaries. No sea is safe. No shore
unchartered. Chilling Rogers raised to the sky, they reign with fear, bound
only to the wind, the brotherhood, and the ships they love. One tiny jeweled
box strikes a gleam in their eyes. A golden trinket four rogue Captains risk
danger, capture, and even friendship to possess.
Until love interferes with
their rapscallion hearts…
*****
Claire
Ashgrove has been writing since her early teens and maintained the hobby for
twenty years before deciding to leap into the professional world. Her first
contemporary novel, Seduction's
Stakes, sold
to The Wild Rose Press in 2008, where she continues to write steamy, sexy
stories for the Champagne and Black Rose lines. Adding to these critically
acclaimed romances, Claire’s paranormal romance series, The Curse of the Templars debuted with Tor in January
2012. For those who prefer the more erotic side of romance, she also writes for
Berkley Heat as the National Bestselling Author Tori St. Claire.
Claire lives in Missouri with her two toddler sons, and
too-many horses, cats, and dogs. In her “free” time, she enjoys cooking,
winning at Rummy, studying Ancient Civilizations, and spending quiet moments
with her family, including the critters. She credits her success to her
family's constant support and endless patience.
To learn more about
Claire, visit her on the web at www.claireashgrove.com,
or www.toristclaire.com.
*******
Excerpt
“We can’t, Cain,” she whispered. Swallowing, she moistened her dry
throat.
Like someone cracked a whip above his head, all the dark intensity in
his gaze shifted to reveal a spark of anger. “Surely you don’t intend to hide
behind this falsehood of loyalty to Richard.”
She twisted out of his hold and rose on unsteady legs. Free of his
intoxicating nearness, sense returned. She shook her head. “It’s no falsehood.
We are to wed. You know this.”
A wry smirk danced on his mouth as he stood. “A wedding that can’t take
place if the bride does not return.”
Indignation rode her hard. The heaving of her chest began anew, and she
whirled around with a fierce scowl. “You cannot keep me here forever!”
One dark eyebrow rose to mock her. “No? I see no one to stop me.” In
three long strides he closed the distance between them. His hand shot out to
yank the leather strap from around her waist and wind it tight around her
wrists. He held them in one hand. “Did you forget you are my captive? I can
keep you as long as I desire. No one will stop me from tying you here, or binding
you in the hold.”
She gritted her teeth in a vain effort to still her tongue and tell him
all the vile things that ran through her head. But at the sound of his low
chuckling, her temper got the better of her. “If your intent is to keep me
prisoner for eternity, I promise you I will find a way off this ship if I have
to jump overboard. I may not possess the legs to sail, but I am quite capable
of swimming.”
With a broad sweep of his arm, he gestured at the window. “Swim if you
wish. You will tire. When you do, I will be there to haul you in. And when I
do, you will still be bound, and still my captive. And if we wish to enjoy each
other’s bodies, we shall.”
Spluttering, she opened her mouth to argue with logic, but sensible
words eluded her tongue. All that tumbled loose was the ridiculous protest,
“What you speak of is indecent!”
Pain flickered
across his face, so insignificant she wouldn’t have noticed had he not moved
closer to the light. With a nonchalant shrug, the momentary crease to his brow
smoothed and his devilish smile returned to lift the corners of his mouth. “I
have no place among decency.”
Giveaway Details:
Claire will be giving away a $25.00 Amazon Gift Card to one
random commenter during the tour. Follow
the tour – the more times you comment, the better your chances of winning! Complete schedule can be found here.
Just Like That by Erin Nicholas
