HIS FOR THE TAKING Winner!

We have a winner for Sarah Parr's HIS FOR THE TAKING guest blog. A free copy of goes to:

MAUREEN!

Contact Carrie to provide your mailing address. The book must be claimed by next Sunday or another winner will be drawn. Please stop back later to let us know what you thought! Congratulations!

Guest Author: Sarah Parr

This week on Excerpt Thursday we're welcoming back Kensington author SARAH PARR as she celebrates the release of her second 18th century historical romance, HIS FOR THE TAKING. This sensuous pirate adventure travels from England all the way to Bermuda, where Sarah once lived. She'll be here on Sunday to answer questions and give away a signed copy. Join us then!

Persuasion Always Wins...

On a mission to investigate treason, Privateer Marquis Warrick Barry believes he'll have no trouble getting the information he seeks from Karly Bane--the dark-haired beauty the Crown has ordered him to marry. But none of Warrick's tactics work. Unable to deny the hunger the fiery temptress elicits in him, Warrick realizes he must use seduction to persuade his new wife to trust him--both in and out of the bedroom.

When Passion Is the Prize...

As the daughter of a pirate, Karly knows she has nothing in common with the aristocratic Warrick--except an overwhelming mutual attraction. And though Warrick's intentions appear honorable, Karly cannot bring herself to reveal her closely guarded secrets. But when danger threatens to tear them apart, she must decide if she can share herself fully with the man who is now her husband--and if she wants a love that can last forever...

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"Sarah Parr pens a wonderful tale that is both sparkling and fresh." ~ Coffee Time Romance

"Parr's debut is a wild ride of an adventure." ~ RT Book Reviews on RENEGADE

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Why did you choose England and Bermuda for HIS FOR THE TAKING?

It was a natural fit. Heavily fortified by reefs and forts, Bermuda was home to both British pirates and privateers. For years they preyed on French and Spanish ships. Plots and plans to capture Bermuda were made but never carried out. I actually lived there for several years and was able to do my research first hand.

Did you live in England as well?

I've lived all over thanks to a restless father who worked in marketing and travel. It meant a lot of packing, but looking back it was worth it.

How do you get your ideas?

Usually when one thought crashes into another. HIS FOR THE TAKING began with a pirate and their nemesis. From there I began to play, adding Bermuda and the history of an area called The Flatts, notorious for smugglers in the day. The story grew from there, a natural sequel to my debut, RENEGADE.

What's next for you?

I have a lot going on in 2011. I just joined Twitter where I post updates, information on "Easter eggs" within the books, answer questions, and provide information on new releases. I also keep a Facebook page. In 2011 I have a couple historical romances in the works and will post more as soon as it is available.

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Thanks for stopping by, Sarah! Readers, if you would like a signed copy of HIS FOR THE TAKING, leave a comment or question. Do you dig pirates? How about the idea of an exotic Bermuda setting. Personally I'd love to hear more about Sarah's adventures in living there. Leave a comment or question for you chance to win. I'll draw a winner at random next Sunday. Void where prohibited. Best of luck!

Excerpt Thursday: Sarah Parr

This week on Excerpt Thursday we're welcoming back Kensington author SARAH PARR as she celebrates the release of her second 18th century historical romance, HIS FOR THE TAKING. This sensuous pirate adventure travels from England all the way to Bermuda, where Sarah once lived. She'll be here on Sunday to answer questions and give away a signed copy. Join us then!

Persuasion Always Wins...

On a mission to investigate treason, Privateer Marquis Warrick Barry believes he'll have no trouble getting the information he seeks from Karly Bane--the dark-haired beauty the Crown has ordered him to marry. But none of Warrick's tactics work. Unable to deny the hunger the fiery temptress elicits in him, Warrick realizes he must use seduction to persuade his new wife to trust him--both in and out of the bedroom.

When Passion Is the Prize...

As the daughter of a pirate, Karly knows she has nothing in common with the aristocratic Warrick--except an overwhelming mutual attraction. And though Warrick's intentions appear honorable, Karly cannot bring herself to reveal her closely guarded secrets. But when danger threatens to tear them apart, she must decide if she can share herself fully with the man who is now her husband--and if she wants a love that can last forever...

***

For a moment she could forget they were at odds and surrender to safety. He would not harm her, of that she was sure. It hadn't pained to bare her soul before him, his quiet words were comforting. Men weren't like that or was it simply around her? She gathered every shred of logic she could manage and patched the open wound in her heart, taking deep breaths until she was again solid. "I don't normally lose control like that."

"It's time you did. You've been holding tight for too long, not without reason."

Karly sank onto the bench and didn't move when he tucked her hair over her shoulders. Across from them the fountain splashed and water meandered down the wall into a small pool. It was silent, the rain masking the sound. If only she could drown the sound of her racing thoughts as easily. "You should annul the marriage soon. The damage will be less that way."

"How very philosophical of you."

"Will I need to sign anything?"

"No, the matter is entirely in my hands. All I need to do is ask and our marriage will be dissolved within the week. But I don't believe I will." Shadows deepened and then were gone from his face but never seemed to leave his eyes.

She sensed danger, from him and from within her heart. She needed to guide the conversation, before the path became more treacherous. "The rain is slowing."

"Stop running from me."

His voice was like liquid silver in her veins. He stood before her and touched her lips with his finger, then languidly traced their outline. It was all Karly could do not to move or speak. Her body began to tremble with want of words. She could not go back, she could not break the spell he was casting. His touch advanced slowly past her cheek until his hand massaged the nape of her neck. She heard her own sigh and felt the tension ease, replaced by a delicious warmth that spread outward. "I won't fall in love."