Download or read book The Tempting Minx A Soulmate Historical Mystery Romance written by Laura A. Barnes and published by Laura A. Barnes. This book was released on 2022-07-10 with total page 229 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Enjoy this mysterious soulmate historical romance starter by International Bestselling regency author Laura A. Barnes ... Time leads one along a soulful journey to find one’s true love. A spitfire debutante. A dashing imposter. One stolen kiss sets them on their path. Margaret Worthington was a lady who failed to escape the clutches of time. She was now forced to endure a dreadful season visiting the stifling ballrooms, wearing fancy dresses and false smiles. When she would rather ride her horse across the open fields in her comfortable breeches, enjoying the fresh air. Her penchant for trouble lands her in the arms of a lord who she had fantasized about all season. After they share a scandalous kiss, Maggie’s opinion makes a swift change. Soon a mystery filled with scandal and secrets sweeps up Maggie within its grasp. Is Maggie’s love powerful enough to overlook the secrets of her soul mate? Crispin Dracott played everyone false, even himself. As hard as he tried to lead an honest life, the actions from his past kept pulling him under with their deceit. When he secured a position to bring the villain who destroyed him to justice, he never imagined a tempting minx would claim his heart and soul. With orders to keep Lady Margaret Worthington out of trouble, he fell victim to her innocent charm and couldn’t resist stealing one kiss after another from her sweet lips. His desire for Maggie led danger to surround them in every direction. Will Maggie forgive him once he admits of his deception? A wild and carefree lady and a gentleman filled with darkness discover a passion they cannot deny. Would the solace he finds in her innocence keep his demons at bay? Or would they destroy the precious hold of their love for one another? The Tempting Minx is the first novel in the Fate of the Worthingtons Series. For fans of Amy Jarecki, Emily Royal, or Emma V Leech, this is a story filled with mysterious secrets and scandalous kisses shared between soulmates. Indulge in The Tempting Minx to start your journey into the Fate of the Worthingtons.

Download or read book How the Lord Married His Lady A Steamy Historical Friends to Lovers to Soulmates Regency Romance written by Laura A. Barnes and published by Laura A. Barnes. This book was released on 2022-03-01 with total page 227 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Enjoy this steamy friends to lovers to soulmates romance by International Bestselling regency author Laura A. Barnes ... One cannot force love, but must wait for the perfect moment to make their match. The love she held for him was a burden she carried in her heart. His family’s legacy kept him from opening his heart to her love. Can they overcome their doubts and share a lifetime of love? Abigail Cason was a dreamer. When she met her knight in shining armor, her heart only bowed to him. The friendship she shared with him led her to believe he would ask her to become his bride. Even with his promise to wed another, Abigail still dreamt of the impossible. After his broken betrothal, she thought her dreams would come true. With each stolen kiss, she eagerly anticipated his proposal. However, his request turned out to be an offer of obligation. She spent a lifetime as an obligation and she refused to spend her marriage in the same fashion. No matter how much she loved him. Will she ever be worthy enough for his love? Lucas Gray felt the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. His heart pulled him in the opposite direction of where he must stand. But the tempting lure of sweet kisses drew him to seduce the lady who haunted his every desire. He had a duty to marry well and his father secured him a bride worthy enough for the match. When his intended abandoned him, he was free to make his own decision about who he wanted for a wife. Abigail made him dream of the impossible. However, she held no status in society. Only a heart full of love for him. Can he form a new legacy with the love he holds for her? Destiny demanded for their two souls to intertwine. A family who risked everything to make the match a success. Will Abigail and Lucas allow their doubts to keep them apart? Or will they make their dreams a reality? How the Lord Married His Lady is the final book in the Matchmaking Madness Series. For fans of Scarlett Scott, Sabrina Jeffries, or Julia Quinn, this is a romance of friends becoming lovers and discovering they were soulmates for life. If you enjoy the madness of love, then you’ll love Lucas and Abigail’s dream come true romance. Devour How the Lord Married His Lady today!

Download or read book The Viscount s Tempting Minx written by Erica Ridley and published by . This book was released on 2019-05 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Certain individuals might consider Lady Amelia Pembroke a managing sort of female, but truly, most people would be lost without her help. Why, the latest on-dit is that rakish Viscount Sheffield is canceling the fête of the year because he hasn't time for silly soirees. He doesn't need time--he needs her! When a flash of lightning destroys the venue for his family's annual Christmas ball, Lord Benedict Sheffield intends to enjoy a relaxing holiday for once. But after twelve days of beguiling Lady Amelia's guerrilla tactics, he's up to his cravat with tinsel . . . and tumbling head over heels in love.

Download or read book Dark Harmony written by Laura Thalassa and published by Hachette UK. This book was released on 2023-01-10 with total page 418 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The finale to the darkly hypnotic Bargainer series! There are worse things than death. Things that lurk in the shadows and slip into your dreams. Things that have no business existing. Things that once slept... but have now awoken. For Callypso Lillis, the fae magic that now runs through her veins is equal parts curse and good fortune. For the very thing that bonds her to Desmond Flynn, the King of the Night, also makes her vulnerable to the Thief of Souls, a man who wants to break the world... and Callie along with it. But it's not just the Thief whose shadow looms over the Otherworld. Des's father is back from the dead, and he wants revenge on the son who sent him to the grave in the first place. Des and Callie must figure out how to stop both men, and time is running out. Because there are forces at play working to tear the lovers apart once and for all... and unfortunately for them, death is no longer the worst thing to fear.

Download or read book The Time Traveler s Wife written by Audrey Niffenegger and published by Night Bookmobile Editions. This book was released on 2021-04-30 with total page 424 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A most untraditional love story, this is the celebrated tale of Henry DeTamble, a dashing, adventuresome librarian who inadvertently travels through time, and Clare Abshire, an artist whose life takes a natural sequential course. Henry and Clare’s passionate affair endures across a sea of time and captures them in an impossibly romantic trap that tests the strength of fate and basks in the bonds of love. “Niffenegger’s inventive and poignant writing is well worth a trip” (Entertainment Weekly).

Download or read book Rocco written by Sarah Castille and published by St. Martin's Paperbacks. This book was released on 2018-01-02 with total page 380 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Cold, hard, and utterly ruthless, Rocco is the most dangerous of men. Feelings are a luxury he cannot afford--until a chance encounter brings him face to face with the only woman who found her way into his heart and touched his soul.

Download or read book Breaking Gravity written by Autumn Grey and published by . This book was released on 2017-05-29 with total page 382 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: I've always followed my dreams with ruthless determination.My life was going well. Success was at my fingertips.Until it wasn't.All it took was three seconds to send my world crashing down around me, ripping my dreams to shreds.Then I meet her, with her large hazel eyes that slay me at first glance.And everything starts to make sense again.I try to keep my distance.To remind myself I am her mentor.That we can't be more, but every time I push away, I'm pulled deeper into her.The line between student and teacher is blurring. One kiss. One taste. They're all it would take to cross the line.

Download or read book Encyclopedia of Pulp Fiction Writers written by Lee Server and published by Infobase Publishing. This book was released on 2014-05-14 with total page 321 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Provides an introduction to American pulp fiction during the twentieth century with brief author biographies and lists of their works.

Download or read book The Columbo Phile A Casebook written by Mark Dawidziak and published by . This book was released on 2019-11 with total page 410 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: When Columbo hit the airwaves in 1971, in quickly became the hottest TV detective series of the decade. Series creators Richard Levinson and William Link received an Emmy Award for their work; Peter Falk received three. The Columbo Phile offers fascinating behind-the-scenes information about the creation of the character, the writing of the devious mystery plots, and the altercations between perfectionist Peter Falk and the bottom-line concerns of Universal Studios. Originally published in 1989 and long out-of-print, this 30th Anniversary Edition of the essential Columbo book features a new preface by author Mark Dawidziak, an overview of post-1989 Columbo developments, including the twenty-four new ABC mysteries, and a personal remembrance of Peter Falk. It remains today the definitive guide to the rumpled Lieutenant Columbo and his career.

Download or read book Pippa and the Prince of Secrets Steamy Historical Romance and Mystery written by Grace Callaway and published by Grace Callaway. This book was released on 2021-09-09 with total page 391 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Winner of the Maggie Award for Excellence & Finalist for the Daphne du Maurier Award Will a lady from London's high society and a brute from its darkest streets defy destiny and find everlasting love? Find out in this steamy Beauty and the Beast romance! "We all have our top ten list of favorite romances. It has been forever since I have read something that enthralled me enough to add to my list. The book must be unique, something that resonates with me on an elemental level; it must have a beautiful storyline, intense passion, and unforgettable characters. Pippa and the Prince of Secrets checks all those boxes." -Reading Rebel Reviews A Widow Gone Wild After the tragic ending to her marriage, Pippa, the Countess of Longmere, vows never to fall in love again. The former paragon decides to live life by her own rules, finding new purpose as an agent with Lady Charlotte Fayne’s investigative society. As Pippa embarks on a dangerous mission, she encounters a man from her past who reawakens her youthful dreams and ignites her deepest desires… A Brute with a Noble Heart After surviving brutal beginnings, Timothy Cullen has become the powerful leader of the mudlarks, a gang of scavengers dealing in goods and information. Known as the Prince of Larks, Cull is a feared and mythical figure in the London underworld, and he lives in the shadows, using his mystique to protect those under his care. Yet beneath his scarred façade beats a secret longing: to be seen by the woman he has loved from afar since he was a lad… A Love Written in the Stars Brought together by a deadly mystery, Pippa and Cull discover fiery passion and all-consuming love. Yet their enemies, past and present, are closing in. In order to survive, they must surrender their secrets and trust in love…before time runs out. Grace's books feature sizzling hot historical romance, fun and feel-good happily ever afters, and exciting mystery and adventure. Her books are standalones which can also be enjoyed as part of her interconnected series. LADY CHARLOTTE'S SOCIETY OF ANGELS (steamy Victorian romance) #1 Olivia and the Masked Duke #2 Pippa and the Prince of Secrets #3 Fiona and the Enigmatic Earl (Preorder today!) GAME OF DUKES (steamy Victorian romance) #1 The Duke Identity (Harry &Tessa) #2 Enter the Duke (Ransom & Maggie) #3 Regarding the Duke (Garrity & Gabby) #4 The Duke Redemption (Wickham & Beatrice) #5 The Return of the Duke (Severin & Fancy) #6 Steamy Winter Wishes: A Hot Historical Romance Short Story (featuring characters from all of Grace's series) HEART OF ENQUIRY (THE KENTS) (steamy Regency romance): Prequel Novella: The Widow Vanishes (Will & Annabel) #1 The Duke Who Knew Too Much (Alaric & Emma) #2 M is for Marquess (Gabriel & Thea) #3 The Lady Who Came in from the Cold (Marcus & Penny) #4 The Viscount Always Knocks Twice (Richard & Violet) #5 Never Say Never to an Earl (Sinjin & Polly) #6 The Gentleman Who Loved Me (Andrew & Primrose) MAYHEM IN MAYFAIR (steamy Regency romance): #1 Her Husband's Harlot (Helena & Nicholas) #2 Her Wanton Wager (Percy & Gavin) #3 Her Protector's Pleasure (Marianne & Ambrose) #4 Her Prodigal Passion (Charity & Paul) Praise for Grace’s Books: “This writer to me is in the leagues of Johanna Lindsey, Lisa Kleypas, Julia Quinn and Amanda Quick.” -Kathie, Amazon "An incredibly steamy, emotional, and all-consuming read that I could read again and again." -Candace, Goodreads “Grace Callaway is becoming one of my all-time favorite authors. The Kents remind me so much of the Mallory-Anderson saga from Johanna Lindsay or the Spy series from Julie Garwood. I’ve read those books so many times and now I find myself rereading Grace’s books.” -Vivian, Amazon

Download or read book Psychoanalytic Accounts of Consuming Desire written by John Desmond and published by Springer. This book was released on 2012-11-28 with total page 555 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Provides an accessible introduction to psychoanalytic explanations of consumer desire. Topics are drawn widely to reflect the scope of Freud's vision and include dreams, sexuality and hysteria. Discussion is widened to selectively include authors such as Melanie Klein and Jacques Lacan, and to include evaluation of current research.

Download or read book Justice for Mackenzie A Police Firefighter Romantic Suspense written by Susan Stoker and published by Stoker Aces Production LLC. This book was released on 2015-08-04 with total page 214 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: She blinked, hoping she’d be able to see something…anything, but she remained as blind as when she woke up. She whimpered, knowing she was in big trouble. A member of the famed Texas Rangers, Daxton Chambers has dealt with more than his share of depravity. But the Lone Star Reaper takes evil to a whole new level, kidnapping and burying women alive. It's Dax's job to help keep San Antonio safe, but even with help from friends in various law enforcement agencies, the killer remains two steps ahead. It's hardly the ideal time for a relationship, but Mackenzie Morgan is too luscious to resist. Dax wants her--which makes her an instant target for his newfound enemy. When the Reaper gets personal, it will take every ounce of Daxton's considerable skill and training to keep Mack alive. **Justice for Mackenzie is the 1st book in the Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes Series. Each book is a stand-alone, with no cliffhanger endings. --- Read what others are saying about New York Times bestselling author, Susan Stoker: "Riveting action and characters you'll love!” Elle James, NYT Bestselling Author “Susan Stoker never disappoints. She delivers alpha males with heart and heroines with moxie.” Jana Aston, NYT Bestselling Author “No one does military romance like Susan Stoker!” Corinne Michaels, NYT Bestselling Author “Susan Stoker knows what women want. A hot hero who needs to save a damsel in distress…even if she can save herself!” CD Reiss, NYT Bestselling Author “When you pick up a Susan Stoker book you know exactly what you’re going to get…a hot alpha hero and a smart, sassy heroine. I can’t get enough!” Jessica Hawkins, USAT Bestselling Author “I love reading about men in uniform and Susan always delivers…the full package!” Kayti McGee “Susan writes the perfect blend of tough, alpha heroes and strong yet vulnerable heroines. I always feel emotionally satisfied at the end of one of her stories!” Meghan March, NYT Bestselling Author “One thing I love about Susan Stoker’s books is that she knows how to deliver a perfect HEA while still making sure the villain gets what he/she deserves!” T.M. Frazier, NYT Bestselling Author --- Read the entire Badge of Honor romance series, starting with the New York Times bestselling start! Justice for Mackenzie Justice for Mickie Justice for Corrie Justice for Laine Shelter for Elizabeth Justice for Boone Shelter for Adeline Shelter for Sophie Justice for Erin Justice for Milena Shelter for Blythe Justice for Hope Shelter for Quinn Shelter for Koren Shelter for Penelope Topics: contemporary romance, military romance, series, romantic suspense series, mystery, bbw romance, funny romance, modern romance, urban romance, Texas, Texas romance, wealthy, USA today, USA today bestseller, homeless romance, city romance, smart romance, mystery, dogs in romance, lighthearted romance, hot romance, susan stoker, susan stoker romance, proposal, proposal romance, engagement, engagement romance, new york times bestseller romance, NYT romance, new york times romance, sexy, heartwarming, heart-warming, family, love, love books, kissing books, emotional journey, contemporary, contemporary romance, romance series, long series, long romance series, army, army series, former military, cop, police officer, policeman, cop romance, wealthy hero, firefighter, fireman, fireman romance, sassy, strong heroine, captivating romance, hot, hot romance, forbidden love, sparks, loyalty, swoon, contemporary, rescue, kidnap, blind, handicap, justice, shelter, claiming, defending, protect, damsel in distress, gang, hospital, doctor, drama, action and adventure, action romance, well, realtor, real estate, bury, serial killer, suspense, suspenseful, law enforcement, FBI, Sheriff, free, free book, free story Other readers of Stoker's books enjoyed books by: Riley Edwards, Caitlyn O'Leary, Maryann Jordan, Dale Mayer, Lynn Raye Harris, Cat Johnson, Alexis Abbott, Meli Raine, Nicole Elliot, Lori Ryan, Meghan March, Kristin Ashley, Kris Michaels, Brittney Sahin, Sharon Hamilton, Catherine Cowles, Lexi Blake, Piper Davenport, Abbie Zanders, Lani Lynn Vale, and Kristen Proby.

Download or read book The Book of the Most Precious Substance written by Sara Gran and published by . This book was released on 2022-02-08 with total page 332 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The highly anticipated new thriller from internationally renowned author Sara Gran, author of Come Closer and the Claire DeWitt series. A mysterious book that promises unlimited power and unrivaled sexual pleasure. A down-on-her-luck book dealer hoping for the sale of a lifetime. And a twist so shocking, no one will come out unscathed. After a tragedy too painful to bear, former novelist Lily Albrecht has resigned herself to a dull, sexless life as a rare book dealer. Until she gets a lead on a book that just might turn everything around. The Book of the Most Precious Substance is a 17th century manual on sex magic, rumored to be the most powerful occult book ever written--if it really exists at all. And some of the wealthiest people in the world are willing to pay Lily a fortune to find it-if she can. Her search for the book takes her from New York to New Orleans to Munich to Paris, searching the dark corners of power where the world's wealthiest people use black magic to fulfill their desires. Will Lily fulfill her own desires, and join them? Or will she lose it all searching for a ghost? The Book of the Most Precious Substance is an addictive erotic thriller about the lengths we'll go to get what we need-and what we want.

Download or read book Make Me written by Beth Kery and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2017-02-07 with total page 530 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Available for the first time as a complete novel—the serial from the New York Times bestselling author of When I’m With You that explores hidden pasts, dangerous obsessions, and uncontrollable passion... Harper McFadden established herself as an investigative journalist by being both compassionate and fearless. After tragedy strikes her family, she moves to the shores of Lake Tahoe to find some peace. But when mysterious software mogul Jacob Latimer enters her life, her thoughts turn from her own healing to an insatiable desire to get closer to him... No one knows what secrets lurk in the past of Jacob Latimer. He built his corporation from nothing, but rumors abound about his mysterious rise to power. Harper is the last person he should let into his life. She could expose the truth about his origins. But Jacob knows things about Harper’s past that draw him in. He wants nothing more than to make her his—and Jacob is a man who always gets what he wants...

Download or read book The Duke Who Knew Too Much Steamy Historical Romance and Mystery written by Grace Callaway and published by Grace Callaway. This book was released on 2015-01-08 with total page 350 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: #1 National Bestselling Regency Romance! If you love the Bridgertons, you will love the Kents... He's a rake accused of murder. She's the spinster accusing him. Enemies make the hottest lovers. "Readers looking for a good historical mystery/romance or a historical with a little more kink will enjoy The Duke Who Knew Too Much." -Smart Bitches, Trashy Books "Amazing, spicy, entertaining, tense story, I loved every second." -Rady Reads A Stranger to Love Alaric McLeod, Duke of Strathaven, is known as the Devil Duke for his wicked ways. Tormented by his past, Alaric knows better than to trust a woman yet finds himself ensnared by a spirited, virtuous virgin—who accuses him of a crime he didn’t commit. Is she his worst nightmare ... or his salvation? A Novice to Desire Emma Kent is an independent country miss cast adrift in the ton. When a depraved encounter with an arrogant rake lands her in intrigue, Emma’s honor compels her to do the right thing. But desire challenges her quest for justice, and she must decide: can she trust her heart to discover the truth? Bound by Passion and Peril Alaric and Emma engage in a battle of wits and will. As their attraction flares, the true enemy stalks their every move. With danger looming, will they solve the mystery and find true love before it’s too late? "Has everything that makes a tale excellent; a headstrong lovely heroine, a damaged too serious hero, a rowdy bunch of loving family members that are living and close and then the amazing adventure to peel back like an onion to find the many layers of the plot. This writer to me is in the leagues of Johanna Lindsey, Lisa Kleypas, Julia Quinn and Amanda Quick.” -Kathie, Amazon Grace's books feature sizzling hot historical romance, fun and feel-good happily ever afters, and intriguing mystery and adventure. This book can be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel and as a part of Grace's interconnected series all set in the same universe. Heart of Enquiry (The Kents) (steamy Regency romance series): Prequel Novella: The Widow Vanishes (Will & Annabel) #1: The Duke Who Knew Too Much (Alaric & Emma) #2: M is for Marquess (Gabriel & Thea) #3: The Lady Who Came in from the Cold (Marcus & Penny) #4: The Viscount Always Knocks Twice (Richard & Violet) #5: Never Say Never to an Earl (Sinjin & Polly) #6: The Gentleman Who Loved Me (Andrew & Primrose) Game of Dukes (steamy Victorian romance series): #1: The Duke Identity (Harry & Tessa) #2: Enter the Duke (Ransom & Maggie) #3: Regarding the Duke (Garrity & Gabby) #4: The Duke Redemption (Wickham & Beatrice) #5: The Return of the Duke (Knighton & Fancy) #6: Steamy Winter Wishes: A Hot Historical Romance Short Story (featuring characters from all of Grace's series) Lady Charlotte's Society of Angels (steamy Victorian romance series): #1: Olivia and the Masked Duke (Olivia & Ben) #2: PIppa and the Prince of Secrets (Pippa & Cull) #3: Fiona and the Engimatic Earl (Fiona & Thomas) #4 : Glory and the Master of Shadows (Glory & Wei) #5: Charlotte and the Seductive Spymaster (Preorder today!) Mayhem in Mayfair (steamy Regency romance series): #1: Her Husband's Harlot (Helena & Nicholas) #2: Her Wanton Wager (Percy & Gavin) #3: Her Protector's Pleasure (Marianne & Ambrose) #4: Her Prodigal Passion (Charity & Paul) Keywords: duke, rake, lord, aristocracy, virgin, heroine, spinster, wallflower, bluestocking, historical mystery, suspense, detective agency, female sleuth, Scottish, regency, Victorian, romance, family saga, series, tortured hero, romantic comedy, enemies to lovers

Download or read book In Search of a Love Story written by Rachel Schurig and published by Rachel Schurig. This book was released on 2012-05-09 with total page 268 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Emily Donovan doesn’t have a romantic bone in her body. At least, that’s what her friends Ryan and Ashley keep telling her. They’re convinced her bad luck with men is directly related to her life-long lack of interest in all things romantic. When Emily’s latest relationship crashes and burns, she decides to go along with her friends’ plans for a romance research project. Sure, the idea that she’ll have better luck if she learns about the great romances of literature and film seems a little silly, but Emily figures it can’t hurt. In no time at all, Emily finds herself buried under a mountain of romance novels, chick flicks, and sappy love songs, hopeful that her hard work will pay off with true love. When she meets Greg, Ashley and Ryan are convinced she’s found prince charming—after all, he’s rich, handsome, and totally into Emily. What more could she want? And why does it seem that her friend Elliot isn’t exactly happy for her? Faced with misunderstandings, miscommunications, and a seemingly endless string of missteps, she is nevertheless determined to give true love a try. In doing so, Emily will eventually find that true romance, the kind that lasts, has little to do with stereotypes or clichés, and everything to do with finding out what’s in her own heart.

Download or read book His Flower Queen written by Lena Hart and published by Maroon Ash Publishing. This book was released on 2014-06-21 with total page 194 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Lies can be toxic… Gabe is a shrewd businessman to one of Las Vegas’ upscale resort and casinos. What he wants, he naturally takes—and he wants Nina. Held in a bitter divorce, Gabe finds it difficult to put his trust in anyone. Until Nina. But there’s one person keeping him from having her—his soon-to-be ex-wife. Gullible and trusting, Regina “Nina” Conners can’t get enough of Gabriel Alexander. He’s smart, sexy and lights a fire in her she never knew she had. Flown out to start her position as the new publicist for a very important client, Nina soon discovers that her fiery relationship with Gabe is ensnared in nothing but secrets and lies… Caught in a web of jealousy and obsession, Gabe must do whatever it takes to restore Nina’s faith in him or risk losing the woman he’s determined to have.