In the Laird's Bed

In the Laird's Bed
Joanne Rock

Indulge your fantasies of delicious Regency Rakes, fierce Viking warriors and rugged Highlanders. Be swept away into a world of intense passion, lavish settings and romance that burns brightly through the centuriesBestselling Harlequin author Joanne Rock writes sexy contemporary romances and medieval historicals that have been reprinted in 22 countries and translated into 16 languages. A Golden Heart winner and RITA nominated author, Joanne has been recognized with numerous writing awards including a Blue Boa, a Beacon and a Romantic Times W. I. S. H. Award.A former college teacher and public relations coordinator, she has a master's in English from the University of Louisville and started writing when she became a stay-at-home mom, deceiving herself that she'd have more time. 20 books and three kids later, she lives with her husband and sons in the Adirondacks, committed to mass chaos and happily-ever-afters. Visit Joanne at: http://joannerock. com.

The soft fullness of her lower lip distracted him when he needed to be relentless.

He remembered the feel of her against him when he’d shuttled her behind the tapestry earlier. The scent of her beside him during dinner. The taste of her mead tonight reminded him of a long-ago kiss. He had walked away from her easily enough five years ago, certain he’d been wronged. As a man in his prime he had not worried over the loss of a woman who was little more than a girl at the time.

But seeing Cristiana now—her strength, her full-grown beauty—had put him in a strange distemper. Because no matter how sweetly innocent Cristiana appeared on the outside, she possessed the heart of a warrior.

In the Laird’s Bed

Harlequin

Historical #1026—January 2011

Author’s Note

As an author of medieval romance, I have frequently been inspired by the Arthurian legends. Last winter I reread Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, and really enjoyed the idea of a stranger who appears on a dark winter’s night to issue a challenge. The set-up for In the Laird’s Bed was the result of that inspiration.

From there, however, Cristiana and Duncan took full control of their story. Both have secrets to keep, a task that becomes dangerously difficult as heat flares between them. Life in this medieval keep quickly becomes a pressure cooker, with nowhere else to go for miles in the thick of a Scots winter.

I hope you enjoy In the Laird’s Bed, and don’t forget to learn more about my upcoming releases at www.joannerock.com.

Happy reading,

Joanne Rock

In the Laird’s Bed

Joanne Rock

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

Available from Harlequin

Historical and JOANNE ROCK

The Wedding Knight #694

The Knight’s Redemption #720

The Betrothal #749

“Highland Handfast”

My Lady’s Favor #758

The Laird’s Lady #769

The Knight’s Courtship #812

A Knight Most Wicked #890

The Knight’s Return #942

In the Laird’s Bed #1026

and in Harlequin Historical Undone! ebook

A Night of Wicked Delight

The Virgin’s Pursuit

Did you know that some of these novels are also available as ebooks? Visit www.eHarlequin.com.

For Ann Leslie Tuttle and the editorial team at Harlequin Historical who make my work such a pleasure.

Thank you for sharing your wisdom and your passion for stories!

Contents

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen