Tom rose to speak. “The Enemy is filled with wrath and seeks a way to destroy you. The Crown of Bozandar marches even now upon us. The Enemy will settle for nothing less than your blood, Lord Archer.”
Archer nodded slowly. He had known this reckoning would come. He felt Tess beside him before she spoke.
“How can brother hate brother so?”
“None can hate as a brother,” Archer said. “When the love of brothers is broken, that gulf must be filled with something. For my brother, there was nothing left.”
“I am sorry,” Tess said quietly.
“There is no reason for you to apologize,” he replied. “You played no part in it.”
“Perhaps,” Tess said. “Or perhaps I did. The ways of the gods confound us all now, and the more I learn of their ways, the more confounded I find myself.”
“That may be for the best,” Archer said. “To know the ways of the gods is to know our destiny. And that must lie before us, unknown and unknowable, lest we think ourselves their equals.”
“As you and the First Ones did,” Tess said.
“Exactly,” Archer said. “All that we have fought for thus far is but a step on the journey to repair what I and my kindred did in the First Age. And that journey is not yet complete.”
“No, it is not,” she said. “But we can but take each step as it is presented to us.”
“Perhaps someday there will be a step that is not wet with blood and fire,” Archer said.
But in his heart he knew that no such steps were near.
Later, alone, Archer went to the stockade and walked inside, unguarded, to the topmark’s tent. Sullen eyes watched him, but none dared touch him. Too many Anari guards were about.
The flaps of Tuzza’s tent were open, and from within came lamplight. Archer stepped inside and waited while the man scrawled something at the bottom of a piece of parchment.
When Tuzza looked up and saw who was standing there, his expression tightened. Then he rose to his feet. “I’m writing letters to the families of my slain.”
Archer nodded. “I, too, grieve for all who fell on the field.” He paused, then said wearily, “I am Annuvil.”
For just an instant, Tuzza’s face seemed blank; then recognition appeared. He hesitated, then dropped his quill and fell to one knee. “My lord.”
Archer reached out and drew him to his feet. “Tuzza, we need to talk. For dark things stalk the land, and there will be more fighting ahead. We will need you, and your men, beside us.”
“I will not fight Bozandar,” Tuzza said.
Archer shook his head. “It is not Bozandar that we fear, my friend. There is another Enemy.”
Tuzza’s eyes widened. “No.”
“Yes,” Archer said. “And he stalks us all.”
COMING NEXT MONTH
Be enthralled, moved, thrilled and delighted by exceptional reads from outstanding authors and well-loved series.
Come back every month for newly released selections in a variety of categories offering stories that appeal to every taste and mood.
Have a great time!
ON SALE IN FEBRUARY 2006
Look for new titles in the following categories
Bestsellers
Enthralling stories by the brightest stars in women’s fiction—from MIRA Books. Big romances that sweep you away—from HQN Books
DEADLY KISSES by Brenda Joyce, MIRA (romantic suspense)
Passionate Reads
Powerful, provocative tales full of heat and passion—from Harlequin Blaze, Silhouette Desire and Harlequin Presents
HIDDEN GEMS by Carrie Alexander, Harlequin Blaze, White Star miniseries
FOREVER MINE, VALENTINE by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Harlequin Special Release
SKIN DEEP by Tori Carrington, Harlequin Special Release
SEDUCING SULLIVAN by Julie Elizabeth Leto, Harlequin Special Release
A COWBOY & A GENTLEMAN by Ann Major, Harlequin Special Release
Danger…romance…adventure…suspense! Stories that will take your breath away—from Harlequin Intrigue and Silhouette Intimate Moments
HIGH-STAKES BRIDE by Fiona Brand, Silhouette Intimate Moments
Inspirational
Stories of faith, hope and love that warm the heart and nourish the soul—from Steeple Hill Love Inspired. Compelling suspense—from Love Inspired Suspense. Faith-inspired chick lit from Steeple Hill Café
A HANDFUL OF HEAVEN by Jillian Hart, Love Inspired
Women’s Fiction
Books that celebrate the “next” stage of women’s lives…because every life has a second chapter! From Harlequin Next
WHO MAKES UP THESE RULES ANYWAY by Stevi Mittman, Harlequin Next
Women’s Action Adventure
Strong, sexy, savvy heroines who save the day…and always get their man. From Silhouette Bombshell
BULLETPROOF PRINCESS by Vicki Hinze, Silhouette Bombshell, The It Girls miniseries
Chick Lit
Women’s fiction with attitude, these humorous, edgy, hip stories celebrate life’s little curves…From Red Dress Ink
HATING VALENTINE’S DAY by Allison Rushby, Red Dress Ink
Fantasy/Science Fiction
Powerful, magical tales, vivid characters and richly imagined worlds from the first imprint solely dedicated to female focused fantasy—Luna Books
THE HAMMER OF THE EARTH by Susan Krinard, LUNA
AVAILABLE NOW
Bestsellers
Enthralling stories by the brightest stars in women’s fiction—from MIRA Books. Big romances that sweep you away—from HQN Books
KILLER TAKES ALL by Erica Spindler, MIRA (psychological thriller)
BEFORE SUNRISE by Diana Palmer, HQN (contemporary romance)
DARK SKY by Carla Neggers, MIRA (romantic suspense)
50 HARBOR STREET by Debbie Macomber, MIRA (women’s fiction)
GHOST WALK by Heather Graham, MIRA (paranormal mystery)
MASQUERADE by Brenda Joyce, HQN (historical romance)
CODE NAME: BABY by Christina Skye, HQN Books (romantic suspense)
NIGHT FEVER by Diana Palmer (contemporary romance)
ANYONE BUT YOU by Jennifer Crusie, HQN (contemporary romance)
A PERFECT EVIL by Alex Kava, MIRA (psychological thriller)
Passionate Reads
Powerful, provocative tales full of heat and passion—from Harlequin Blaze, Silhouette Desire and Harlequin Presents
THE ITALIAN’S STOLEN BRIDE by Emma Darcy, Harlequin Presents
UNCONTROLLABLE by Susan Kearney, Harlequin Blaze
WHATEVER RILEY WANTS by Maureen Child, Silhouette Desire
SEXY ALL OVER by Jamie Sobrato, Harlequin Blaze
HOT TO THE TOUCH by Jennifer Greene, Silhouette Desire
TALKING ABOUT SEX…by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Harlequin Blaze
BOSS MAN by Diana Palmer, Silhouette Desire
DON’T OPEN TILL CHRISTMAS by Leslie Kelly, Harlequin Blaze
ANGELS AND OUTLAWS by Barbara Dunlop, Harlequin Blaze, White Star miniseries
AT THE PLAYBOY’S PLEASURE by Kim Lawrence, Harlequin Special Releases
THE MAN MEANS BUSINESS by Annette Broadrick, Silhouette Desire
Romantic Suspense
Danger…romance…adventure…suspense! Stories that will take your breath away—from Harlequin Intrigue and Silhouette Intimate Moments
MAN OF HER DREAMS by Debra Webb, Harlequin Intrigue
LOVING THE LONE WOLF by Ingrid Weaver, Silhouette Intimate Moments
GHOST HORSE by Patricia Rosemoor, Harlequin Intrigue
SUSPICIOUS by Heather Graham, Silhouette Intimate Moments
RIDER ON FIRE by Sharon Sala, Silhouette Intimate Moments
SECURITY MEASURES by Joanna Wayne, Harlequin Intrigue
EPIPHANY by Rita Heron, Mallery Kane, Debra Webb, Harlequin Intrigue
FEELS LIKE HOME by
Maggie Shayne, Silhouette Intimate Moments
RICOCHET by Jessica Andersen, Harlequin Intrigue
Inspirational
Stories of faith, hope and love that warm the heart and nourish the soul—from Steeple Hill Love Inspired. Compelling suspense—from Love Inspired Suspense. Faith-inspired chick lit from Steeple Hill Café
LOVING FEELINGS by Gail Gaymer Martin, Steeple Hill Love Inspired
BLESSED BOUQUETS by Lyn Cote, Lenora Worth and Penny Richards, Steeple Hill Love Inspired
FOR THE TWINS’ SAKE by Jillian Hart, Steeple Hill Love Inspired
NOTE OF PERIL by Hannah Alexander, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense
UNDER COVER OF DARKNESS by Elizabeth White, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense
BLACK HILLS BRIDE by Deb Kastner, Steeple Hill Love Inspired
WINDINGO TWILIGHT by Colleen Rhoads, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense
MILLION DOLLAR DILEMMA by Judy Baer, Steeple Hill Café
STORM CLOUDS by Cheryl Wolverton, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense
DIE BEFORE NIGHTFALL by Shirlee McCoy, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense
DECK THE HALLS by Arlene James, Steeple Hill Love Inspired
HER BROTHER’S KEEPER by Valerie Hansen, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense
WEDDING AT WILDWOOD by Lenora Worth, Steeple Hill Love Inspired
EVEN IN THE DARKNESS by Shirlee McCoy, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense
PAST SECRETS, PRESENT LOVE by Lois Richer, Steeple Hill Love Inspired
HOME TO YOU by Cheryl Wolverton, Steeple Hill Love Inspired
Women’s Fiction
Books that celebrate the “next” stage of women’s lives…because every life has a second chapter! From Harlequin Next
THERE’S ALWAYS PLAN B by Susan Mallery, Harlequin Next
RIGGS PARK by Ellyn Bache, Harlequin Next
CUTTING THROUGH by Joan Hohl, Harlequin Next
THE ME I USED TO BE by Jennifer Archer, Harlequin Next
PELICAN BAY by Charlotte Douglas, Harlequin Next
STARTING FROM SCRATCH by Marie Ferrarella, Harlequin Next
GRIN AND BEAR IT by Leslie LaFoy, Harlequin Next
THE PAYBACK CLUB by Rexanne Becnel, Harlequin Next
Women’s Action Adventure
Strong, sexy, savvy heroines who save the day…and always get their man. From Silhouette Bombshell
ONCE A THIEF by Michele Hauf, Silhouette Bombshell
HOT PURSUIT by Kathryn Jensen, Silhouette Bombshell
DEVIL’S BARGAIN by Rachel Caine, Silhouette Bombshell
THE GOLDEN GIRL by Erica Orloff, Silhouette Bombshell The It Girls miniseries
FLAWLESS by Michele Hauf, Silhouette Bombshell The It Girls miniseries
LETHALLY BLONDE by Nancy Bartholomew, Silhouette Bombshell The It Girls miniseries
MS. LONGSHOT by Sylvie Kurtz, Silhouette Bombshell The It Girls miniseries
A MODEL SPY by Natalie Dunbar, Silhouette Bombshell The It Girls miniseries
Chick Lit
Women’s fiction with attitude, these humorous, edgy, hip stories celebrate life’s little curves…From Red Dress Ink
WITH OR WITHOUT YOU by Carole Matthews, Red Dress Ink
KILLER SUMMER by Lynda Curnyn, Red Dress Ink
DO THEY WEAR HIGH HEELS IN HEAVEN? By Erica Orloff, Red Dress Ink
THE NIGHT I GOT LUCKY by Laura Caldwell, Red Dress Ink
SCENES FROM A HOLIDAY by Laurie Graff, Caren Lissner, Melanie Murray, Red Dress Ink
THE JINX by Jennifer Sturman, Red Dress Ink
THE BREAKUP CLUB by Melissa Senate, Red Dress Ink
Fantasy/Science Fiction
Powerful, magical tales, vivid characters and richly imagined worlds from the first imprint solely dedicated to female focused fantasy—Luna Books
THE DESTINED QUEEN by Deborah Hale, LUNA
URBAN SHAMAN by C.E. Murphy, LUNA
POISON STUDY by Maria V. Snyder, LUNA
IN STONE’S CLASP by Christie Golden, LUNA
WINTER MOON by Mercedes Lackey, Tanith Lee, C.E. Murphy, LUNA
BRIGHID’S QUEST by P.C. Cast, LUNA
SHADOWS OF PROPHECY by Rachel Lee, LUNA