Book Details

Shanna

Ruark's luck definitely turns for the better when he is purchased as a bondslave from Newgate Gaol. A fate that is indeed fortuitous seeing as his destination is Los Camellos and his new master is none other than Shanna's father, Orlan Trahern. In fact, he sails to his new home on the very ship that Shanna is on and becomes known as John Ruark.

Once on Los Camellos, Ruark sets about the business of applying himself to whatever task is at hand, including the courting of his wife, Shanna. Shanna is appalled that Ruark has escaped the hangman to intrude upon her very conscience and push her to examine her very widowhood. Ruark, adept at making the most of any situation, convinces Shanna to fulfil the original bargain they made when she proposed marriage to him. Shanna relents only to find herself attracted to Ruark more than she could have guessed. While Ruark appeals to Shanna's willingness to consummate their marriage, he is applying his considerable engineering skills to Orlan's business ventures upon the island. Orlan is fascinated by his bondslave John Ruark's capable, willing skills and tales of the Colonies.

During a run in with pirates, Shanna is kidnapped for ransom; Ruark protects and rescues Shanna who finally comes to accept him as a man, if not her husband. Upon their return to Los Camellos from the cut-throats' den, Orlan determines that a journey to America is in order. Orlan's entire retinue departs for America. When they arrive, Shanna tells Ruark she is pregnant with his child. Ruark begs her to reveal their secret to her father, but she refuses to tell all.

As this charming tale of Shanna's marriage of convenience ties up, many secrets are revealed and two murders are solved in a surprising twist of events. Ruark is able to claim his bride and Shanna's bliss is complete when her father heartily approves the match.

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