Although not penned as a sequel to The Devil's Heiress (L1061), Dragon's Bride introduces Con Somerford, Earl of Wyvern. Somerford inherits an earldom on the coast of England, which he has not visited for over a decade. Years of war and estrangement with his father have left him hard and alone and completely undesiring of the title or lands he now holds. In his absence, the estate became a smuggling center for the local town, led by none other than the girl-now woman-who continues to haunt his dreams. He and Susan Kerslake only knew each other for two weeks when they were both adolescents, but the afternoon of passion they shared on the beach beneath the cliffs burned a hole in his heart. The memories of her betrayal torment his mind and even in the wake of all the battles he's fought, none comes close to his war with her. As he rides in the darkness toward the empty castle, his mind is filled with thoughts of her when he suddenly comes face to face with Susan and her gun as she attempts to protect her fellow smugglers down on the beach. To safeguard her smuggling operation she has taken a job as the housekeeper in the empty castle. But upon his return, Con lets her know he expects her to perform the duties for which she is paid. Every tense moment between them is electrifying as old wounds are ripped open and healed by the power of love. The sensuality and sexual tension between this couple is just what Beverley's fans have come to expect and this truly is a story that will stand out in the minds-and hearts-of romance readers everywhere.