THE HIGHWAYMEN: Book 1
Josette d' Plaisir

This book contains graphic adult subject matter and situations, not suitable for readers under 18 years old.

Isabel MacClaren is an independent, modern woman, and a spinster of six and twenty. She is not opposed to marriage—she simply refuses to marry anyone less than the man she loves with all her heart. Unfortunately, she has not met such a man. So when her uncle, in a game of chance, arranges a marriage for her with the Earl of Wakefield—a notorious rakehell—she’s determined to do anything to prevent the earl from following through with the questionable marriage contract.

Voleur is the ultimate alpha male, scarred by his past and taking his vengeance against the aristocracy on the highways of England as the notorious highwayman. When Isabel enlists him to help her get out of a marriage contract, she becomes the willing victim of the highwayman's dark fantasies and her own forbidden lust.

The Earl of Wakefield wins Isabel's hand in a game of chance. But she has no intention of becoming his wife, and will do the unthinkable to force his hand and make him back out of the marriage contract. His only hope of making her his own is to become the object of her desire. He sets out to seduce her, and against her will, Isabel soon finds herself unable to resist the lure of his tender touch and a love so intense it leaves her breathless.

Both men master her body, but which man will ultimately claim her heart?

REVIEWS

The Highwayman is dark, mysterious and sexy. The Earl is dashing, gallant and absolutely to die for. And poor Isabel MacClaren, a surprisingly refreshing heroine, has to choose between them. The plot twist in Chapter One is unexpected, and sets the stage beautifully for our heroine's undoing. Ms. d' Plaisir has crafted a well-written, fun, intelligent adventure for her characters, combining the escapism of a historical romance, with a sensuality so erotic, you'll swear you can see the steam rising from the pages. ~ Jean Smith, Satin Sheets Reviews

Josette d' Plaisir is the voice in steaming hot fiction. Her characters are smart, her storyline clever, and the sex is... better than chocolate. Get your fans out, ladies, you're going to need them! ~ Martina Gold, reviewer for Just Good Books

If you like your romances with lots of sensuality and hot sex, don't miss this first story in d' Plaisir's THE HIGHWAYMEN series! The highwayman is every woman's fantasy - tall, dark, handsome and delightfully wicked. The earl is the sort of man every woman dreams of - tall, dark, handsome and sinfully erotic. But Isabel must choose between them. Or will she be able to have them both? ~ Farrah, Sizzle

Take one beautiful woman and the two men who will do anything to have her, add a little suspense and lust, just the right amount of BDSM, a questionable dowry and an amazing pearl necklace, and you have the recipe for Book 1 of Josette d' Plaisir's THE HIGHWAYMEN series. The story and sex is more than worth the price of the book. That Ms. d' Plaisir has enlightened me sexually (specifically in the last scene), makes this book priceless (my wife thinks so, too!). The scene in the highwayman's lair is hot as hell, but guys, be sure to read the author's note to readers before trying this at home! Fun, entertaining and... I'll say it again... HOT. Don't miss it! ~ Mike Sheridan, reformed romance basher and book reviewer for The Intelligent Male.

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NOTE TO READERS: the excerpt below is the prologue - an introduction to Voleur, the highwayman. This introduction shows the reader that Voleur rides the highways not so much for the gold and money he claims, but for revenge. And that when it comes to something he loves--namely his country in this scene--he is honorable and will risk all... including his life.

I have also included a link to 2 of the steamy excerpts between Isabel and our two heroes - merely a small samplings of the "heat", so to speak. If you'd like to jump into the real fire, just sign up for the serialized version of this book. You can also join my newsletter by sending a blank email to josettedplaisir-subscribe@yahoogroups.com to be notified of future erotic releases.

Or get this book when you register for the Erotica Romance Serialization 1:

A CHRISTMAS TRUCE by Priscilla Dewy
CLUB DESIRE: THE SHY LIBRARIAN by Priscilla Dewy
THE HIGHWAYMEN: Book 1 by Josette d' Plaisir
TWO MEN IN A LADY by Josette d' Plaisir

That's 4 very hot erotic stories, serialized 5 days a week (Monday - Friday) until you've received them all! What better way to start your day? And for an unbeatable price... just $9.99 from EroticaRomance.com (NOTE: serializations begin the 1st of each month for new subscribers)

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PROLOGUE

November 26, 1814

From atop the high hill, Voleur watched the road below.

Justice pranced beneath his weight, giving a soft snort to signal an approach. His black body glistened with orange tones in the late afternoon sun that had only now begun to dip below the horizon. His muscles flexed as he prepared to burst forth from their lofty lookout and down upon the unsuspecting inhabitants of the coach that came into view through a distant cloud of dust.

“Easy,” he soothed, stroking his mount’s sleek black hide. From around his neck he untied the satin cloth, then brought it up to mask his face.

Flipping the reins, Voleur began his slow descent, carefully staying within the cover of the trees. Even from a distance he would be recognized were any of the party to catch a glimpse of him as he made his way toward the road.

Such was the price to be paid when one was notorious.

He knew the fear his very image sent surging through the hearts of the English aristocrats. They traveled these roads never knowing if the legendary masked rider might swoop down upon them, atop his magnificent black beast, and lay claim to all they held dear.

A grim, satisfied smile eased over his countenance. Watching them humbled and hearing them plead for his mercy was, for him, more the prize than the gold and jewels he would ultimately ride away with.

The carriage drew closer and Voleur made out several accompanying riders. His smile broadened. This particular citizen had gone to the trouble of hiring his own guard. A low chuckle erupted, but Voleur pushed it back. From his saddlebag he withdrew a spyglass and studied the entourage intently. Four riders at least a half dozen lengths in front, four riders the same distance from the coach in back.

Voleur had only to reach the coach and get inside with the passenger, and none of the armed guards would dare raise his blade or fire a gun. However, the situation would require he take this passenger temporarily hostage to assist him in leaving the scene without incident.

Shaking his head, he sighed. Had this person of importance merely made his task inconvenient, he might have decided to let this carriage pass. But the armed guards struck him not as an inconvenience, but as a challenge. And that was one thing he had a devil of a time resisting.

Then something caught the fading sunlight to his right. Jerking the spyglass around, he searched the landscape. There, in the trees, he saw them; three hooded riders making their way toward the road. For a brief moment, Voleur wondered if he had competition. But he peered again at the oncoming carriage, now closer, and made out the royal crest engraved upon the door.

Looking back to the riders, another gleam flashed, reflecting the sun. A sword.

All the pieces to the strange picture came together then. Within the coach was England’s regent, and the men who now stalked toward him on horseback—be they French or English—intended to assassinate him.

This was an inconvenience. He had no business whatsoever in the middle of what was about to transpire. But how could he ride away and leave the Prince Regent to this fate?

“Well, Justice,” he said, shoving the spyglass back into his bag, “tonight our booty shall merely be the knowledge that we have saved our future king from an untimely demise at the hands of his enemies.”

Seeming to understand, the steed gave a quiet whinny and a nod of his fine head.

Voleur drew his sword from its scabbard. Then, with a heel into Justice’s side, he gave a loud “Ha!” and the black exploded from the brush and trees with a powerful leap. His stride remained unbroken as his hooves hit the hard dirt of the road.

Reining Justice hard toward the south, his plight confronted Voleur full force. It was not merely three riders, but more than a dozen, now coming onto the road from all directions.

His thoughts whirled dizzyingly. He was a thief, not a soldier. He’d staked his claim to the highways four years ago, and had taken countless fortunes without ever once drawing the blood of a solitary man. Or suffering the consequences of another man’s bullet or blade himself.

What in the hell did he think he was doing now?

Whomever the bloody whoresons, they apparently knew the legend, for he sensed fear as some faltered in their path. One of the riders gave a call to arms, and at once the air was filled with shouting and flurry of shimmering metal.

And so he bore down upon them, masked, his black cloak whipping furiously about him and his sword readied for battle.

Gods teeth, this was not how he planned to die! Not at the hands of someone else’s assassins!

But all for country and king…

Inhaling deep, he gritted his teeth and faced Fate squarely. Drawing his second sword, Voleur pitched both blades into the air, and gave out a mighty warrior’s cry as he slammed the heels of his boots sharply into his mount once more and charged.

Want to read 2 of the tamer erotic scenes between Isabel and her two heroes? Click here (this link will open a new window)

Or get this book when you register for the Erotica Romance Serialization 1:

A CHRISTMAS TRUCE by Priscilla Dewy
CLUB DESIRE: THE SHY LIBRARIAN by Priscilla Dewy
THE HIGHWAYMEN: Book 1 by Josette d' Plaisir
TWO MEN IN A LADY by Josette d' Plaisir