Book excerpt: A whistleblower finds refuge—and passion—in the arms of a wealthy vampire in this erotic romance from the #1 New York Times–bestselling author. Neely Wallace has a target on her back. She’s uncovered evidence that her boss, a powerful US senator, is involved in mob and drug activity. Now she’s hiding out with family in New England. But while she’s out trick-or-treating with her nephew, Neely knocks on the door of a nearby mansion, and fate—in the form of charming and reclusive Aidan Tremayne—answers the door. Aidan has a secret he’s been hiding for centuries: He’s a vampire who yearns for the time when he can walk in light of day and return to the land of the living. When Aidan meets the beautiful, funny, intelligent, human stranger, suddenly his longing has a name: Neely Wallace. Aidan will do anything to keep Neely safe. But when faced with the choice of either condemning her to his immortal fate, or forsaking his vampire family, Aidan must walk the line between the living and the dead, the mortal and immortal, to uncover his true destiny. Forever and the Night is the first book in the Black Rose Chronicles series from #1 New York Times– and USA Today–bestselling author Linda Lael Miller. “Miller creates characters I defy you to forget.” —Debbie Macomber “Exotic, lush, sensual, and exciting . . . Miller has created a fascinating, fabulous world populated by mortals and fiends who are all too human. I loved it.” —Jayne Ann Krentz/DIV