Book excerpt: Heartstoppingly romantic, dangerously sensual, and filled with the vivid details that bring an era to life, Suzanne Robinson's captivating novels have made her one of the reigning stars of historical romance. In this spellbinding love story Suzanne Robinson offers one of her most unforgettable heroes ever . . . The ladies of the palace called Nora Becket “mouse.” But beneath her shy, artless ways hid the heart of a lioness. A daring spy in Queen Mary's court, she risked her life to rescue the innocent from a terrible fate. Yet it was Nora who needed rescuing when cutthroats attacked her—and when Christian de Rivers, a lusty, sword-wielding rogue, swept her out of harm's way . . . and into his arms. As magnificent and mesermizing as a hawk, Christian both frightened and excited Nora, even as he pursued her with a single-minded passion that left her longing to be caught. Yet soon she would discover that she had reason to be frightened. For the dashing nobleman had his own secrets to keep, his own enemies to rout—and his own brand of vengeance for a wide-eyed beauty whom he loved only too well. . . .