Maura

• Author: Marilyn Granbeck
• Publisher: Jove
• Year: 1979

New York City, November 1848. Maura Katy Sullivan was destined for one love—and claimed by two. Which one would win? Only time would tell. From a glittering New York regatta to the posh riverboat [Ohio Queen], they sailed the tempestuous tides of passion and power. Maura Sullivan—A flame-haired beauty caught in a savage struggle to save her inheritance—she learned too well the greed that drove men to possess her. Duggan Quinn—The mocking Irishman whose rugged good looks awakened hr reluctant heart, even as his highhanded ploys aroused her angry suspicions. Beau Fontaine—The aristocratic Southern gambler who stirred the slumbering fires of Maura's sensuality—a force she could neither control nor deny. Maura! She shivered with delicious pleasure. I will stop him before it is too late, she thought. But almost as quickly as the thought was born, it faded in a wave of trembling passion. She was aware that he had unfastened the bodice of her dress. She felt the gentle September breeze breathe on her hot flesh. Even then she could not release herself from the bondage of his kiss. Again she opened her mouth to tell him to stop, but no words came as the web of desire tightened around her. Longing had become need. He raised himself to look deeply into her eyes. It was as though he could read her thoughts and knew she would not—could not—deny him.