The Taking

Table of Contents

 

 

 

“Sizzling hot, jam packed with snappy dialogue, emotional intensity, and racing fun.”

-New York Times
bestselling author Carly Phillips

 

“Hard and
Fast was an absolute winner... a contemporary erotic romance with a perfect balance between the erotic and the romance. A definite must read for lovers of sports themed romance, smart heroines, and delicious heroes with a taste for the naughty.”

 

“McCarthy has done it again! This follow-up to Flat-Out Sexy is a thrill ride that’s unexpectedly funny, sentimental, and thoroughly entertaining. It’s full of real women and sexy men, and these authentic characters, their unexpected love, and a few twists will make you a stock-car racing fan.”

-Romantic
Times

 

“Erin McCarthy writes stories guaranteed to draw you in.”

—
The Long and the Short of It

 

FLAT-OUT SEXY

 

“A steamy romance... Fast paced and red hot.”

 

“This is one smart, sassy, steamy, and flat-out sexy read. McCarthy will have you giggling on page one, fanning yourself by page twenty-five, and rooting for the hero and heroine the whole way through. Buckle your seat belt and hold on—this is a fast and fun ride.”

—
Romantic Times

 

“A fast-paced read... The action starts on page one and doesn’t stop until the last page. Erin McCarthy has written a fun, sexy read. The love scenes are sizzling, and the characters are memorable. Pour yourself a glass of merlot, ladies, and enjoy.”

“An engaging, often humorous contemporary romance.”

 

“A treat. The characters were totally believable, and since it’s Erin McCarthy, you know it’s sexy! No one writes this type of story better than Ms. McCarthy. As usual, this author delivers.”

—
Fresh Fiction

 

HEIRESS FOR HIRE

 

“If you are looking to read a romance that will leave you all warm inside, then Heiress for Hire is a must-read.”

—
Romance Junkies

 

“Two enjoyable, empathetic people... make this romance shine.”

 

“Amusing paranormal contemporary romance.”

 

“One of McCarthy’s best books to date... Characters you will care about, a story that will make you laugh and cry, and a book you won’t soon forget.”

—The Romance Reader
(5 hearts)

 

“An alluring tale.”

—A Romance Review
(5 roses)

 

“The perfect blend of sentiment and silly, heat and heart... Priceless!”

—Romantic Times
(Top Pick, 4½ stars)

 

“An enjoyable story about finding love in unexpected places, don’t miss
Heiress for Hire.”

 

A DATE WITH THE OTHER SIDE

 

“Do yourself a favor and make a date with the other side.”

—
New York Times
bestselling author Rachel Gibson

 

“One of the romance-writing industry’s brightest stars... Ms. McCarthy spins a fascinating tale that deftly blends a paranormal story with a blistering romance... Funny, charming, and very entertaining,
A Date With the Other Side
is sure to leave you with a pleased smile on your face.”

“If you’re looking for a steamy read that will keep you laughing while you turn the pages as quickly as you can,
A Date With the Other Side
is for you. Very highly recommended!”

—
Romance Junkies

 

“Fans will appreciate this otherworldly romance and want a sequel.”

 

“Just the right amount of humor interspersed with romance.”

—
Love Romances & More

 

“Ghostly matchmakers add a fun flair to this warmhearted and delightful tale... An amusing and sexy charmer sure to bring a smile to your face.”

—
Romantic Times

 

“Offers readers quite a few chuckles, some face-fanning moments, and one heck of a love story. Surprises await those who expect a ‘sophisticated city boy meets country girl’ romance. Ms. McCarthy delivers much more.”

 

“Fascinating.”

—
Huntress Book Reviews

 

 

“Will have your toes curling and your pulse racing.”

—
Arabella

 

“The sparks fly.”

—
Publishers Weekly

 

“Erin McCarthy writes this story with emotion and spirit, as well as humor.”

—
Fallen Angel Reviews

 

“Both naughty and nice... Sure to charm readers.”

—
Booklist

A DATE WITH THE OTHER SIDE
HEIRESS FOR HIRE
FLAT-OUT SEXY
HARD AND FAST

 

HIGH STAKES
BIT THE JACKPOT
BLED DRY
SUCKER BET

 

MY IMMORTAL
FALLEN
THE TAKING

 

 

THE NAKED TRUTH
(with Donna Kauffman, Beverly Brandt, and Alesia Holliday)
AN ENCHANTED SEASON
(with Maggie Shayne, Nalini Singh, and Jean Johnson)
THE POWER OF LOVE

(with Lori Foster, Toni Blake, Dianne Castell, Karen Kelley,
Rosemary Laurey, Janice Maynard, LuAnn McLane, Lucy Monroe,
Patricia Sargeant, Kay Stockham, and J. C. Wilder)
FIRST BLOOD
(with Susan Sizemore, Chris Marie Green, and Meljean Brook)

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Penguin Books Ltd., Registered Offices: 80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL, England

 

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their content.

 

THE TAKING

 

A Berkley Sensation Book / published by arrangement with the author

 

PRINTING HISTORY

Berkley Sensation mass-market edition / January 2010

Copyright © 2010 by Erin McCarthy.

 

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. Purchase only authorized editions.

For information, address: The Berkley Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Group (USA) Inc., 375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014.

 

eISBN : 978-1-101-19553-6

 

BERKLEY
^®
SENSATION

Berkley Sensation Books are published by The Berkley Publishing Group,
a division of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.,
375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014.
BERKLEY
^®
SENSATION and the “B” design are trademarks of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

 

 

 

To Kathy Love, Jamie Denton, and Christy Carlson, a huge thank you for helping me with the plot of this book and for all the words of encouragement (I need those frequently!).

 

To Chris Nelson, the best concierge in the French Quarter, who inspired the character of Chris Davidson. Thanks for keeping me from falling off the balcony and for all the late night chats!

 

To Jen Dengler, thanks for years of friendship and for letting me borrow your name. Just for the record, you’re much more fun than the Jen written in this book.

NEW ORLEANS, 1878