TENDER LONGING

IN THE WAR-TORN SOUTH, THEIR LOVE WAS BORN IN A MOMENT OF HEEDLESS RAPTURE — When Laurel Devlin's lovely plantation was ransacked, she raged against her Yankee conquerors. But one gentle Yankee officer conquered her anger, branding her soul in a night of forbidden passion. Three long years passed before Jon McCarty returned, on a secret mission to the south. The war was over, and Laurel's bitter memories melted at the sight of Jon, as desire blazed between them once again. Then the promise of their love was threatened by the charge of murder. Unjustly accused, Jon had to find the killer, a cunning madman -- whose murderous lust was about to claim its next victim -- Laurel