A 24-page story from The Mammoth Book of Hot Romance, 2011, plus excerpts from contemporary romance/women's fiction novels by Patricia Ryan. When a handsome stranger rescues Maryann from a storm, she let him think she’s a prostitute. A night of abandoned, no-strings lovemaking might be just what the jilted schoolteacher needs—if only she can keep from falling for her sexy rescuer.Praise for Patricia Ryan’s romances:“Fresh, swift and sexy, Silken Threads strengthens Ms. Ryan’s reputation as an outstanding author...” New York Times bestselling author Mary Jo Putney “Patricia Ryan’s Twice the Spice is a marvelous, fast-paced, riveting romance.” New York Times bestselling author Anne Stuart“Heaven’s Fire is a splendid tale, and Patricia Ryan is a writer to watch.” New York Times bestselling author Patricia Gaffney“A richly textured pageant of passion. A grand adventure!” New York Times bestselling author Susan Wiggs on Falcon’s Fire“Once you start this nonstop read you won’t go to bed until you’ve turned the last page.” RT BookReviews on The Sun and the Moon“In Hot Pursuit is impossible to put down. Patricia Ryan knows how to capture a reader’s attention and refuse to let it go. Well done.” Affaire de Coeur“Wild Wind was a blockbuster from the first page. I quite literally could not put this book down, and was very surprised by the ending.” Romance Communications“The Sun and the Moon is a real page turner. I really wish I hadn’t started it so late at night. It kept me up way past my bedtime and there is no stronger recommendation than that.” Jean Mason, The Romance Reader“Gifted storyteller Patricia Ryan holds us spellbound with her mesmerizing new love story, For the Thrill of It.” RT BookReviews“Ryan has written a sensual, emotionally involving, and compelling story of forbidden love that readers will not soon forget.” Library Journal on Wild Wind“Silken Threads is romance at its best. This one goes on my keeper shelf.” The Romance Reader“Ms. Ryan breathes freshness into every page and enthralls readers with the power of her characters’ emotions and their intelligent handling of the complex situations. She is a wonderful writer whose talent continues to enchant readers.” RT BookReviews on Secret ThunderAbout the Author: Patricia Ryan has written more than two dozen romances and mysteries, including the #1 Barnes & Noble bestseller Still Life With Murder. Her novels have garnered rave reviews and been published in over twenty countries. A RITA® winner (for Silken Threads) and four-time nominee, she is also the recipient of two Romantic Times Awards and a Mary Higgins Clark Award nomination for the second book of her historical mystery series featuring Boston governess Nell Sweeney, which she wrote under the name P.B. Ryan. Pat’s Evil Twin, Pamela Burford, is also a published romance novelist.