Dragon Hearts, Series by Adrianna Scovill

When Ella's brother, Travis, is kidnapped by slave-traders intent on transporting him across the sea, she and their friend, Luca, vow to do whatever it takes to get the boy back - even if that means stowing away in the dungeon of the ship of a ruthless pirate. When they're discovered, the handsome and surly captain threatens to throw them overboard. Determined to reach her brother at any cost, Ella offers to do anything to secure passage over the ocean... moreWhen Ella's brother, Travis, is kidnapped by slave-traders intent on transporting him across the sea, she and their friend, Luca, vow to do whatever it takes to get the boy back - even if that means stowing away in the dungeon of the ship of a ruthless pirate. When they're discovered, the handsome and surly captain threatens to throw them overboard. Determined to reach her brother at any cost, Ella offers to do anything to secure passage over the ocean. Luca is not happy when the arrangement includes Ella moving into the captain's cabin, but Ella cannot let Luca's hurt, or her own pride, keep her from Travis. It soon becomes clear to her, however, that the captain is not what she'd imagined him to be. As much as Ella loves Travis, and Luca, the two months on the ship might just offer her the one thing she hasn't had in a very long time: a rest. She's looking for a moment of peace. It turns out, so is Captain Swan. They might be able to offer each other more than she ever guessed. The cover artwork for Dragon Swan was painted by Mary Clare. For more information, or to purchase original paintings directly from the artist, visit her website: www. maryclaresartwork. com ! less

When Hope finally reaches the lighthouse, with blisters on her feet and her body crying for rest, morning is just breaking behind her. As the sun crests the sea, she knocks on the door, praying only for a friendly face and some small show of kindness. When the lightkeeper opens the door, his scowl is anything but friendly, and she sees no kindness when he slams the door in her face... moreWhen Hope finally reaches the lighthouse, with blisters on her feet and her body crying for rest, morning is just breaking behind her. As the sun crests the sea, she knocks on the door, praying only for a friendly face and some small show of kindness. When the lightkeeper opens the door, his scowl is anything but friendly, and she sees no kindness when he slams the door in her face. Hope knows that the demons she’s running from will soon catch up to her, and she has nowhere to go and no more energy with which to flee. She stands outside the door, stunned and hurt and alone, on the verge of giving up. She’s lost everything, and no longer has anyone who cares if she lives or dies. And then, against all odds, the lightkeeper reappears, grudgingly granting her access and rest. While he’s far from the friendly host she’d hoped for, he’s all she has—and, in spite of his rudeness, Hope soon realizes that he’s hiding from demons of his own. They might each be just what the other needs, if they can find the strength to believe. less