Phantom Pleasures

the long version

A novel in which fantasy becomes reality -- and a Gypsy curse threatens to turn a woman's secret desire into her darkest nightmare.... Hotel developer Alexa Chandler lusts after the property she's found off the coast of Florida -- a haunted island complete with an abandoned castle she intends to convert into her premier luxury resort. Inside, a captivating portrait of a man calls to her, and she unwittingly unleashes the phantom that has been trapped within the painting. Centuries ago, Damon Forsyth charged into a mysterious Gypsy enclave on a desperate mission, but was trapped inside a cursed painting by his mortal enemy. Since then, he has contemplated little but revenge -- until Alexa is drawn to his lair. Though she has released him from the painting, Damon remains bound to the castle and needs Alexa to break the final barrier. Using the dark magic that enslaves him, he initiates a game of seduction -- with his freedom as the ultimate prize. Unable to resist Damon's fierce sexuality, Alexa surrenders to his touch. Soon she must choose between thwarting the magic that holds Damon in thrall...and her own mortality.