Exclusive excerpt: 'Schooled' by Lorelei James

HEA gets to share an exclusive excerpt from Lorelei James' new book in The Mastered series, Schooled (out today!).

First, here's the blurb (courtesy of InterMix):

When Amery Hardwick first met martial arts master Ronin Black, she wasn't ready for the primal urges his sensual rope artistry released in her. As it turned out Amery and Ronin were made for each other. But when they head to Japan for a delayed honeymoon and Ronin's annual training with his sensei, Amery struggles to adapt to the foreign customs as well as running her burgeoning business from afar. But culture shock is the least of her worries when faced with the changes in Ronin—it feels as if she's married a stranger. Caught between his sensei's demands and pleasing his wife, Ronin is at war with himself over choosing advancement in his jujitsu training, or staying at home with the woman who owns his heart and soul. As the limits of their relationship are tested once again, Ronin and Amery discover that they both have a lot to learn about each other….and what it takes to build a love that'll pass all life's little tests. Includes a preview of the new Mastered series novel, Unraveled.

Here's the excerpt from Schooled …

They spent the early part of the morning of day two at Maruyama Park beneath the cherry blossoms. Then they ventured to the Imperial Palace, and the equally gorgeous Imperial Palace Park. That night they took a romantic walk through the canopy of cherry trees in bloom at Philosopher's Path. Amery caught herself tearing up when she thought about Ronin's surprise in bringing her here during such a magical time.

After they'd returned to the condo, Ronin showed her on a map where they'd be in the upcoming weeks. During his training weeks they'd be in a small village at the base of the snow-capped mountains in Hokkaido. Then during the first break they'd be on the beach in the Ryukyu Islands, then back to Hokkaido, and they'd spend the last week in Tokyo.

"Any part of that you don't want to do, tell me. I purposely kept our itinerary fluid."

"No, I want to do it all. Ronin, I'm still pinching myself that I'm really here. While this is my first exotic foreign adventure, I know it's not a once-in-a-lifetime event for you like it is for me."

Ronin pressed his lips to hers, bestowing the type of sweet, reverent kiss that made her sigh. "Wrong. This is a once-in-a-lifetime trip for me too, Mrs. Black. This is the only honeymoon we'll ever take. Yes, I've seen some of these sights, but I've never seen them with you. In years to come we can return to these places, but it'll never be like this again for us."

Amery nuzzled his neck. "I love you. And I'm loving this romantic side of you."

"Does it surprise you?"

"Yes. You're so used to being ... Sensei Black that sometimes you forget you're also just Ronin. My Ronin."

That appeared to startle him. "I'll work harder on showing you my romantic side, okay?"

"Okay." If they continued this conversation in the same vein she'd end up genuflecting at his feet—and the rope master side of him would enjoy that far too much. So she changed the subject. "I took stock of the pantry. There's not much to cook so should we go to the store tomorrow?"

"I'd rather sample Kyoto's cuisine."

She frowned. "Really? Why? We don't eat out that much at home."

"Which is why I want to take advantage of having hundreds of different restaurants within walking distance. Plus, you'll end up cooking for me every night during my training weeks."

"You trust me to cook? Aren't you afraid you'll get fat-laden meatloaf and buttery mashed potatoes and other not-good-for-you Midwestern comfort foods from me?"

"Smartass." Ronin smacked her butt.

Amery wrapped her arms around his neck. "I assume your diet will be different with that much training?"

"Yes. But we can talk about it later. I've got a better use for my mouth at the moment." With those promising words, Ronin carried her to the meditation room and showed her the benefits of a low table surrounded by cushions.

Find out more about Lorelei and her books at www.loreleijames.com.