The Bewildered Bride by Vanessa Riley
Series Advertisements for Love Genre Adult Historical Romance Publisher Entangled Amara Publication Date August 12, 2019
CHAPTER ONE
October 4, 1818, Gretna Green, Scotland The words between my Adam and the innkeeper left me shaking. Get your bed wench out of here. A chemise slipping from my shoulder exposed our so-called sin. How dare you bring a whore to my good establishment! The hate echoed in my head, rattling and shaking my conscience. I was frozen. Torn between fleeing and defending my love, I settled for hiding with blankets at my chin. How could that horrible man reduce my vows said before God to something illicit and tawdry? Plink. Plink. Scatter. Coins dropped to the floor. My hearing was sharp, sharper than my sight, and I could picture Adam throwing pence to prove a point. Didn’t he know points stabbed? Even a rich man’s son could be killed. Adam came back inside our room and slammed the door. “My love, we must leave. Ruthy, we have to be on the road sooner than I wanted.” His voice was calm, like nothing had happened. He finished dressing, tied his perfect cravat, and leaned over the mattress, kissing my nose. But I knew Adam. He seethed. He prayed and called for blessings but could curse like a hot-headed sailor. My love’s cheeks were red, flushed with anger, and he kept clenching and unfurling his fingers as if he’d fight the next person who crossed his path. “I adore you, my Ruth.” My husband’s voice—perfection. So sweet to my ears, if a masculine sound could be called sweet. I couldn’t think when he whispered my name. “Ruthy, my love, I’m going to the stables.” I pressed my hand to my middle and pushed hard on my stomach to squash the wiggles and tingles inside. “Wait here for me.” “No, I must come with you,” I begged to stay at his side. “No, my Ruthy. Another time you’ll get what you want. But this is for your safety. My wife must stay safe.” Mesmerized, I nodded. His power over me was complete. He took his gold cross from his neck and put it about mine. “So, you won’t forget me while you dress.” The trance ended when he turned and reached for the door latch. “Don’t, Adam. Don’t do anything rash.” I wanted to say stupid, don’t do anything stupid, but that would push him into trouble. His hot temper surpassed mine when he thought I suffered. “I won’t, Ruthy. I won’t be long.” Fingering the cross, I decided to try one more time to keep him. I feared that I’d never see him again if he left this room. My hands came together, palms flat and pointing up toward him. “Adam, please stay. Let me dress and come with you. I don’t want us apart.” “I’ll be back for you when our carriage is ready. My wife is not waiting in the cold.” He came back and kissed my forehead like a reward for a good girl. But I was his girl. And he was all mine. Tossing me a wink, Adam slipped to the door again. “I’ll be back soon, to help you lace up your corset and anything else I had a hand in removing.” My husband loved his jokes, but his jaw was stiff. His face remained beet red. Anger would eat him up. The door closed with a thud. The lock clicked. I was alone. I climbed out of bed and found my shoes. Low boots with hard soles were better than bare feet when running for your life. I paced around the smallish mattress of the rented room. The bedclothes he’d tossed off when the innkeeper had pounded on the door lay here and there. A pillow flopped half against the bedpost. It looked like a struggle, where a volatile argument had occurred, not an abandoned lovers’ nest. The floorboards creaking under my shifting weight made my heart race. I stopped, grabbed the pine footboard, and tried to breathe. My ears perked to the footsteps outside my door. I waited. I suffered. I kept watching the door that didn’t open. The pounding in my head grew so loud I saw stars and could almost envision Adam coming across the threshold. But I knew that was my fear twisting up my insides. The vengeful innkeeper had given us an hour to leave. That time couldn’t be up, not yet. Adam hadn’t returned. My only possessions—a balled-up dress, a nightgown, a silver brush—I tossed into my trunk. I should lock it up, close the metal clasps, but I wasn’t done in this room and wanted to leave the way I came, on my husband’s arm I picked up my pearls from the bed table. The smooth beads felt cold in my sweating palm. Five days ago, I’d worn them for Adam as we’d married with the anvil priest. Adam had beamed at me with a wide lazy smile as he had tonight, before the knock upon our door. The pearls. The pearls were now slippery in my hand. I tossed them into the trunk before they fell and burst apart. Papa had given them to me for my birthday, something to wear for my coming-out. Or for a wedding to a groom he’d choose. My concerns for my parents pressed. I pictured Mama rocking, blank faced, in a chair, fearing her wild child was lost to the streets. Gone a fortnight, traveling from London to Scotland and only now heading back—I must be dead to them. Surely, they think me killed, even slaughtered like my uncle. Adam had persuaded me to send no note. He’d said it was too risky then had smothered my complaints in a kiss. That silver-tongued devil could convince me the world was flat, that I was the Queen of England. One look at me with his deep-gray, almost black, eyes would send me spinning. He wove sweet words about me—I was better than Papa’s silk—and I became boneless and agreeable and not myself. I pounded the footboard with my palm. I was Mama’s wild child, at nineteen, her oldest. I had caused such trouble—breaking curfew, sneaking out, running from chaperones. I sank onto the bed, trying to stop my sobs. A full minute I sat before I couldn’t bear it and leaped up. Sitting on sheets that had lost the warmth of Adam’s body but teased the scent of his Bay Rum cologne ripped everything wide open. I didn’t know who owned these tears—Mama, Adam, or me? I had to get out of this room that now felt too big and empty. Over my corset and chemise, I yanked on my favorite dress. I buttoned it fast and crazy, missing hooks and holes. There wasn’t time to fix it, so I hid the uneven placard under my shawl. This, my wedding gown, should be worn with care. Fragile, soft silk, colored in primrose yellow, I’d worn it with pride when I’d become Mrs. Adam Wilky. Fussing and cussing sounded outside my door. Maybe the innkeeper had found another couple to evict. I’d wait until the corridor cleared, and then I’d leave. Quiet. No footsteps. No creaking floorboards. Locking my heavy trunk, I then struggled with it, and walked out of the room. I held my breath, tiptoeing with my head up. Soon I was halfway to the stairwell, too far to turn back. My boldness and pride kept me from retreating. I shifted the trunk and mumbled that I was resilient. I was a Croome as much as a Wilky. That should mean I possessed strength like my papa and shrewdness like Mama. But I was alone, and none of these notions seemed to stick, not when someone had cursed at me and wished me dead. Resting for a moment, I brushed at the creases in my dress. Mama’s hot scolds about lazy bones admonished my soul. The spring muslin gown should’ve been folded, placed with its bodice lines straight on the chair, not tossed with lover’s abandon, without thought or care. I laughed, a gut-wrenching chuckle. Fleeing for my life had fashionable consequences. Come on, Ruthy, I said to myself, modeling Adam’s way of keeping me calm. We were only a half day’s travel to London. A few more hours and we’d be at Nineteen Fournier to face my parents. The grief I’d caused shifted through my brainbox, raising questions I didn’t want to think about. Did we rush to elope? Had we found love too fast? Would this passion last? Yes. Moonlight streamed through an open window. I headed toward it like a moth, swinging my heavy trunk. I peeked out the glass to get a glimpse of Adam or the carriage. Nothing. The light of the stars made the silver band on my finger sparkle. Pride cut through the confusion in my bosom. I am Mrs. Adam Wilky, the wife of a man who understands me better than any. He is worth it. I just need to find him. I forced my chin to lift, forced my limbs to move, forced myself to believe I’d soon be safe in my husband’s arms. Meow. Glowing slit eyes crossed my path. I ran. The heaviness of my trunk jerked my shoulders. Blinking, I turned the corner and saw nothingness, especially nothing soft or furry or as scared as me. My sight wasn’t normally bad, but thick-rimmed reading spectacles like Papa’s would someday be mine. Finally, finally, finally—I found the stairwell, dashed inside, and hid in its blackness. Back flat against a wall, I filled my lungs and waited. My breath caught in my throat, and I hugged my trunk as if it were Adam. He’d told me to wait, that he’d come back for me, but my heart was about to tear apart. I was afraid I’d never see him again. Never. Never ever were we to part. Sweat dripped down my neck. My hastily done chignon fell. It was frizzy and damp on my neck. I couldn’t fix it now. I needed Adam. Counting my steps, I made it to the bottom of the stairs. Ten paces more and I was out the door. I held my breath again. No carriage. I set the trunk down by my foot. Though small, the thing was heavy, very odd for a leather-skinned box holding so few items. Cupping my hand to my face, I hunted for my love. I saw nothing but road and fence. Oh Lord, had he left? I prayed with hands folded in front, fingers pressed high, eyes shut tight, like a good girl who hadn’t broken a commandment, defying her parents, one who hadn’t lied about going to Mrs. Carter’s for tea. She was one of Mama’s closest friends. Maybe they comforted each other. “Where are you, Adam?” He’d never leave me, not by choice. Stories of his family’s treachery slammed into my chest. All the air fled. I forced my breath in and out and tapped my foot to this rhythm then leaned out and looked from side to side. Nothing. No one. No Adam. Every cloak-and-dagger meeting by the dock, near my father’s warehouse, swept into my head, the motion roaring, swinging my balance like a fiddler’s reel. Whoosh. Whoosh. Whoosh. Every whispered conversation swirled. Whoosh. Whoosh. Whoosh. Adam’s walk, his smile, swam past my eyes. He’d said his uncle was after him. I’d thought it was a joke. Something that added to the mystery of him. Had evil come and taken my husband? Why did Adam have to be digging into his uncle’s business, nosing about stuff that could get him killed? He could be slaughtered, like my uncle. Papa’s brother had been murdered for being too black and building his business in areas where my people weren’t supposed to be. A bloodied jacket was all that had ever been discovered. I’d found it balled up on the steps like he was nobody and nothing to this world. That couldn’t be Adam’s fate, a bludgeoned cape that would haunt my mind forever. It would remind me of his walk, that swagger, draped in ebony velvet. The best time of my life had been loving him. I looked down at my trembling hands. My whole arm vibrated. I couldn’t control it. I was lost. The panic that stalked my thoughts covered me, catching me in a fine fabric mesh. It was too wide. No seams to split. No way out. Fear for the man I loved did me in. I started sinking. No way out. No escape. I tipped over.
Tour Wide GiveawayTo celebrate the release of THE BEWILDERED BRIDE by Vanessa Riley, we’re giving away for a $25 Amazon gift card! GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS: Open internationally. One winner will be chosen to receive a $25 Amazon gift card. This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Entangled Publishing. Giveaway ends 8/16/2019 @ 11:59pm EST. CLICK HERE TO ENTER!
Award winning, Amazon Bestselling author, VANESSA RILEY, worked as an engineer before allowing her passion for historical romance to shine. A Regency era (early 1800s) and Jane Austen enthusiast, she brings the flavor of diverse, eclectic peoples to her stories. The author of Madeline's Protector, Swept Away, Unmasked Heart, The Bargain, and Unveiling Love, she has won the Beacon Award, the Colorado Award of Excellence, and placed in the International Digital Awards for her Regency romances. Vanessa Riley is a historical buff who has spent many years researching Regency society. During her undergraduate studies at Penn State, she gained a love of Western Civilization and took as many classes as she could while pursuing Bachelors and Master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering. Her love of history has given her a passion for conducting precise research in architecture, customs, and rituals of the times. She lives in Atlanta with her career military husband and precocious child. You can catch her writing from the comfort of her southern porch with a cup of Earl Grey tea.
Newsletter | Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon
BACK TO SCHOOL SHOPPING: https://amzn.to/2H0CoHN
Thank you for supporting Books & Spoons by using the affiliate links when shopping at Amazon
0 Comments
Will Gold Valley's most reclusive cowboy finally find a reason to heal?
As a former EMT and a wildland firefighter, there's no one Jacob Dalton can't rescue--except himself. Since his best friend's tragic death, Jacob has isolated himself...until Vanessa Logan returns to Gold Valley. He saved her life during a medical call years ago, and he's never forgotten her. The instant jolt of heat between them takes him by surprise, but he knows that giving in to it would only end in disaster... For Vanessa, returning home was about healing, not about exploring her attraction with Jacob. He is the guardian angel from her past--with strong, capable hands and an irresistible mouth. A temptation she knows she can't afford. Until the chemistry between them explodes, and unites them in a way they could never have imagined...
What an amazing, emotional, dark, edgy, and inspiring story this was.
I haven't had this kind of emotional connection to a story since Eagle by Janie Crouch and I have not shed as many tears as I did with this one since Redemption by Kelly Moran. I loved every moment of the story, it just got deep under my skin. It had the raw feels, the utter despair that is so real and lifelike, I could feel the pain of the protagonist, as well as triumph and victory when the inner demons were won. Vanessa has faced so much in her life, it was inspiring and encouraging to see her shine, clean from the drugs and alcohol. She had conquered the past, was doing the work with her dysfunctional family, facing the old teenage drama and trouble that set on the hazardous path. I loved how she had found her place in the world and was able to use the dark times in her life to shine the light to those who needed it. She truly is a heroine, a woman to admire. Jacob was the perfect match for Vanessa, in all the possible ways one could imagine. He had his own dark secrets and regrets, he had his own hickups with his family and friends. Yet there was that man inside Jacob who was willing to stand up for and with Vanessa when needed, who had her back, who believed she was worth sticking around and saw the woman she truly was, inside out. There were so many layers in this story, things I loved, like the victorious, inspiring, engaging story of Vanessa and Jacob, as well as the new side to Olivia, Vanessa's twin sister whom we met in an earlier book. I enjoyed the banter, admired the work they did at the ranch, and swooned over the romance between them but even more swoon-worthy I found the support they gave each other in everyday life, that was so admirable and adorable! The author has taken some very raw, difficult issues from real life, showing the hurt and pain, the true tragedies one can face, and made them into a beautiful, fragile, powerful story of redemption and conquering your inner weaknesses, finding your place, and finding your soulmate. Get some tissues ready and let the feels come as you experience this remarkable story of life, love, and family drama... ~ Five Spoons!
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Maisey Yates lives in rural Oregon with her three children and her husband, whose chiseled jaw and arresting features continue to make her swoon. She feels the epic trek she takes several times a day from her office to her coffee maker is a true example of her pioneer spirit. In 2009, at the age of twenty-three Maisey sold her first book.
Since then it’s been a whirlwind of sexy alpha males and happily ever afters, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Maisey divides her writing time between dark, passionate category romances set just about everywhere on earth and light sexy contemporary romances set practically in her back yard. She believes that she clearly has the best job in the world
"Carly Phillips is synonymous with red-hot romance."
--Lauren Blakely, New York Times Bestselling Author DARE ME TONIGHT, an all new steamy standalone from New York Times bestselling author Carly Phillips is available now, and you do not want to miss this Dare/Knight crossover novel!
“Okay, I’m in the bathroom, door closed. What in God’s name is going on?” Thank God Avery did as she was told.
“I found the guy. The one. He’s in the other room now and I’m freaking out!” She didn’t tell Avery who she was with. Her half sister and best friend would pick up on the pertinent details. “Oh my God. You’re going to lose your virginity!” Avery squealed. “Shh! Just tell me I can do this. I need to know I’m not crazy.” Avery’s breathing sounded over the phone, and then, “You waited this long. If you’ve found the guy, you’ve found the guy. Now pull up your big-girl thong and get back in there!”she instructed. Laughing, which broke the tension and was just what Sienna needed in the face of Ethan’s intensity, she relaxed, comfortable again with her decision. “I’m going. Thank you! Bye!” She breathed out, brushed her teeth, and went to undo her dress only to find she couldn’t reach the back herself. So that was how it was going to go. She drew a steadying breath and returned to ask Ethan for help. She stepped back into the room. He’d removed his jacket and hung it over a chair and rolled up the sleeves of his dress shirt, revealing tanned, muscled forearms. She swallowed hard and, knowing she was blushing, said, “I need help with my dress.” His eyes darkened at the request, ice darkening to a darker, sexier shade of blue. She turned, pulling her long hair to one side. He placed his empty glass on the nearest table and strode over, all her senses aware of him as he came closer. His seductive scent, the heat of his body, the sharp inhale of his breath as he placed his big hands behind her and slowly, seductively pulled down the zipper, until she felt the rush of cool air on her bare back and the warmth of his breath near her neck. She was more aware than ever of the tiny scrap of lace she called underwear and the matching bra she’d chosen to wear. Just because she’d liked the set, not because she’d ever thought anyone besides her would see it. His breath hissed out, and suddenly his calloused finger traced a line down her spine, causing her nipples to peak and tighten with awareness, sharp spikes of desire shooting to her core. He slid the sides of her dress down and the garment dropped to the floor, leaving her bared to him in more ways than just physical. She hadn’t been prepared for such intensity, though she should have been. Everything about Ethan Knight was potent. Tonight had the power to change her world except, as he’d reminded her, it was one night. A night never to be shared with anyone. She’d ignored the dagger she’d experienced at being relegated to his dirty secret, telling herself she understood. Sometimes there were reasons for discretion, and with everything at stake for him with the Miami Thunder Stadium, his request made perfect sense. Even if it dug at the very pieces of her heart that she’d glued together over the years. Tonight was about sex. Desire. A yearning so strong she was ready to give up the thing she’d held on to, waiting for the right time. The right man. She’d found him, she thought, turning and finding herself in his arms, backed against the wall, his mouth coming down hard on hers.
BACK TO SCHOOL SHOPPPING: https://amzn.to/2Kr4hLb
Thank you for supporting Books & Spoons by using the affiliate links when shopping at Amazon
The Rogue to Ruin by Vivienne Lorret
Series Misadventures in Matchmaking Series Genre Adult Historical Romance Publisher Avon Books Publication Date July 30, 2019
The Bourne Matrimonial Agency has one rule: Never fall in love with a client, which shouldn't be a problem when one’s faking an engagement to the rogue across the street . . .
Ainsley Bourne needs the family business to succeed. But one obstacle stands in her way—Reed Sterling, the huge, handsome, former prize fighter and owner of the gaming hell across the street. His scandalous customers scare off all her marriage-minded patrons and since the devilish brute has no intention of relocating, she sets out to ruin his unsavory establishment. Yet when a vile suitor from her past reappears, Ainsley hastily claims an attachment to the first man who comes to mind . . . Mr. Sterling, to be exact. Reed doesn’t know who is more surprised by Miss Bourne’s declaration. She clearly hates him, and he’d never admit their arguments simmer with unrequited attraction. Something about the pleading look in her eyes calls to Reed, and against his better judgment, he quickly plays the part of the besotted fiancé. Pretending to be in love requires a convincing charade. But with each tantalizing touch and every scandalous kiss, Ainsley starts to wonder if Reed was ever really the enemy at all. “I hardly need your advice,” Ainsley scolded him in return, every word pushing her flesh against his. Almost as if . . . as if she had just kissed him. But this wasn’t kissing, she assured herself. This was merely a new form of arguing. Anticipating his next contradiction, she angled her head for closer contact and Reed growled in response. The low, primal sound sent an unexpected thrill rushing through her. “It would be a waste of breath to attempt to tell you anything,” he said, fitting his other hand over the curve of her cheek to cradle her face. “Even if I wanted to say that your lips are soft and plump and more luscious than wine-poached pears, I wouldn’t.” Then he tilted her head back to cement his argument, opening her mouth with his own. He nibbled gently into her flesh, tasting the seam of her lips without hurry. The slow, thorough exploration caused her eyes to drift closed. Her senses centered on the firm, enticing pressure of his mouth, the delicious rasp of his tongue. A wanton mewl tore from her throat, hungry and needy and urgent. The unguarded sound brought her to an uncomfortable admission . . . She might be kissing the enemy.
Tour Wide Giveaway!To celebrate the release of THE ROGUE TO RUIN by Vivienne Lorret, we’re giving away one paperback copy of Ten Kisses to Scandal! GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS: Open to US shipping addresses only. One winner will receive a paperback copy of Ten Kisses to Scandal by Vivienne Lorret. This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Avon Romance. Giveaway ends 8/31/2019 @ 11:59pm EST. Avon Romance will send the winning copy out to the winner directly. CLICK HERE TO ENTER!
USA Today bestselling author, VIVIENNE LORRET transforms copious amounts of tea into words. She is an Avon author of works including: The Wallflower Wedding Series, The Rakes of Fallow Hall Series, The Season’s Original Series, and the Misadventures in Matchmaking series.
For more information on her books, sign up for her newsletter at www.vivlorret.net. Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub | Pinterest | Instagram
https://amzn.to/2KnMrsx
Thank you for using the affiliate link while shopping at Amazon and supporting Books & Spoons
Brazen and the Beast by Sarah MacLean
Series Bareknuckle Bastards Series Genre Adult Historical Romance Publisher Avon Books Publication Date July 30, 2019
New York Times Bestselling Author Sarah MacLean returns with the next book in the Bareknuckle Bastards series about three brothers bound by a secret that they cannot escape—and the women who bring them to their knees.
The Lady’s Plan When Lady Henrietta Sedley declares her twenty-ninth year her own, she has plans to inherit her father’s business, to make her own fortune, and to live her own life. But first, she intends to experience a taste of the pleasure she’ll forgo as a confirmed spinster. Everything is going perfectly…until she discovers the most beautiful man she’s ever seen tied up in her carriage and threatening to ruin the Year of Hattie before it’s even begun. The Bastard’s Proposal When he wakes in a carriage at Hattie’s feet, Whit, a king of Covent Garden known to all the world as Beast, can’t help but wonder about the strange woman who frees him—especially when he discovers she’s headed for a night of pleasure . . . on his turf. He is more than happy to offer Hattie all she desires…for a price. An Unexpected Passion Soon, Hattie and Whit find themselves rivals in business and pleasure. She won’t give up her plans; he won’t give up his power . . . and neither of them sees that if they’re not careful, they’ll have no choice but to give up everything . . . including their hearts. In twenty-eight years and three hundred sixty-four days, Lady Henrietta Sedley liked to think that she’d learned a few things. She’d learned, for example, that if a lady could not get away with wearing trousers (an unfortunate reality for the daughter of an earl, even one who had begun life without title or fortune), then she should absolutely ensure that her skirts included pockets. A woman never knew when she might require a bit of rope, or a knife to cut it, after all. She’d also learned that any decent escape from her Mayfair home required the cover of darkness and a carriage driven by an ally. Coachmen tended to talk a fine game when it came to keeping secrets, but were ultimately beholden to those who paid their salaries. An important addendum to that particular lesson was this: The best of allies was often the best of friends. And perhaps first on the list of things she had learned in her lifetime was how to tie a Bosun knot. She’d been able to do that for as long as she could remember. With such an obscure and uncommon collection of knowledge, one might imagine that Henrietta Sedley would have known precisely what to do in the likelihood she discovered a human male bound and unconscious in her carriage. One would be incorrect. In point of fact, Henrietta Sedley would never have described such a scenario as a likelihood. After all, she might have been more comfortable on London’s docks than in its ballrooms, but Hattie’s impressive collection of life experience lacked anything close to a criminal element. And yet, here she was, pockets full, dearest friend at her side, standing in the pitch dark on the night before her twenty-ninth birthday, about to steal away from Mayfair for a night of best-laid plans, and… Lady Eleanora Madewell whistled, low and unladylike at Hattie’s ear. Daughter of a duke and the Irish actress he loved so much he’d made her a duchess, Nora had the kind of brashness that was allowed in those with impervious titles and scads of money. “There’s a bloke in the gig, Hattie.” Hattie did not look away from the bloke in question. “Yes, I see that.” “There wasn’t a bloke in the gig when we hitched the horses.” “No, there wasn’t.” They’d left the hitched—and most definitely empty—carriage in the dark rear drive of Sedley House not three-quarters of an hour earlier, before hiking upstairs to exchange carriage-hitching dresses for attire more appropriate for their evening plans. At some point between corset and kohl, someone had left her an extraordinarily unwelcome package. “Seems we would’ve noticed a bloke in the gig,” “I should think we would have,” came Hattie’s distracted reply. “This is really just awful timing.” Nora cut her a look. “Is there a good time for a man to be bound in one’s carriage?” Hattie imagined there wasn’t, but, “He could have selected a different evening. What a terrible birthday gift.” She squinted into the dark interior of the carriage. “Do you think he’s dead?” Please, don’t let him be dead. Silence. Then, a thoughtful, “Does one store dead men in carriages?” Nora reached forward, her coachman’s coat pulling tight over her shoulders, and poked the dead man in question. He did not move. “He’s not moving,” she added. “Could be dead.” Hattie sighed, removing a glove and leaning into the carriage to place two fingers to the man’s neck. “I’m sure he’s not dead.” “What are you doing?” Nora whispered, urgently. “If he’s not dead, you’ll wake him!” “That wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world,” Hattie pointed out. “Then we could ask him to kindly exit our conveyance and we could be on our way.” “Oh, yes. This brute seems like precisely the kind of man who would immediately do just that and not immediately take his revenge. He’d no doubt doff his cap and wish us a fine good evening.” “He’s not wearing a cap,” Hattie pointed out, unable to refute any of the rest of the assessment of the mysterious, possibly dead man. He was very broad, and very solid, and even in the darkness she could tell that this wasn’t a man with whom one took a turn about a ballroom. This was the kind of man who ransacked a ballroom. “What do you feel?” Nora pressed. “No pulse.” Though she wasn’t precisely certain of the location one would find a pulse. “But he’s—” Warm. Dead men were not warm, and this man was very warm. Like a fire in winter. The kind of warm that made someone realize how cold she might be. Ignoring the silly thought, Hattie moved her fingers down the column of his neck, to the place where it disappeared beneath the collar of his shirt, where the curve of his shoulder and the slope of…the rest of him… met in a fascinating indentation. “Anything now?” “Quiet.” Hattie held her breath. Nothing. She shook her head. “Christ.” It wasn’t a prayer. Hattie couldn’t have agreed more. But then… There. A small flutter. She pressed a touch more firmly. The flutter became firm. Slow. Even. “I feel it. She said. “He’s alive.” She repeated herself. “He’s alive.” She exhaled, long and relieved. “He’s not dead.”
GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS: Open to US shipping addresses only. One winner will receive a paperback copy of Wicked and the Wallflower by Sarah MacLean. This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Avon Romance. Giveaway ends on 8/12/2019 @ 11:59pm EST. Avon Romance will send the winning copy out to the winner directly. CLICK HERE TO ENTER!
New York Times, Washington Post & USA Today bestseller SARAH MACLEAN is the author of historical romance novels that have been translated into more than twenty languages, and winner of back-to-back RITA Awards for best historical romance from the Romance Writers of America.
Sarah is a leading advocate for the romance genre, speaking widely on its place at the nexus of gender and cultural studies. She is the author of a monthly column celebrating the best of the genre for the Washington Post. Her advocacy for romance and the women who read it earned her a place on Jezebel.com's “Sheroes” list of 2014 and led Entertainment Weekly to call her "gracefully furious." A graduate of Smith College & Harvard University, Sarah now lives in New York City with her husband and daughter. Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon
https://amzn.to/31jamiC
Thank you for supporting Books & Spoons and using the affiliate links when shopping at Amazon
The Third Mrs. Durst by Ann Aguirre
Series n/a; standalone Genre Adult Romantic Suspense Publisher Midnight Ink Publication Date August 8, 2019
On the third day, Michael finally came home. When he did, he brought flowers. Warily I took the white roses, trying to contain my urge to flinch away from the hand that then dropped onto my head. I shivered, controlling my reaction with significant effort.
“You’re upset,” he said. “I may have overreacted, but the idea of losing you … it drives me crazy. I only reacted that way because I love you so much.” When he put a pretty pink diamond ring on my finger to conclude the apology, I let him draw me close and rested my head on his chest, vowing not to make him feel insecure again. I’d never considered myself irresistible, but Michael clearly thought other men couldn’t see me without wanting me. Stroking my back, he went on. “Men are animals, Marlena. You’re too innocent to understand that, and that’s why I have to fight twice as hard to keep you that way.” I swallowed hard. What would Michael say if I told him I already knew? One of my mother’s boyfriends had shown me when I was eleven, and then later, Bobby Ray Hudgens reinforced the lesson. Before, I’d never thought those violations made me dirty, but I had no doubt my husband would feel that way. He’d probably think I was some little Lolita, seducing men with a sway of my hips. “Oh.” It was the only sound I could make. My lack of response didn’t matter because he was in the mood to talk. “I’ve never told you this … because I’m not proud of it, but I was married before. She … left me. And it took a long time for me to get over that.” Left you? Is that what you’re calling it? My heart hardened into titanium, untouchable, impenetrable. But I couldn’t let on how much I already knew—about his past, and I couldn’t think on it too deeply or he might read that awareness in my expression. I understood far too well to be drawn in by diamond rings and repentant smiles. But I kept up the pretense. “There’s never been anyone else,” I said softly. “I do know. It’s part of what makes you perfect. But sometimes I lose the thread, and I’m sorry for that.” It amused me to test him, though, and to see how he’d respond. “I went running in the park yesterday. Vin took me. But there was nothing personal about it.” Michael nodded. “He gave me a full report before I came in. Now that I’ve had some time, I know you weren’t leading him on. And what happened with Will Stone, well, he’s a lecher, but that’s not your fault.” It was tough to get the words out, but I could only cower for so long. “Next time you’re upset, if you could dial it down … I was really scared.” There, I said it. “I’ll never hurt you,” Michael said. “You are my most precious possession, and it’s my greatest joy to protect you.” That wasn’t what I wanted to hear. I wanted an I’m sorry, I’ll do better, like he always forced out of me. And the fact was, he had hurt me. I had a circular bruise around my wrist from where he’d hauled me around and another on my hip due to my tumble over the ottoman, deep and blue, fading to green. I bit in the inside of my lip against an instinctive protest. I’m not your possession. I’m not. Tour Wide GiveawayTo celebrate the release of THE THIRD MRS. DURST by Ann Aguirre we're giving away a $25 Amazon gift card to one lucky winner! GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS: Open to internationally. One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card. This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Ann Aguirre. Giveaway ends 8/18/2019 @ 11:59pm EST. CLICK HERE TO ENTER!
NY Times and USA Today bestselling author ANN AGUIRRE has been a clown, a clerk, a savior of stray kittens, and a voice actress, not necessarily in that order. She grew up in a yellow house across from a cornfield, but now she lives in Mexico with her husband and children. She writes all manner of genre fiction for adults and teens.
AUTHOR LINKS Newsletter | Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | BookBub | Amazon
Today's feature is A HIGHLANDER WALKS INTO A BAR by Laura Trentham.
One lucky US reader will win a copy of the book to themselves by commenting here on the blog post or Books & Spoons social media. (Must have a US mailing address to win. The book will be delivered by the publisher St Martin Press. The giveaway will end by Sunday 11th of August. The winner will be informed by email.)
The timeless romance, soaring passion—and gorgeous men—of Scotland comes to modern-day America. And the rules of love will never be the same…
Isabel Buchanan is fiery, funny, and never at a loss for words. But she is struck speechless when her mother returns from a trip to Scotland with a six-foot-tall, very handsome souvenir. Izzy’s mother is so infatuated by the fellow that Izzy has to plan their annual Highland Games all by herself. Well, not completely by herself. The Highlander’s strapping young nephew has come looking for his uncle… Alasdair Blackmoor has never seen a place as friendly as this small Georgia town—or a girl as brilliant and beguiling as Izzy. Instead of saving his uncle, who seems to be having a lovely time, Alasdair decides he’d rather help Izzy with the Highland Games. Show her how to dance like a Highlander. Drink like a Highlander. And maybe, just maybe, fall in love with a Highlander. But when the games are over, where do they go from here?
Chapter One
“I brought home a surprise!” Rose Buchanan threw her arms out wide as if embracing the world. From the sto- ries she told to the way she entered the room, Rose was exuberant and entertaining and enjoyed being the center of attention. Isabel Buchanan, who was perfectly content on the fringes, pushed her wavy hair off her sticky forehead with hands that trembled from the nightmare drive through At- lanta to the airport to pick up her mom. Her mom’s trip to Scotland had doubled as both research and vacation. The jammed stop-and-go traffic had left Izzy flustered and al- ready dreading their exit from the airport. Rolling her stiff shoulders, Izzy stepped around the bumper of the car, popping the trunk open on the way. Her mom had a beautiful plaid scarf of greens and browns and blues tossed over her shoulder and what appeared to be new earrings. Either purchase might inspire her mother to gush, and she would expect reciprocal gushing from Izzy. Making an educated guess, Izzy asked, “Are those ear-rings your surprise?” Without waiting for an answer, she hauled one of her mom’s giant wheeled suitcases closer and prepared to heave it into the back. The sooner they got out of Atlanta, the sooner she could get back to work planning the High- land festival. Or she might pour an extra-large glass of wine and escape into a book. A guilty pleasure, consider- ing how much she still had to get in order in three scant weeks. “Allow me, please.” A bearded man who had been roll- ing cases to the curb stepped forward with a grin and an accent Izzy couldn’t place. She checked her pockets and winced. No cash to tip the man, and no hope her mom had thought of something so inconsequential. “Do you like them? They’re hammered silver.” Her mom flipped her bobbed matching silver hair to the side and displayed one earring with her fingers. “And as a matter of fact, I did buy them from a lovely shop in Edin- burgh, but I brought something bigger home. Something more exciting.” “Your scarf? It’s lovely.” Izzy gave her mom limited attention while she watched the man load suitcase after suitcase into her trunk, fitting them together like a puzzle. More luggage than her mom had left with. She waved to catch the man’s attention. “Hang on. That’s not all my mom’s stuff.” For the first time, Izzy really looked at the man. He was close to her mom in age, and good-looking in a bear- like way with a gleaming white smile highlighted by a salt-and-pepper beard. His full head of hair was a shade darker, but graying heavily at the temples. The expres- sion on the man’s face when he looked in her mom’s direction—a mix of adoration and amusement—cleared the fog of confusion. Lord have mercy, her mother had brought back a six- foot, two-hundred-pound-plus souvenir from Scotland. From A Highlander Walks into a Bar. Copyright © 2019 by Laura Trentham and reprinted with permission from St. Martin’s Paperbacks
Laura Trentham is an award-winning author of contemporary and historical romance, including Then He Kissed Me and The Military Wife. She is a member of RWA, and has been a finalist multiple times in the Golden Heart competition. A chemical engineer by training and a lover of books by nature, she lives in South Carolina.
Hidden emotions, life-changing secrets, regrets of the past, and one little boy in the middle of the mayhem - an emotional read that brought a range of feels to the top and had me reacting from smiles and sighs to tears and even with displeased annoyment.
I loved little Sammy. He was such a joyful boy, facing his challenges, and trying his utmost to communicate and show his love to his guardians. Arianna Shrader was misjudged and mistreated by those who were supposed to have her back and guard her against the hurdles of the world. She was easy to relate to and I admired her determination and giving spirit. She knew that some of her choices in the past caused pain to others, she owned up to them, and often put other's needs in front of her own. At first glance, Jack DeMoise seemed like a good, kind, generous, considerate man. I liked him, I understood why Arianna would fall for him. I liked his honesty, him standing up for Arianna and for the possible relationship they could have - until he didn't. Jack and Arianna had a connection, they had a lot in common, they shared the interests, they shared the faith in God, and they both loved Sammy. The attraction was palpable, even though they were slow to act on it. What happens when Arianna's secret is revealed, was a tough setback to me. Jack takes the betrayal, that wasn't necessarily Arianna's, to the next level, and his behavior becomes something that is hard to look over or get redemption from. I struggled with this, and how it affected others around Jack, mostly to Sammy but also to Arianna. In a way one could say it is what it is - even Christian people can be hateful and mean, even people of faith make mistakes and judges others unfairly. And that is all true. Yet despite the sweet romance, the growth in faith Arianna experience, the adorable Sammy, the hope-filled ranch, and Jack standing up to his father when needed, the way Jack continued to react after the secret is revealed - that was a bit harsh towards Arianna. And the reason why I will give this book ~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
Lee Tobin McClain read Gone With The Wind in the third grade and has been an incurable romantic ever since. The PW bestselling author of eight contemporary romances for Harlequin Love Inspired and twenty independently-published novels and novellas, she recently contracted with Harlequin HQN to write three mainstream romance novels, coming in 2019. When she's not writing, she's probably cheering on her daughter at a gymnastics meet, mediating battles between her goofy goldendoodle puppy and her rescue cat, or teaching aspiring writers in Seton Hill University's MFA program. She is probably not cleaning her house.
A tough and competent leading lady, a woman comfortable in her own skin, who knows her capabilities and is proud of them is extremely appealing to me. I adored, admired, and respected Carly Valentine, and everything she stood for.
The story is a fast-paced thriller with political touches and small kingdom in upheaval. I loved the intensified suspense, and the romance developing between the secretive hero and the potent heroine. Yet the political speech in the prologue with 'make Lukinburg great again' quotes put a burden on my mind regarding the hero, an obstacle he needed to overcome to get me on his side. I enjoyed the tight family ties Carly has with her father and brothers. The back and forth between the siblings was entertaining and while it was a lot of jokes and banter, there was an element of protectiveness and shielding their sister from trouble and heartbreak that was endearing. Ivan Mostek, the hero, was a gentle and kindhearted man with a touch of geekiness mixed with extreme capableness on many fronts. He was likable and good-natured, he had secrets and responsibilities that he was sworn to, and he hopelessly, helplessly, and completely fell for the force to be reckoned with, Carly Valentine, who impressed him with her professional tactics from the first moment they met. I always enjoy Julie Miller's stories, the strong characters she creates and the balance between action, suspense, and romance in the smoothly flowing tales. Through her stories, I have fallen for Kansas City and the skilled police officer who protect the town. ~ Four Spoons
USA TODAY bestselling author Julie Miller writes breathtaking romantic suspense. She has earned a National Readers Choice Award and two Daphne du Maurier Awards among many other prizes for both her series and single title books. She was also honored to receive the RT BookReviews Career Achievement Award for Series Romantic Suspense, and has twice been a finalist for RWA’s prestigious RITA Award. With millions of copies in print worldwide, many of her books have appeared on the USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly, Amazon and BookScan Top 100 Romances bestseller lists.
An intense thriller to catch the menacing killer, the mastermind behind the recent murders, the one who is going all out to frame Deputy Tanner Dempsey for the crimes and would gladly use Bree Daniels' life as collateral damage.
As a reader who is not a fan of serial novels and who likes to each book in a series to have a new couple finding their HEA, I am in awe with this story and how brilliantly the author manages to make me forget that this is part two to a serial novel of Tanner and Bree's life. Humbled how well it can be done, how fresh she kept the story, and how easily anyone could pick this book up and not be disappointed, thinking they are missing something - while not being too repetitive to those who had the pleasure to read Calculated Risk first. To see Tanner and Bree's emotions and feels for each other grow slowly yet passionately and deeply, taking such root that has the potential forever after, was delightful and sweet. The desire is there yet the passion is mostly kept behind the closed doors. There are so much love and devotion between Tanner and Bree it is palpable, yet the depth of the feels managed to get me completely off guard when life got fragile, and I found myself in tears, hoping for redemption. The fierce, mortal, on the edge suspense that comes up close and personal for Tanner and Bree and puts their lives and future in danger, was potent, vigorous, and gripping. The tempo, tautness, and energy of the tale stay high, the beginning of the tale getting the heart rate up and the following events keeping it accelerated as the story unfolds. The sweet innocence of the romance mixed with brutal murders, lethal crimes that puts Tanner and Bree in dire straits. A thrilling and riveting continues to their story. ~ Five Spoons
USA TODAY bestselling author Janie Crouch writes what she loves to read: passionate romantic suspense. She is a winner and/or finalist of multiple romance literary awards including the Golden Quill Award for Best Romantic Suspense, the National Reader’s Choice Award, and the coveted RITA© Award by the Romance Writers of America.
Janie recently relocated with her husband and their four teenagers to Germany (due to her husband's job as support for the U.S. Military), after living in Virginia for nearly 20 years. When she's not listening to the voices in her head (and even when she is), she enjoys engaging in all sorts of crazy adventures (200-mile relay races; Ironman Triathlons, treks to Mt. Everest Base Camp) traveling, and movies of all kinds.
From a rather intense relationship drama to what seems like an impossible to solve legal drama this novel covers a lot of life, living, loving, and growing, trouble, and drama.
I absolutely adore the Chase brothers series and this spinoff to Petal, Georgia has been a great, entertaining addition to the original one. Royal Watson might be the most honorable, loyal, affectionate, amazing book boyfriend ever, I mean, he is all that and so much more. Just truly a one of a kind man that was easy to admire, trust, and fall for. And I can't think of a better match to Royal than the sassy, smart, sweet, caring, reliable, steadfast Caroline Mendoza. These two were like the two halves of the whole, they completed each other, were there for each other, and the name of their story, Count On Me, was perfect for them. I loved their love story. I loved the passion between them, the fun, the difficult things they went through, and the way they dealt with the jealous ex (who drove me nuts, really not a fan of her, but Caroline was the Queen dealing with her). I found the legal aspect of the story intriguing, and the suspense and threat were intense. So there is a lot I liked, enjoyed, and even adored in the tale, yet there were some aspects that I had a really difficult time to understand, and thus not the five Spoons score for the book. See, in my mind, the people in Petal were petty and just weird to chastise someone for a difference of opinion. And it went so much further than just that, there was violence involved. Now, this might be a cultural thing, but what kind of people do that?! For real?! It all seemed to be based on racist hate, and how deep the venom runs in the society, even within a family. And as such, showing that in the community, the author did a stellar job of it. But as a reader who reads to escape the crazy in the world, this aspect of the tale really got me down. So first there was the ex who just caused unnecessary drama, and then there were the crazy people that turned on one of their own, and after all the research and drama and disturbance, the ending to the murder case was a bit too easy in my mind. I expected fireworks, and maybe it was my expectations that failed not the story, yet here we are... So. This is difficult because while I absolutely loved some aspects of the story, there were others that made me want to quit reading it, yet the desire to find out more kept me going. Do I want to read more of the series? Yes. Can I recommend the series and this book? Yes. I just want you to be aware that there might be some issues and events in the story that can cause serious irritation and even sadness on the way to the happily ever after... Royal and Caroline, despite all the hate, difficulties, and obstacles you had to go through to find peace and serenity into your life, I loved your love story and cheered you all the way. ~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
Sometimes after the fact, it is fun to look back and see the path that took you where you are today. I have had some amazing opportunities along the way and I met so many of my favorite authors two years ago in Orlando while attending RWA (Romance Writers of America annual conference). That experience was surreal: I walked into the conference hotel and there were my social media coming to alive right before my eyes. I am thankful for the authors who gracefully indulged my fangirl moments one after another. The trip was my gift to me, I then called it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet and greet my favorite authors in attendance, to inspire and to network in the sometimes lonely world of blogging.
Well, a lot of things have changed in my personal life in the past two years since Orlando RWA. After years of attempts to rehabilitate, I got my disability retirement in January 2018. I moved internationally in August 2018, back to my home country after 26 years as an expat. I took an active role in helping my parents cope with aging, health issues, and the demands of dementia and Parkinson's in everyday life. All this while trying to adjust to living in a country that has changed so much over the years, and getting accustomed to speaking the language daily again with all the other challenges moving to a new place, home, town, and country comes with. One thing has stayed the same, though. I still escape to my romance novels, I still read into the wee hours of the morning, I still get swept away by the story. My time might be more limited, the opportunities I have to read and work on the website might be less than before, but I am still committed to Books & Spoons, so much so that the 'once in a lifetime opportunity' turned into a second chance at the end of the month in New York City when I get to fangirl again while attending RWA. The opportunity came about by many tiny (and not so tiny) blessings and gifts and sales and pure perseverance, and I am excited. Thrilled might be the perfect word for it. So to celebrate the five years of blogging, I am flying to New York to attend RWA as a book blogger in less than two weeks! Yihaa! I am looking forward to meeting with other bloggers and readers and authors and publishers to toss ideas with, to share our love for romance novels. I have so many new ideas for the website and a more fine-tuned direction I want to take it to comes autumn, maybe some new graphics, layouts, etc. I still have a few books I want to read before my departure for the new adventure. I have about seven days to get everything settled to travel, and I can not wait.
BISHOP’S KNIGHT
Author: Katie Reus Series: Endgame Trilogy #1 Genre: Romantic Suspense Release Date: July 9, 2019
The Bishop siblings’ family is on the verge of collapse as all three find themselves embroiled in danger. Family bonds may keep them alive…but only love can give them something to live for. Read BISHOP’S KNIGHT, the first novel in this ALL NEW heart-pounding Endgame trilogy.
She needs his protection… Thanks to years of government training, Evie Bishop knows how to get into places she doesn’t belong—and she’s very good at it. But years of doing black ops work burned her out so she returns home—to unexpected chaos. One of her brothers is in a coma and the other is in hiding, wanted for murder. Then a fellow operative from her past shows up shot and bleeding with news that an assassin is gunning for everyone involved with a past op. She’s forced to turn to the one man she knows she can trust—the man whose heart she broke. But it will come with a price… When Dylan Blackwood proposed a year ago, Evie turned him down flat and walked out of his life. He’s stunned when he finds her on his doorstep covered in someone else’s blood, needing his help. He always knew there was more to her than met the eye—that Evie was never simply the pampered society princess she wanted people to believe she was. But he never expected this. If she needs help, he’ll give it. Even if he can’t forget her betrayal. Even if he isn’t sure he can trust her. But his protection will come with a price—her heart. Before they can have a chance at a future, they’ll have to work together to take down a faceless enemy who has Evie firmly in his crosshairs.
“We’ve got a tail,” Dylan said before she could say the same, his tone clipped.
“Yeah, three cars back. Gray Nissan.” “That’s the one.” It was a neutral, boring car that wouldn’t stand out anywhere. But she was trained to see stuff like that. And so was he. He’d been in the Marines and in war zones. He knew when someone was following him. “They could just be heading in the same direction as us.” Of course if they were, they’d been behind them since they’d pulled out of the hospital parking lot. “They could.” Dylan took a sharp left turn onto a residential street. A few seconds later, the gray car followed, revving its engine as it sped after them, giving up any pretense of not following them. Her heart rate increased as she turned around. This could be whoever had shot Samara. And if they thought they could hurt her—or Dylan—she was about to show them the error of their ways. “Are you armed?” Evie asked even as a shot of adrenaline punched through her. Jaw tense, a short nod. Why was she not surprised? “Where?” “One in the center console and one under my seat.” She paused. “Two weapons?” “I take my security seriously.” His gaze flicked to the rearview mirror again. All right, then. She’d never seen him in action, not in real life anyway. But she’d seen an old satellite video of the man taking enemy fire and holding his own—and saving four men’s lives. He could more than take care of himself. She opened his center console. Sure enough, a pistol was tucked inside. Normally she was armed but her weapon was back at his place. Without asking for permission, she plucked his pistol out of its holster. He frowned at her but didn’t tell her to stop. “I’m not getting in a high-speed chase with this guy.” Evie didn’t like the idea of that either. Not surrounded by all these residential streets. Too big of a chance of a civilian getting hurt. “You could drive straight to the police station.” She hated the idea of losing this guy, but she also wasn’t going to let any civilians get hurt. Hell no. “I have a better idea.” He revved the engine, speeding up as he took another sharp turn onto another residential street. Cars lined both sides of the street, some parked in driveways, some on the road. “What are you doing?” She clutched the grab handle as he tore into an empty driveway and quickly reversed. “Oh shit!” He gunned the engine, arrowing straight at the gray car. “Dylan!” “He’ll swerve.” The man looked absolutely convinced as he pressed on the gas. Yeah, well, she wasn’t so sure. She pressed the sunroof button, opening it as he sped down the asphalt. The other car zoomed right at them. Her heart jumped in her chest. The guy wasn’t swerving. Neither was Dylan. Fuuuuccck. They were only a few car lengths apart now. Oh, God. Her throat seized— The gray car swerved at the last minute. Heart still pounding, she unstrapped and jumped up, pistol out, and aimed at the rear window. Glass shattered everywhere. She took another shot, this time at one of the tires. Ping. Adrenaline pumping, she ducked as a bullet glanced off the top of Dylan’s car. Hell, the guy was firing back. “Evie, get down!”
Katie Reus is the New York Times, USA Today, and IndieReader bestselling author of the Red Stone Security series, the Moon Shifter series and the Deadly Ops series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom’s stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it.
However, she didn’t always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated summa cum laude with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing dark paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense. Her book Avenger’s Heat recently won the Georgia RWA Maggie Award for Excellence in the fantasy/paranormal category. Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Blog | Instagram
His Rebellious Lass by Callie Hutton
Series Scottish Hearts Book One Genre Adult Historical Romance Publisher Entangled Scandalous Publication Date July 8, 2019
He wants to marry her off quickly. She says absolutely not.
When the Marquess of Campbell inherits a fiery, red-headed Scottish beauty as his ward, it’s his job to marry her off. No problem. She comes with a fortune. Lady Bridget MacDuff will have suitors falling all over themselves to wed her. Not so fast. Lady Bridget has plans for that fortune and they involve helping unfortunate women. And she has no intention of helping her devastatingly handsome guardian in his quest to get her off his hands. He doesn’t plan to marry, either. Why should she? Bridget and Cam are now on opposite sides of a war that neither one plans to lose. Even if Cam’s rakish presence throws Bridget’s heart into turmoil and the marquess can’t deny that his ward sets his heart afire. And then Cam makes a bold proposal...
London, England
September, 1818 Donald, The Marquess of Campbell, known as Cam to family, friends, and lovers, gripped the missive he’d received from his land steward and frowned. My Lord, It is imperative that you return to Cumberland as quickly as possible to retrieve an item of utmost importance. Mr. David Sterns He stared at the paper and read it over several times. No matter how hard he tried, no other words to clarify the statement appeared. He shook his head. Surely a more puzzling note did not exist. What the devil was “an item of utmost importance”? He strode down the corridor to his bedchamber, none too happy. As he tossed items into a small satchel to make a quick trip in answer to the nebulous summons, he dwelled on the work in Parliament awaiting his attention. Although Parliament was no longer in session, having struck the final gavel for the year in June, Cam was, nevertheless, attending meetings and discussions with other members who had remained in Town. Meetings had been necessary to consider bills he was working on to assist veterans and their families. Taking the time to travel all the way to the Scottish border was frustrating. Especially when he had no idea why he was being summoned. He had also planned to squeeze in a rousing couple of weeks of fun, frolic, women, and liquor to soothe himself, as the last of his three life-long friends had just married. While happy for the men and their newly acquired spouses, the last thing he wanted was a wife. He gripped his satchel and left the house. A wife. Just the thought made him itchy. … After five days of travel, Cam was more than ready to end his trek. Even though he’d spent time out of the carriage and on his horse, Nettles, he wanted to sleep in his own bed, eat Cook’s food, and drink a glass of decent brandy in front of his own fireplace. He and his valet, Markham, had traveled together in Cam’s large and comfortable coach. He had no intention of staying any longer than it took to retrieve this “package.” Even if he stayed only a few days in Cumberland, he would miss several important meetings in London. Wearily, Cam climbed from the carriage, pressed his hands against his lower back, and stretched. He could not help the smile that covered his face as he looked at Campbell Manor. For as much as he preferred to be in London for Parliament, he loved his home estate. The Manor staff awaited him outside, lined up to greet their master. Ralph, the head butler, introduced two new footmen. Mrs. Bromley, his housekeeper, had hired one new chamber maid. He always made it a point to greet each member of his staff and had learned their names, spouses’ names, and children—although that changed somewhat dramatically visit to visit. His servants were quite prolific in their ability to reproduce. After they made it into the entrance hall, Cam turned to Markham. “I would like a hot bath, clean clothes, and dinner. In that order.” Markham nodded and followed Cam into the house, giving orders to the footmen for a hot bath to be brought to the master’s bedchamber directly. Cam took the stairs to the first floor two at a time. This comfortable home was the place he had been raised with his younger sisters, Constance and Maryann. Cam had been a mere twenty years when his father died ten years before, leaving Cam head of the family and guardian for the young girls, who were then twelve and fourteen. After sufficient grieving time, he’d enrolled them in a fashionable boarding school in London, which allowed him to see to his Parliamentary duties and stay close to them. At the end of their first Seasons, both girls had become betrothed and were now enjoying marital bliss, bringing children into the world at an alarming rate. His bedchamber welcomed him, as though it had held its breath for his return. The chunky dark furniture had been his father’s, but the wall coverings, bedcovers, and draperies had been his own choosing. The deep-brown and blue print coordinated well with the dark wainscoting and blue-striped paper on the walls. He’d kept the furniture to preserve the memory of his father, the man who’d made Cam’s childhood one miserable event after another. Beatings, starvation, and other cruel means of discipline had comprised Cam’s daily life. He wanted this reminder so he would never have children of his own and end up like his father. His only escape from the brutality had been when he was sent to school, where he’d met Hawk, Templeton, and Bedford. They had become his family. Cutting into his musing, footmen appeared with a large tub and buckets of steaming water, a reminder of his plan to have a bathing room installed in the house. It had been on his list of improvements for at least two years. All his time spent in London had forced him to put those projects on hold. As he climbed into the tub and washed the road dust off, he considered not spending as much time in London. He missed it here, and there were many projects with the house he’d like to begin. He looked around the room as he washed, dried off, and dressed. As always, he insisted on tying his own cravat, as every gentleman should do. A quick brush of his hair and he descended the stairs, cheerful to be out of the coach and ready for one of his best brandies before a delectable dinner. He opened the door to the library, walked about two steps, and then came to a complete stop. A young woman he’d never seen before stood in the center of the room, staring at the doorway, her chin in the air. Her flashing crystal-blue eyes regarded him with a combination of fear and anger, and golden-red curls falling from her poorly constructed hairstyle landed on soft white shoulders. The young lady’s face was perfection. High arched brows, creamy skin, a tiny nose, and full lips. Lips that looked ready for kissing. On second glance, the way they were pursed, maybe not kissing. “Who are you?” “I am your ward.” She placed her fisted hands on her hips. “And not happy about it.” … Bridget glowered at Lord Campbell as all the blood seemed to drain from his face. Good, she’d shocked him. Precisely how she’d felt when she learned her fate. “My what?” The man barely got the word out. Not that she cared if he was upset. She wanted her freedom—and money—and he could go to the devil. “Please don’t tell me you are the package I was sent to retrieve.” He glared at her. She glared back. Fine. If he was as unhappy about this arrangement as she was, then he would most likely be willing to find a solution. One that would give her leave to do as she wished. She regarded him coolly. “I believe so. Your man told me you would most likely not come if you knew you had a ward waiting for you.” “Smart man. And in a vast amount of trouble.” Lord Campbell strode to the sideboard and poured a brandy. “Would you care for a drink? Or perhaps send for tea?” At least he had manners. “Tea is for invalids and old ladies. I would like a drink, but none of that sherry. Whisky. Scotch whisky.” Although his eyebrows rose almost to his hairline, he poured the brown liquid from the bottle he held into a crystal tumbler. He re-capped the bottle—French brandy, she noted—and picked up another bottle then splashed two fingers’ worth into a second glass. He strolled across the room and handed one to her. Motioning to the settee in front of the fireplace, he said, “Sit.” Her jaw dropped. This man is insufferable. “Is that an order, Lord Campbell?” He sighed and dipped his head. No doubt he considered a minor nod a replacement for an apology. “Please have a seat.” He swept his hand in the direction of the settee. Bridget settled herself and took a sip of the whisky. For all her bravado, she was shaking inside now that she finally faced her guardian. Guardian! She was ever so annoyed and angry at this turn of events. Her dear papa had died only two weeks before. At the reading of his will, she’d been astounded to find that he had left her care in the hands of The Marquess of Campbell. For three days she’d cried, railed, and, yes, cursed her beloved father. The problem was, as his solicitor, Mr. Manning had explained with a flushed face, Papa had not changed his will in years, and the Lord Campbell he’d meant to be her guardian was this Lord Campbell’s father. Papa had not identified her guardian in any other way, therefore, by law, this young, handsome, and—from what she understood—rakish man was her guardian. “I will begin by telling you I am more than happy to break this ridiculous arrangement and allow you to return to London and do whatever it is you do that makes the gossip columnists so very happy.” She waved a dismissive hand at him. He narrowed his eyes. “Perhaps, before you showed your poor manners by attacking me the minute I walked into my own library, you might introduce yourself properly and explain exactly what this guardianship means.” Oh, he is repugnant. Then as his words rolled over her, she cowered with shame. She had been quite rude, and this man was as much a victim of her father’s will as she was. But if she were to gain some control, she had to stay strong. She took a deep breath and offered him a smile. “I apologize. I did not mean to attack you. I merely wanted to advise you that I do not want, nor do I need, a guardian. My name is Lady Bridget MacDuff, I am one and twenty, and I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself.” “Apparently, your father did not think so.” He took a sip of his drink, and she tried very hard not to notice how his lips covered the rim of the glass, making her wonder what they would feel like pressed up against her own lips. She mentally chastised herself. The man was her enemy, and she best ignore any silly attraction she felt toward him. Her so-called guardian was a tall man and quite broad-shouldered. His curly ginger hair skimmed the top of his cravat in the back. The locks also covered his forehead, right above the greenest eyes Bridget had ever seen, surrounded by shining bronze gold–tipped eyelashes. She imagined the gossip columnists were correct and he gave many a young lady heart palpitations and something to dream about at night. Certainly not her, though. He was her worst nightmare. “My father was getting on in years and refused to acknowledge that I was quite grown up.” “Nevertheless, he chose to name a guardian for you. I do not know you, nor your father, so perhaps you can enlighten me on how this all came about?” Unable to sit for long periods of time, especially when she was unsettled, she placed the now empty whisky glass on the table in front of them and stood. Lord Campbell rose as well. Yes, very good manners. But then again, anyone who spent so much time seducing the ladies must possess the very best of polished manners. And charm. “Papa and your father were schoolmates, who apparently kept up a correspondence over the years. Although the former Lord Campbell visited our estate a few times, I don’t remember him, as I was quite young the last time he did.” “But my father has been dead for ten years. Your father must have known that. Why was a new guardian not named?” Bridget shrugged. “I asked Mr. Manning, Papa’s solicitor, the same question, and he told me he had urged Papa to change his will, but he always had an excuse.” Lord Campbell wandered over to the heavy wooden desk in the center of the room and rested his hip against the edge, swinging his booted foot. No. She did not notice how his breeches tightened over his muscled thighs. “Where can I find this Mr. Manning?” “He lives in the village near Papa’s estate.” “Where is that?” “Scotland. Right across the border in Dumfriesshire.” “Scotland? I do not detect a Scottish accent.” “I spent a few years in London, where I attended a boarding school that beat the accent out of me. Papa wanted me to enter into London Society to find a husband.” “And did you attend a Season? I don’t remember you.” She grinned. “No. I’ve been able to skip that torment for the past three years. I did not like London. ’Tis a dirty, smelly place, and I missed Scotland far too much.” “What happened to your father’s estate?” She raised her chin and scowled at the memory of the heir’s response to her summons. “A very rude second cousin from the Highlands inherited Father’s lands. He didn’t even come for a visit, just sent word that he was much too busy and would attend to the estate in a few months.” Lord Campbell studied his empty glass. “I will contact Mr. Manning, but I’d like you to tell me the terms of this guardianship. If you are already one and twenty, I don’t understand the need for it.” Praise the saints! Maybe the man would be gracious enough to cancel the entire thing. She nodded furiously. “I agree. Papa’s will states that I am to have a guardian until I am three and twenty. At that time, if I have not married, I will inherit his fortune.” And she had plans for that money, plans that could not wait another eighteen months. Lord Campbell’s eyes lit up. “Married?” Her heart sunk to her knees. Blast it. Was that joy she saw in his eyes? Surely, he would not attempt to marry her off? She sucked in a breath. Or, worse yet, force her to marry him? A rake? Someone after her inheritance, perhaps? She blurted out, “I will not marry you.” Once again, his brows rose to his hairline. “I am happy to hear that, Lady Bridget, considering I have no intention of marrying you. Or anybody, for that matter.” Tour Wide GiveawayTo celebrate the release of HIS REBELLIOUS LASS by Callie Hutton, we're giving away a $25 Amazon gift card to one lucky winner! GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS: Open to internationally. One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card. This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Entangled Publishing. Giveaway ends 7/12/2019 @ 11:59pm EST. CLICK HERE TO ENTER!
About Callie HuttonCALLIE HUTTON, USA Today bestselling author writes both Western Historical and Regency romance with “historic elements and sensory details” (The Romance Reviews). Callie lives in Oklahoma with several rescue dogs, two adult children, a daughter-in-law, twin grandsons and her top cheerleader husband (although thankfully not all in the same home!). Living in the Midwest provides plenty of opportunities for Callie do pursue her interests: researching history, meeting readers, spending time with her adorable two year old twin grandsons, and discovering new adventures. Callie loves to hear from readers and welcomes the opportunity to become friends, both in person or virtually. Newsletter | Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | BookBub | Amazon
Her Other Secret by HelenKay Dimon
Series n/a; standalone Genre Adult Contemporary Romance Publisher Avon Books Publication Date June 25, 2019
Is it the perfect escape?
Whitaker Island is more than a getaway. For Tessa Jenkins, the remote strip of land in Washington state is a sanctuary. Fleeing from a shattering scandal, she has a new name, a chance at a new beginning, and a breathtaking new view: Hansen Rye. It’s hard not to crush on Whitaker’s hottest handyman. At six-foot-three and all kinds of fine, he’s also intensely private—and the attraction between them soon simmers dangerously out of control. …or a private trap for two lovers? After a devastating family tragedy, Hansen finds the pebbled shores of the faraway island to be an ideal refuge. Letting down his guard for the sexy, impulsive Tessa is an unexpected pleasure. But there’s another newcomer to Whitaker. He’s no stranger to Hansen. And when he’s murdered, the crime casts a threatening shadow. As suspicion falls on Hansen, all his secrets are about to collide with Tessa’s. Now the pasts they were determined to outrun are catching up to them. So is a killer who’s putting their love—and their lives—on the line.
Just as Hansen was about to ask for more details, Tessa started talking. “The unknown guy was in a suit as if he jumped off a boat in full work attire, including a tie, then washed up on the beach and kept walking. He had to see us, or at least hear us, so why walk away? Why hide from Hansen in the woods?”
Ben made a humming sound. “I agree. It’s strange.” That was about as ruffled as Ben got but Tessa didn’t seem to appreciate it. “Gee, you think?” Rather than let them wrestle this out, Hansen stepped in. The sooner Tessa told the rest of her tale, the sooner he could get Ben alone and ask what the hell happened to set Tessa off. She was nice to everyone . . . except Ben right now. “Tessa also said the boat has been out there, no lights and no movement for more than twelve hours,” Hansen explained. Tessa switched her gaze from the glare she had locked on Ben since they walked in, back to Hansen. “So, you were listening to me.” He ignored that because the truth was he spent far too much time paying attention to her. She was impulsive and sexy, adorably cute and could talk on any subject forever. So, naturally, he wanted her. He couldn’t think straight some days because he wanted her so badly. But he wasn’t on the island to date . . . no matter how tempting she was.
A sassy, smart, sexy, and suspenseful story, as much filled with danger and twists as it is with sarcastic humor and adorable ardent romance.
Her Other Secret is just perfectly entertaining, fun, and engaging. It kept me on my toes throughout the tale, the cast of characters just a hoot, with their secrets, information they want to hide and are willing to go to the distance to keep the information hidden on an island that spreads gossip faster than light. Tessa Jenkins is a heroine easy to like and admire and Hansen Rye is the perfect mate to her, a partner, companion, and lover. The spark between them is like a fourth of July fireworks, they just get each other in a lever few does. I loved the way they were equal, both protective, both willing to go to battle for the other and do anything to keep the other safe. Their pillow talk was endearing, and them together just adorable and lovely. The suspense is breathtaking. The murder mysteries and how everything is tight to everything else, and how the past secrets and the protagonist's history all play into the crimes committed on the small island, kept the guessing game going on until the very last part of the story where everything unrattled and comes to life and death matter in a whole new way. I love the cheeky dialog, the clever, and the utterly sarcastic, biting way the author uses words to paint the picture, the mood, and the characteristics of the protagonists. This story pulled me in from the very start and kept me lured into the twists of the tale until wee hours of the morning and the end was at the hand. Unputdownable, addictive storytelling that charm and allure, leaving the reader enamored and anticipating for more. Loved it. Absolutely loved it! ~ Five Spoons Tour Wide GiveawayTo celebrate the release of HER OTHER SECRET by HelenKay Dimon, we're giving away a paperback set of Her Other Secret and The Protector by HelenKay Dimon to one lucky winner! GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS: Open to US shipping addresses only. One winner will receive a paperback set of Her Other Secret and The Protector by HelenKay Dimon. This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Avon Books. Giveaway ends 7/15/2019 @ 11:59pm EST. CLICK HERE TO ENTER!
About HelenKay DimonAward-winning author HELEKAY DIMON spent twelve years in the most unromantic career ever - divorce lawyer. After dedicating all of that effort to helping people terminate relationships, she is thrilled to deal in happy endings and write romance novels for a living. Her books have been featured in Cosmopolitan Magazine and E! Online. HelenKay loves hearing from readers, so stop by her website at www.helenkaydimon.com and say hello. Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon
|