Because history is fun and love is worth working for

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Off the Market?

Is the wealthiest Lord of the Realm off the market?

Readers, we know you all watch this space for news of Lord C. Mayhap because he shuns so many of Society’s formal gatherings. Mayhap because his leonine good looks and heavy purse strings make him inordinately eligible.  Or mayhap due to his rakish reputation, habit of dabbling in the demi-monde and secret summer house parties.

As we’ve reported the past several years, Lord C hosts a secret week-long gathering after the Season’s end at his country estate. Sadly, we’ve once again come up short on details of the events of that week or even the guest list. Why so secretive, Lord C? What goes on out there in the country? Are the rumors of an orgy true? Did his friend Lord M and his mistress-wife attend?

Since then, Lord C has been seen frequenting the apothecary of a certain willowy widow, Lady E. They were also spotted in Bath, along with his friend Mr. O and Lady E’s untitled cousin, perusing apothecaries. But lo, before you ask if Lord C was courting the lovely lady, we have further news. They recently attended a soiree with fellow investors—separately. Given that Lord C could buy her an apothecary with a flick of his wrist, we think the magnificent male is still available. But be warned, ladies, ’tis well known that lords are welcome at his bedroom door as well.

ALTHEA’S AWAKENING, SCHOOL OF ENLIGHTENMENT BOOK 3

A widow with no knowledge of carnal desire, a rake bored with even the most hedonistic pleasures, and a game of truth or dare…

Lady Althea Egerton’s late husband secured her independence when he left her his apothecary. After two years of growth, she is ready to expand the business…if she only had capital. Finding a wealthy husband would solve that problem, but Althea refuses to subjugate herself to another man. She prefers an investor. Unfortunately, the only one she knows is the golden god of hedonism, and his help comes with a price.

Evan Gardner, Earl of Cheltenham, is bored. At twenty-eight, he has no equal in business, politics, or seduction. None of them hold his interest. Even his annual week-long orgy disguised as a house party leaves him cold. Yet the prudish widow, who wants only his money, intrigues him. As neither of them wants the trappings of marriage, a dalliance with the elegant widow might be just the challenge he’s been searching for.

Though Althea cannot resist the lure of ecstasy he offers as condition for his assistance, a continued liaison could risk her reputation and her store’s profits. To win this negotiation, Evan will have to ensure she can have both independence and pleasure.

Universal buy link:  books2read.com/althea

Note – Book 2, featuring Lord M and his mistress-wife, is also available on all major online retailers.

Author bio:  Maggie Sims began her love affair with romance before her teen years, drawn to the Regency by her mum’s British influence. In her twenties, she did her best to live the Carrie Bradshaw life in New York City, albeit with less expensive shoes and more books.

Despite reading hundreds of romance novels in her life, she was still blown away when she met the love of her life, an ex-Marine cinnamon roll with creative woodworking and culinary skills.

Having retired from corporate life, they live in Central Texas and are parents to a varying number of dogs and cats.  When not writing, Maggie is a wine enthusiast, a travel junkie, and a romance reading fiend.  She also sporadically crochets for KnotsofLove.org and does just enough exercise for that second glass of wine at night.

To find out more about Maggie’s latest reads, favorite wines, and travel destinations – and to get the free prequel novella featuring Lord S and Lady R – sign up for her newsletter at https://tinyurl.com/5enevd7w and follow her on social media.

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A Mysterious Disappearance

May 10th, 1818

My Dearest Emily,

I cannot begin to tell you of the accusations and ferment roiling among the district families.  I’m at my wit’s end, I truly am.  My truest friend in the world, Victoria Covington, has gone missing.  No warning nor suspicions were raised beforehand.  I visited her on the morning of May 4th, though her uncle’s many house guests were everywhere.  As mistress of Belton Park, she felt the demands keenly.  Then, shortly after I bid her goodbye, she simply vanished.  Disappeared.  Gone.

No one saw her leave or spoke to her after I left.  I cannot understand it.  If she had a beau or planned to elope, she would have told me.  Regardless, that is not possible as all her clothes were undisturbed.

Tory would never have left her beloved Park willingly, she loved it so.  She must have been abducted, but who would do such a thing?  All the guests were accounted for and because of the large number of guests out enjoying the spring weather, no one could have entered the house and left with her without being seen.  And stranger still are the items which went missing with her.

I ask you to write to me of any strange doings you might hear of in Petworth and around the district.  Any information may be of help.  I have enclosed the newspaper notice with the details.  I must go.  I hear a search party returning to Belton Park, where I am at the moment attempting to help.

Your loving cousin,

Kitty.

                                        MISSING

Lord Reginald Covington has reported his niece missing to the District Magistrate at Horsham, Sussex.  Miss Victoria Covington has not been seen since Monday last.  Baron Covington and she were hosting a large house party at his estate, Belton Park, Sussex, near Petworth, with many notables attending.  Miss Covington had been well received in London during her first Season last spring. Lord Covington is said to be distraught over her disappearance.

The unusual circumstances surrounding the disappearance are numerous. Miss Covington went missing among a house full of guests, many enjoying the surrounding grounds at the time, but no one witnessed her departure.  Guests reported seeing her enter the family music room with a new volume of poetry, which cannot be located. A family friend places her there before noon time.  Also missing was a family heirloom, a Queen Anne love seat.  However, her personal effects were not disturbed.  She is 5 feet, 3 inches tall, with blonde hair.  When last seen she was wearing a blue morning dress. The Baron is offering a reward of £200 for any information concerning her whereabouts.  Contact Sir Terrance Aperton, District Magistrate, Coarse Lane, Horsham with the particulars.

Except from Touching Time:

Her smile turned to a frown. She used to enjoy the company of men, not avoid it, but since her coming out, the only interest they displayed was for her sizable dowry. Apparently, her oft-heralded beauty only made her more bankable.

“Oh, Kitty, my uncle, as kind as he is, also views me as income. The interest from my dowry is what keeps the Covington finances from a reckoning with the wolves. As he can’t touch my dowry or live without the interest, I have to receive a marriage offer from someone wealthy—very wealthy—if I am to obtain his blessing.” She gave a shrug at Kitty’s shocked expression. “Of course, he will negotiate the marriage settlement to make himself the trustee of any jointure I obtained.”

“I had no idea. It is beyond awful! What can you do?”

“I don’t know.” Neither her uncle nor her many admirers were interested in her, Miss Victoria Ann Covington. “Do you think there exists a man who could appreciate me for myself?”

Kitty sagely nodded at the question, but after a moment’s reflection said, “It is a shame, but I am quite certain men are hardly ever interested in women that way.”

Love exploring history, writing and Romance?

Visit B.W. Haggart’s website:  www.bwhaggart.com

Victoria Covington is mysteriously propelled two hundred years into the future. She must not only learn to live in the 21st century, but also keep her beloved Belton Park from being sold to a handsome, but ungentlemanly American, who simply wants the estate to further his own business plans.

Start reading Touching Time!

https://www.amazon.com/Touching-Time-Romancing-Book-ebook/dp/B09HVF2C1B/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2YYNQODABGSTT  

Shackled and dressed in a neon orange jumpsuit, art thief Cassie Sinatore awaits extradition at Heathrow Airport.  An accident with a nearby experimental radar plane throws Cassie back in time, dumping her in a wooded countryside.  The rider who discovers her is charismatic, more compelling than any man she has ever met.  She chalks up the man’s Regency outfit and odd behavior to the eccentricity of the rich. Or maybe he is just a nutbar, but the man is offering a ride.

Start reading Stealing Time

https://www.amazon.com/Stealing-Time-B-W-Haggart-ebook/dp/B08BWZCL2H/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=stealing+time&qid=1632502969&s=books&sr=1-3

Both are available in kindleunlimited!

An interview with a veteran of Trafalgar and his lady!

Previously Recorded Interview:

Ah, there you are and just in time. Thank you for joining us on WRAC. I knew you wouldn’t want to miss this. We’ve pulled a real coup. Let me give you a little background before they begin. I’m your host and moderator, Justin Case. We’re about to interview the hero, Lord Fraser Castleton, and heroine, Lady Marianna Ravencroft, of Ruth A. Casie’s book, The Lady and the Barrister. I see everyone is ready. I’ll fill you in on their story when the interview is over.

[footsteps walking across the floor]

Justin Case: (Facing the audience) Welcome and good afternoon. Today’s guests are Lord Fraser Castleton, the new Duke of Willbury a barrister and veteran of the War of Trafalgar. Also with us is his intended, Lady Marianna Ravencroft. She gives her time to the Sommer-by-the-Sea Foundation, raising funds for the disadvantaged. She does that in a very unique manner. She is the eminent event planner who asks her patrons to donate her fee to the Foundation. She has an impressive list of clients, there is a rumor that even the queen may be commissioning her services.

As you know our time is limited so I won’t go into their backgrounds. You can find all that in the story.

One minute, I’m getting a message from the control room. Yes. Our guest have just arrived. They are just coming in the studio door. I have a good view of Lord Castleton. He is a handsome man with dark wavy hair, a bit unruly, he keeps combing his fingers through it. He has a well-trimmed beard and blue green eyes. Ah, I can see why ladies swoon. I wish you could see for yourself. Lady Anna, as she prefers to be called, described him as having “a devastating smile that curled her toes.” 

Wait, Lady Anna is turning around. Oh, my, her bronze curls frame her face. She has a slender frame and slim hips. Her penetrating brown eyes can take your breath away. I can see from her smile that she is a bit mischievous and full of good humor. They make a lovely couple. Here they come.

(Justin stood as the guests entered) Please, have a seat. I want to thank you both for taking time to talk to us today. 

Lord Fraser: We are happy to visit with you.

Justin: I want to be respectful of your time so let’s go right into our questions. Sometimes an author’s vision of the story doesn’t always match with that of the characters. Do you have any complaints on how Ms. Casie depicted you or the story events.

Lord Fraser: (Glanced at his wife then back at Justin) No. Not at all. Our story is a Regency friends to lovers story. As a bachelor duke there wasn’t anywhere, I could go that some mother, grandmother or aunt was telling me how they had just the woman I had to meet. Surely, I would marry her.

Lady Anna: I had a similar situation. With my family’s situation, money and title, men were coming out of the woodwork telling me they were just what I needed. They were more than happy to take over the management of my money and estate. They event thought I would give up my business, after all, women in my situation didn’t work. Can you imagine. Even though I helped the families in our village.

Justin: That brings up an interesting question. When you marry, who will take care of the household accounts?

Lord Fraser and Lady Anna answered simultaneously: We both will, together.

Justin: (chuckling) I am sure that is a first in Regency England. Lady Anna, I understand the story centers around a pact you make with Lord Fraser.

Lady Anna: It’s a simple one. We decided to pretend he was courting me to keep others from bombarding us with matches. We decided we would find the perfect match for each other. (Anna glances at Fraser) We never realized we already had met our perfect match.

Justin: Very clever. I don’t want to give away the story, but Lady Anna your distant cousin had other plans for you. 

Lord Fraser: (holding Anna’s hand) You don’t have to speak about that.

Lady Anna: (looking at him lovingly then at Justin) My cousin Richard wanted money and power. Like others who had approached me, he thought marrying me was his answer. But he was a devious man who caused pain not only to my family, but to his Grace’s family as well. But you came to my rescue.

Lord Fraser: Kaiah played a big part in that.

Justin: Ah, yes, Kaiah, an extraordinary shepherd. (listening to his earpiece) I want to thank Lord Fraser and Lady Anna for joining us today. You can find out more about Kaiah, Lord Fraser, and Lady Anna The Lady and the Barrister by Ruth A. Casie.

I’d like to acknowledge our station, WRAC and staff for their commitment and fortitude to see this project to fruition. Many technologies had to be developed to make this happen and credit must be given where credit is deserved.

General Manager — Norma Leigh Lucid

Studio Manager — Helen Back

Maintenance Supervisors — Earl E. Bird and Ella Vada

Musical Supervisor — Kerry Oki

Electrical Engineers — Flint Sparks and Les Volt

Sound Crew — Mike Rafone and Constance Hum

Traffic Manager — Joy Rider

Legal Advisor — Sara Bellum

Researchers — Paige Turner and Rita Booke

Commissary Director — Jasmine Rice

Security Directors — Barry Cade and Anna Conda

Funded by donors Hy Price and his wonderful wife Lois Price

The Lady and the Barrister – Book 1

The Return of the Ladies of Sommer-by-the-Sea

 After two failed London Seasons the fussy heiress doesn’t have a suitor. Her close friend, a newly minted duke cannot keep the mothers with single daughters away. They make a pact to pretend to court while they find each other the perfect mate. When will they realize, they don’t have to look very far.

Releases April 11 – Amazon KU https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BSG2GMH9 

Excerpt

“There was a time… I’m almost embarrassed to tell you.”

He leaned down and spoke so only she could hear. “You must know your secrets are safe with me. Now that you’ve piqued my interest, you must tell me.”

“That at one time I thought about wearing a token of some sort and letting people think someone had offered for me just to stop their infernal questions and interference.”

They entered the dining room.

“I don’t think that’s so terrible.” They browsed the table looking for their place card. “Look at Violet Scofield. She has it in her mind that we are interested in each other and is looking elsewhere for a match for Sonia’s niece. There can’t be any rumors of being after each other’s fortunes. We’ve known each other almost all our lives, and we get along well.”

She stopped and stared at him. He tugged her along.

“You’re serious, aren’t you?” The thought was intriguing. “No, it’s impossible.”

“Here we are. Conveniently next to each other.” Willbury pulled out her chair. “I don’t think it’s impossible. A bit reckless, but nothing more. What obstacles could there be?”

He bent close as he moved her chair.

“We will be courting, not engaged. That will leave both of us able to discontinue the arrangement without consequences. Isn’t that the purpose of courting? To see if we suit?”

She was more astonished that he was serious about this arrangement and not his usual teasing self.

He took his seat. “This will only work if everyone believes us.” He leaned over to Mrs. Bainbridge next to him and said something she didn’t hear.

Anna remained quiet. His idea was preposterous. It would require spending a great deal of time together. She gave him a sideways glance. Yes, she’d been thinking about him since yesterday, but this? And yes, they’d spent a lot of time together when they were younger, and she did miss her close friend.

He came away from Mrs. Bainbridge, chuckled, and returned his attention to her.

“I could always tell when you were conjuring up something. You are giving my proposition thought, aren’t you?”

Anna dipped her head with all intentions of putting an end to his teasing. She schooled her face, presenting a stern haughty glare. She raised her chin and gazed into his eyes. The corner of his mouth twitched into his cheek, creating a mischievous mien.

His gentle laughter rippled through the air. His roguish eyes and lips released something inside her. She recognized his silent challenge. He thought he would accomplish what she could not.

 About the Author

Ruth A Casie is a USA Today bestselling author. She writes historical adventures from the shores of medieval Scotland to the cobblestone streets of Regency London. Within the pages you’ll discover ‘edge-of-your-seat’ suspense, mind boggling drama, and heart melting emotions featuring strong women and the men who deserve them. Grab your favorite cup of tea, or an ale if you prefer, and join her heroes and heroines as they race across the pages to find their happily ever after.  Ruth hopes her stories are your next favorite adventures!

Ruth’s Newsletter Signup: http://bit.ly/RuthsNewsletterSignUp

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/RuthACasie/

Amazon: https://amazon.com/author/ruthacasie   

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ruthacasie/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ruthacasie 

 

A Sight to See! Mr. Ridley in Rome!

April 20, 1818

Mrs. Claudian’s boarding house

Rome

“There goes Mr. Ridley. Alone again,” Mrs. Claudian groused as she watched the bustling activity on the street in front of her boarding house.

“Who is he?” Miss Kingston followed the older woman’s gaze. The man in question was possessed of a barrel chest, broad shoulders, a head of dark hair, and as he paused to speak with another man in the street, she stole a peek at his taut backside that was more or less on display in the rather tight tan breeches. “I don’t believe I’m familiar with him.”

The land lady snorted. “Of course you are not. You only just arrived two days ago, and he hasn’t left his rooms. Only does when he is out of brandy. Nasty stuff.” She handed Miss Kingston a cup of tea. “I will be flooded with English transplants soon.”

“There is nothing wrong with wishing to take a holiday of sorts in Rome,” Miss Kingston said, but her gaze didn’t leave Mr. Ridley’s most pleasing form. “Why do you have an interest in him?”

“Why not?” Mrs. Claudian gestured at him with a flourish that only the Italians could master. “He is exquisite, yes? And I am not blind.” Her clucking sounded much like a hen. “He has been here for a few years. Retired from what he calls Bow Street.” She shrugged, and it was eloquent. “And he is unattached.”

“Oh?” Now that was interesting. “Oh!” Miss Kingston turned to the older lady in some excitement. “You wish to play matchmaker to him.” It wasn’t a question. “Is there someone in mind?” She stopped short of preening, for though Mr. Ridley wasn’t a handsome sort, he wasn’t ugly.

“Stop that, young woman.” The Italian woman shook her head. The strands of gray in her black hair sparkled in the Roman sunshine. “You are not his equal.” Her dark gaze seemed to go right through her. “Too mousy. No backbone. No tragic tale. He’ll never notice you.” She shook her head. “Besides, your fiancée will come to retrieve you soon enough. He has chased you all over the Continent already.”

Miss Kingston huffed in annoyance, for she’d assumed she was much more mysterious than that. She had only told the land lady a few things regarding how she’d ended up here. “What makes you think I’ll take him back?”

“You have no vision. He has coin. You will take him back, marry him, and return to England flush with bridal excitement, ready to take up the reins of your unremarkable life.” Mrs. Claudian took a sip of her tea while she watched the strapping Mr. Ridley. “He is a detective.”

“Is that important?” Truly, Miss Kingston didn’t understand. And her cheeks still burned with indignation from the slight.

“I think so. He finds lost things. It is a good skill to have.”

“Yet he is unattached.”

“Yes, and without an income.”

Perhaps he wasn’t as interesting as she thought. Certainly not a catch by English standards. “Then why do you show an interest in such an unremarkable man?”

“He has a cat,” Mrs. Claudian said, as if that made all the difference.

“I do not care for cats.” When Miss Kingston merely stared, the land lady sighed. 

“That says more about you than anything else.” Mrs. Claudian harrumphed. “The gods are not done with Mr. Ridley.”

“How can you know that?” Truly, the denizens of Rome were not quite right in their upper stories, for they were forever spouting stories of gods and goddess, of fate and folly, instead of seeing people around them for what they were. Much different than jolly old England. This country was entirely too romantic. Perhaps she would take her errant fiancée back after all.

“Men like Mr. Ridley have a destiny to fulfil.” The older woman continued to sip her tea. When the man in question glanced in their direction, she waved with her free hand. With a scowl, he waved back before continuing on his way. “He will be needed, and soon, for a case that will have everyone in Rome talking.”

“You don’t know that.” Miss Kingston frowned. Perhaps she should go take in the sights before she went back to England.

“I do not, but how can it not be true? He has secrets, that one, and his heart was broken in the past. He only needs one special woman to cross his path to help him heal, to give him back a purpose.” She nodded and drained the contents of her teacup. “It will be soon. I can feel it.”

“I would rather have facts and assurances.” Miss Kingston finished her tea. “And a future without struggle.” Compared to the departing Mr. Ridley, her fiancée didn’t look half bad.

“And that is why your union will be without heat or passion.” A slow smile curved Mrs. Claudian’s lips. “His whole world will be shaken at its foundations before long, and the poor man will fall hard.” She snorted with laughter. “I look forward to his suffering. He deserves a woman who will challenge in him every way.”

Miss Kingston frowned. It was unseemly how meddling Mrs. Claudian was. “Thank you for the tea. I’ll just grab my maid, for I wish to perhaps take in the Forum before night fall.”

“I shall make your fiancée feel welcome if he arrives while you are out.” She winked. “It is something else I know.” She waved her off with a shooing motion. “Go. You scare away potential matchmaking clients with your rigid posture and frowns.”

With a huff, Miss Kingston went back into the unassuming boarding house. Why did she ever think running to Rome was a good idea? There was nothing but sunshine and fanciful attitudes here, much different from England.

 

Blurb for My Dear Mr. Ridley:

Sometimes, the road to romance is littered with intrigue, harrowing danger, and wild shock.

The year is 1818 and Theodosia Netherton—Lady Ballantyne—is wintering in the sunny climes of Italy in an effort to protect her health as well as to visit her brother. Widowed for three years, she has no interest in a new romance, but when a horrific emergency leads her to the doorstep of a handsome, former Bow Street Runner with wide shoulders and a mysterious scar, she might just change her mind.

Mr. Hudson Ridley is in Rome for the warmth and relative obscurity. Retired at the age of eight and thirty, the last thing he wants is to become embroiled in a kidnapping plot that involves an attractive widow and her missing son. Yet he was the best in the retrieval business in his prime, and she did have hauntingly unforgettable eyes as well as a smile that could make a man do wicked, stupid things.

In the quest to hunt the people who nabbed the boy and heir to a viscounty, Theodosia and Hudson dance about mutual desire until passion gets the better of them one star-lit evening amidst some of the country’s finest ruins. But tracking the criminals turns deadly when shots are fired at them. Time is running out to rescue the young heir, keep a valuable jewel safe, and somehow discover if love is the ultimate reward despite the risk. 

Can two fearful hearts feel less broken together? Find out in My Dear Mr. Ridley, the first book in the exciting new Diamonds of London series.

 

Author Sandra Sookoo

 

Buy links:

Amz: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2V529KB

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-dear-mr-ridley-sandra-sookoo/1141586015;jsessionid=3CA5546682E4E157B828E6198ABC41DB.prodny_store02-atgap05?ean=2940166288684

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/my-dear-mr-ridley

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/id6442912743

Social media links:

Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/sandra.sookoo

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/sandrasookooauthor/

Private reader group on FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1985711228318050/

Amazon page: amazon.com/author/sandrasookoo

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandrasookoo/

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Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sandra-sookoo

Website: http://www.sandrasookoo.com

Also, if you want to join my ARC review team on BookSprout, here’s the link: https://booksprout.co/reviewer/team/10540/sandra-sookoos-review-team

Bear in mind, these ARCS go fast, like in a few hours the day I post so make sure you’re signed up for notifications.

Lord P married! Wife accepts depraved lifestyle?

 

Readers, the Teatime Tattler has an update for you on the shocking news out of Peterborough in the north. If you recall, the Earl of Peterborough died suddenly this winter, with no heir (despite seven years of marriage, Lady C had not done her duty by him yet!), leaving his younger brother to assume the title. What does this mean for the once respectable earldom?  Not only does Mr. M, now Lord P, breed horses as a trade, he is rumored to be a member of a certain spanking club!

The new Lord P had appeared determined to avoid marriage and spent as much time at that nefarious club as he did at White’s. His best friend, Lord S, had also been a member until his marriage – a love match – to the beautiful and decorous Lady R two years ago. More recently, a lovely young lady joined his household as Lord S’s ward, who we hear is a cousin from the north. Shockingly, she was seen riding with Lord P several mornings. He has also provided escort to several balls, along with Lord S and Lady R.

We of course could not imagine a lady of any breeding accepting the hand of such a man. But news has it that just this week, the lovely ward of Lord S’s wed Lord P! Does she know of his predilections? Or will she force Lord P to abandon his membership in the naughty club on Charlotte Street?

SOPHIA’S SCHOOLING, SCHOOL OF ENLIGHTENMENT BOOK 1

 An innocent country girl…a jaded earl…an education in pleasure.

Orphaned at eighteen, Sophia has learned love means loss.  Now she must leave her country home to navigate the opulence of the London Season, although she has no desire for romance or a husband.

Edward, the newest Earl of Peterborough, is struggling with the business of his family estate. He has shunned marriage due to a shameful secret, but with his title comes the need for heirs.

Despite their misgivings, Sophia and Edward cannot resist their attraction.  When she accidentally discovers his penchant for spankings, her curiosity is her undoing.  A clandestine meeting risks a scandal. Only marriage to a reluctant bridegroom can save her reputation. But perhaps the School of Enlightenment can give her an education in love.

Universal buy link:  https://books2read.com/u/mY680V

Excerpt:

Edward gave a mental snort. “You continue to disobey orders.”

Sophia groaned in frustration, probably suspecting where his statement was leading. “I’m very sorry.” She sucked in a breath. “I shan’t do it again. As I came out alone, I thought it would be safe.” She sent him a sidelong glance. “Is this a punishable offense, my lord?”

Perfect. She knew she was wrong. She saw what was coming. Her side-eyed glance told him she mayhap even invited it. Who was he to refuse a girl a spanking?

He took a deep breath, wishing… No. She’s not mine to covet. But she is mine to punish tonight.

His eyes shuttered as he considered. Was he taking advantage of her naiveté about Ton rules? He knew she’d enjoyed the last punishment and could not deny either of their desires. He almost heard the turn of the key as his conscience was again locked away.

He pushed, “We have been over this, Sophia. Punishment is an important learning tool. Hopefully, it shall be an incentive for you to obey specific directions in the future.”

Frustrated, she crossed her gloved arms. “Darn it. My feet hurt so much. I did not anticipate my bottom becoming sore, too. I shan’t be able to sit or stand comfortably.”

That wasn’t a no.

Author bio:

 

Maggie Sims began her love affair with romance before her teen years, drawn to the Regency by her mum’s British influence. In her twenties, she did her best to live the Carrie Bradshaw life in New York City, albeit with less expensive shoes and more books.

Despite reading hundreds of romance novels in her life, she was still blown away when she met the love of her life, an ex-Marine cinnamon roll with creative woodworking and culinary skills.

Having retired from corporate life, they live in Central Texas and are parents to a varying number of dogs and cats.  When not writing, Maggie is a wine enthusiast, a travel junkie, and a romance reading fiend.  She also sporadically crochets for KnotsofLove.org and does just enough exercise for that second glass of wine at night.

To find out more about Maggie’s latest reads, favorite wines, and travel destinations – and to get the free prequel novella featuring Lord S and Lady R – sign up for her newsletter at https://tinyurl.com/5enevd7w and follow her on social media.

https://maggiesims.com/

https://www.instagram.com/maggiesims.author/

https://www.tiktok.com/@maggiesimsauthor

https://www.facebook.com/maggie.sims.1401

https://twitter.com/MaggieSimsAuthr

 

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