Showing posts with label Sweet/Clean Romance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sweet/Clean Romance. Show all posts

5.13.2019

New Release Blog Tour: Escape to Indigo Bay



Love is always in the air when you visit Indigo Bay.
Get swept away by the magic of this beachside small town. Grab a sweet tea from Caroline's Cafe and take a stroll to the Chocolate Emporium for a quick treat. Then warm your toes in the sand and indulge in a happily ever after—or four!

From NYT bestselling author Jean Oram: Sweet Matchmaker
When Ginger says yes to a marriage of convenience to help keep Logan, the father of a special-needs child, in the country she figures it’ll also get her matchmaking grandmother off her back. But as inconvenient feelings develop for her new, handsome husband, she discovers he's also an undercover secret agent. When his mission ends, what will it mean for their marriage… and her heart?

From author Jeanette Lewis: Sweet Illusions
After escaping a cult, Eva Malone longs for the anonymity and peace of a small town. When she meets a local police officer, sparks fly. Eva keeps her past a secret, but Ben wants to know more about the mysterious woman capturing his heart. Will the secrets he uncovers lead to a happy ending or...heartbreak?

From USA Today bestselling author Stacy Claflin: Sweet Reunion
Maggie’s determined to stay single, but her meddling aunt wants her married. When, despite her intentions, Maggie falls for the notorious bad boy Canyon, Aunt Lucille doesn't think he's good enough for her, so she vows to keep them apart. Will Maggie continue to open her heart to love despite the many obstacles, or will the single life prove to be her best option?

From USA Today bestselling author Melissa McClone: Sweet Holiday Wishes
Saving his marriage is at the top of Mitch's Christmas list. Will a romantic holiday vacation be his and Lizzy's second chance at a happily ever after or will it lead to a final goodbye?

Carve out some me-time and savor these four feel-good beach reads. The town of Indigo Bay is the perfect place to indulge in your next reading escape. Don't miss out on this limited edition collection.
 About the Book

Escape to Indigo Bay 
Boxed Set


Featured Authors 
Melissa McClone
Jeanette Lewis
Stacy Claflin
Jean Oram


Genre
Adult 
Sweet/Clean Romance
Contemporary Romance


Publisher
Independent


Publication Date
May 1, 2019



Download Your FREE Copy Today!
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Tour Wide Giveaway

To celebrate the release of ESCAPE TO INDIGO BAY, the authors are giving away an Indigo Bay bundle package!
The prize is a beach-themed prize pack which includes:
  • A Thirty-One Gifts "Escape to Indigo Bay" small canvas toe
  • A Paperback Copy of Sweet Dreams by Stacy Claflin
  • A Paperback Copy of Sweet Reunion by Stacy Claflin
  • A Paperback Copy of The Passionate One by Jeannette Lewis
  • A Paperback Copy of An Unexpected Angel by Jeannette Lewis
  • A Paperback Copy of Jenny by Melissa McClone
  • A Paperback Copy of Sweet Forgiveness by Jean Oram
  • A Bag of Salt Water Taffy
  • A Mini jar full of seashells
GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS:  
Open to internationally. One winner will receive a prize bundle containing a Thirty-One Gifts "Escape to Indigo Bay" small canvas tote, a paperback copy of Sweet Dreams by Stacy Claflin, a paperback copy of Sweet Reunion by Stacy Claflin, a paperback copy of The Passionate One by Jeannette Lewis, a paperback copy of An Unexpected Angel by Jeannette Lewis, a paperback copy of Jenny by Melissa McClone, a paperback copy of Sweet Forgiveness by Jean Oram, a bag of salt water taffy, and a mini jar full of seashells. This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of the authors of the Escape to Indigo Bay boxed set.  Giveaway ends 5/19/2019 @ 11:59pm EST. 

Excerpt
Sweet Reunion by Stacy Claflin

Magnolia Kendrick jumped from the booth and darted between the tables, avoiding waiters and waitresses. She didn’t slow until she reached the bathroom. Closing the stall door behind her, she leaned against the wall and took in a deep breath of heavily-sweetened air.
That had been close. Too close.
Once her heart rate returned to normal, she exited the stall. An older lady shot her a glare. Probably because she hadn’t heard a flush.
Maggie flashed her a quick smile and went to the mirror to fix her makeup, though it didn’t need it. She only needed another minute or two to pull herself together before rejoining Aunt Lucille—the reason she’d fled to the bathroom.
Auntie had a good heart, bless her, but the woman couldn’t take a clue. Or a flat-out request.
Maggie would just have to try again. What other option was there? She lived with her great-aunt, who had tried to set her up with practically every eligible bachelor in Indigo Bay.
Now at Figaro’s, the restaurant owned by a distant cousin about half an hour from their town, Auntie was attempting another set-up.
Lord have mercy. It was almost enough for Maggie to head back home to Georgia—to the one place she could never show her face again.
Almost.
Maggie wanted nothing to do with a relationship of any kind. That was part of the reason she’d moved to Indigo Bay. A fresh start in a town where people didn’t know her problems.
She stood tall and practiced her smile. It was her best feature, unless she listened to the people who adored her too-thick and too-curly dark hair. Long as it was, it was a nightmare. But she hated the way she looked when it was shorter.
The bathroom door flung open. “Maggie!”
Maggie turned to find her cousin Savannah. It wasn’t unusual to find a relative at Figaro’s. “Hi, Savannah.”
“Auntie said you might be in here.”
Maggie put her makeup back in her purse. “Did she send you to find me?”
“She said you ran off like a chicken with its head cut off.” Savannah raised an eyebrow, clearly wanting to know more.
“Can’t a girl use the bathroom?” Maggie adjusted her skirt.
“Is everything okay, darlin’?”
It would be if Aunt Lucille would quit trying to set her up with every available bachelor within a twenty-mile radius of Indigo Bay.
Savannah stepped closer and put a hand on Maggie’s arm. “Everyone worries about you, you know.”
Maggie smiled as sugary sweet as she could. “I appreciate the concern, but I’m fine. Hey, Auntie wasn’t talking to anyone, was she?”
Savannah fanned herself. “You mean that new server, Emilio?”
Wonderful. Aunt Lucille was probably planning Maggie’s date with Emilio at that moment.
“You don’t like him?” Savannah frowned.
Maggie sighed. “I don’t even know him.”
“I wouldn’t mind getting to know him. Did you see those eyes? Blue as a clear lake.”
“Must’ve missed those. Take care, okay? Say hello to Auntie Charlotte for me.”
“I will.” Savannah gave a little wave. “Tell me if you go out with Emilio. I want to hear all about it.”
Maggie forced a smile. There would be no date. She’d managed to avoid all of Aunt Lucille’s attempts. She could do it again. Maybe the tickle in her throat would turn into something more if she was lucky.
As her cousin headed for a stall, Maggie made her way out into the hallway. She’d far prefer to stay in the bathroom until lunch was over, but Auntie would just send more ladies after her until Maggie returned.
Maggie was so busy thinking about what she would say that she bumped into someone.
She looked up. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t—”
Her gaze locked with a familiar but nearly-forgotten set of dark brown eyes that appeared as surprised to see her as she was to see them. Maggie’s heart skipped a beat, then her pulse drummed through her body. Her cheeks warmed, heat spreading across her face.
Canyon Leblanc.
He still had the same effect on her he’d had so many years earlier, despite the fact that she’d nearly forgotten about him. Not because she’d wanted to, but because life had taken them their separate ways and they’d lost touch.
He was just as gorgeous as ever, if not more so. Tan, neatly dressed. His dark hair was longer than it had been so many years before—and it suited him.
A waitress rushed by, bumping Maggie and nearly throwing her against her old friend. He still wore the same aftershave.
A wave of first-love emotions shoved their way to the surface. Feelings that had overwhelmed her younger self but she’d never allowed herself to act upon. Instead, she’d pined for him.
Then he’d exited from her life.
Now things had changed so much. Too much.
No doubt about it—he was definitely more attractive now. He’d grown out of his boyish good looks and had matured into a ruggedly handsome man. His deep brown eyes sent a shiver to her very core.
Maggie took a step back so she couldn’t smell him. So she could think straight.
She didn’t have the time to get distracted by a handsome face—especially not the one in front of her.
They’d been staring at each other for too long. Someone needed to say something.
Maggie cleared her throat. “Canyon?”
He stared at her, his expression practically unreadable. “Maggie.”
She struggled to find words, so she cleared her throat again just to give herself another moment to think of something to say. “I didn’t realize you were back in town. Just a pit stop?”
He shook his head. “Nope. I’m back for good. Here for a job interview, in fact.”
“You are? I’ll put in a good word. My cousin owns the restaurant.”
“Really?” Canyon arched a brow.
Something about that simple act took her breath away.
She needed to get away, and quick. Preferably before Auntie saw him and tried to set up a date.
Maggie forced a smile. “I’d love to catch up sometime. I’m staying at Aunt Lucille’s. Pop in and say hi when you get a chance. We can have some tea or walk the beach like we used to.”
Why had she just said that? The last thing she needed was him surprising her for a visit, especially at home. Auntie would want to set them up.
Awkward.
He ran his fingers through his hair. “Okay. It’d be real nice to catch up. I’d better get going. Interview in a few minutes.”
Maggie nodded. “Right. Good luck.”
Canyon headed down the hallway toward the offices.
She watched until he was out of sight then headed back to the booth where Aunt Lucille was nearly done with her meal. At least she was alone. Maggie had grown tired of thinking up excuses to avoid dates with the men her aunt constantly tried to set her up with.
“What took you so long, Maggie?” Aunt Lucille tugged on her perfectly-styled blonde hair and waited for a reply.
Maggie slid back to her spot. “I kept running into people. You didn’t have to send Savannah after me.”
Aunt Lucille dabbed her mouth with a napkin. “You’d been in there so long.”
She hadn’t, but rather than argue, Maggie took a big bite of her salmon.
“Emilio is free this Saturday afternoon.”
Maggie nearly choked on her fish. “Auntie, I appreciate your concern but—”
“But nothing. You aren’t getting any younger and you need to get your mind off the past. Isn’t that why you came to stay with me?”
“I’m twenty-four. There’s plenty of time to figure out what to do with my life.”
Aunt Lucille tilted her head and sighed. “Young people these days. You can marry rich and not have to worry about a career. In my day, ladies went to college to get their MRS degree.”
Maggie shoved a piece of broccoli into her mouth before she said something that would start an argument.
Auntie got a dreamy look on her face, then started talking about her late husband and their courting days. It may as well have been a hundred years ago, as far removed as it was from Maggie’s situation.
She fought back tears that threatened. Why couldn’t her aunt realize how painful all this was? Dating wasn’t going to solve Maggie’s problems. Getting engaged again certainly wouldn’t.
Maggie was done with men, period. She couldn’t take any more heartbreak. Once she figured out what she wanted to do with her life, she could focus on that. But that was the problem.
Nothing made her happy. She couldn’t escape the pain of her past no matter how hard she tried.

About the Authors

MELISSA MCCLONE

USA Today bestselling author, Melissa McClone has published over forty novels with Harlequin and Tule Publishing Group. With a degree in mechanical engineering from Stanford University, Melissa worked for a major airline where she traveled the globe and met her husband. But analyzing jet engine performance couldn't compete with her love of writing happily ever afters. Her first full-time writing endeavor was her first sale when she was pregnant with her first child! When she isn't writing, you can usually find her driving her minivan to/from her children's swim practices and other activities. Melissa lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, three children, two spoiled Norwegian Elkhounds, and cats who think they rule the house. They do!
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JEANETTE LEWIS

Romance with HEART!
Jeanette Lewis is a bestselling sweet romance author who specializes in writing character-driven stories with heart. Jeanette's writing is known for her strong characters, depth, and detail, as well as plenty of sweet, swoony kissing scenes.
Dreaming up stories has always been one of Jeanette's favorite things. Other favorites include family, friends, crisp Autumn days, having adventures, and frozen gummy bears.
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JEAN ORAM

Jean Oram is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling romance author who writes feel-good small town romances. She grew up in a town of 100 (cats and dogs not included) and owns one pair of high heels which she has worn approximately three times in the past twenty years.
Jean lives in Canada with her husband, two kids, cat, dog, and the pesky deer that wander into her yard to eat her rose bushes and apple trees. She can often be found outdoors hiking up a mountain, camping or reading a book.
Thank you for reading!
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STACY CLAFLIN

USA Today bestselling author Stacy Claflin entertains readers in a variety of genres, from paranormal to suspense to sweet contemporary romance. She has been telling stories for as long as she can remember, and as a child would often get into trouble trying to convince friends her wild tales were true. Now she puts her creativity to better use by writing page-turning books that leave readers begging for more. Find her at: http://stacyclaflin.com/
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2.14.2019

Release Week Blitz + Giveaway: The Corner of Heartbreak and Forever by Addison Cole

Today we have the release week blitz of Addison Cole’s THE CORNER OF HEARTBREAK AND FOREVER! Check it out and be sure to grab your copy today!

The Corner of Heartbreak and Forever by Addison Cole

Genre: Sweet Romance


About The Corner of Heartbreak and Forever

Fall in love with Addison Cole's rich and romantic storytelling, and discover the magic of the Montgomerys. In The Corner of Heartbreak and Forever... Leaving New York City and returning to her hometown to teach a screenplay writing class seems like just the break Grace Montgomery needs. Until her sisters wake her at four thirty in the morning to watch the hottest guys in town train wild horses and she realizes that escaping her sisters' drama-filled lives was a lot easier from hundreds of miles away. To make matters worse, she spots the one man she never wanted to see again-ruggedly handsome Reed Cross. Reed was one of Michigan's leading historical preservation experts, but on the heels of catching his girlfriend in bed with his business partner, his uncle suffers a heart attack. Reed cuts all ties and returns home to Oak Falls to run his uncle's business. A chance encounter with Grace, his first love, brings back memories he's spent years trying to escape. Grace is bound and determined not to fall under Reed's spell again-and Reed wants more than another taste of the woman he's never forgotten. When a midnight party brings them together, passion ignites and old wounds are opened. Grace sets down the ground rules for the next three weeks. No touching, no kissing, and if she has it her way, no breathing, because every breath he takes steals her ability to think. But Reed has other ideas... ** The Corner of Heartbreak and Forever is a Sweet with Heat novel and conveys all of the passion you'd expect to find between two people in love without any graphic scenes or harsh language. If you're looking for a more explicit romance, pick up the steamy edition, Embracing Her Heart, written by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster. Addison Cole is Melissa's sweet-romance pen name.

Get Your Copy Today!

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EXCERPT
“Grace…” Even after a decade, her name tasted sinfully good rolling off his tongue.
Her hand slid from the doorknob, hanging limply by her side. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came. A long moment later, “Reed,” slipped from her lips like the secret he’d once been.
His gut clenched with longing. He couldn’t help but study her—and that angered him as much as it eased the worries about his ability to feel that had plagued him for years. He hadn’t been all in with a woman since Grace, and he’d begun to think he’d exaggerated what he’d felt when they were together. But there was no misreading the heat thrumming through him. She looked incredible and confused, and as her hand settled on her hip—the hand he remembered all too well digging into his back when they’d made love all those years ago—he realized she also looked angry. Definitely angry.
But still incredible.
In the space of a breath, he was fighting the urge to figure out how to spend time with her and recapture the fire between them despite everything she’d put him through.
“Are you done gawking?” she snapped.
“I…Sorry. You caught me off guard. I was expecting to see your parents.” He held her gaze, forcing a smile even though he suddenly felt stuck somewhere between a teenager caught peering through a window, a jealous ex-boyfriend, and a lust-filled man.
She folded her arms over her chest, forcing a barrier between them, and smirked.
Ouch—
At least he hoped it was a smirk rather than a scowl. After the clues he’d missed with his ex-girlfriend, Alina, who had been sleeping with his now ex-business partner, he no longer trusted his instincts where women were concerned. And when it came to Grace Montgomery, he’d never been able to think past the emotions she stirred within him and the future he’d hoped they’d have. She was the tsunami that had obliterated everything else in his world, and as he struggled to find his voice, he fought the urge to tangle his hands in her thick, lustrous hair and remind her of what she’d walked away from.
“I hope you don’t look at my mother like that,” she snapped.
“What? No. C’mon, Grace.” In her eyes he was probably a quintessential jerk, checking her out without any thought to their past. In reality, he’d been taken just as off guard by his leering as she was. “I don’t usually—”
“Don’t usually let your eyes wander?” She scoffed. “Right.”
“Believe it or not, yes,” he said angrily. “Who do you think I’ve become? I didn’t expect you to walk out here at all, much less wearing nearly nothing and…” He tried to figure out what to say next, what to feel...
“Why are you here, Reed?”
He didn’t need this. Not when he had just begun rebuilding his life. After being screwed over by Alina, he’d vowed to stay away from anything that made his head spin, and Grace definitely made his head spin.
He studied her while trying not to at the same time. The chip on her shoulder was bigger now, overshadowing the sexy smirk on her lips. She’d always exuded confidence, but somehow that, too, seemed more intense. His heart thumped harder with the memory of the first time he’d spotted her standing on the sidelines in her cute cheerleading uniform as he headed out to the football field. She’d challenged him with her glare as if she were playing on the rival team rather than cheering for them. She’d hated that cheerleading outfit, but man, he’d loved it. And that challenge she’d emitted? He’d taken her up on that in a hot second.
But she’d kicked him to the curb once, he reminded himself. Why was he giving her any consideration at all? He had a job to do, and sure, he’d momentarily lost his footing and checked her out, but it wasn’t like that was a crime. She was hot, and they had history. That’s as far as it goes.

About Addison Cole

 
SIGN UP for ADDISON'S Sweet with Heat newsletter. Fun, flirty romance with a dash of heat. www.AddisonCole.com/Newsletter
DOWNLOAD the first book in Addison's Sweet with Heat: Seaside Summers series free: READ, WRITE, LOVE AT SEASIDE here on Amazon. Addison Cole is the sweet alter ego of New York Times and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Melissa Foster. She writes humorous and emotional sweet contemporary romance. Her books do not include explicit sex scenes or harsh language. Addison spends her summers on Cape Cod, where she dreams up wonderful love stories in her house overlooking Cape Cod Bay. Addison is proud to be part of the Main Street Romance family, a partnership with bestselling authors Nancy Naigle, RaeAnne Thayne, and Chris Keniston, bringing sweet happy-ever-after love stories to the Main Street Romance community. Join them at www.MainStreetRomance.com ~ open 24/7 just for you. Addison enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups and welcomes an invitation to your event.

Connect with Addison

Website | Newsletter | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Google Plus | Goodreads | Bookbub | Amazon

Enter Addison’s Giveaway

1.21.2019

Forever Yours ft. Author Laurie Winter

 
   
Winner Takes All by Laurie Winter 
Storm Thompson wants to be anywhere but Liberty Ridge. Especially since his hometown also contains his childhood nemesis, Colleen Gardner. With a young daughter and mentally ill mother to care for, he struggles to simply make ends meet. Every day, his goal of owning an organic farm slips further out of reach. Psychiatrist Colleen Gardner has her sights set on starting a retreat to help veterans suffering from PTSD. She's done well but her small town fundraisers just aren't enough. "The Great American Scavenger Hunt" TV show offers a million-dollar prize, and Colleen and Storm are selected as competitors. Both resolve to do whatever is needed to win, even using the other to get ahead. Storm and Colleen compete to fund their dreams, but their already tattered relationship becomes more strained. Only one will win the money. But will love prove the ultimate prize?
   
The Great American Scavenger Hunt
Day 1
Storm stood on the stairs of the US Capitol Building, and the weight of his travel pack dug into his shoulders. Before sunrise, all the contestants were bussed seven miles over from their hotel in Arlington. A few other contestants started conversations, and his minimal replies made clear he wasn’t here to make friends. Colleen ignored him, which was good. Her mere presence provided enough distraction.
He had a good view of her down at the other end of the line. How could she stand upright underneath the weight of her pack? The thing looked as heavy as her. He’d bought his at the secondhand shop in Liberty Ridge. Colleen probably shopped at a high-end outdoor store that carried the latest gizmos and gadgets. Her pack and its contents might cost the equivalent of a small country’s GDP.
When he’d seen her yesterday at lunch, he almost didn’t recognize her. Her short hair looked amazingly sexy. This morning, she wore a tousled look, like she’d just rolled out of bed, which she likely had being that the clock just struck seven-thirty am.
The host of the show, Burt Blackstone, walked before the assembled group. He stood medium height, with a trim build, and a head of closely cropped, salt-and-pepper hair. Today, Burt wore khaki shorts and an orange button-up top. “I want to wish every one of you good luck. We’ll start filming shortly. I’ll go over the rules once more, mostly for the audience’s sake. Then, I’ll give the signal, and you’ll be off.”
A low murmur drifted over the group.
Storm shifted the weight of his travel pack and mentally walked through his plan. He held a red envelope, which was identical to the ones given to the other contestants. Let’s rock and roll.
   
   
"The journey they take physically and emotionally is one that sucked me and wouldn't let go until the book was done. Thank you for writing such a wonderful book!" Goodreads review    
 
Author Laurie Winter 
Laurie Winter is a true warrior of the heart. Inspired by her dreams, she creates authentic characters who overcome the odds and find true love. Fans of Brenda Novak and Debbie Macomber will likely enjoy Laurie Winter's books as well. She keeps her life balanced with regular yoga practice and running. When not pounding the pavement or the keyboard, she's enjoying time with her family, who are scattered between Wisconsin and Michigan. Laurie has three kids and one fantastic husband, all who inspire her to chase her dreams.

   


 
   
Giveaway Details 
$25 Amazon Gift Code or $25 in PayPal Cash Ends 2/11/19 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner may be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, BookBub, Instagram, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader & Clean Wholesome Romance and is sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.  

1.17.2019

Forever Yours ft. Author Jo Noelle

 
  Love Match by Jo Noelle 
Can two people learn to trust again to make their marriage of convenience into a love match? 
With university behind him, Lord Gerard Morrow the Earl of Norham, is preparing for a grand tour to the future with a fellow time traveler. His first night home, he receives a summons from his father the Duke of Kyloe to come to Scotland or their family will be ruined. Lady Layla Colvin was roused from her sleep to marry the duke’s son as part of settling a gambling debt. Everything she looked forward to vanished with the words "I will." She will never have a come-out, or a suitor, or a wedding dress—and apparently not a husband either. Two years later when Gerard walks back into her life, she runs the other way. How can she trust a man who abandoned her immediately after the vows were said? 
     
Gerard Morrow No good news ever comes after midnight nor in a torrential rainstorm. Yet there Gerard Morrow, Earl Norham, stood in his long shirt and his mother in her wrapper, looking anything but a duchess, as their butler, Davies, accepted two letters from a rider. He waved the rider on to the kitchen door to get a hot cup of tea and await the family’s reply. Davies’ candle guttered from the breeze of closing the door, and the small group moved farther into the Great House. The butler lit two more candles and turned with the letters in hand, extending one to the Duchess Kyloe and the other to Gerard. “For you, Your Grace. And My Lord.” The notes were damp from the rain and Gerard’s mother held it with shaking hands before handing it to her son. “You read it.” She shoved the letter to Gerard and waited, muttering, “That man. Love him. I do, but he better not have gotten himself into trouble. Or worse. What’s worse though? Dead—that’s what. Oh, Gerard tell me he’s not dead.” His mother’s French accent deepened when she was anxious, and at this moment it was thick as clafoutis. There was no signature, but the stamp of the Duke of Kyloe in the wax from his father’s signet ring told him who it was from. Gerard read the note aloud to her, “Do not worry, my dearest Shamay. I’ll be home in a few days. It will all be settled then.” Gerard handed her the letter though she’d never learned to read—English or her native French. He knew things must be was bad. His father had only penned three sentences to try to reassure her. His mother stood beside him, her hands clutched to her chest. “What of the other letter?” she asked. Earl Norham separated the seal and unfolded the letter. His eyes scanned it quickly, without reading it aloud to his mother. Gerard, Do not read this to your mother. It is for your eyes—your ears only. Come to Scotland, now. Your future, your very life and mine depend upon your speed. Directions to Colvin Keep just over the border past Coldstream were included at the bottom of the letter. The Duchess’s hands grasped Gerard’s forearm, and her eyes pleaded to know what it said. “Father wants me to come where he is.” Gerard hoped that his voice sounded nonchalant. But something must have tipped off his mother. “Your Father needs you. Hurry. Change.” She pushed him toward the staircase. He had been home less than six hours and three of those had been in sleep, having traveled home today from university. His mind whirled, half irritation and half disbelief before he turned up the stairs. His father should have been here to welcome him instead of stirring up some kind of trouble for himself across the border. “Davies, send word to the stables to ready a good horse.” Within minutes, Gerard was dressed, draped in an oil coat, and on his horse, riding through November rain toward Scotland. Wind blew against his cheek and rain pelted his back. At least he wasn’t facing into the storm. What in the devil’s name is Father up to now?Gerard had been worried for a year now, too much gambling and drinking in public rooms. Mother tried to keep Father at home to lessen the whispers that inevitably started. Northumberland didsn’t have real society, but his reputation was tarnishing nevertheless. Gossip traveled even to him at Cambridge though London was several day’s travel. His horse trotted along the dark road, and his mind whirled about his future. Gerard just hoped that he could have a grand tour before everything fell completely apart—a year. He’d even be satisfied with six months before he had to come back to take over the responsibilities his father should be shouldering. From what he’d seen of the house in the short while he’d been there, it needed care. Upkeep and repairs lagged behind need. It seemed as if there were fewer servants than before, and the road was sorely unkempt. How much had his father lost? He sucked in a cold breath. Apparently, enough to cripple the estate. Four months then, if he couldn’t have a year. He could visit France and Spain. He’d save Italy for a trip in the future. It took several hours to get to Colvin Keep. Gerard’s eyes burned for want of sleep, and his legs were strained and weak from several days in the saddle prior to this fast flight over the border when he left his horse with the groom. The sun was turning the cloud-covered eastern sky a milky gray. Before Gerard could mount the stairs, the Duke of Kyloe burst through the front door. Relief tempered the worries Gerard had ridden with the last twenty miles. He looked over his father from head to toe. His health seemed good, no injuries, no illness. He didn’t even appear to be in his cups. He must have been sitting near a window, watching for his son’s arrival and quickly ushered him to the house. “Well done. The note arrived in good time, as did you,” his father said, pulling him out of his coat as the butler began to remove it. There was a cry upstairs before it was muffled behind a slammed door. It surprised Gerard more than startling him. The sound was more one of excitement than fear or pain. He supposed it could be insanity, but he hoped not. “Come now, I’ve a brandy for you and someone important to introduce you to.” His father lead him away. The house was quite awake as he walked through to a back parlor. Several maids rushed past with arms full, and there were candles burning all along the way. His father’s host must take country hours to the extreme for there to be so much commotion before sun up. When they entered the room a large man was sitting in a chair near the fire, otherwise, they were alone. His father cleared his voice loudly and said, “Charles, please allow me to introduce my son and heir, Lord Norham, Gerard Morrow. Gerard, this is the Marquess of Roxburgh.” The men exchanged greetings, then Gerard’s father commented to their host, “I haven’t spoken to him about our agreement yet, so if we could have a minute before meeting you in the chapel.” His voice trailed off with obvious expectation. “Good then, I’ll leave you to it.” Charles nodded, downed his drink, and left, leaving Gerard alone with his father. He stopped at the doorway, pulling a watch from his pocket. “This business must be concluded within the hour, or honoring our original arrangement will be expected.” Then he closed the door behind him. “The chapel?” Gerard looked toward his father. “And what agreement? Your letter made it sound like life and death. What have you done?” A scowl pulled on his lips. “You’ll want this,” he said, handing Gerard a glass of brandy. Gerard set the glass aside without taking a taste. “Out with it.” “I attended a card party of sorts at the seat of Lord Hume of Berwick. I was doing well, so I didn’t see trouble in allowing the stakes to rise.” “How much?” Gerard interrupted. He didn’t need to hear the details just the total of their losses. “Well, there’s an easy solution to it all.” “How much did you wager? Or should I say lose?” Gerard folded his arms. His father gazed out the window as his hand resting on the back of a chair trembled. Without looking at his son, he replied, “All of it. And more.” Several long moments passed before he turned toward his son and said, “We are ruined.” Gerard picked up the glass of brandy, downing it in one gulp. “Tell me I heard you wrong.” He slumped into the nearest seat. “You will still own the family seat at Norham Castle, pile of rocks that it be, and the land when it is passed to you, but you will likely still be paying off my debt into your own old age. I have lost more than I have or can even reasonably get if I were I to sell everything of value and double rents on the land for decades to come. Upon my death, I will leave you the title, the responsibilities, and abject poverty to go with it.” Gerard was silent for a long moment trying to calm down. He had to breathe slowly through his nose to maintain his composure. “Father, do I even want to know why we are meeting the marquess in the chapel?” Duke Kyloe sat heavily on a couch, dropping his head into his hands. “It’s the only way out. You’ve not heard him wrong. The marquess has made a generous offer—if you marry his daughter tonight, in moments really, the debt is dissolved.” Gerard shot to his feet as a cold flame passed through him. He backed away from his father. “I will not. I do no consent. I’m but twenty-three. Why would you tell a man I would marry his daughter in the middle of the night?” His father had truly wagered beyond all reason and sold Gerard’s life for the flip of a few cards. He wanted to run. To leave and never look back. Father had clearly lost his mind. He paced around, back and forth, trying to sort it out in his mind. “I leave in two days for my tour, it’s planned and arranged. James Cottrell is coming—he’s meeting me tomorrow at home.” “There’s plenty of time for all that, you’ll see.” The old duke shook his head. “It’s not up to you. I’m afraid, the bargain has been struck and accep—.” Gerard cut him off, “Father, no. You realize that we are already spread too thin as it is, since last time. What will you tell Mother?” He stepped closer to Gerard. “I’ll tell her nothing of this. You’ll marry this night and free me of all my debt to Charles, and by extension you too, or we will never recover.” If he gambled away what Gerard suspected he had, then it was true that Gerard would be heir of nothing but debt. Everything was lost. He raked his hands through his hair and continued his path, pacing the floor. Gerard owned nothing outside of the estate and only then upon inheritance. If it were only him, Gerard might allow his father to crumble beneath debt in his old age. But it would affect his mother greatly. I can’t put Maman though that.His shoulders slumped. Annoyance and sorrow twined together in his gut. He was defeated before this conversation began. “There really is no choice then. I’ll agree.” “Of course you will. There is a dowry, but it will not be transferred until you two are living agreeably together.” “Good. Then you can’t gamble away anything further while I’m gone. And I'm still going on my grand tour.” Not as grand as he’d hoped. Already he was calculating how long he could really be gone before his father was back up to no good at some Lord’s card table. “You'll be a married man now, so behave yourself.” “Are you serious? I’m the only person in this conversation right now with integrity. I don’t think you need lecture me. A there are no worries there. I'm going with James.” “He hardly removes my worry,” his father replied. “You've known each other since you were on leading strings. And his reputation is worse than mine.” “Ha!” Gerard doubted that. “Nonetheless, he's coming, and he'll keep me straight.” “See that he does. We've never had a Duke of Kyloe that wasn't madly in love with his wife.” “Please, you've already ensured that I’ll fail on that account. I’m marrying someone I’ve don’t know—never even seen.” “Marriage is easy. Apply yourself to her happiness, and you’ll both have it.” Marriage was easy? He wondered how easy all of this was for his mother. He wouldn’t have to worry about making this sham of a marriage work at the moment—that can come later—much, much later. Gerard wasn’t even going to be home. “I’m leaving after the ceremony and going on my tour the next day.” Gerard knew he had to travel from London on the full moon. “There was no other agreement beyond the marriage contract and settlement. You’re free to do so, and she will live at home with her parents for a time.” His father turned to leave the room, but Gerard caught his arm. “What’s her name?” “I hadn’t asked. We’ll hear it at the ceremony. At any rate, it will be Lady Morrow moments from now.” He drank the last of his cup and walked Gerard to the chapel to await his bride. 
  
       
Author Jo Noelle 
Jo Noelle is a Colorado native but lived in several mountain states--Idaho, Utah, and California. She has two adult children and three small kids. She teaches teachers and students about reading and writing, grows freakishly large tomatoes, enjoys cooking (especially desserts,) builds furniture, sews beautiful dresses, and likes to go hiking in the nearby mountains. Oh, and by the way, she's two people--a mother/daughter writing team. We write dessert romances--satisfyingly sweet, and you'll want more.  

         
   
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