FUN CHARACTERS

By Caroline Clemmons

While writing is hard work, some characters make it fun, too. When I wrote the book STUART, I thought him a perfect match for the woman I had in mind. You might recall that I think of my characters as friends who come to life in my books.

Georgina Potter of Baltimore, Maryland received hurtful treatment from her family. From the time her younger sister Virginia could walk, she demanded whatever Georgina had. Their parents doted on Virginia and allowed her to have what she desired.

While they praised Virginia, Mrs. Potter continually criticized Georgina for her choice of  clothes, her blond hairstyle, and her failing to be as graceful and popular as her sister. Of course, her feelings were hurt, but she hid her pain. That is, until Virginia stole Georgina’s fiancé. Their marriage sealed Georgina’s determination to escape Baltimore before the couple returned from their honeymoon—even if it meant marrying a stranger as a mail-order-bride.

Georgina left for Colorado vowing to make a success of the life awaiting her. When she arrived, her groom did not meet the stage. After learning he was in the saloon, she strode to the swinging doors. Of all things, she found the man who had sent for her had recently married a saloon girl. Jilted again! Her temper boiled over with sarcastic remarks. When the saloon girl grabbed Georgina’s hair, she retaliated, and the fight became a doozy.

The sheriff marched both women to jail and fined each $50.00. The saloon girl’s husband immediately paid her fine. Georgina only had $1.33, so she stayed stuck  in jail. She refused to wire her parents for money. What would happen to her?

Join the fun as bachelor Stuart tackles fatherhood with a baby he rescued.

https://www.amazon.com/Stuart-Bachelors-Babies-Book-10-ebook/dp/B084GFPRGL/r

 

 

 

 

 

 

MY FIRST HILL COUNTRY BOOK

 

By Caroline Clemmons

Love a good historical family series that combines mystery and romance? I have the very book for you!

THE MOST UNSUITABLE WIFE, Book One of the Kincaids Series, offers a full-length book that includes a powerful romance, fascinating characters, and a mystery. Unlike the books I’ve written in the last few years, it is lightly sensual—with the love scenes between the hero and heroine after they marry. Available in ebook and print and in KU at Amazon, here is the link:

https://www.amazon.com/Most-Unsuitable-Wife-Kincaids-Book-ebook/dp/B004OR1VOO   

 

THE MOST UNSUITABLE WIFE is about a marriage of convenience that blossoms into a true love match. I love when that happens, don’t you? Pearl, the heroine, is one of my very favorite characters. She proves even a husband can’t dictate to a strong, feisty woman.

This is the first book I wrote set in the Texas Hill Country. However, the story with Pearl starts in a tiny town in Tennessee. The idea for Pearl came from a tiny vignette told me by my grandmother about a girl she knew as a child. Sad to say, the incident with the newborn Pearl actually took place, according to my grandmother. The taunting also took place. Grandmother didn’t know what happened to the Pearl she knew, but I thought I’d give her a happy life.

In researching train travel for this book, I visited museums and read books and wrote curators for additional information. As a result, I have a huge notebook filled with details about nineteenth century train travel. We hear about the deluxe Pulman car, but without them train travel could be pretty grim. Even at its most uncomfortable stages, riding a train beat walking beside a covered wagon.

In THE MOST UNSUITABLE WIFE, the hero (Drake Kincaid), his cousin (Lex), heroine (Pearl Parker), and heroine’s siblings (Sarah and Storm), and “cousin” (Belle) travel from Tennessee to Central Texas by train. Personally, I love train travel, so I was happy my characters had a chance to enjoy it. Well, they enjoyed some of it. Not the part where...no, can’t give a spoiler, can I?

Here’s the blurb:

Wanted: one completely improper bride.

Even if Drake Kincaid had placed such an advertisement in every paper in the country, he couldn’t have found a better candidate than Pearl Parker...which is fine with him. After all, his parents’ will stipulates only that he marry by his thirtieth birthday, not that he marry well. And no one--including Drake’s grandfather, the man determined to hold him to the ridiculous provision--could possibly think tall, bossy Pearl with her ragtag siblings and questionable “cousin” Belle will make a good wife. Until Drake realizes that in her startling violet eyes he sees a beautiful woman with a generous soul...

Their life together may not have started with hearts and flowers, but Drake and Pearl will soon learn that real love--with a breathtaking dose of passion--will make their marriage a true romance.

Excerpt after they’ve traveled from Tennessee to Texas and are at the home of Drake’s grandfather in town. Drake announces that he’s going on a cattle drive, leaving Pearl and her family at his grandfather’s home:

                Pearl had wakened cocooned in the hazy glow following a night of intermittent lovemaking with her husband to find him dressing for the ranch. Then he dropped a bombshell on her.

                “What do you mean, stay here?”

                "You know it's not safe for you to be on your own. Ranch is too isolated. You'll be safer here in town.” Drake stomped his feet to settle each in the boots he wore. He retrieved a blue chambray shirt from his bag and donned it.

                "For how long?” Pearl slid from bed and grabbed her nightgown from the floor.

                "Well..."

                She whirled on her husband, confronting him, "You never intended for me to move to the ranch, did you?” She yanked her nightie on. No one could argue buck-naked.

                "Don't get riled. Women hate the seclusion. You'll be happier in town. Things to do here and people about you.” Drake shoved his shirt into his twill pants without looking at his wife.

                She stepped toward him and pointed at her chest. "What do you know about what makes this woman happy?"

                A crooked smile broke his face. "Aw, I know what makes you happy, all right. Didn't I keep you happy all night?"

                She shrugged away the comment aimed to distract her. "Did you ask me which I prefer? No.” She hoped her glare chilled his randy hide.

                His voice softened, placating. "Pearl, be reasonable. We don't know who's tried to kill you and your family. Someone might be trailing you right now, waiting somewhere and watching the house.”

                He met her gaze. That muscle twitched in his cheek, letting her know he was less than happy with this conversation. Well, that didn't bother Pearl in the least. Some things needed talked about.

                He walked over and put his hands on her shoulders, then took a deep breath and continued,  "Look, the sheriff and his deputy as well as several of the town's leading citizens will be looking out for any newcomer. I talked to the owners of the livery stable, the hotel, the mercantile, all the places I could think of that a newcomer would stand out. If any strangers come around asking questions, the sheriff will find out immediately. You and Sarah will be safer here."

                "You're taking Storm with you?” She hugged her arms, sensing a lost battle.                        

                "Yes, um, with your permission. I can't see him attending teas or shopping here in town. Besides, he's a big help to me."

                Her head came up and her hands fisted at her hips. "And I suppose Sarah and I are just so much baggage?"

                "Now, I didn't say that and you know it.” He held up a hand, palm out, as if to stay her fury. "But you have no place rounding up cattle and getting ready for a drive."

                "It's true we don't ride, but we could learn.” She could learn anything, given a chance. She suspected no chance would come.

                "There's no time to teach you. 'Sides, it makes the cowboys and vaqueros nervous to have women around the cattle. They think it's bad luck. And I can't leave the two of you at the house with only the housekeeper to help you."

                She sagged in defeat. "Okay, Drake. I'll stay here for now, and I'll try not to shame you. But this is only until we know there'll be no more meanness against my family. Don't think you can keep me waiting too long," she warned.

                His face broke into a smile of relief. "You'll see. By the time this is over and things calm down, you'll like this sweet life so much you won't be able to tear yourself away from Grandpa's house."

                "Too much sweet gives a body a belly ache."

                Ignoring that and stepping close, he kissed her on the cheek then nuzzled her neck. "I'll be sleeping tonight in a bedroll on hard ground. Give me a kiss to remember."

                Something to remember. She'd give him something to remember all right. She raised her mouth to his, let him plunder with his tongue. Her tongue did some plundering of its own as she moved her body against him. When their kiss ended, the heat of passion darkened his eyes.

                "When you're sleeping on the hard ground, all alone, you remember that, husband.” Head high, she turned and walked into the dressing room.

 

Thanks for reading!

SNEAK PEEK AT A BRIDE FOR HOUSTON

By Caroline Clemmons

February is thought of as the month of love. For romance writers and readers, every month is the month of love. We love Love, so to speak.

Are you doing something special for your love this weekend? Years ago I started a kitchen fire when trying to prepare a special breakfast that included French toast. Hero called me to ask a question and I wandered to his office down the hall to answer. I forgot I had butter melting in a skillet and stayed to discuss something long since forgotten.  Lucky for us, I discovered the burning butter in time to douse it with baking soda. Disaster was averted but I had a mess to clean. I hope to do better this year!

I’ve been thinking about romance books and series. Currently, I’m writing a Proxy Bride Series book, my fourth for the popular series. I enjoy proxy bride stories. Having strangers in a marriage of convenience adds a dimension to the tale. While overcoming other obstacles, they must adjust to one another. Such difficulties either cement or destroy the relationship. Of course, in a romance, they are united for a happily-ever-after.

Speaking of which, my next release, A BRIDE FOR HOUSTON, is currently available for preorder. I hope you’ll preorder the book. Here's a sneak peek at the lovely cover from Black Widow Designs:

She barely escapes death…

He is angry when a mail-order bride jilts him…

They must defend themselves against mysterious assailants.

 

Theodosia “Theo” Jordan has lived with the harsh aunt and uncle who are her guardians since her parents’ death five years ago. In three weeks she will turn twenty-one and inherit the estate now controlled by her uncle. She overhears her aunt and uncle planning her death to cover up the uncle’s embezzlement from her estate. Acting quickly, she escapes Atlanta that day by becoming a proxy bride to a man living in a small town in Texas.

Houston Kingsley yearns for a happy family like his brother has. Being cheated by a fraudulent mail-order bride who jilts him and keeps the money he sent her discourages him. Is he destined to live alone? His brother convinces him to try for a proxy bride.  The marriage of convenience process sounds simple enough—if he can scrape up the cash for a second fare and travel expenses.

But unknown forces create danger for Theo and Houston. Can they discover and defeat the guilty to achieve the happy home each desires?

This is shortly after they meet:

Shyness struck Theo as her husband led her toward their home’s front porch.

At the door, he stopped. “Always planned to do this. Hope you don’t mind.” He scooped her up and carried her across the threshold.

She couldn’t keep a surprised squeal from escaping, followed by laughter. “I always hoped my husband would do that.”

Appearing pleased, he gestured around them. “You see the foyer isn’t large, but accommodates a hall tree. They also had a grandfather clock on that wall, but they took it with them. Maybe we can get one someday.”

She removed her hat and added it to the shelf on the hall tree, then hung her coat on a hook. “That sounds nice.” She’d need elbow grease to polish the floor. The marks of where the clock had stood were faintly visible.

After adding his jacket to the peg next to hers, he studied her. Slowly, he walked around as if assessing her. “I never expected a redhead for a wife. A lot of folks think redheads have a bad temper or bring bad luck.”

The nerve of him—though she suspected he was teasing her. “I never expected my husband would have a beard. A lot of women don’t like a man with whiskers on his face.”

He grinned and spread his hands. “Hey, I can shave off my beard.”

She shifted her shoulders and sent him a saucy smile. “Hey, I can shave off my hair if the color doesn’t suit you. Would you prefer a bald wife?”

He laughed and raised his hands in surrender. “I give up, you win that round. Although, I know many women color their hair. Many even try for the color of yours, which I find a quite pleasing shade. Let’s continue the tour.” He guided her through the home’s downstairs.

 

Click here to preorder A BRIDE FOR HOUSTON https://www.amzn.com/B08THSBZH5/.

Thanks for stopping by the blog!

  

A NEW PROXY BRIDE -- A BRIDE FOR DALTON!

Here’s another book birthday! Please help me celebrate A BRIDE FOR DALTON, Proxy Brides book 25. I’m pleased to add another release to this popular multi-author series. Christine Sterling conceived the series and I believe there are about fifteen or so authors involved. Virginia McKevitt has created the covers. I love the image on this cover. Aren’t her eyes blue?

I laughed at some of the scenes in this book and hope readers will also. There are also tense scenes but I don’t want to give the plot away entirely. You already know the story ends with a happily-ever-after. 

About The Book

Rebecca wants a husband but not the man her stepbrother/guardian insists she wed. To escape his serious threats she turns to a family friend for help. Reverend McClain suggests she enter a proxy marriage to his only living relative, a nephew who ranches in Montana. Out of options, she agrees. Until she arrives in Sweet Springs, she has no idea the telegram with instructions to her supposed groom has not been delivered. Where does that leave her?

Dalton is working with dangerous men to accomplish his goal. Even though he’s been lonely, the last thing he needs at this time is a wife in the way. He’s a gentleman and sees no other solution than to complete the vows. How is he going to keep Rebecca out of harm’s way while he completes this job?

Rebecca and Dalton embark on married life in unusual circumstances. Can love blossom in tumultuous times?

The universal link to the book is http://getbook.at/Dalton

Pre-Order Problems

By the way, some who preordered the book won’t receive it without re-ordering. Amazon inadvertently listed the book twice and some preorders went to one listing and some to the other. When one of the listings was deleted, so were the preorders for that one.

Excerpt

Back at the barn, he told her, “Wait where you are until I can help you.”

She bristled a bit. “I can get down by myself, Dalton.”

“I know you can but can you stand up when you do?” He helped her dismount.

She wobbled and held on to him. “Oh, my, I see what you mean. My legs don’t want to support me.”

“Stand there a few seconds until your legs cooperate. In the meantime, I’ll take advantage of the situation.” He kissed her several times and she responded with equal measure. His enthusiasm increased and he wondered if she’d agree to cavorting on the hay.

Bert’s voice cut in, “Can’t leave you two alone, can I? Leave your horses to me and go on up to the house if you’ve a mind for that kind of thing.”

Dalton grabbed her hand and, laughing together, they ran toward the house.

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LORD FENTON'S FOLLY FROM AWARD WINNING JOSI S. KILPACK

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Synopsis of LORD FENTON'S FOLLY

Lord Fenton is a gambler, a dandy, and a flirt--and he must marry or else he will be disinherited, stripped of his wealth and his position. He chooses Alice Stanbridge for two simple reasons: he once knew her as a young girl, and she is the least objectionable option available to him. However, Alice has harbored feelings for Fenton since their first meeting ten years ago, and she believes his proposal is real. When she discovers it is not, she is embarrassed and hurt. However, a match with the most-eligible bachelor in London would secure not only her future but that of her family as well. Determined to protect herself from making a fool of herself a second time, Alice matches Lord Fenton wit for wit and insult for insult as they move toward a marriage of convenience that is anything but a happy union. Only when faced with family secrets that have shaped Fenton's life does he let down his guard enough to find room in his heart for Alice.

Lord Fenton's Folly by Josi Kilpack

Amazon * Deseret Book

LORD FENTON'S FOLLY Excerpt

Fenton groaned and put his saucer back on the tray, making an instantaneous decision that eased his mind quite a lot. To look at every woman he met as a potential wife was irritating, and after only two weeks he was quite tired of it. Perhaps the solution was to orchestrate a match that would not lay all aspects of matrimony at his feet all at once. Perhaps treating it as a business arrangement would help it to be exactly that, thereby freeing him from all the discomfiting realities he was not yet prepared to face.

"I leave for Fentonview on Tuesday and shan't be back for a week. Courting is such a boring prospect, and you yourself said that to become infatuated with anyone might become a complication."

He paused, considered one last time what he was going to say next, and decided he felt as good about it as could be expected. "You like Alice Stanbridge and feel she would make a good wife for me?"

Lady Chariton looked confused and perhaps a bit concerned. "I do, but-"

"Then that is good enough for me," Fenton said, rising to his feet and smiling broadly at his mother, who stared back at him in surprise. "I do find her appealing and what's more she is not a silly little thing without a practical thought in her head."

His mother's eyes widened and her eyebrows rose upon her forehead. Fenton struck a pose of consternation, with his thumb and forefinger on his chin as he looked toward the window a moment, then nodded crisply and turned back to his mother who still looked shocked by his pronouncement.

"Yes, I think that Alice Stanbridge is exactly what I should like in a wife, and so I shall see to it before I leave for Hampshire-I see no reason to wait until Michaelmas and might as well get it over with." He leaned in and kissed his mother's hand. "Thank you for your help, Mama. I shall let you know how she responds to my proposal."

Author Josi Kilpack

Josi S. Kilpack hated to read until her mother handed her a copy of THE WITCH OF BLACKBIRD POND when she was 13. From that day forward, she read everything she could get her hands on and credits her writing “education” to the many novels she has “studied” since then. She began writing her first novel in 1998 and never stopped. SHEEP'S CLOTHING won the Whitney award for Mystery/Suspense in 207 and WEDDING CAKE, book twelve in the Sadie Hoffmiller Culinary Mystery series won in 2014. Josi was also the Best of State winner in Fiction for 2012. Josi currently lives in Willard, Utah, with her husband, children and super-cute - but not very friendly - cat.

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Ends 10/29/15

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com eGift Card 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 will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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COMPROMISING MISS TISDALE BY JESSICA JEFFERSON

COMPROMISING MISS TISDALE

By

Jessica Jefferson

COMPROMISING MISS TISDALE Blurb:

  

Ambrosia Tisdale is the very picture of propriety and the epitome of what a respectable young lady should be. Haunted by a memory and compelled by her family, she pursues perfection to a fault.

The Earl of Bristol, Duncan Maddox, has returned to London after years of familial imposed exile. As the second son, he has led a life filled with frivolity, leisure, and a healthy dose of debauchery. Now his older brother has died, leaving the family’s flailing legacy in Duncan’s unwilling arms.

At the behest of his uncle, Duncan is advised to do the one thing that could provide instant fortune and respectability – he must marry. But there is only one prospect who meets the unique requirements to solve all the Earl’s problems – the lovely Miss Ambrosia Tisdale. But securing the prudent daughter of a Viscount’s hand proves to be more challenging than this scandal ridden second son of an Earl has bargained for.

With scandal, extortion, treachery, and even love itself threatening to keep him from his goal, will Duncan succeed in compromising Miss Tisdale?

COMPROMISING MISS TISDALE Excerpt :

She had stumbled upon the library.  A fire in the hearth threw a faint glow over leather lined volumes that filled floor to ceiling book shelves.   Lavishly upholstered plush arm chairs sat upon Aubusson rugs scattered throughout the room.  A settee was positioned across from a giant stone faced fireplace where a shirtless man sat warming his hands.

Shirtless man?

Ambrosia blinked.

 Certainly, her eyes were playing tricks on her. 

Then the shirtless man turned his head, his eyes meeting hers.  

It wasn’t a hallucination-he was real.   She hadn’t been expecting to find a partially dressed man, and he obviously wasn’t expecting to be found.   It was but a moment before the man’s expression began to soften and a wicked smile slowly crept across his lips. 

 A smile that stole the breath right from out of her. 

 Every gently bred fiber in her body screamed to turn around and run straight out the door.  Hundreds of years of proper English rearing had produced a base instinct to flee when in the presence of an unknown male (especially one with so little clothing).  But then he stood up, cautiously, the way one does as if not to startle a deer.  Standing, he was clad in nothing but buckskin breeches, the dim light from the flames playing over the sculpted muscles and sinew of his shoulders and chest. 

Breeding be damned, her feet simply refused to budge. 

About the Author

Jessica Jefferson

Jessica Jefferson makes her home in northern Indiana, or as she likes to think of it – almost Chicago.  Jessica originally attended college in hopes of achieving an English degree and writing the next great American novel.  Ten years later she was working as a registered nurse and reading historical romance when she decided to give writing another go-round.   

Jessica writes likes she speaks, which has a tendency to be fast paced and humorous.  Jessica is heavily inspired by sweeping, historical romance novels, but aims to take those key emotional elements and inject a fresh blend of quick dialogue and comedy to transport the reader into a story they miss long after the last page is read.  She invites you to visit her at jessicajefferson.com and read her random romance musings.

http://www.jessicajefferson.com/

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KAT FLANNERY TALKS ABOUT HAZARDOUS UNIONS

By Guest, Kat Flannery

Matty’s story…

After I came up with the plot for Matty’s story in HAZARDOUS UNIONS I needed to understand what type of woman she was. Alison and I had done a background on the girl’s family, so I knew she’d grown up educated by her father, a schoolmaster.

I chose to add a bit of lightness to the story because it took place during one of the bloodiest wars in history. Pushed into the serving life, Matty sent all her income home to help her mother tend to her ailing brother. The only form of entertainment was reading. She kept the books her father had given her, and read them multiple times.

Questions surfaced in my mind. What if she loved it so much she often quoted the books causing her to look silly? I used the education she received and created a woman who was a dreamer, and at times sounded a bit crazy while citing William Shakespeare, or Edgar Allen Poe.

For my research I read Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven, and William Shakespeare’s Hamlet along with some of their other works, and to my surprise I enjoyed them. I knew about both authors and I’d read a few of their pieces in my teens, but I never delved into them as I did while researching for Matty’s story. I must admit I have a new love for literature much like Matty’s, minus the quoting.

Twin sisters separated by war, bound by love…

After the death of their father, twin sisters Maggie and Matty Becker are forced to take positions with officers’ families at a nearby fort. When the southern states secede, the twins are separated, and they find themselves on opposite sides of America’s bloodiest war.

In the south, Maggie travels with the Hamilton’s to Bellevue, a plantation in west Tennessee. When Major Hamilton is captured, it is up to Maggie to hold things together and deal with the Union cavalry troop that winters at Bellevue. Racism, politics and a matchmaking stepmother test Maggie’s resourcefulness as she fights for Bellevue, a wounded Confederate officer and the affections of the Union commander.

In the north, Matty discovers an incriminating letter in General Worthington’s office, and soon she is on the run. With no one to turn to for help, she drugs the wealthy Colonel Cole Black and marries him, in hopes of getting the letter to his father, the governor of Michigan. But Cole is not happy about being married, and Matty’s life becomes all about survival.

Two unforgettable stories of courage, strength and honor

Matty by Kat Flannery

Fort Wayne, Michigan

December 1862

What had she done? Matty Becker was going to hell, and there'd be no one to save her. A loud snore echoed from the other room. She peeked around the corner and caught a glimpse of Colonel Black's stocking feet. She'd burn for sure. She glanced at the paper she held and groaned. She was a horrible, devious, scheming letch. Maggie wouldn't be pleased. Maggie wasn't here. Another snore blew into the kitchen and she placed her head onto the table banging her forehead twice. There was no turning back now.

Last night she'd pushed aside her conscience and let fear guide her. For her plan to work, she'd have to throw all sense to the dogs, not that she hadn't done so already by following through with the blasted thing. She couldn't fail now. If her family found out what she'd done they'd never forgive her. Worse yet, if Colonel Black found out she'd be locked behind bars, a fate far better than the one that got her in this mess to begin with.

She placed the paper on the table and went into the bedroom. Colonel Black lay on the bed with his clothes stripped off and tossed about the floor. He'd been out for nine hours and would wake any minute. Matty stood, pushed all thoughts of reason from her mind and removed her dress, corset and pantaloons. Her face heated and the room spun. He rolled over and she jumped into the bed next to him, pretending to sleep. She knew the moment he'd woken. The bed stilled and she couldn't breathe the air was so stiff.

"What the hell?" He sat up and she knew the instant he saw her. "Son of a bitch."

She felt his nudge once, twice and now a shove almost knocking her from the bed.

"Wake the hell up," he growled.

She squeezed her eyes closed and willed strength into her soul so she could face the dark Colonel. She rolled over pretending to wipe the sleep from her eyes.

"Who are you?" He placed his head in his hands. She'd bet he had one heck of a headache.

"Your wife," she said.

"The hell you are." He shot out of bed without grabbing the sheet, and she averted her eyes.

"Please cover yourself." She held up the sheet and he ripped it from her hand. "The marriage license is in the kitchen on the table if you do not believe me."

She watched as he grabbed his head and closed his eyes. The heavy dose of laudanum she'd placed in his drink the night before had done the trick and it wasn't but a mere suggestion they marry that the Colonel jumped to the challenge. Soon they were standing in the dining room in front of a preacher. Words were spoken—words she thought to say with someone she loved, someone who'd wanted her. Her stomach lurched and her mouth watered with the urge to vomit.

"How did this happen?" he asked sitting on the end of the bed.

"Mrs. Worthington sent me to see if you needed anything."

"I was drinking." He looked at her. "I was drunk."

She shrugged.

He stood holding the sheet tight to his midsection.

She couldn't help but notice the rippled stomach and defined muscles on his chest.

"We can annul. I had too much to drink. My head wasn't clear."

She shook her head.

He frowned.

"We have consummated." A lie of course but she was desperate.

His mouth fell open. A moment she knew he'd not remember. After the preacher left, she'd taken him to the bedroom where he passed out before hitting the bed.

"Impossible. I'd remember that."

She shook her head again praying he'd buy the fib.

He pulled on his pants and dress shirt. "I don't even know you. Why in hell would I marry you?"

"My name is Matty Beck—Black. I was employed with the Worthington's. You've come to dinner several times."

His brown eyes lit with recognition. "You're the house maid."

"Yes."

"I married a maid?"

The words stung and she turned from him so he wouldn't see the disappointment upon her face.

"Why would you marry me if I was into the spirits?"

"You seemed fine to me."

He took a step toward her. "Why would you marry me at all when you don't even know me?"

She gripped the blanket on the bed. "You…you said kind words, and I…I believed them.

"How desperate are you to marry a stranger?" he yelled. "You found out who my father is. You want money. You tricked me."

Well, he got the last one right, but the first two irritated her. She was not the kind of person to marry for money. Really, who did he think she was?

"Sorry to disappoint you but I refused my inheritance years ago."

"If you mean to say that I could not find myself a suitable husband because I am a maid, then you're wrong."

"That is exactly what I am saying Miss—"

"Black."

"The hell it is."

He went into the kitchen picked up the marriage license and stared at it.

Matty dressed quickly and inched into the room. Confusion pulled at his features and she began to feel sorry for him. This was her fault. She'd planned this. Now she had to continue telling the lie she'd told. She glanced outside and shivered. Boldness, be my tongue. Shakespeare's words echoed in her mind. It was worth it. She'd been living in fear for a week. Colonel Black had been her saviour, and she risked a life full of love and happiness for this—a lie in which she'd speak for the rest of her life. She swallowed back the lump in her throat and willed the tears not to fall.

"Why can't I remember?" He glanced at her. "And why in hell would I marry you?"

Buy HAZARDOUS UNIONS on Amazon

Author Kat Flannery

Kat Flannery’s love of history shows in the novels she writes. She is an avid reader of historical, suspense, paranormal, and romance. When not researching for her next book, Kat can be found running her three sons to hockey and lacrosse. She’s been published in numerous periodicals. This is Kat’s third book and she is hard at work on her next.

Website: www.katflannery-author.com

Blog: www.kat-scratch.blogspot.ca
Twitter: https://twitter.com/katflannery1

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kat-Flannery/131065966999142