Time, tide, and temptation wait for no man—or woman! Lysander, Earl of Montmarche, really ought to re-marry, if for no other reason than that he’s completely flummoxed by his rambunctious, outspoken young daughter. He surely owes the girl and his frazzled nerves the benefit of a step-mama’s steadying presence. That he’s a bit lonely and also flummoxed by life in general is of no moment whatsoever. Daphne, Lady Cargill, really has no interest in re-marrying, much less in taking on the challenges of being a step-mama. Long ago, she herself was rambunctious and quite out-spoken, but she put all that aside to become the dignified wife and mother society expected her to be. Daphne is nonetheless tempted by Lysander’s gravitas and quiet humor, and his kisses are nigh irresistible. Will they make the safe and sensible choices expected of prudent, mature adults, or muster their courage for one more chance at love? ( This story is a novella of 35,000 words.)
Author
Grace Burrowes started writing as an antidote to empty nest and soon found it an antidote to life in general. She is the sixth out of seven children, raised in the rural surrounds of central Pennsylvania. Early in life she spent a lot of time reading romance novels and practicing the piano. Her first career was as a technical writer and editor in the Washington, DC, area, a busy job that nonetheless left enough time to read a lot of romance novels. It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside. While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?") Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing—and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.) To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.
