***Originally published in The Heart of a Duke. Expanded version. Sweet. Armed with a gypsy necklace guaranteed to win the heart of a duke, Miss Valera Bell sets her cap for the newly eligible Duke of Langley. She might have spent the first half of the Season with the wallflowers, but now she has a chance to make her parents proud and prove to her beautiful older sister that she is not a lost cause. When an orchestrated run-in with the duke ends with Valera flat on her bum with barely a glance from the man destined to become her husband, her confidence in magic is rattled. How is she to win the heart of a man who seems to lack one? When her best friend’s dashing brother feels sorry for her and asks her to dance, it seems to pique the duke’s interest. Alex Barnaby, Earl of Ravenswood, may be more valuable when it comes to winning the duke than any piece of enchanted jewelry. But will he agree to help her? Alex is more than happy to come to the rescue of his sister’s childhood friend. He’s always had a soft spot for the well-read miss and enjoys the eccentricities that make her unique, but little Vallie Bell grew up when he wasn’t looking, and Alex is treading on dangerous ground when he agrees to pretend to court the charming young woman. Playing with an innocent could land him in the parson’s noose when he isn’t free to marry whomever he chooses, and his sister would be none too happy if she knew he was having such debauched dreams about her best friend. Nevertheless, the unfeeling duke could never appreciate a sweet girl like Valera, and staying by her side might be the only way Alex can guide her toward a better marriage match, even if he risks losing his own heart along the way.
Author
Historical romance author Samantha Grace discovered the appeal of a great love story when she was just a young girl, thanks to Disney's Robin Hood. She didn't care that Robin Hood and Maid Marian were cartoon animals. It was her first happily-ever-after experience and she didn't want the warm fuzzies to end. Now Samantha enjoys creating her own happy-endings for characters that spring from her imagination. Publisher's Weekly describes her stories as "fresh and romantic" with subtle humor and charm. Samantha describes romance writing as the best job ever. Part-time medical social worker, moonlighting author, and pilates nut, she enjoys a happy and hectic life with her real life hero and two kids in the Midwest. FREE READ: A Beau Monde Bachelor Christmas (extended epilogue) Join newlywed couples Lord and Lady Norwick, Jake and Amelia Hillary, Daniel and Lisette Hillary, and Isaac and Serafine Tucker for their first Christmas together. Bibi, the Countess of Norwick, would love to give her husband the one thing he really wants for Christmas: a ceasefire between her and his intractable sister. Facing Lady Troll during the holidays without reinforcements, however, would be foolish, and Bibi is no fool. She calls upon her dearest friends, Amelia and Jake Hillary, and a few more familiar faces to spend Christmas in Kent to help make the season a little brighter. Unfortunately, her guests are distracted by their own challenges this holiday season, and Bibi must find a way to connect with her sister-in-law without their help if she hopes to make Jasper's Christmas wishes come true. To access A Beau Monde Bachelor Christmas, sign up for Samantha's newsletter group. www.samanthagraceauthor.com.
