Retro Review:

Dearest Rogue by Elizabeth Hoyt

(Maiden Lane Series Book 8)

Published & Release Date: Hachette Book Group, May 26, 2015

Time and setting: 1741 London, England  

Genre: Historical Georgian Romance

Length: 347 pages

Heat Level: 1 Scorching Hot Flame

Rating: 4.5 Gold Crowns

HE CAN GUARD HER

Lady Phoebe Batten is pretty, vivacious, and yearning for a social life befitting the sister of a powerful duke. But because she is almost completely blind, her overprotective brother insists that she have an armed bodyguard by her side at all times-the very irritating Captain Trevillion.

FROM EVERY DANGER

Captain James Trevillion is proud, brooding, and cursed with a leg injury from his service in the King's dragoons. Yet he can still shoot and ride like the devil, so watching over the distracting Lady Phoebe should be no problem at all-until she's targeted by kidnappers.

BUT PASSION ITSELF

Caught in a deadly web of deceit, James must risk life and limb to save his charge from the lowest of cads-one who would force Lady Phoebe into a loveless marriage. But while they're confined to close quarters for her safekeeping, Phoebe begins to see the tender man beneath the soldier's hard exterior . . . and the possibility of a life-and love-she never imagined possible.

Buy Link:

http://smile.amazon.com/Dearest-Rogue-Maiden-Lane-Book-ebook/dp/B00NERQR8U/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1432214102&sr=1-1&keywords=dearest+rogue

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21422007-dearest-rogue?ac=1

Vikki’s Musings

While browsing books offered for review on Net-Galley, I found Dearest Rogue and since I had read books by Elizabeth Hoyt in the past, I requested it. This book is another fantastic addition to the wonderful Maiden Lane series. This is definitely a character-driven read, and I enjoyed it immensely.

Captain James Trevillion sustained an injury which has left him with a bad limp, causing him to resign from the 4^th dragoons. He has been hired by the Duke of Wakefield to guard his sister, Lady Phoebe because she has slowly been losing her sight for years and is now almost completely blind. Phoebe is bright, vivacious and witty with everyone, except the captain, but when he saves her from kidnapping, she changes toward him, and now looks upon him as her friend and no longer the overbearing man who keeps her from freedom.

Trevillion is fiercely attracted to the enchanting Phoebe, but knows he is too beneath her to ever have her return his regard. Yet Phoebe is far from the typical duke’s daughter. When danger strikes again, they are forced to flee London.

Can Trevillion overcome the barrier society dictates and win the heart of the sweet and innocent, yet alluring Lady Phoebe, while keeping her from harm, or will those barriers separate them for good?

What makes Dearest Rogue such a delightful read are the characters. Phoebe is easy to love. While she regrets the loss of her sight, she does not let it throw her into despair. She is determined to live a full life and gain some independence, whether her brother agrees or not. I loved her feisty attitude and her kindness to her loved ones, even her autocratic, controlling brother.

James Trevillion is a fantastic hero with all the qualities that I love. He’s honorable and kind and determined to keep Phoebe safe, even when she puts herself in danger in her bid for freedom. He earns Phoebe’s trust and admiration when they are forced to go into hiding by showing her true kindness and offering her friendship. He’s a bit of a tortured soul, and Ms. Hoyt does a fantastic job of protecting his secret without irritating me, which is a big plus.

Dearest Rogue has a bit of everything to make it an engaging read, a great romance, delightful characters and mystery. It kept me reading long into the night. I highly recommend this wonderful love story between two people who should not have fit. I’m sure you will enjoy it as much as I have. Happy reading! 

Tempting Fortune by Jo Beverley

(The Malloren World, Book 2)

Publisher & Release Date: ePublishing Works!, July 12, 2013

Time and setting: 1761, England

Genre: Historical Georgian Romance

Heat Level: 1 Scorching Hot Flame

Rating: 4.25 Gold Crowns

Book Description:

Lord Arcenbryght Malloren is done with love. If he marries it will be for money to invest in his favorite scheme—canal building.

Then he meets the impoverished Portia St. Claire, and is soon entangled in her and her family's ruinous affairs.

It doesn't take Bryght long to decide that Portia is the woman for him. But can he persuade Portia to trust a rich, devastatingly handsome nobleman who appears to be a reckless gamester?

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://smile.amazon.com/Tempting-Fortune-Malloren-Mallorens-Friends-ebook/dp/B00DXL9YF0/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1442408808&sr=1-1&keywords=tempting+fortune

Audible: http://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/Tempting-Fortune-Audiobook/B00KSIMCT6

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22113211-tempting-fortune

Vikki’s Musings

I have read Jo Beverley’s books for years and have yet to read one I didn’t like. Tempting Fortune is the second book in the Malloran World series, and while it is not my favorite book of hers, it was still a delightful read from start to finish.

Portia St. Claire wants to save her younger brother from his reckless ways. By doing so, it leads her into one haphazard escapade after another as she comes embroiled in Oliver’s problems. When she enters the Malloren realm, her life changes forever.

When Lord Arcenbryght Malloren bumps into Portia while housebreaking, she sends him into a tailspin. The last thing he expects it to be attracted to a pocket sized amazon who leads him on a merry chase as he attempts to keep her save from the unsavory gentlemen after her brother.

Has Bryght finally met his match in Portia and has she captured his heart? Can she find a way to love a man whose pursuit of risky investments sends terror to her heart? Can love indeed conquer all?  

Tempting Fortune is a rollercoaster ride, with Portia going from one precarious situation to another. I loved the fast pace and the creativity in which Ms. Beverley draws me into her stories and holds me there to the very end. Her books always go in a unique direction, and Tempting Fortune certainly does that.

At times, I loved Portia’s character, but at other times, I became annoyed with her. She is blind-sighted when it comes to her brother and it leads her into incredibly dangerous endeavors. She is fearless and brave, but her loyalty to her rapscallion brother keeps her from seeing the truth much of the time. Thank goodness Bryght is there to save her over and over again, yet she is so afraid to trust him. Even at the end of the book, she is still mistrusting.

I loved Bryght from the first page to the last, and his willingness to not give up on Portia, only endeared him to me even more. Most men would have left her to her own devices. Although, Portia drives him to distraction, his love for her remains constant.

If you enjoy a story that covers a gambit of emotions and keeps you glued to the book, then you will love Tempting Fortune. If you haven’t entered the Malloren world, I suggest you do if you enjoy a series with engaging characters and creative story lines. Happy reading!  

Book Trailer - Lady Overton's Perilous Journey by Vikki Vaught

LADY OVERTON’S

PERILOUS JOURNEY

BY

Vikki Vaught

So excited! The fabulous Carolyn de Ridder has updated my book trailer. Hope you'll take time to watch it!

Love Hard by Roe Valentine

Publisher & Release Date: Wild Rose Press, July 1, 2015

Time and setting: 1925, Chicago

Genre: Historical Romance

Heat Level: 1 Scorching Hot Flame

Rating: 4.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description:

Ingrid Crawford isn’t the careless flapper everyone thinks she is. In fact, she’s carrying around a heavy load, thanks to her loose-fisted father who’s gambled the family fortune away. While moonlighting at the Tease, she meets a man who might get her out of her financial troubles for good. 

Jovanis Koulis is a Greek immigrant who works as a courier, but he strives for much more. While visiting a burlesque joint, he is hit by Cupid’s arrow in the worst way when he lays eyes on the Veiled Vixen. Though he doesn’t tell the fair lady who he really is, he lets her believe what she wants…until he meets her face-to-face days later and neither are who they thought they were. 

Will they be able to live up to each other’s expectations without finding themselves in hot water first? 

Buy Link:

http://smile.amazon.com/Love-Hard-Roe-Valentine-ebook/dp/B00YJERTN4/ref=sr_1_7?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1440445586&sr=1-7&keywords=love+hard&pebp=1440445593424&perid=1NDGX2Y4TR1B6ZE8PH6D

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25653771-love-hard?ac=1

Vikki’s Musings

This is the second book I have read by Roe Valentine. I also read the first book in this series, Love Easy and enjoyed it a great deal, so when I was offered the chance to read and review Love Hard by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review, I quickly accepted. I’m so glad I did. I thoroughly enjoyed this intriguing book.

Ingrid Crawford, a fashion reporter for the Chicago Daily News during the day and a burlesque dance by night, is weighed down with a terrible burden. Her father’s investment firm has lost a great deal of money. She is trying to keep her family afloat, but not with much success, since they continue to spend money on a lifestyle they can no longer afford.

When Jovanis Koulis, a Greek immigrant and a courier, has a chance for an encounter with the beautiful burlesque dancer, Vixen, he takes advantage of it, never imagining the one night stand could turn into so much more.

When fate brings two lovers together, can two such different individuals manage to bridge the gulf between their two worlds, or will circumstances and obligations keep them apart forever?

Love Hard is a very fast-paced story with unique characters and an even stranger story line. I can honestly say this is the first romance I’ve ever read where the hero becomes a fledgling mobster and the heroine deadens her life disappointments through cocaine and alcohol. At first glance, this doesn’t seem like a romantic novel, but I promise it is. There’s a great love story buried underneath that is well worth reading.

Ms. Velentine’s research of the roaring 20s is excellent and certainly set the stage for this book. From her vivid descriptions of the costumes to the sleazy décor of the burlesque club, they bring life to this astonishing story. She has the lingo of this time completely down and it pulled me in, giving me a glimpse of what it must have been like for women who have been given a bit of freedom from the staid life of their parents. 

I found Jovanis’ character fascinating. His determination to win Ingrid’s heart is fierce, and his willingness to go to any lengths for her took my breath away.

If you’re looking for a read a step apart from the average, then Love Hard is sure to delight you. I know I certainly enjoyed it from the first page to the last. A always enjoy a satisfying ending that ties everything up with a pretty bow, and this one does it exceedingly well. Happy reading!

Spotlight: Guest Post by Shana Galen

The Rogue You Know by Shana Galen

Thanks for stopping by today. Shana Galen is visiting and is sharing her inspiration for her bad boy heroes. You will find her insights below, along with a chance to win a copy of the Covent Garden Cubs series, Book 1, Earls Just Want to Have Fun. Fantastic book by the way. Make sure you enter for a chance to win!

Publisher & Release Date: Sourcebooks Casablanca, September 1, 2015

Time and setting: Early 19^th century, London, England

Genre: Historical Regency Romance

Length:  352 pages

Heat Level: 1 Scorching Hot Flames

Rating: 4.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description:

She's beyond his reach...
Gideon Harrow has spent his life in London's dark underworld-and he wants out. A thief and a con, he plans one last heist to finally win his freedom. But when everything goes wrong, he finds himself at the tender mercies of one of Society's most untouchable women-Lady Susanna Derring.

...and out of her depth.
Susanna has spent her life in London's glittering ton, under the thumb of a domineering mother-and she wants out. When a wickedly charming rogue lands at her feet, she jumps at the chance to experience life before it's too late. But as she descends into London's underworld, she finds that nothing- not even Gideon-is as it seems. As excitement turns to danger, Susanna must decide what price she's willing to pay...for the love of a reformed thief.

 Buy Links:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1hidOmA

Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1UlC0m7

iBooks: http://apple.co/1M9L0JI

IndieBound: http://bit.ly/1IWkOBI

 Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24296177-the-rogue-you-know?ac=1

Vikki’s Musings

I am a huge fan of Shana Galen’s wonderful, adventurous tales of love and mayhem. When I received an invitation from the publisher to read and review The Rogue You Know in exchange for an honest review, I eagerly accepted. Out of all of Ms. Galen’s books that I have read, I have yet to read one that did not fulfill my historical romance fetish. This book is another great romp through the streets of regency England.

Lady Susanna feels so suffocated by her mother’s domineering attitude that she finds it hard to breathe. Her overprotective ways are so bad, she cannot even go to the retiring room on her own. When she finally escapes her mother’s watchful eye, a chance encounter with Lady Litton, gives her a clue to why her mother is so determined to shelter her.

Gideon Harrow is a thief and on the run from Beezle, the new arch rogue of the Covent Garden Cubs, a band of thieves and pickpockets, a group he is a member of. He takes shelter at his friend, Marlowe’s new residence and is discovered by Susanna.

Susanna is determined to visit Vauxhall Gardens, that is where Lady Litton tells her, her mother’s secret is. She grabs the precious gem necklace from Gideon and hides it, then tells him she will not give it back until he takes her to the famous garden.

This starts Susanna’s fantastic journey through the underbelly of London. Will Susanna and Gideon band together to outrun their pursuers and along the way find a love to last a lifetime?   

When Lady Susanna is first introduced, I was not sure I would like her because she seemed so timid, but let me tell you, SHE IS NOT TIMID! Once she starts on her grand adventure, she becomes fearless, a woman who knows what she wants and goes after it. I fell in love with her character and really wanted her to gain what she desired, truly a delightful heroine. Ms. Galen writes strong female characters and Lady Susanna is certainly that.

Gideon Harrow seems like the most unlikely hero for Susanna, but he is the perfect man for her. His character’s loyalty, determination and honor comes through loud and clear. In this case, a rogue truly can be true to his own code of conduct, and a gentleman, although his birth is far below genteel. I loved how he tried to protect Susanna from her madcap ways.

While the romance happens between Gideon and Susanna incredibly fast--theirs is a true case of love at first sight--I still found it very believable. The chemistry between this great couple sizzles from their first meeting and throughout the rest of the book. Their wild adventure is so intense, it allows for the romance to develop very fast. They are a wonderful hero and heroine and fantastic together as a couple.

I highly recommend this exciting, action-packed tale of love between two amazing characters. If you like stories very fast-paced that keep you on your toes, then you will delight in this great read. If you have never read any of Shana Galen’s books, you are missing out. The Rogue You Know is a stellar example of all that I love about her writing. Happy reading!     

Guest Post: Bad Boy Inspiration by Shana Galen

When we think about Regency England, we tend to think of the balls, the carriages, the gowns. We forget that for every duke or marquess, there were hundreds of thieves and pickpockets living in the slums of the city. Covent Garden was an area of London with plenty of rookeries, and the thieves who lived there often banded together because there’s protection in numbers. My fictional gang called the Covent Garden Cubs is made up of the leader Satin, his second-in-command Beezle, and an assortment of pickpockets and house-breakers with names like Gap, Racer, and Stub. The gang also has one girl, Marlowe, and I wrote about her in Earls Just Want to Have Fun. Her best friend in the gang in Gideon, and he’s the hero in The Rogue You Know. Gideon is the ultimate bad boy who can cheat, lie, and steal with the best of them. He was orphaned at a young age and had no choice but to steal to survive. Now Gideon wants a different life for himself, and if he can just complete one last job, he’ll have it…or die trying.

When writing about my bad boy hero, I had plenty of inspiration.

1)       Flynn Rider from Tangled

Yes, I know Flynn is animated, but he is the main inspiration for Gideon. Like the Disney bad boy, Gideon is charming, funny, and self-deprecating. Flynn makes no apologies for his lifestyle, and while he may try to hide his sensitive side, his love for Rapunzel brings it out.

2)       George Gordon Byron, Baron Byron

Byron was a poet, nobleman, and ultimate bad boy. Described as “mad, bad, and dangerous to know,” Byron titillated the Regency world. He generated enormous debts, had numerous affairs and liaisons, and ultimately died young and tragically abroad. A bad boy with the heart of a romantic is always an inspiration.

3)       Danny in Grease

We’ve all seen Grease so many times we forget that Travolta’s character was really a bad boy. He’s dangerous for Sandy’s reputation and just plain dangerous, period. But like any bad boy we love, love wins Danny over and he’s willing to change to be with the woman who means everything.

4)       Patrick in 10 Things I Hate About You

I love a bad boy who sets out to corrupt the good girl and then is corrupted by her instead. Heath Ledger is fabulous as the new kid in school who agrees to date the heroine…for a fee. “How do I loathe thee? Let me count the ways.” The banter between Patrick and Kat makes this bad boy movie memorable.

5)       Nick Gentry in Worth Any Price by Lisa Kleypas

While Gideon may be on the wrong side of the law and Nick Gentry a Bow Street Runner, Nick definitely serves as an inspiration. He’s a man with a dark past and much to hide, but Charlotte is able to peel away the layers one by one. Her love for him, and his for her, redeems this bad boy and makes us love him all the more.

I enjoyed taking inspiration from each of these bad boys and creating the character of Gideon. He may be a thief and a rogue, but he is also capable of deep love. And that’s what my books are about—characters for whom love changes everything.

Who are your favorite redeemed rogues?

Author Bio:

Shana Galen is the bestselling author of passionate Regency romps, including the RT Reviewers' Choice The Making of a Gentleman. Kirkus says of her books, "The road to happily-ever-after is intense, conflicted, suspenseful and fun," and RT Bookreviews calls her books " lighthearted yet poignant, humorous yet touching." She taught English at the middle and high school level off and on for eleven years. Most of those years were spent working in Houston's inner city. Now she writes full time. She's happily married and has a daughter who is most definitely a romance heroine in the making. Shana loves to hear from readers, so send her an email or see what she's up to daily on Facebook and Twitter.

http://www.shanagalen.com/

https://www.facebook.com/shana.galen2?fref=ts

https://twitter.com/shanagalen

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/93709.Shana_Galen

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Spotlight on

To Live Again by V.L. Edwards

Publisher & Release Date: Enticing Pleasures Romance, September 11, 2015

Time and setting: 1818, England

Genre: Historical Regency Romance

Length: 122 pages

Heat Level: 3 Scorching Hot Flame

Book Description:

The reclusive Earl of Broadmoor exists for his son and grieves for his late wife. Vowing to never give his heart again, he prowls the streets of London when his needs can no longer be denied. When an enchanting young woman captures his eye—a woman he believes wise in ways to satisfy a man’s urges—he offers her a night of passion. 

Amelia Harrington grows desperate when her landlady demands the rent or else. To keep food on the table and a place to live for her and her young siblings, she sells the only thing she has to offer…her innocence. 

Broadmoor discovers she is not what he expects, but a virgin and a gentlewoman as well. His honor demands he wed her. Can the earl protect his heart and stay true to his late wife’s memory, while enjoying his new wife’s delectable charms? Can Amelia bring his walls crashing down, allowing him…to live again? 

Warning: This book is intended for mature audiences. 

Buy Link:

http://www.amazon.com/Live-Again-V-L-Edwards-ebook/dp/B015ALU8S2/ref=sr_1_27?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1442100088&sr=1-27&keywords=to+live+again

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26452954-to-live-again

Excerpt:

The young woman’s hands shook as she reached up to untie her bonnet and remove it. She lowered it, twisting the brim with her hands. Her lip trembled and her eyes looked glassy with tears as she bowed her head and followed his directions. Taken aback by this show of tears and nerves, he wondered if he had made a mistake. She did look quite young. However, as she had come willingly, he dismissed his concern.

Once she disappeared from sight, he lit more candles. The lamp behind the screen illuminated the woman’s shadow. While he watched her disrobe, fierce desire stirred in his loins. As he continued to watch, he reached down and rubbed his cock, which grew bigger by the minute. She had petite, pert tits, and he couldn’t wait to feast on them. If he were a betting man he’d wager she had small berry-colored nipples, as he always preferred.

When the woman finished undressing, she stood perfectly still as if frozen, so he called out, “Please, come here.” He heard her take a deep shuddering breath, and it gave him pause, making him again question his decision to engage her services. By this time he was so greatly aroused, he pushed his hesitation away again.

Just when he thought she wasn’t coming from behind the screen, she stepped out, moved a few feet, and stopped. His breath caught when he saw her. The sheer, pale blue silk robe showed her luscious curves to advantage. She was everything he desired, plump breasts with deep pink nipples, alabaster skin with a small patch of auburn pubic hair. Her tiny waist and gently flared hips drove desire straight to his already aching cock. Reminiscent of the statues of the Grecian goddesses he had seen when he visited the British Museum, definitely an alluring young woman’s body. Her graceful figure fed the fire deep in his belly.

However, as he observed the pensive expression on her face, he suspected she might be too fragile and young to handle such extreme sexual desires. “How old are you? You look younger than I thought.” As much as he’d hate it, if she wasn’t eighteen, he would need to send her on her way.

“I j-just celebrated my twentieth b-birthday.” Rushing her words, she added, “I’m old enough.”

A blush rose up her cheeks, as she pulled the sash apart. The robe slipped from her shoulders and fell to the floor. Her beauty stole his breath. Never, in the last three years he’d done this, had he picked up such an exquisite female—and she belonged to him for the entire night. He stepped closer. In a husky voice, he murmured, “I’m going to blindfold you. I promise I won’t hurt you.”

She looked up. Her face paled, and her eyes grew large as she backed away. “No, please don’t.”

Warren raised an eyebrow. “Come now. You’re a woman who’s sold her favors before. It can be quite titillating to be blindfolded. All your other senses are more acute. Don’t act missish. It’s not as though you’re a virgin.”

Author Bio:

Vikki Vaught, writing as V.L. Edwards started her writing career when a story invaded her mind and would not leave. Over the last few years, she has written more than a half dozen historical romances and is presently working on her next. To Live Again is her debut novel in erotic historical romance. She also has another recent release, writing as Vikki Vaught. Lady Overton’s Perilous Journey is the first book in her Honorable Rogue series.

Vikki loves a "Happily Ever After", and she writes them in her stories. While romance is the central theme of all her books, she includes some significant historical event or place in all her novels.

While all her books are love stories, she has also written short contemporary sweet romances as Vikki McCombie.

Vikki lives in the beautiful foothills of the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee with her beloved husband, Jim, who is the most tolerant man in the world to put up with her when she is in a writing frenzy. When she isn’t writing or working her day job, you’ll find her curled up in a comfortable chair reading her Kindle, lost in a good book with a cup of tea at her side.

Author Links:

Website: http://www.vikkivaught.com/home.html

Email: mailto:vvaught512@aol.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VikkiVaught?ref=bookmarks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/vvaught512

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+VikkiMcCombie/posts

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

Amazon Author Page: http://smile.amazon.com/Vikki-Vaught/e/B008EE7TG2/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1433778387&sr=1-2-ent

Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5208041.Vikki_Vaught

Spotlight on Re-release!

I'm excited and pleased to announce Lady Overton's Perilous Journey is again available on Amazon and in the Kindle Unlimited program! If you're looking for an exciting read with high adventures and plenty of intrigue, then you'll love Lady O.  

Lady Overton’s Perilous Journey by Vikki Vaught

(Honorable Rogue, Book 1)

Publisher & Release Date: Enticing Pleasures Romance, September 10, 2015

Time and setting: 1802, England & America

Genre: Historical Regency Romance

Length: 280 pages

Heat Level: 2 Scorching Hot Flame

Book Description:

When her son’s life is threatened, Lady Overton seeks a vessel bound for America. Before the ship even reaches the high seas, sparks fly between her and Captain Alex Hawks. Although the young widow may be lonely and afraid, she cannot risk the diversion a romantic entanglement could bring, no matter how much she wants to lose herself in the captain’s embrace.  

The Captain vows to protect the little marquess, but can offer no assurance that the marchioness will leave his ship with her virtue intact. Alex is drawn to Anissa’s beauty and courage. How long can he fight a losing battle before he surrenders and makes her his own? 

Will Alex be able to keep this remarkable woman and her child safe? Will his passion for Anissa be enough or will their differences keep them apart? 

Buy Link:

http://smile.amazon.com/Overtons-Perilous-Journey-Honorable-Rogue-ebook/dp/B0158RMU0C/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25862780-lady-overton-s-perilous-journey

Excerpt:

She cuddled her sleeping child close as she scanned the overcrowded common area. Her insides churned as she wove her way through the crowded tables, the chairs filled with dirty, unsavory-looking men. The strong smell of sweat mingled with ale threatened to turn her stomach and had her breathing through her mouth. Anissa went over to the man the stable boy had described to her. “Sir, are you Captain Hawks?”

The man turned around, and in a drawling voice, he answered, “Well, darlin’, that’s my name.” He swept his tri-corn hat from his head, stood and bowed. “Captain Alex Hawks, at your service. What can I do for you?”

Anissa gazed up into the blackest eyes she had ever seen and wanted to fall into them. Mesmerized, she blinked as a shiver ran across her shoulders. This was not the time to notice this man’s eyes, no matter how compelling they were. Now was the time to use her charms to convince him to take her on his ship.

“My name is—” she quickly searched for a name, not wanting to give him her identity, “—Mrs. Carlson. I would like to pay for passage on your ship. I understand you are leaving for America this morning.” Then, thinking of a city she had heard of in America, she added, “I need to go to Boston, where some of my family lives. Would you be able to help me?”

Captain Hawks gave her an appraising stare, which unnerved her. This man was intimidating, to say the least. “I’m not going to Boston. And, I don’t normally take on passengers. I’m headed to Baltimore, and it’s a far piece from Boston, darlin’.”

“Please take me. I have to leave for America as soon as possible.” Anissa had to convince him to allow her passage. “And as far as your destination is concerned, I’m sure once I am in America, I shall be able to travel to Boston from there.”

“Darlin’, do you even know where Baltimore is and how far it is from Boston?”

Anissa wished he would quit calling her darling. It was quite presumptuous of him, and she did not appreciate it at all. Of course, she did not want to anger him, so she kept her feelings to herself. “Well, no, not really. How far is it?”

“It’s over four hundred miles,” Captain Hawks explained, as if he were speaking to a child, which further irritated her, tugging at her frazzled nerves. “You would be better served if you found a passenger ship going there. I have an associate who should be arriving in a few days, and his ship is going to Boston. He also takes passengers. I’m sure he would be happy to take you on board.”

Oh, dear, why did I say Boston? Please, Lord, let me convince him to take me.

Every hour brought her closer to the chance of discovery. She could not afford to wait for another ship. She needed to get as far away from Lord Howard as possible, immediately.

“Captain, I do not have a few days to wait. My uncle is dreadfully ill. He may only have a few months to live, so I need to leave as soon as possible. Please allow me to travel on your ship.” She looked up at him, willing a few tears into her eyes, praying to gain his sympathy.

Captain Hawks sighed and rolled his obsidian eyes toward the ceiling. “I know I’m going to regret this. All right, darlin’, if it’s that important, I’ll take you. I hope you realize how uncomfortable this voyage will be for you and the child. The cabin you will be in is minuscule and barely has room to turn around in. Are you sure you don’t want to reconsider?”

“We shall be fine, regardless of the conditions.”

He shook his head, sending her heart to the floor.

Oh, Lord, please don’t let him change his mind.

What shall I do if he has?

Author Bio:

Vikki Vaught started her writing career when a story invaded her mind and would not leave.

Over the last few years, she has written more than a half dozen historical romances and is presently working on her next. Her new release, Lady Overton’s Perilous Journey is the first book in her Honorable Rogue series.

Vikki loves a "Happily Ever After", and she writes them in her stories. While romance is the central theme of all her books, she includes some significant historical event or place in all her novels.

While all her books are love stories, she has also written short contemporary sweet romances as Vikki McCombie and erotic romances using the pen name of V.L. Edwards.

For the last decade, Vikki has lived in the beautiful foothills of the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee with her beloved husband, Jim, who is the most tolerant man in the world to put up with her when she is in a writing frenzy. When she is not writing or working her day job, you’ll find her curled up in a comfortable chair reading her Kindle, lost in a good book with a cup of tea at her side. 

Author Links:

Website: http://www.vikkivaught.com/home.html

Email: mailto:vvaught512@aol.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VikkiVaught?ref=bookmarks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/vvaught512

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+VikkiMcCombie/posts

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

Amazon Author Page: http://smile.amazon.com/Vikki-Vaught/e/B008EE7TG2/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1433778387&sr=1-2-ent

Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5208041.Vikki_Vaught