To Charm a
Naughty Countess
by Theresa Romain
Genre: Regency-set historical romance
Tone: Romantic, passionate, lighthearted
Heat Level: Love scenes with euphemisms
Elements/Tags: Pygmalion story, virgin hero, widowed heroine
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publishing Date: May 6, 2014
Series, #: Matchmaker trilogy, book 2
Format: Mass market paperback, digital
Words: 87,000
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Back Cover:
CAN A RECLUSIVE DUKE…
Brilliant but rumored mad,
Michael Layward, the impoverished Duke of Wyverne, has no success courting
heiresses until widowed Lady Stratton takes up his cause–after first refusing
his suit.
WIN LONDON’S MOST POWERFUL
COUNTESS?
Caroline Graves, the popular
Countess of Stratton, sits alone at the pinnacle
of London society and has vowed never to remarry. When Michael–her counterpart
in an old scandal–returns to town after a long absence, she finds herself as
enthralled with him as ever. As she guides the anxiety-ridden duke through the
trials of society, Caroline realizes that she’s lost her heart . But if
she gives herself to the only man she’s ever loved, she’ll lose the hard-won
independence she prizes above all.
Buy Links:
Meet Author Theresa
Romain:
Historical romance author Theresa Romain pursued an
impractical education that allowed her to read everything she could get her
hands on. She then worked for universities and libraries, where she got to read
even more. Eventually she started writing, too. She lives with her family in
the Midwest.
Social Media Links:
Excerpt:
His
throat worked. “I am not yet certain whether I shall pursue Miss Cartwright. It
may not be desirable that my life’s mate reflect all my own qualities.”
Not
yet certain. After everything Caroline had invested. He rejected her aid and
her choices, the purpose of this whole house party, as though they were no more
significant than a bowl of soup that was not to his taste.
She
noticed, detached, the way her skin heated as if slapped, then prickled with
icy numbness. The blank before agony. Dimly, she felt surprise that a single
phrase could matter so much.
And
then feeling came rushing back, her ears roaring with all the noise of the
crowds on Fishergate. She knew she must look as wrong as she felt. Michael had
tilted his head in that curious way he had.
When
she spoke, her voice was carefully quiet. “Your uncertainty surprises me.”
He
lifted his brows, imperious as a bust of Caesar. “Why need you concern yourself
with my actions?” After all, I am not concerned with yours was the unvoiced
second half of that sentence.
Caroline
drew herself up to her full height and peered down at him, taking advantage of
her standing position to impress her point on his notice. “Because, Your Grace,
my own reputation is on the line. On this house party, and on your engagement,
depend my place in society as well as yours.”
The
bust of Caesar knit his brows. He did not understand.
She
bit back a sigh. “You made a fool of me once before, Michael. Yes, it was long
ago, but if you choose not to marry now, after I have publicly aided you, the
ton will remember. Their respect will turn to mockery.”
She
hated even to say the words, true as she knew them to be. She had already lived
through this once.
Her
plan had begun so well: she would triumph over him, and herself, and the polite
world. Not in any malicious way, but in a way that would give them all what
they needed. Society would get its gossip about the change in the mad duke;
Michael would win a rich dowry. And Caroline? She would come to understand him,
and the means by which he had so long kept her fascinated.
Now,
with every knot she untied, she snarled up two more. She must untie them all,
though, and redeem herself. She must once again play matchmaker.
She could not remember when her heart had been in it less. How could it, when it was already spoken for?
Giveaway Details:
Theresa is generously gifting all five of her books to one
lucky commenter!
*Season for Temptation
*Season for Surrender
*Season for Scandal
*It Takes Two to Tangle
*To Charm a Naughty Countess
Open internationally. Please follow the Rafflecopter
directions.
Tour Stops:
Important Additional
Information:
Facebook Event:
May 6th ~ 8 – 10pm EST
More info at: http://events.litconnect.com/facebook-celebration-to-charm-a-naughty-countess-by-theresa-romain/
Twitter Party:
May 7th ~ 8 – 9pm EST
#NaughtyCountess
More info: http://events.litconnect.com/twitter-party-to-charm-a-naughty-countess-by-theresa-romain/
