by Jane Ashford
Since the shipwreck, Fordyce had made it his mission to harass John. Before that, they’d had little to do with each other, despite the smallness of their party. Fordyce, equally junior in the diplomatic group, had pursued more exalted company. A foppish, supercilious, son of an earl—as John had learned in recent weeks—Fordyce had constantly dropped names and attempted to reminisce with Lord Amherst about lavish country house parties and fashionable town balls.
But following their encounter in that narrow gangway of a sinking ship, the man had focused almost obsessively on John. He’d created opportunities to highlight the difference in their backgrounds, or cast doubt on John’s abilities. It was wildly irritating. And ridiculous. What did he think John was going to do—run and tattle about his cowardice like a sniveling schoolboy? Try to tell their superiors that he, John, had made sure the Alceste was clear? That Fordyce had misrepresented his own behavior? There was no way to initiate such a conversation, even if he wished to.
John had even tried to say something like this to Fordyce, with no effect. It was as if the fellow didn’t even hear him. By this time, the mere sound of his voice affected John like the screech of tortured metal.
“If you wouldn’t mind, Bexley,” said the secretary. His expression showed a certain amount of sympathy. “I must follow Amherst to London immediately, and there are a number of confidential items still in the hold.”
“John will be happy to play footman,” said Fordyce. “Won’t you, John? Oh, I didn’t think. Are you familiar with footmen? They stand about front halls in important houses, waiting to run errands and carry packages, that sort of thing.” He smiled, the picture of toothy falsity.
Fordyce laced his arm with the secretary’s as if they were bosom friends. The secretary didn’t quite shake him off. But John read distaste in his face, which took some of the sting out of Fordyce’s words. Confidential items required careful handling, by someone who could be trusted. The task was significant, whatever Fordyce’s silly prejudices. “Certainly, sir,” John said.
The secretary nodded his thanks as the two men moved off down the dock. “See you in London, Bexley,” he added.
John’s spirits rose at this acknowledgment. More than his own inner landscape had changed with this voyage. He was known now; from amongst the vast army of junior functionaries in the Foreign Office, he’d been noticed. His future prospects were immeasurably brighter than they had been before this journey. That, and Fordyce’s sour expression, considerably lightened the job of seeing that each trunk was properly labeled and sent off with a reliable carrier to its correct destination.
What a Lady Needs for Christmas
The MacGregor Series
by Grace Burrowes
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author
***
The best gifts are the unexpected ones…
To escape a scandal, Lady Joan Flynn flees to her family’s estate in the Scottish Highlands. She needs a husband by Christmas, or the holidays will ring in nothing but ruin.
Practical, ambitious mill owner Dante Hartwell offers to marry Joan, because a wellborn wife is his best chance of gaining access to aristocratic investors.
As Christmas—and trouble—draw nearer, Dante and Joan discover that true love often hides beneath the most unassuming holiday wrapping…
***
Praise for Grace Burrowes:
“Burrowes is superb at creating connections that feel honest and real.” —Publishers Weekly
“The stories she tells have depth and emotion that will capture your heart and mind.” —Night Owl Reviews
For more Grace Burrowes, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
The Captive
Book 1 in the Captive Hearts series
by Grace Burrowes
New York Times and USA Today bestseller
***
He’ll never be free…
Captured and tortured by the French, Christian Severn, Duke of Mercia, survives by vowing to take revenge. Before the duke can pursue justice, Gillian, Countess of Greendale, reminds him that his small daughter needs her papa desperately.
Until he surrenders his heart…
Christian’s devotion to his daughter and his kindness toward Gilly give her hope of a future with him, for surely he shares her loathing for violence. Little does Gilly know, the battle for Christian’s heart is only beginning.
***
“Burrowes deftly builds the romantic tension amid lovely layers of domestic tranquillity and honest conversations.” —Publishers Weekly
“This is a beautiful story of redemption and love’s power over evil that wrenches readers’ emotions, yet leaves them utterly satisfied.” —RT Books Reviews
For more Grace Burrowes, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
The Traitor
Book 2 in the Captive Hearts series
by Grace Burrowes
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author
***
The past will overtake him…
Abandoned in France since boyhood, despite being heir to an English barony, Sebastian St. Clair makes the impossible choice to serve in the French Army. When he returns to England, old enemies challenge him on the field of honor, one after another.
But this time, he will not fight alone…
Millicent Danforth desperately needs her position as companion to the Traitor Baron’s aunt, but grieves to learn that Sebastian must continually fight a war long over. As Sebastian and Milly explore their growing passion, they uncover a plot that will cost Sebastian his life and his honor, unless he does battle once more…
***
“It takes a skilled storyteller to turn a ruthless interrogator into a man worthy of readers’ respect and adoration. Burrowes steps outside the box and readers are gifted with a memorable love story.” —RT Book Reviews
For more Grace Burrowes, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
The Laird
Book 3 in the Captive Hearts series
by Grace Burrowes
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author
***
He left his bride to go to war…
After years of soldiering, Michael Brodie returns to his Highland estate to find that the bride he left behind has become a stranger. Brenna is self-sufficient, competent, confident—and furious. But despite Michael’s prolonged absence, Brenna has remained loyal.
Now his most important battle will be for her heart.
Michael left Brenna when she needed him most, and then stayed away even after the war ended. Even though Michael has come home a seemingly wiser, more patient, and honorable husband, Brenna is wary of entrusting him with the truths she’s been guarding.
***
“Readers seeking a sweet, sensitive romance will savor this tale.” —RT Book Reviews
“Burrowes’s straightforward, sensual love story is intelligent and tender, rising above the crowd with deft dialogue and delightful characters.” —Publishers Weekly
For more Grace Burrowes, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
A Winter Wedding
The Marriage Mart Series
by Amanda Forester
***
This adventurous duke
The Duke of Marchford requires a suitable bride, but catching spies for the Foreign Office takes up most of his time. Not wanting to face another London season as an eligible man, he employs the notorious Madame X to find him a match.
Has met his match
Miss Penelope Rose’s own unsuccessful attempts at matrimony did not stop her from becoming London’s most exclusive matchmaker. Marchford proves to be a difficult client, but as he draws on her social expertise to help him flush out a dangerous traitor, they find that fallin
g in love may be the riskiest adventure of all.
***
“Pure ambrosia… Readers will delight in one of Forester’s happiest offerings to date.” —Publishers Weekly
“Forester’s latest sparkles with charming repartee and just enough humor to spice up the romance and intrigue.” —RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars
For more Amanda Forester, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
Love and Let Spy
Lord and Lady Spy Series
by Shana Galen
***
She cannot afford to fail…
Jane Bonde was raised to be a spy, but the ton knows her only as an elusive beauty. But if she can’t find and destroy the diabolical Foncé and his French spy ring, England’s defenses may fall.
However, something even more dangerous than a madman stands in her way—her fiancé.
When love conflicts with duty…
The demons of Dominic Griffyn’s past make it difficult for him to get close to anyone. When his stepfather demands he settle down and marry, Dominic hopes the mysterious Miss Bonde will help him forget his troubles. He may be right—her next mission is about to plunge them both into danger.
***
“Galen provides plenty of explosiveness, both literal and erotic, in a Regency-era romantic thriller packed with intrigue and lust.” —Publishers Weekly
“A lively, fast-paced, and wonderfully creative sensual romance.” —RT Book Reviews
For more Shana Galen, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
About the Author
Jane Ashford discovered Georgette Heyer in junior high school and was captivated by the glittering world and witty language of Regency England. That delight was part of what led her to study English literature and travel widely in Britain and Europe. She has written historical and contemporary romances, and her books have been published in Sweden, Italy, England, Denmark, France, Russia, Latvia, the Czech Republic, and Spain, as well as the U.S. Jane has been nominated for a Career Achievement Award by RT Book Reviews. Born in Ohio, she now lives in Los Angeles. She has never owned a parrot.