Best of Both Rogues

by Samantha Grace

  The thrill of that word raced through her and she tossed her arms around his neck.

  He laughed again, lifting her off her feet and planting a smacking kiss on her lips.

  “Will we return home before it is time to give birth?” she asked.

  He set her back on her feet. “I cannot imagine you would wish to be anywhere else, and you will want your mother and possibly Helena too.”

  “And you.”

  He blanched. “Me?”

  “Perhaps. Amelia said your brother was in attendance when she birthed their son.”

  “That blasted whelp is forever trying to outclass his older brothers,” Ben said with a wink. He bent down to surprise her with a sweet, loving kiss. When their lips parted, he leaned his forehead against hers. “There is only one place I plan to be when you bring our child into the world, by your side. Nothing will ever keep me from you, Kitten.”

  “Oh, Ben,” she managed to choke out as tears filled her eyes. “You are turning me into a watering pot.”

  “Watering pot or not, I will always love you, Evie. I wonder if we will have a boy or girl.”

  “Does it matter?”

  He grinned and slipped his arm around her waist. “Not one bit. I can sing and dance with either one.”

  She laughed. “Just don’t make the mistake of holding our baby overhead unless you want a surprise.”

  “Yes, Toby Boy taught me that lesson.”

  They remained at the railing side by side, their arms wrapped around each other, happily chatting about their bright future as Lisbon loomed on the horizon.

  She laid her head against his shoulder and sighed. “I love you, Ben.”

  “I love you too.” He placed a kiss on her hair. “I never thought I could be this happy, Evie. You are my everything, and always will be.”

  Author’s Note

  For the sake of the story, I chose to create a fictional orphanage in London where the heroine is involved in charity work. In reality, there was only one foundling hospital in London in 1819. My research indicates infants were sent to live with foster families in the country, where it was believed to be a healthier environment for the babies. I am sure they were correct, given the unsanitary conditions in the city. In this story, however, I’ve chosen to create a nursery in the foundling hospital where the babies are cared for by nurses and wet nurses.

  Acknowledgments

  Every time I finish writing a book, I pause to reflect on how many people are involved in the entire process from the moment the seeds of an idea begin to develop until the reader is holding the book in her hands. The number of people involved can be mind-boggling, especially when writing a book feels like such a solitary task. I’d like to take a moment to thank a few of these wonderfully supportive people I’m lucky enough to have surrounding me.

  Thank you to my husband, kids, and extended family members who have been very understanding when I’ve needed to miss time together to finish the book by my deadline. It’s never a pleasant task to plant myself in front of the laptop rather than spend time with family, but your enthusiasm and understanding makes everything a little easier. I appreciate you more than words can express.

  Thank you to fellow Regency author and critique partner Heather Boyd. Her feedback has been invaluable. From the first page to the last, she has been with me during this entire process.

  A special thank you to my street team, the Social Graces. Not only do the ladies help spread word about my stories, they are excited about my current projects. Sometimes an author needs an extra boost of encouragement to keep going, and these ladies are a godsend.

  Next, I would like to thank the group at Sourcebooks who create beautiful covers, edit my work, and help make my books visible to historical romance readers: Cat Clyne, editor; Skye Agnew, production editor; and Becca Smith, publicist. These women are just the tip of the iceberg. There are many others involved behind the scenes, but Cat, Skye, and Becca are there for me whenever I need help, and they make this experience a very pleasant one.

  Finally, I would like to thank my agent, Nephele Tempest, for lending her expertise. She is a delightful person to know, and her support is equally important and appreciated.

  Thank you for reading!

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  One Rogue Too Many

  by Samantha Grace

  From the betting book at Brooks’s gentlemen’s club: £2,000 that Lord Ellis will throw the first punch when he discovers Lord Thorne is wooing a certain duke’s sister.

  All bets are off when the game is love

  Lady Gabrielle is thrilled when Anthony Keaton, Earl of Ellis, asks for her hand. She’s not so pleased when he then leaves the country without a word. Clearly, he has changed his mind and is too cowardly to tell her. There’s nothing to do but go back on the marriage mart…

  When Anthony returns to find his ultimate rival wooing Gabby, his continual battle of one-upmanship with Sebastian Thorne ceases to be a game. Anthony is determined to win back the woman who holds his heart.

  Praise for Samantha Grace:

  “Grace’s flair for crafting engaging characters and light touch when it comes to humor and charm result in another sexy Regency.” —Booklist

  “A merry romp… Grace captures the essence and atmosphere of the era.” —RT Book Reviews

  For more Samantha Grace, visit:

  www.sourcebooks.com

  In Bed with a Rogue

  by Samantha Grace

  He’s the talk of the town

  The whole town is tittering about Baron Sebastian Thorne having been jilted at the altar. Every move he makes ends up in the gossip columns. Tired of being the butt of everyone’s jokes, Sebastian vows to restore his family’s reputation no matter what it takes.

  She’s the toast of the ton

  Feted by the crème of Society, the beautiful widow Lady Prestwick is a vision of all that is proper. But Helena is no angel, and when Sebastian uncovers her dark secret, he’s quick to press his advantage. In order to keep her hard-won good name, Helena will have to make a deal with the devil. But she has some tricks up her sleeves to keep this notorious rogue on his toes…

  Praise for One Rogue Too Many:

  “Filled with humor and witty repartee… Grace woos readers in true Regency style.” —Publishers Weekly

  “Charming…Grace captures the essence and atmosphere of the era.” —RT Book Reviews

  For more Samantha Grace, visit:

  www.sourcebooks.com

  Lady Vivian Defies a Duke

  by Samantha Grace

  The Naked Truth

  Lady Vivian Worth knows perfectly well how to behave like a lady. But observing proper manners when there’s no one around to impress is just silly. Why shouldn’t she strip down to her chemise for a swim? When her betrothed arrives to finally meet her, Vivi will act every inch the lady—demure, polite, compliant. Everything her brother has promised the man. But until then, she’s going to enjoy her freedom…

  A Revealing Discovery

  Luke Forest, the newly named Duke of Foxhaven, wants nothing to do with his inheritance—or the bride who comes with it. He wants adventure and excitement, like the enchanting water nymph he’s just stumbled across. When he discovers the skinny-dipping minx is his intended, he reconsiders his plan to find Lady Vivian another husband. Because the idea of this vivacious woman in the arms of another man might be enough to drive him insane—or to the altar.

  “An ideal choice for readers who relish smartly written, splendidly sensual Regency historicals.” —Booklist

  For more Samantha Grace, visi
t:

  www.sourcebooks.com

  Never Resist a Rake

  A Somerfield Park Romance

  by Mia Marlowe

  Can he fool his new family?

  John Fitzhugh Barrett, surprised to learn he is heir to an estate, is determined his new status won’t mean giving up his freedom. But as families from all over England descend upon Somerfield Park for the shooting season, their unmarried daughters are lining up to bag the newest trophy buck—him.

  Or is he only fooling himself?

  John’s instinct for self-preservation inspires him to divide his attentions between a scandalous young widow, and beautiful Rebecca Kearsey, daughter of a destitute baron. The charade gives John the illusion of controlling the game, but when he loses his heart to Rebecca, all bets are off.

  “Marlowe’s delightful tale is replete with unexpected characters, a wonderful romance, and a page-turning plot. Marlowe cleverly turns a rascal into a hero readers will adore, while adding a depth of emotion that will touch their hearts.” —RT Book Reviews, 4.5 Stars

  For more Mia Marlowe, visit:

  www.sourcebooks.com

  The Beautiful One

  Book 1 in the Scandalous Sisters Series

  by Emily Greenwood

  A picture says a thousand words…

  The ton is buzzing about The Beautiful One, a scandalous book of nude sketches making the rounds of the town. Only two men know the true identity of the striking woman depicted, and they are scouring the countryside, determined to find her.

  But not the most important ones

  The unlikely center of the scandal, Anna Black, flees her home. Her tomboy heart and impertinent tongue serve her well when she meets most brooding Will Halifax, Viscount Grandville. When the viscount’s outrageous teenaged ward arrives, he presses Anna to take on her care. But Anna knows that the more she loves, the more she has to lose.

  “Greenwood weaves some unique threads into her Regency romance, heightening the sexual stakes and rendering a wholly satisfying happy ending for this touching love story.” —Kirkus Reviews

  For more Emily Greenwood, visit:

  www.sourcebooks.com

  About the 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 that Samantha is grown, she enjoys creating her own happy endings for characters that spring from her imagination. Publishers 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. To learn more about Samantha’s books, visit her at www.samanthagraceauthor.com.