by The Rival
Yet as Garrick turned away, he knew he had glimpsed tears in his father’s eyes, and he was moved in spite of himself—in spite of the huge gulf of the past that would always remain between them.
And then he saw the future.
Olivia, beaming, continued to wave from the railing where she stood, urging him now to come to her. Hannah jumped up and down, unable to restrain her excitement. Treve barked, wagging his tail wildly. His heart melted, and he began to run up the gangplank, his strides coming faster and faster still. Garrick bounded onto the deck, and a moment later, he swept Olivia and Hannah into his arms. He swung them around and around, his setter barking madly at them.
The future—Olivia and Hannah and a new, wild land.
A land filled with hope and promise, land with no past to hold anyone back. The joy that had lurked on the horizon overcame him then—and forever—as the lines were cast and the frigate inched away from the berth and out of the harbor, sailing to that faraway place called America.
St. Martin’s Paperbacks Titles
by Brenda Joyce
THE FINER THINGS
SPLENDOR
THE RIVAL
REVIEWERS RAVE OVER NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR
BRENDA JOYCE
“Brenda Joyce captures you and doesn’t let you go!”
—Johanna Lindsey
SPLENDOR
“An epic romance … [a] hero … to die for … a heroine readers will root for.”
—Publishers Weekly
“[Brenda] Joyce has a special talent for that exciting what’s-going-to-happen, along with fabulous characters that make this a fantastic romance!”
—Affaire de Coeur
“Ms. Joyce weaves an epic tale … with characters that take on life. This is a must read for historical fans. Outstanding!” (6 bells)
—Bell, Book and Candle
“SPLENDOR is a well-written story that captures the essence of romance on every page. As I watched Carolyn grow from a naive romantic to a woman truly in love, many emotions were touched. I can only hope that Ms. Joyce will choose to write the story of … Nicholas’ brother in the near future.”
—Old Book Barn Gazette
“From bestselling romance novelist Brenda Joyce comes a sensual historical romance that truly lives up to its name … SPLENDOR is an emotional roller coaster that ultimately leaves you utterly satisfied.”
—Hollywood Inside Syndicate
“Complex and enigmatic with its underlying dark sensuality and emotional intensity, this novel mesmerizes and holds a reader’s attention from first page to last. Brenda Joyce is a grand mistress at building tension to a crescendo as she constructs a fascinating plot peopled with intriguing characters to intensify the whole reading experience. SPLENDOR is splendid and gives those seeking a vivid and more powerful romance with an undercurrent of sensuality just what they desire.”
—Romantic Times
THE FINER THINGS
“A sophisticated, stylish reading brimming with elegant prose.”
—Romantic Times
“Ms. Joyce’s books always flow with richness and anticipation. This one is so good I felt transported into the lives of these magnificent characters. The plot is enormously absorbing, the settings are vibrant and the sensuality abounds throughout. I cried and loved right along with the characters.”
—Rendezvous
“Likeable characters … Intriguing.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Brenda Joyce is a master storyteller.”
—CompuServe Romance Reviews
“Very satisfying. You won’t be able to put it down … Ms. Joyce only gets better and better.”
—The Bells & Beaux of Romance
CAPTIVE
“Holds you enthralled with its magnificence. Put this one at the top of your list … blissful reading!”
—Rendezvous
“Brenda Joyce delivers a unique romance destined to captivate readers.”
—Romantic Times
BEYOND SCANDAL
“Master storyteller Brenda Joyce weaves threads of mystery, intrigue and passion into a tale readers will devour.”
—Romantic Times
“The passion between Anne and Dominick practically sets the pages on fire. Ms. Joyce delivers—as always.”
—Affaire de Coeur
THE GAME
“SMOLDERING!”
—Publishers Weekly
“A masterpiece!”
—Romantic Times
“A stunning tale of power and passion.”
—Virginia Henley
“Brilliant Brenda Joyce delivers another tremendous historical romance that will clearly land on all the bestseller lists. THE GAME is a fast-paced, action-packed novel that includes two great lead protagonists and a stupendous support cast. All in all, this is reading at its finest.”
—Affaire de Coeur
THE PROMISE OF THE ROSE
“A powerful story, rife with compelling characters, political intrigue and steamy sensuality.”
—Los Angeles Daily News
“A sensational reading adventure.”
—Rendezvous
“One of the best books of the year.”
—Affaire de Coeur
AFTER INNOCENCE
“Fresh … extraordinary … an emotional roller coaster.”
—Publishers Weekly
SECRETS
“Probably the best mistaken-identity book since Sandra Brown’s MIRROR IMAGE.”
-B. Dalton’s Heart to Heart
“A love story that will dazzle readers with its insight into the human heart.”
—Romantic Times
SCANDALOUS LOVE
“Brenda Joyce brings a woman’s romantic fantasies to life. Emotional, poignant and highly sensual … passion at its ultimate!”
—Romantic Times
“The essence of romance!”
—Affaire de Coeur
THE RIVAL
Copyright © 1998 by Brenda Joyce.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews. For information address St. Martin’s Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10010.
Photograph of the author by Sigrid Estrada.
eISBN 9781429926270
First eBook Edition : May 2011
St. Martin’s Paperbacks edition / August 1998
St. Martin’s Paperbacks are published by St. Martin’s Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010.