The Temberlay Series # 3
By: Lecia Cornwall
Releasing August 26th, 2014
Avon Romance
On the night before the final battle against Napoleon, Lady Delphine St. James finds herself dancing with the one man she has always wanted, Major Lord Stephen Ives. He makes it clear he has no time for a lady he sees as flirtatious and silly, but as the call to arms sounds, she bids him farewell with a kiss that stirs them both. When he returns gravely injured, she is intent on caring for him, even if his surly behavior tests her patience.
After the battle, Stephen is not only wounded and blind, but falsely accused of cowardice and theft. The only light in his dark world is Delphine, the one woman he never imagined he could desire. But she deserves more than he can give her.
As their feelings deepen and hidden enemies conspire to force them to part forever, can their love survive the cruelest test of all?
It had been more than a year since he’d met her in London, at a ball given by her mother, the Countess of Ainsley. Stephen had bowed over Delphine’s hand, instantly captivated by her vivacious beauty. She had been intelligent, attentive, and charming—until a duke had caught her attention, and she had turned that charm on that gentleman instead. It had been hard-edged, practiced, and utterly false. And that wasn’t the only time he watched Delphine claim the undivided attention of a room full of people, or saw her cause outrageous scandal with a whispered word or a flick of her fan. It was his job to observe people, understand them, and after his mistaken first impression, Stephen saw the haughty Lady Delphine for what she was, the outspoken daughter of an outspoken political father, a Tory debutante, a wealthy marriage prize for a titled man with the proper political and social connections, and the vast fortune it would take to keep her. Why the devil wasn’t she married by now? She should be the obnoxious wife to an equally obnoxious earl or marquess, busy breeding obnoxious heirs. The fact that she was here, on the edge of danger, helping her sister set up a hospital was something he never would have expected of Delphine St. James. That surprised him almost as much as the kiss. He’d felt as if he’d been struck by lightning when he turned and saw her on the staircase, her eyes shining in the candlelight. He’d been tempted to bolt for the door as she pushed through the crowd toward him, but dignity and good manners insisted he remain where he was. In truth, he feared she might chase him down if he fled, yelling his name. That was the Delphine he knew in London, the one who always got whatever she wanted, be it attention, favors, or the gentleman of her choice, by whatever means necessary. Shortly after her mother’s ball, it appeared Delphine had set his cap for him. With just as much determination, he had set his to deny her. Even if he wanted a wife, it would never be Delphine St. James. She talked too much, and listened not at all.
Author Info:
Lecia Cornwall is a PRO member of the Romance Writers of America’s Seattle and Calgary Chapters. Her background includes all facets of writing, including running a successful freelance writing business specializing in direct marketing and advertising. Both history and writing have been lifelong passions. Lecia currently lives and writes in Calgary, Alberta, the heart of the Canadian West. Author Links:
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ReplyDeleteI got a different sense of Delphine from tonight's blurb. She knew what she wanted from the get go and was consistent and persistent, including waiting a very long time for James to "come around." I'd say Delphine was a very strong woman indeed. jdh2690@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome :)
ReplyDeleteI love a strong heroine :) Thanks for stopping by!
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