Distinguished Rogues, book 14
A surprising offer…
Spinster Sylvia Hillcrest will never marry, but that does not mean she has to ignore the occasional flirtation aimed her way, or the chance to indulge her secret vice in societies best card rooms. When she’s suddenly given a fortune to wager, but asked to lose it to one particular family, it’s an intriguing challenge too irresistible to pass up. So too is the devilish marquess carelessly flirting with her every chance he gets.
…a secret delight
Faced with a situation he cannot solve alone, the Marquess of Wharton designs a masterful scheme to use Miss Hillcrest to pass a small fortune to a desperate friend. His plan, of course, was destined to succeed, and he spends one scandalous night celebrating with the spinster in his bed. They agreed it was just a fling, but what’s a marquess to do when he craves so much more? Is it possible he’s finally met his match…or will her secretive ways tear them apart?
- Alpha Hero
- Matchmaking Spinster
- Secret Fling
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Praise for Desire by Design…
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Loved, loved, loved this. The characters were hilarious, entertaining and delightful. ~ Emma D.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ A great story by a wonderful storyteller. ~ Angela D.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ The characters in this story are all strong willed and outspoken individuals, especially the women, which makes for a great story. ~ Jill G.
Read an Excerpt
“The problem with not having a mistress is that everyone believes I have time on my hands and must be entertained,” Alexander, Marquess of Wharton, confided to his good friend, Lord Carmichael, in a whisper as they strolled into the latter’s dining room. “I have been besieged by invitations from those who feel I need to be amused.”
“Did you believe you could not refuse us tonight?”
“I did not say I didn’t agree with them,” he promised with a laugh. Alexander found great enjoyment from his friends. This particular one was now no longer a bachelor, unfortunately, and had to be shared.
He glanced at the four chairs and the place settings. “Is your wife joining us tonight or is it to be a gathering of men?”
“My wife and her good friend, Miss Sylvia Hillcrest, will join us directly, I’m sure. Do forgive them for not being present when you arrived.”
“Of course,” he murmured. He did not feel at all slighted, but was satisfied to have a moment to talk alone and uncensored with his friend before he had to watch his words. He always had fun with Carmichael. Often at his own expense. “Do I know Miss Hillcrest?”
Carmichael rolled his eyes. “She attended my wedding, you’ve sat down to several dinners with her sitting near you, and I think you even shared your sled at Christmas.”
Alexander hid a smile as he shook his head, denying everything. “Can’t place her.”
Carmichael growled in exasperation. “These little games of yours work best on people who don’t know you as I do. You don’t forget anyone. Ever.”
He grinned then. Carmichael used to fall for it once upon a time. “How is the little woman treating you these days? Has she forgiven you for falling down drunk New Year’s Eve yet?”
“She acts like she has forgotten, but I’d rather you didn’t mention that night again for a while,” Carmichael said in a low warning tone.
“Exceptional night, that. We should do it again soon.”
“Not if you expect another invitation to dine with us.”
Book Info
Release Date: June 2020
Digital ISBN: 978-1-925239-75-1
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-925239-76-8
Genre: Regency Historical Romance
Related Books
Distinguished Rogues Series
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2. Broken – Giles and Lillian
3. Charity – Oscar and Agatha
4. An Accidental Affair – Merrick and Arabella
5. Keepsake – Kit and Miranda
6. An Improper Proposal – Martin and Iris
7. Reason to Wed – Richard and Esme
8. The Trouble with Love – Everett and Whitney
9. Married by Moonlight – Gilbert and Anna
10. Lord of Sin – Julian and Portia
11. The Duke’s Heart – Sinclair and Kitty
12. Romancing the Earl – Price and Lenore
13. One Enchanted Christmas – Otis and Margaret
14. Desire by Design – Alexander and Sylvia
15: His Perfect Bride – Harry and Ophelia
16: Pleasures of the Night – Teddy and Eugenia
17: Silver Bells – Hector and Ruby
18: Seduced in Secret – Winston and Charlotte
19. Yours Until Dawn – Drew and Aurora
20. No Ordinary Lady