The Earl's Enigma
Government spy Franklin Gates returns home to claim his estate and send his step-mother, the person who knows his terrible secret, to one of his other properties.
Mary Ann Steeples, the one woman he can’t forget, is determined to win Franklin's heart. She has passed up many proposals waiting for him. Now that Franklin has returned, he still resists the attraction that flared between them when her twin sister and his best friend courted.
Franklin must discover the truth about his past before contemplating any marriage. Unfortunately, the person who knows the truth is a woman he never wanted to see again.
Even as his desire for Mary Ann increases, Franklin is certain she is not the wife he needs. He fears she is too much like the step-mother he hates. But Mary Ann will go to any length to show him he's wrong. Even if she endangers her life.
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Excerpt:
“I saw Franklin Gates,” her mother said. She gave Mary Ann a questioning look.
“We spoke with him while getting refreshments,” Mary Ann answered, while pretending to study the crowd.
“And?”
Annoyed, Mary Ann turned to face her mother. “And what? We talked briefly, or he and Philip talked. He said very little to me.”
“How long will you persist in waiting for him?”
Shocked, Mary Ann blinked at her mother. “You knew?”
“I’m not blind or dumb, dear, and I know my daughters.” She smiled. “At least most of the time. Although, you and Helena led your father and I on a merry chase a few years ago.”
Thinking about all the trouble she and Helena had gotten into during her twin sister’s courtship with the duke, Mary Ann chuckled. That was the last time she remembered being happy. Of course, Franklin had been around more during those days.
“May I have this dance?”
Did her thought conjure him up? Mary Ann swung around. Franklin stood in front of her. Slightly dazed, she lifted her flushed face, and her eyes met his dark, hot gaze. “Yes.” The word barely slipped out from between her dry lips.
He offered his arm, and she placed her gloved hand on it. Underneath his coat sleeve his hard muscle flexed.
On the dance floor his arm went around her waist, and he moved them gracefully into the waltz. She took a deep breath. His spicy cologne, mingled with his own personal male scent, enveloped her.
“How have you been, Lady Mary Ann?” His sensuous voice curled around her heart.
She swallowed and glanced up at him. “Fine, thank you. I’m sorry to hear you’ve been wounded.”
“As I said earlier, it’s nothing.”
His curt reply reveled nothing of himself. Mary Ann refused to let him continue his close-mouthed behavior. “You are going home to your estate?”
“It is time. I’m sure there’s much work to be done. I’ll probably return to London after a few months. Nicholas has been asking me to assist him here, at the home front, for several years.”
Mary Ann wanted to say something more instead of this overly polite conversation, but his cool reception stopped her. Why had he asked her to dance? He hadn’t smiled once. Her foot slipped on a wet spot on the floor and Franklin tightened his arm around her and drew her closer.
“Thank you,” her words were shaky even to her ears.
Franklin’s expression became more rigid, if possible, and he danced her around several couples to a set of French windows.
Before Mary Ann realized his intent, he’d moved her through the doors and outside into the cool darkness.
“Damn you,” he muttered, as he grasped her chin and his mouth covered hers.
Mary Ann came up on her tiptoes and wrapped her arms around his neck. She opened her mouth and his tongue slid inside, tasting her and sending shudders of desire down her body.
His hand ran roughly along her back molding her closer to him. The fullness of his arousal lay against her stomach. Need and want drowned her thoughts.
When he wrenched himself away and stepped further into the dark night, she staggered. “That’s what comes of being away from civilization too long.” His voice came out ragged and breathless.
She reached her hand out to him. “Franklin.”
“Don’t.” He took a deep breath. She watched as he struggled to regain control. “Forgive me, Lady Mary Ann. I have no excuse for my behavior.” He put out his arm. “May I escort you back to your mother? I believe the music has stopped.”
“No, Franklin. We must talk.”
“There is nothing to talk about.”
She studied his closed expression. “As you wish.” She placed her hand on his arm and let him lead her to where her mother stood. No one had seemed to notice them come inside.
“Thank you for the dance, Lady Mary Ann.” His cold voice washed over her but didn’t cool her volatile emotions.
Mary Ann didn’t look at him. She nodded and glanced off in another direction. Anger and humiliation at how loosely she’d acted had replaced any feelings of desire. She’d thought briefly, for a second, that he cared. The man had no feelings for anyone. Why kiss her? He must think poorly of her. He hadn’t approved of her previous behaviors, but she didn’t plan to change. She’d show him just how outrageous she could be. Then, when she’d tempted him until he desired her with every nerve in his body, she’d laugh and leave him standing alone.
He hadn’t meant to ask her to dance, but then he’d decided not asking might be awkward. She was Nicholas’ sister-in-law and he’d have to see her at social events. He’d planned one dance, both acting very politely. She’d understand he wasn’t interested, and he’d close that door.
What a fool he’d been. When she’d slipped and he’d pulled her lush body against his, he’d lost all control. Carnal hunger for her had haunted him since Nicholas’ wedding. Her scent, fresh in his mind, rushed over him. He couldn’t stop himself until he had tasted those lips and ran his hands over her body. Her warm reception had only increased the yearning already drowning him.
The silence when the music stopped had finally caught his attention, and with great effort he’d put space between them. The season was almost over and he looked forward to heading for his estate and putting miles between himself and Mary Ann.
As he had told Nicholas, he had no intention of marrying such a woman. She reminded him too much of the desire he’d felt for Olivia so many years ago. That she resembled Olivia in looks and personality made it worse. Never would he tie himself to such a woman. At this point in his life he wanted peace and to be master in his own household. Mary Ann Steeples did not fit into his plans, not at all.
Kindle Edition from Amazon
The Marquis' Mystical Witch
"Ulric, also known as Wulf, because of the scars he has from tangling with a wolf, is the Marquis of Radford. But what Society does not know is the Wulf’s family is cursed and the first born son turns into a werewolf every full moon starting when he is eighteen. Wulf has been desperate to find a way to break the curse, even to the point of refusing to marry and have children. Then one night, when he is briefly in London for his sister’s coming out ball, he meets Althea and something within him says “Mine.”
Althea is desperate to find a way out of the marriage to a truly horrible man to whom her uncle is trying to sell her. She finds she is drawn to the Marquis of Radford and is moved to use her own unique powers to help ease the pain he feels from his scars.
So when her uncle pushes she runs to Wulf for help as he is the only one with the power and willingness to save her and her younger sister. But the secrets of the power each holds could tear them apart as more secrets from the past are revealed and real danger from the present persists.
Oh, this was a good one. The characters were vibrant and haunted by their demons and the ghosts of their ancestors. Also, though there was a certain darkness to the tone of the story, it was appropriate and the characters were not full of self-pity about their circumstances.
I was intrigued by a new take on idea of a werewolf and one that takes place in the past instead of the present as most paranormal stories seen to be.
I also hope that Althea’s younger sister will have a story of her own. She was an interesting character that I feel has an interesting story in front of her.
Enjoy." - Reviewer: Karen, Single Titles Star Rating: 4.5 Stars
Long and Short Reviews
Publisher: BookStrand
Genre: Historical, Paranormal
Length: Full (269 pages)
Heat: Sweet
Marriage of Convenience
Cursed and scarred, Ulric (Wulf) Hamlin, the Marquis of Radford, becomes a recluse after his wife’s death. When he returns to London, after five years, he meets Althea Beckett at his sister’s coming out ball. Used to seeing revulsion in women’s faces, Althea instead touches him and soothes his pain. Wulf’s family curse causes him to shape shift into a werewolf at each full moon. But Althea and her sister have their own hidden powers. Wulf's family strongly encourages him to wed and produce an heir, and Althea faces a marriage with a repulsive man she fears.
Wulf and Althea agree to marry for their mutual benefit, but both keep their secrets to themselves. Wulf hopes to hide his family curse from Althea until he finds a cure, but she suspects something is not right. They must face their own demons, find a way to break the curse and trust enough to love.
Ulrich Hamlin, the Marquis of Radford has sworn not to marry again or produce an heir. His resolution falters when he meets Althea Beckett.
Ulrich has a dark secret and after the suspicious death of his first wife he refuses to endanger any other woman. His imposing exterior hides a caring heart, but he knows he will gradually stop caring about others.
Thea and her sister Elvie have recently lost their parents. Thea also has a secret which would put her life in danger if it was discovered. The girls’ uncle has inherited the title and estate and he treats them like poor relations. For reasons best known to himself he is forcing Thea into marriage with a man who strikes fear into her heart.
The Marquis helps Thea but the two fight to stay as individuals rather than become a couple. Ulrich turns to his dark side while Thea tries to bridge the gap between them. In the background is the skullduggery (don’t you just love that word) of the uncle and the man he wants to force Thea to marry.
For lovers of regency romance be warned - this is a regency with a difference. When reading romances of this period I tend to silently beg the hero and heroine to talk to one another and solve their problems. I didn’t feel I needed to do this with Ulrich and Thea. They have very valid and frightening reasons for not revealing their secrets. This in turn makes them both afraid to express their true feelings for each other.
This is the first regency I have read in a long time that kept my attention and forced me to keep reading. The story has many hidden facets and even the end of the book held totally unexpected surprises. Instead of floating along with a delightful but unexciting storyline, this book grabbed my interest and didn’t let go until the last page.
I recommend The Marquis’ Mystical Witch to regency readers who would like that little bit extra in their books. It’s also a book guaranteed to catch the interest of lovers of the paranormal or anyone who loves a good romance.
Reviewed by Orchid Rating: 5 Books
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Cursed and scarred, Ulric (Wulf) Hamlin, the Marquis of Radford, becomes a recluse after his wife’s death. When he returns to London, after five years, he meets Althea Beckett at his sister’s coming out ball. Used to seeing revulsion in women’s faces, Althea instead touches him and soothes his pain.
Wulf’s family curse causes him to shape shift into a werewolf at each full moon. But Althea and her sister have their own hidden powers. Wulf's family strongly encourages him to wed and produce an heir, and Althea faces a marriage with a repulsive man she fears.
Wulf and Althea agree to marry for their mutual benefit, but both keep their secrets to themselves. Wulf hopes to hide his family curse from Althea until he finds a cure, but she suspects something is not right. They must face their own demons, find a way to break the curse and trust enough to love.
In Print:
Sweet Revenge
"In Sweet Revenge, Madeline and Trace's vibrant personalities were clear in my mind right from the start. Each had strong personal reasons for the choices they made and volatile emotions existed in their conflicts. Researching housing in the Houston and San Antonio areas gave me wonderful ideas on which to build their lavish lifestyle. Hope you enjoy their love story." ~ Rachel ~
Madeline Roush's computer company is under attack. As CEO, she reluctantly returns to Houston to meet her company's enemy. She didn't expect the man to look like a fallen angel.
Trace Harwood is set on revenge. He wants to take over Roush Computers from the men who held him back ten years ago. He didn't expect to fall for the beautiful CEO, or put her in his line of fire.
But Trace is determined to take the company, even as his feelings for Madeline grow and their desire peaks during a weekend spent together. When he finally gains control of Roush Computers, Madeline leaves town. Will Trace realize his mistake, and if he can ever find her, can he make amends to the woman he loves?
In Print:
The Duke's Dilemma
"Rachel McNeely creates a tale of political and social intrigue as well as one that makes the heart sing as romance and love override the pettiness of family and society. The author disappears and leaves the reader right in the middle of the adventures, social events, and love scenes. The characters vibrate with emotions that touch all the reader’s senses. The dangers are spellbinding and the love scene breathtaking. The Duke's Dilemma has strong characters. Helena and Mary Ann function in a society where women have few rights but these young women are rarely deterred by the limitations. The antagonists, so entrenched in the Duke’s world, go to great lengths in an effort to reach their goals. They endanger Helena and Mary Ann in spite of all the Duke’s efforts to protect them. The adventures of these strong, independent young women that live life to the fullest make The Duke's Dilemma a Regency tale to keep. Of course, the Duke is one delectable hero to dream about. Ah!" -- Camellia, Long and Short Reviews
After losing her fiancé in the war, Helena Steeples vowed never to wed. But when her twin, Mary Ann, refuses Nicholas, the Duke’s proposal, Helena finds herself attracted to him.
Nicholas knows Helena, the shy twin, does not meet his initial criteria for a wife, but she fascinates him. With both families’ support, the duke pursues Helena and she signs a contractual agreement to marry him.
Two days before their wedding, her former fiancé, believed dead, returns postponing the nuptials. Helena notices changes in her former beau, while the duke suspects he’s the traitor they’ve long hunted.
Helena finds herself in the middle of attempted murder, treason, and with a former fiancé who wants to hold her to their earlier obligation. He knows Helena’s secret and can destroy her reputation and ruin her wedding plans to Nicholas.
Once the secrets are revealed, will Helena marry the Duke or her former fiancé?
In Print:
Sandstone Legacy
"Readers will want to read and discover for themselves the secrets of the SANDSTONE LEGACY, a ghostly and fascinating love story."
- Marilyn Heyman, Romance Reviews Today
"I would definitely recommend Rachel McNeely's Sandstone Legacy to my friends and I'll be looking for more books from her to read."
-Dark Angel Reviews
Jake Andrews and Katie Weber are the only beneficiaries set to inherit the valuable Sandstone Ranch property. But who wants it more? Jake needs the property to further his successful business and plans to tear down the old house. Katie wants the house to remain and is willing to fight for it.
The people of Treehaven believe the old farmhouse is haunted. Katie and Jake have thirty days to discover the truth and print the findings in the local paper.
Jake doesn't believe in ghosts, but since Katie's first visit to the old farm house, she's been convinced that not only does a ghost reside there but also it doesn't want company.
Together they battle the growing attraction between them, a not so friendly ghost, and the hidden secrets that will expose an enduring love story and a person willing to kill to keep the secrets of Sandstone hidden forever.
In Print: