Donna Hatch is the author of the best-selling “Rogue Hearts Series,” and a winner of writing awards such as The Golden Quill and the International Digital Award. A hopeless romantic and adventurer at heart, she discovered her writing passion at the tender age of 8 and has been listening to those voices ever since. She has become a sought-after workshop presenter, and also juggles freelance editing, multiple volunteer positions, and most of all, her six children (seven, counting her husband). A native of Arizona who recently transplanted to the Pacific Northwest, she and her husband of over twenty years are living proof that there really is a happily ever after.
When her parents and twin brother die within weeks of each other, Alicia and her younger sister are left in the hands of an uncle who has brought them all to financial and social ruin. Desperate to save her family from debtor's prison, Alicia vows to marry the first wealthy man to propose. She meets the dashing Lord Amesbury, and her heart whispers that this is the man she is destined to love, but his tainted past may forever stand in their way. Her choices in potential husbands narrow to either a scarred cripple with the heart of a poet, or a handsome rake with a deadly secret.Cole Amesbury is tormented by his own ghosts, and believes he is beyond redemption, yet he cannot deny his attraction for the girl whose genuine goodness touches the heart he'd thought long dead. He fears the scars in his soul cut so deeply that he may never be able to offer Alicia a love that is true. When yet another bizarre mishap threatens her life, Alicia suspects the seemingly unrelated accidents that have plagued her loved ones are actually a killer's attempt to exterminate every member of her family. Despite the threat looming over her, learning to love the stranger she married may pose the greatest danger to her heart. And Cole must protect Alicia from the killer who has been exterminating her family before she is the next target.
This romantic story of loss and betrayal, forgiveness and redemption, and strangers marrying, will leave you laughing, crying, and swooning. Sprinkled liberally with suspense, mystery, and heart-melting kisses, this is not your ordinary historical tale of an arranged marriage nor of redeeming the rakes. Fans of Victorian and Regency Eras as well as those seeking clean and wholesome romance with plenty of chemistry, not to mention the redemptive power of love, will love this story!
Dance with a duke, outwit pirates, save a kingdom, and fall in love. Believe in happily ever after.
The Rogue Hearts Series:
The Stranger She Married
The Guise of a Gentleman
A Perfect Secret
The Suspect's Daughter
Praise for Donna Hatch:
“Donna Hatch is one of the masters of clean romance with electric tension and smokin’ hot kisses.” ~ Reading is My Super Power Reviews
“Written with heart and depth, Donna Hatch’s books are absolute must-reads for any fan of swoon-worthy historical romance.” ~ Sarah M. Eden, USA Today best-selling historical romance author
Snippet:
“Then please allow me to escort you to your carriage,” Cole interjected before the hostess could reply. “I insist.”
A brief flash of alarm crossed Mr. Braxton’s face as he no doubt saw the murderous look that must have been visible in Cole’s eyes. Braxton glanced at the hostess who raptly watched their interchange.
His gaze returned to Cole and he nodded stiffly. “Of course, my lord.”
They stepped outside. The cool night air did nothing to cool Cole’s temper. Too bad he couldn’t just pull the man into a dark corner and stick a knife in his ribs. Perhaps that year on Jared’s pirate ship had affected Cole more deeply than he realized.
Mr. Braxton watched him warily. “What can I do for you, Lord Amesbury?”
Fully aware of his intimidating stature, Cole faced him and folded his arms. The longer the silence lasted, the more Mr. Braxton shifted and glanced around, tugging at his collar.
“Well?” Braxton finally said.
“I understand you are considering making an offer for Miss Alicia Palmer,” Cole said at last, letting his voice convey his disapproval.
Mr. Braxton flinched. “I have not yet decided. She seemed quite proper at first, but flew into a temper and behaved in a manner most unbecoming of a lady.”
With effort, Cole held on to his rising rage. “Perhaps because you behaved in a manner most unbecoming of a gentleman.”
“How dare you, sir.” Braxton tried to appear affronted but only managed to look afraid.
“I saw her running from a room a few moments ago as if the devil were chasing her. You were lying on the floor looking most uncomfortable.”
In a defensive maneuver, Braxton attempted to collect his courage. “Earl’s son or no, I don’t know who you think you are that you can accuse me of—”
Cole grabbed him by the collar and pulled him in until their noses almost touched. “I think I am a very dangerous man to cross. I should call you out, but I do not wish to further humiliate Miss Palmer. Know this; if you ever go near her again, or frighten her in any way, I will come back and take great pleasure in whipping you like the cur that you are.” He shook the man a little, just for good measure, his temper straining against its restraints.
Sweat beaded on Braxton’s face and his breathing became a series of gasps that had nothing to do with Cole’s grip.
Cole continued, “And if one breath of scandal ever arises in association with her name, regardless of the source, I will rip out your heart with my bare hands. No one will ever find your body.”
Braxton made a strangled noise.
“Have I made myself clear?” Cole demanded.
“Perfectly,” the other man gasped.
After a slow, dangerous perusal that always left opponents begging for mercy, Cole released him, thinking his year posing as a pirate had not been entirely in vain
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