Thursday, April 30, 2015

Blog Tour: THE CALM AFTER THE STORM by Mya O'Malley




Today we’d like to welcome the hero of “The Calm After the Storm” Jake Mack to Rambling Reads! 

Jake Mack is a divorced father of three year old Shelley. He works as a foreman in utility company from Georgia. He has deep family roots from small town, Georgia and strong family values.

Q: It’s great to have a chance to talk with you, Jake. I know that you traveled up north to help restore power after Hurricane Sandy, could you tell us a little about your experience?

Jake: Well, I can honestly say that my experience up north was life altering. I will hold those memories close forever. I didn’t quite know what to expect when I set out to New York, but it was amazing. The people I met were so grateful, especially Emma.

Q: I see. It sounds like she’s pretty special. How did things work out for you guys?

Jake: I can’t say too much, other than it was definitely a challenge, trying to make my relationship with Emma work. At first, we each had our own issues from the past to deal with, then it was the stress of a long distance relationship.

Q: But you also have a young daughter, Shelley. That must have been very hard, trying to balance your family life and responsibilities with dating a woman from New York.


Jake: Emma is a total sweetheart, but it wasn’t easy for her. Emma worked in New York City, she was very career-oriented, I think small town Georgia was somewhat of a culture shock for her, just as New York was for me. The problems were also exasperated by my ex wife, Ginny. Shelley and Emma got along great, I was so happy to see my little girl happy with the woman I love. Emma’s a natural with children. 
 
Q: That’s wonderful, but I hope you don’t mind me saying, from what I hear, Ginny’s quite the piece of work.

Jake: That she is. That was one woman I should have stayed clear of, but I learned plenty from my mistakes.

Q: That’s good to hear. So, how did things work out with you and Emma? Did Shelley get along with her?


Jake: Oh, I can’t give that away.

Q: But sometimes love has a way of working out, breaking through boundaries, right?

Jake: Sometimes, yes, but sometimes no. That being said, I’m a believer in true love.



The Calm After the Storm
By Mya O’Malley
The storm of the century raged through the northeast, causing destruction and despair, millions were left without power and hope. Weeks later, countless people were still devastated by the destruction of Hurricane Sandy, Emma Riley among them.

Determined she didn’t need the help of a man, Emma was convinced that she could brave the aftermath of the storm on her own. That is, until Jake came into her life.

After having suffered heartbreak and embarrassment, Jake Mack, a utility foreman, volunteered to travel north from small town, Georgia to assist with the aftermath of the storm. Jake was decidedly done with women. But he didn’t count on meeting Emma or falling in love so quickly. Can he trust this woman or will his past get in the way and ruin the relationship with the one woman he truly loves?






Available for purchase at 


   





Book Trailer








Excerpt
Jake and his crew had now been in the suburbs of New York for a
few days. His first thought upon entering this area was his surprise at the
devastation. Sure, he had heard about the destruction on the news and had seen
footage of the aftermath of Sandy, but it still hadn’t prepared him for the
actual sight of Sandy’s rage. Telephone poles were down, trees were snapped in
two, and houses were completed destroyed by the storm. Seeing all the
destruction only strengthened Jake’s resolve that it had been the right thing
to come. He felt proud to be able to help out and be a part of the solution to
the horrible aftermath of this disaster.

As the day was wrapping up. Jake and Chris met up with some of
their crew in the next town to finish one more area before calling it quits.
The chill in the air was something that Jake had prepared for, but was not
accustomed to. Clutching the new flannel he had purchased right before his
trip, he put it on over his thermal shirt. Thankful for his thermos filled with
hot coffee, Jake grabbed it but quickly tossed it aside.

“Come on, Chris! I asked you to stop drinking my coffee. Now
there’s none left,” he said as he shook his head, irritated at his friend.

Chris looked up at his boss sheepishly. “Sorry, man. I didn’t
sleep well last night. I needed some caffeine.”

“Well, that makes two of us.”

They rode until they approached the utility pole that needed attention.
Jake and Chris were among the first to arrive and got busy setting up for the
job. Within minutes, the rest of the assigned crew trickled in. The workers
were now familiar with the details and routine of this job, so for the most
part they worked in silence, focused on getting this last job done so that they
could grab some dinner and hit the sheets. It was cold and dark, the night
chill settling in upon them. Jake supervised and helped his crew perform their
individual duties as quickly as possible. As they were just about wrapping
things up, Jake headed over to Steve, one of the older guys directing traffic.
He looked frail and tired.

“Hey, Steve. I got this. Why don’t you call it a night, huh? We’ll
meet you at the hotel for some dinner.”

“Nah, Jake, we’re almost done here. I’m good,” Steve said as he
looked up at Jake with glaring dark circles under his eyes.

“Steve, go. I’m serious. Get in a hot shower and we’ll meet up for
dinner. Boss’ orders. Now go and take Andy with you,” Jake gestured toward
another man on the crew who looked like he was ready for bed.

Shrugging his shoulders, Steve made his way to one of the smaller
utility trucks, calling for his co-worker to join him. Jake took over the
responsibility of directing traffic, slowing people down and stopping cars when
necessary. Yawning, he waved a small SUV along, noticing that the approaching
driver was slowing down, much more than necessary. Jake squinted his eyes to
get a better look. The car came to a stop when Jake stepped up to it and its
window rolled down. Looking back at Jake was a woman who appeared pretty, even
in the diminished light. Wait, scratch that—she was stunning, with long, wavy
hair and piercing eyes. His heart faltered just a bit.

“Hi. I wanted to thank you guys for all of the hard work that
you’ve been doing. We really appreciate you guys coming up here. I think I
speak for everyone,” she said as she smiled widely. Her smile hitched his
breath ever so slightly. Jake smiled back. This was certainly a change. Since
he had been in this area, some people waved, some people smiled, others
remained with their eyes straight ahead, but nobody had yet offered any thanks
verbally. So different from the Southern hospitality way of life where he grew
up, Jake mused.

Here it was different, the pace of life was much faster. People
always seemed to be in a rush, and they minded their own business for the most
part. Sure, being so close to the big city must be nice and the landscape was
quite beautiful at times, but he didn’t think this lifestyle was something he
could ever get used to. It seemed too stressful, too impersonal. He would be
glad to be back home when his job was finished.

The woman leaned over and offered Jake a box of donuts, disposable
coffee cups, and a box of hot coffee. Jake was impressed.

“Thank you, that was very thoughtful!” Jake gushed, thrilled at
the idea of hot coffee. He thought he felt warmth spread across his cheeks
despite the chill in the air.

The woman stared back and smiled at Jake for a minute and then set
her eyes on the road ahead. She waved as she pulled away.

“Wait!” Jake called out. “Wait, what was your name?” But the words
were lost. The mysterious woman with the coffee and donuts was long gone.

“Guys!” he called out as his crew worked on cleaning up for the
night. “Guys! Our guardian angel just appeared, and she brought coffee!”


The coffee and donuts were gladly received, but the idea that
someone would go out of their way to show a random act of kindness truly
touched Jake. He felt the warm liquid slide down his throat and knew that he
would always remember the woman’s thoughtfulness. Who was he kidding? That
woman’s beautiful face was what he would most remember. He just wished that he
had gotten her name.




About The Author




Mya O’Malley was born and raised in the suburbs of New York City, where she currently lives with her husband, daughter and three step-daughters.  The family also consists of two boxers; Destiny and Dolce and a ragdoll cat named Colby.  Mya earned an undergraduate degree in special education and a graduate degree in reading and literacy.   She works as a special education teacher and enjoys making a difference in the lives of her students. 





Mya currently has several releases: At First Sight, a contemporary romance about dating in the modern world, published by Astraea Press, and Where There is Love, a contemporary romance in which a woman struggles with past obstacles, ultimately faced with whether or not she will open her heart to love. Where There is Love is published with Solstice Publishing. Mya is excited to say that Astraea Press recently released her contemporary holiday paranormal romance titled If You Believe. Mya’s first Young Adult book is now available. Miranda’s Choice is a young adult fantasy novel published by Solstice Publishing.  Coming soon is The Calm After the Storm, published by TouchPoint Press. This novel is a contemporary romance taking place in the setting of Hurricane Sandy. The story revolves around the idea of a utility worker from Georgia falling in love with a woman in New York. 





  Mya’s passion is writing; she has been creating stories and poetry since she was a child.   Mya spends her free time reading just about anything she can get her hands on.  She is a romantic at heart and loves to create stories with unforgettable characters.   Mya likes to travel; she has visited several Caribbean Islands, Mexico and Costa Rica.   Mya is currently working on her sixth novel.   





You can find Mya at 



                  





 Giveaway














Presented By





Tuesday, April 28, 2015

M.S. Force VICTORIOUS Release Day!!!!

Victorious RDL Banner



We have been completely blown away by the first two books and are absolutely thrilled to bring you the Release Day Launch VICTORIOUS, the third novel in M.S. Force’s New York Times Bestselling Erotic Contemporary Romance Quantum Trilogy!! Each title in the Quantum Trilogy is currently $3.99 for pre-order only. These prices will go up to $5.99 one week after release. Grab this series now!



Victorious -cover

You can also order SIGNED print copies of the Quantum trilogy now at marieforce.com/store (best price in print). The books will be available in audio on release day--or that's the plan anyway!

 Quantum Trilogy Banner


ABOUT The Quantum Trilogy:

New York Times bestselling author Marie Force writing as M.S. Force…

He’s a sexual dominant. She’s sworn off sex. There’s no way they can make a relationship work—or can they?

After surviving a traumatic event at age fifteen and the ensuing estrangement from her family, Natalie Bryant has worked for years to reinvent herself into the woman she is today—a happy teacher fresh out of college and enjoying her first winter in New York City with her faithful dog, Fluff, by her side. Natalie isn’t expecting her life to change completely during a routine stroll through Greenwich Village on a blustery January day. But when Fluff breaks loose and charges into a park, Natalie gives chase and crashes into her destiny. Only after Fluff bites and draws blood from the man who accidentally knocked Natalie down does she realize Fluff has bitten the biggest movie star in the world.

He has no business being enthralled by the gorgeous, young, innocent teacher…

Natalie captivates Flynn Godfrey from the first moment their eyes meet while she is lying on the ground and he’s fighting off her ferocious little beast of a dog. The only thing Flynn knows for certain is if he lets Natalie get away, he’ll regret it for the rest of his life. After only a short time in her presence, Flynn is prepared to change who he is to be what she needs. He knows he’s in big trouble when she says she won’t sleep with him and he doesn’t care if it means he gets to keep her in his life. But can he turn his back on the lifestyle that has defined him? Can he deny the desires that drive him to give Natalie the introduction to love and romance she so deserves? And most of all, can he keep his truth hidden from her long enough to have forever with her?

Join Flynn and Natalie as their story unfolds in three full-length books released three weeks in a row: VIRTUOUS, VALOROUS and VICTORIOUS. From New York to Los Angeles, from Hollywood to Las Vegas, Flynn and Natalie’s whirlwind love affair has it all—romance, passion, steamy hot sex, relentless paparazzi and a murder that could be their undoing.

If you hate dirty-talking heroes who put it all on the line for the women they love, who leave no desire unfulfilled, who will do anything it takes to protect what’s theirs…If elements of BDSM make you queasy, if smoking hot sex isn’t your thing, if cliffhangers make you rage, if you hate first-person points of view from the heroine AND the hero... this trilogy is NOT for you! You’ve been warned…



Victorious Teaser



Excerpt:

From New York Times bestselling author Marie Force writing as M.S. Force is the new erotic Quantum Trilogy releasing three weeks in a row! Hollywood superstar Flynn and New York schoolteacher Natalie’s story continues as movie award season comes to a close in the third book in the trilogy, VICTORIOUS, releasing on April 28, 2015. Get book three now before the preorder and release week price of $3.99 goes up to $5.99 one week after release!

April 14: Virtuous
April 21: Valorous
April 28: Victorious

And now, a little something from VICTORIOUS....



Natalie appears in the doorway to my office. “I talked to Aileen, and she doesn’t sound too good. She had chemo on Friday, and the kids are home today because of the snow. I was thinking I might go over there and entertain the kids so she can rest. Would that be okay with you?”

“Only if I can come with you.”

“I thought you had to work.”

“I did, and now I don’t have anything else scheduled until eight o’clock tonight.”

Her eyes drop and her cheeks flush at the mention of our date. “Oh, well, if you want to come, I’m sure the kids would love that.”

“You should check with Aileen first. I don’t want to make her feel uncomfortable.”

“I’m sure she won’t mind, but I’ll ask her if we can hang out with the kids for a while so she can rest.” She sends a text and receives an immediate response. “She says they’d love it and that neither of us are to look directly at her or at the condition of the apartment.”

I laugh at the cute but sad reply. “We can’t drive, though. With everyone home because of the snow, we’ll never be able to park. We’ll take a cab.”

“How will we get out of here undetected?”

“I have the perfect solution.”

“I won’t wear Russian fur on my head.”

“I wouldn’t dream of making you do that. I’ve got something even better.” He disappears into the “bedroom and returns carrying two hats. When he hands one to me, I see they are knit ski masks with holes for the eyes, nose and mouth that cover the entire face. “No one will look twice at us in these today, because everyone will be wearing them.”

“I’ve always thought they were kind of creepy when I saw people wearing them on the street.”

“They do come in handy on days like this. And this way we can leave the security guys at home.”

“Where are they when we’re here?”

“In an office in the building next door. I call them when we need them.”

“That must cost a fortune.”

“It does, but it’s well worth it.”

We suit up in the warmest clothes we can find and head out a short time later with Fluff leading the way. In addition to the snow masks, we’re wrapped up in scarves, warm parkas and gloves. “I wish I had my boots.” The best she was able to do is a pair of black Nikes.

“I’ll carry you over any puddles.”

The doorman hails a cab for us, and as we’re on our way out the door, Fluff stops right on the sidewalk to pee. Natalie and I lose it laughing, which draws the attention of the photographers camped outside my place. “Quick.” I gesture to the waiting cab. I scoop up Fluff the second she quits peeing, and we make a break for the car before the photographers can get themselves organized.

Once inside the cab, we remove the masks.

“I can’t believe they stand out there in the snow hoping for a glimpse of you,” she says.

“And you.”

“But mostly you.”

“I don’t know… Liza says pictures of you are going for a pretty penny these days, too.”

After a slow ride through slush and ice, we arrive at Aileen’s building. The snowdrifts are so high that I have to make good on my promise to pick up Natalie—and Fluff—and carry them over the snow “to the vestibule.

“Our hero,” she says.

“I specialize in damsels in distress.”


 And don't miss the first two books in The Quantum Trilogy!


Virtuous -cover

VIRTUOUS

Out on April 14, 2015

Valorous -cover

VALOROUS

Out on April 21, 2015


Author Photo

ABOUT M.S. Force:

M.S. Force is the erotic alter-ego of New York Times bestselling author Marie Force. The Quantum Trilogy is M.S. Force’s first foray into erotic romance, but it won’t be the last!

With more than 3.5 million books sold, Marie Force is the New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling, award-winning author of 40 contemporary romances. Her New York Times bestselling self-published Gansett Island Series has sold more than 1.8 million e-books since Maid for Love was released in 2011. She is also the author of the New York Times bestselling Fatal Series from Harlequin’s Carina Press, as well as the New York Times bestselling Green Mountain Series from Berkley Sensation, among other books and series, including the new Quantum Trilogy, written as M.S. Force.

While her husband was in the Navy, Marie lived in Spain, Maryland and Florida, and she is now settled in her home state of Rhode Island. She is the mother of two teenagers and two feisty dogs, Brandy and Louie.

Join Marie’s mailing list for news about new books and possible appearances in your area. Join one of Marie’s many reader groups at marieforce.com/connect. Contact Marie at marie@marieforce.com.

Follow her on Facebook at Facebook.com/MarieForceAuthor, on Twitter @marieforce and Instagram at marieforceauthor.



-zlogo

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Excerpt: ALL'S FAIR IN LOVE AND SCANDAL by Caroline Linden

Nothing wagered…
Douglas Bennet can't resist a good wager, especially not one that involves a beautiful woman. When a friend proposes an audacious plan to expose the most notorious woman in England, Douglas agrees at once. After all, it would be quite a coup to discover the true identity of Lady Constance, author of the infamous erotic serial scandalizing the ton, 50 Ways to Sin.

Nothing won…
Madeline Wilde is used to being pursued. For years she's cultivated a reputation for being unattainable and mysterious, and for good reason: her livelihood depends on discretion. When Douglas turns his legendary charm on her, she dismisses him as just another rake. But he surprises her—instead of merely trying to seduce her, he becomes her friend…her confidant…and her lover. But can it really lead to happily-ever-after…or are they about to become the biggest scandal London has ever seen?

Author Bio:
Caroline Linden was born a reader, not a writer. She earned a math degree from Harvard University and wrote computer software before turning to writing fiction. Ten years, twelve books, three Red Sox championships, and one dog later, she has never been happier with her decision. Her books have won the NEC Reader’s Choice Beanpot Award, the Daphne du Maurier Award, and RWA’s RITA Award. Since she never won any prizes in math, she takes this as a sign that her decision was also a smart one. Visit her online at www.carolinelinden.com

Buy Links:


Excerpt:

Quite a crush, isn’t it?” He gave Mrs. Wilde his winning smile, the easy, friendly one that soothed anxious nerves and made women of every age and rank like him.
She turned at his voice behind her. Something like mirth glimmered in her eyes. “Indeed.”
I hardly know a soul here tonight.” He lowered his voice but without leaning toward her. Leaning put women on guard. A low voice made them lean toward him, which he much preferred. “It’s rather intimidating, to tell the truth.”
You?” She arched one golden brow. “You don’t seem the sort to be easily intimidated.”
Douglas grinned. He knew he was a big fellow. Women tended to like it once they got to know him. “Rubbish. I’m petrified just looking at the elegance of this assembly.”
Her lovely lips curved. Her head tipped toward him, just a little. Her dark eyes gleamed. “I don’t believe you.”
It’s true,” he protested. “My heart is racing, my knees are unsteady. Look—see how my hand trembles.” He caught her hand in his, tensing his muscle to produce the tiniest tremor in his hand, and then relaxing it. “Ah. Your touch has healing power, I see.”
She left her hand in his, but that slight smile tugging at her mouth grew a bit wider. “It’s not flattering to a woman, to say her touch calms a man’s heart and body. Usually she wishes it were the other way around.”
His heart did skip a beat at that. She was a flirt; excellent. He adored flirts. Douglas stroked his thumb over the back of her hand. “It only stilled the terror, my dear. I suspect you could elicit an entirely different sort of tremor.” He lifted her hand and brushed the faintest kiss over her knuckles. “We must be introduced.”
I fear there’s no one here in this quiet corner who will do it.” Her eyes seemed to grow darker as he drew one finger across her palm.
Then I will risk being appallingly rude and present myself.” He bowed over her hand, his eyes never leaving her face. “Douglas Bennet, at your service.”
Yes, I know.”
You do?” He smiled in delight. “Then we should become acquainted…”
Mr. Douglas Bennet,” she repeated, her voice changing just enough to freeze him in place. “Son and heir of Sir George Bennet, baronet. A very handsome title, an even handsomer fortune. An unrepentant rake, gambler, brawler, and sometime rogue. Your mother wants you to marry; you couldn’t be less interested. Your taste runs to tavern maids and opera dancers, preferably French. Your sister wed your bosom friend Lord Burke, much to your disgust, although no one quite knows if you pity your sister or your one-time friend more.” She tilted her head and smiled as he stared at her, blank-faced with shock that was rapidly turning to indignation. “What have I forgotten? Oh, yes—you love a good wager. What was the one that sent you over here: a wager to get me into your bed?” She slipped her fingers from his slackened grip. “If it was…you’ve already lost. I hope you didn’t stake a large amount.”
It was merely for the pleasure of a dance,” he said, hiding his temper behind a flat tone.
She laughed. By God, she had a beautiful laugh, throaty and soft, the sort that made a man want to amuse her so he could hear it again. “I doubt it. But then, you’re also accustomed to losing, aren’t you?” She sank into a graceful curtsey, giving him one last view of her matchless bosom. “Good evening, sir.” She turned and walked away, unhurried, unaffected.
He was still standing there, pulsing with unexpected desire and insulted pride, when Spence slung an arm around his neck. “Rough luck,” he said, his voice brimming with amusement. “She’s a cold one.” He grinned and slapped Douglas’s shoulder. “Five quid, gone in a blink.”
Douglas turned a black look on the man. “You didn’t say when.”
Spence raised his eyebrows, still grinning like a cardsharp. Come to think of it, he usually looked like that, right before he took someone’s money. Douglas had won and lost to Spence with equanimity—for the most part—but tonight he wanted to punch his friend. Spence had deliberately dared him to an impossible task, sending him over to be humiliated and rejected. And now he wanted five pounds. “What do you mean?”
You didn’t say when.” Douglas bit off each word. “She rejected me tonight, but there’s always tomorrow night, and the next, and the next after that.”
A scowl darkened Spence’s face for a split second before he threw up his hand. “You’re right! I didn’t. Let’s say…within a fortnight. That ought to be enough time to work up some charm and get between the fair widow’s legs.”
You wagered for a dance, not a tupping.”
Well.” Spence’s eyes glittered. “I thought I wagered for tonight. Allowances must be made.” When Douglas said nothing, Spence leaned closer. “You’re not afraid, are you? Not going soft in the head like Burke? The woman gutted you and denied you in front of all society, man. Look around.” He swept one arm toward the rest of the room. “Don’t you think half the people here guessed why you sought her out? And now they see her leaving alone, and you looking like she took your ballocks with her.”
Against his will, Douglas’s eyes caught on Madeline Wilde as she made her way toward the doors. Damn, she was beautiful. He had wanted to dance with her, and probably get her into bed as well, even though she was not, as she had so baldly pointed out, his usual type of woman. She was…something more.
As if she could hear his thoughts, she paused at the top of the short flight of stairs leading out of the ballroom. She glanced back over her shoulder, and her eyes met his. For a moment he felt again a bolt of lust—unwanted this time—and her lips curved, as if she knew. She lowered her chin and smiled in a coy, entrancing way, as if they shared secrets—or as if she dared him to uncover hers. With breathtaking nerve, she pursed up her lips as if in a kiss, and touched one finger to them.
He took a harsh breath as she turned and continued on her way, her emerald skirts swaying bewitchingly. “Why her?”
Why not her?”
Douglas set his jaw. “You had her marked from the moment we stepped into this room. I saw you watching her, Spence. A former lover? Was I supposed to exact some revenge or retribution by asking the lady to dance?”
The courtesan’s daughter?” The other man’s lip curled. “Hardly a former lover of mine. I have higher standards than that.”
Not really, in Douglas’s opinion. Spence liked married women who couldn’t impose on his freedom, and who often wished to keep their liaisons secret. That was hardly what one could call a refined requirement. Still, Douglas hadn’t known she was a courtesan’s daughter. He made a mental note to find out more about that.
She appeared respectable enough to me,” he said.
To you,” repeated Spence with an edge of condescension. “Compared to a tavern wench with rounded heels, she might be. To the rest of us…” He snapped his fingers at a passing footman and took a glass of wine from the man’s tray. “You really ought to improve your taste, Bennet.”
Douglas let that go. He did like tavern wenches. They were friendly and earthy, nothing delicate or prim about them. They were more willing to be adventurous in bed, and they demanded so much less of him—financially and emotionally—than any other woman would.
But why her?” he asked again, circling back to his main question. “Just for the sport of it? Or did you simply want the pleasure of seeing me turned down flat?”
Spence didn’t reply for a moment. His eyes were sharp and calculating. “How plump are your pockets at the moment?” he finally asked.
Reasonably,” said Douglas. He’d been gone from town for a month overseeing repairs at one of his father’s estates, to the great benefit of his purse. Still, it was a few weeks to quarter day, when his father paid out his allowance. He could always find a use for more money.
Spence lowered his voice. “I suspect our lovely Mrs. Wilde of being more than she appears. And if I’m right, there’s two thousand quid to be had.”
Douglas’s eyebrows shot up. “What is she, a spy?”
Of some sort,” muttered Spence. “You aren’t acquainted with a little piece of rubbish called 50 Ways to Sin, are you?”
No.”
Get a copy. It’s a pamphlet of a most…intriguing nature.” A cunning smile split his face. “I suspect you’ll enjoy it.”
That smile put him on guard. Douglas might not be the most discerning fellow, but he wasn’t stupid, and he knew Spence too well. “If you insist—not that it answers my question about why you wanted me to charm my way into Mrs. Wilde’s good graces.”
The authoress is unknown. I daresay even you’ll guess why when you read it. But she’s piqued more than one man’s pride with her scandalous pen, and there’s a bounty out for her name. Mrs. Wilde seems a very likely candidate.” He shrugged. “If you can unmask her, I’ll split the bounty with you.”
Douglas folded his arms and looked at Spence through narrowed eyes. “I should seduce the woman, gain her confidence, presumably enough to be admitted to her boudoir, where I would have to search for some proof that she writes this pamphlet. And for that, you’ll take half the money? Not so, Spence, not so.”
His friend’s hooded eyes flashed. “Very well. Forget I said anything.”
Douglas shrugged. “Hard to do that. Who staked the bounty?”
Spence hesitated.
If the bloke’s serious about finding the author, he can’t be too secretive about it.”
Lord Chesterton,” said Spence with obvious reluctance. “He felt she identified him too clearly in one story and he’s livid.”
Identified? She didn’t use his name?”
Spence looked impatient. “No, she uses obviously false names.”
Then how did he recognize himself?”
His friend smirked again. “Find a copy and see if you can deduce that yourself.”
Douglas wondered what on earth this story was, that would drive Lord Chesterton to such an action. The man was as correct and polite as anyone could be, distantly connected to the King and as stiff as a piece of kindling. Now he’d placed a public bounty on a woman’s head? What could Mrs. Wilde—if she was in fact the author—have written about him? Two thousand pounds was a small fortune, and certain to attract a fair amount of attention.
Of course, that also made it a much more interesting contest.
Three to one,” he said after a moment’s thought.
Eh?”
Three to one split, if we take the bounty.” He glanced at Spence. “You’re the one, obviously.”
Two to three,” countered the other man.
Do it yourself, then.”
Spence muttered a few curses under his breath, but stuck out his hand. “Done.”
Douglas shook on it, already anticipating his next meeting with the wily widow. “Done.”