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Miss Hillary Schools a Scoundrel -- Coming February 1, 2012, Sourcebooks Casablanca
There’s no taming the wicked. Jaded heiress Lana Hillary learned this lesson the hard way when the dashing man of her dreams turned out to be a lying scoundrel. With two Seasons behind her and the memory of his betrayal still fresh in her mind, Lana seeks a match with a respectable gent. But why must they all be so properly boring? Unable to rein in her bold nature for long, Lana flirts with trouble and finds herself entangled with the exact type of man she’s vowed to avoid.
Love ‘em-and- leave ‘em Lord Andrew Forest lives for pleasure and offers no apologies. But he receives a dose of his own medicine when his family’s innocent houseguest beds him then disappears without a by your leave. Rejected by the most captivating woman in England, Drew is determined to intercept Lana Hillary before she reaches London and convince her to marry him. Then he’ll teach the little vixen a thing or two about how to love a man.
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"With heart and humor, Grace delivers a rich and winning Regency debut. Clever and charming, this tale brings in everything Regency fans love-meddling mothers, oppressive high society, subtle wit, steamy interludes, and a bit of intrigue-without ever feeling formulaic. STARRED REVIEW" - Publishers Weekly
"Evocative... There is a charm in Grace's prose that will delight readers." - RT Book Reviews
"Grace's fabulously fun debut will dazzle and delight readers with its endearingly outspoken heroine, devilishly
rakish hero, and abundance of high-octane sexual chemistry." - Booklist
"Readers will quickly find themselves immersed in a young rake's Regency romance with an innocent miss in Samantha Grace's debut Regency Romance. The characters are fun and witty, leading readers along a flirtation and into love." - Night Owl Reviews
"Looking for the next 'must have' historical romance? Well look no further than Samantha Grace's debut novel MISS HILLARY SCHOOLS A SCOUNDREL." - The Romance Reviews
"Definitely one to try for historical romance lovers, and I am anxiously awaiting book two in the series." - I Just Wanna Sit Here and Read
"I loved it, I adored it and I can't wait to read more from this author. My final conclusion? Miss Hillary Schools A Scoundrel is an absolute 'must read.'" - Once Upon a Chapter
Miss Hillary Schools a Scoundrel
“Lord Andrew, what is the meaning of this?”
A tiny crease formed between his brows. “I thought we’d established you are to call me Drew when we are alone.”
Lana glanced around to see they were very much alone. “I shouldn’t be here, my lord.”
“Here in Cupid’s room? Have you lost your way, my sweet?”
She had lost something. Perhaps her God-given good senses.
Drew smiled like an innocent choirboy, which they both knew was a fabrication.
“I should return before Mama realizes I’m no longer with your sister.”
He offered his arm. “I promise not to keep you long, Miss Hillary. Please, stay a moment.”
She hesitantly placed her hand in the crook of his elbow, her acceptance bringing another radiant smile to his face.
“If I’m to call you Drew in private, then perhaps you would like to refer to me as Lana?” She forced a frown so as not to give him a false impression. “But don’t expect we will continue to meet privately. My mama would be crushed if I sullied my name.”
He led her further into the Cupid room. “I have no intentions of ruining you, Lana. I only wish to speak with you for five minutes without incurring the wrath of my kin.”
“Five minutes then,” she conceded.
“Splendid.” Drew dropped her arm and walked to the hedge wall, feeling along the edges. “Here we are.” He held out his hand. “This way, please.”
“Have you gone mad?” Despite her protest, she took his hand.
“There’s an opening here. You’ll have to shimmy through, but you’ll meet with no impediments.”
Lana detected the narrow passage now that she stood close. “Is this supposed to be here?”
Dropping his hand, she moved carefully to avoid snagging her dress.
“It’s a hidden exit from the maze. My father added it years ago.”
“Wh—?” Her question was lost on an intake of breath. They stood on the edge of an open field dotted with millions of wildflowers. The sun saturated the field, making the purple and yellow flowers even more radiant. “Oh, Drew. How beautiful.”
A huge smile spread across his lips. “I thought you would appreciate the view. If you want to come back with Gabby to pick some, you approach from that direction,” he said, pointing to their left. “It comes out by the stable yard.”
“That would be lovely.” She walked further into the field until a blanket of purple, yellow, red and white surrounded her in every direction. With a giggle, she turned in circles to see them all. “Truly magnificent.”
Drew chuckled.
She stopped mid-pirouette. “Do I amuse you, my lord?”
“I only now realized how truly untouched you are, Lana, watching you spin ‘round in a field of flowers.” He held out his arm. “Allow me to escort you back to the maze.”
She pulled at his sleeve. “Nonsense. We just arrived. Walk with me further.”
He didn’t budge and instead shoved his hands into his pockets. “I realize now I can’t. Have you no care for my reputation?”
Lana tossed her head, her laughter carrying on the breeze. “What harm could I do to your reputation, my lord? It’s already atrocious.”
Drew’s forget-me-not eyes sparkled with merriment. “Yet, you would tarnish my reputation by drawing attention to my sensitivity? Have a heart.” He took her hands in his and coaxed her back toward the maze. “We can’t allow anyone to discover us, peach.”
Although he made light of the situation, his warning sobered her. What was she thinking wandering off with a scoundrel like Lord Andrew? They both had much to lose, Lana’s reputation and heart, and his freedom. She tromped toward the maze, wishing she had an excuse to ignore her good sense.
“Heaven forbid anyone should discover you possess a soft-spot,” she grumbled.
“Apparently I do.”
Reaching the hedge, she whipped around to face him. They stood inches apart, his heat infusing the space between them. “Did you really bring me here to view the flowers?”
He held her gaze without wavering, his blue eyes darkening and sending a rush of desire to her belly.
“I wish I were that noble, Lana.”
Her eyes trailed to his lips. Oh, how she wanted to taste him. A scrumptious blend of sandalwood and seduction wafted across the short distance between them. Never had Lana met a man who emitted sensuality from every pore.
She licked her lips. “I wish you were less noble, my lord, like that night in the Eldridge’s garden.”
His dimpled smile stole her breath. “Why Lana, I do believe you are trying to seduce me again.”
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