Title: Tempting a Gentleman
Series: The Hadfields #2
Series: The Hadfields #2
Author: Rachel Ann Smith
Genre: Regency Romance
Release Date: April 20, 2021
BLURB
An independent East End girl meets a determined West End boy…
…and the chase begins.
As a key member of the Network and modiste to the ladies of the ton, Emma Lennox favors freedom over marriage. But when her best friend asks that she attend the Hadfield ball, Emma finds herself thrown into the arms of a dance master who raises both her pulse and her temper.
Respected barrister Christopher Neale needs to marry in order to claim his place as a Protector of the Royal Family (PORF). After two years of searching, an innocent encounter with a stranger on his brother’s front steps ignites a yearning he cannot ignore.
Ordered by the head PORF to teach Emma how to dance, Christopher finds himself in love with his reluctant and enigmatic student. Emma must ignore the whispers of her heart or risk what she holds most dear—control over her dress shop.
Will Emma’s resolve not to marry remain steadfast against Christopher’s skill as a barrister and a lover?
PURCHASE LINKS
EXCERPT
Ensconced in the Hadfield drawing room, Emma sat stiffly on the edge of the ornate blue-velvet settee. The fine furniture was a far cry from the well-worn wooden bench she and her best friend Bronwyn, now Countess Hadfield, used to occupy for afternoon tea. She’d rather be huddled about the kitchen table at the back of Bronwyn’s parents’ shop than be worried about messin’ up the plush fabric that cushioned her bottom.
Emma stared over Bronwyn’s shoulder at a portrait upon the wall. She guessed it was a close male relation to the current Lord Hadfield as they shared a similar rakish smile. Emma hadn’t yet met Bronwyn’s brother-in-law, Christopher Neale, although she’d heard plenty about him. Bronwyn yammered on. “It’s been six weeks, and not one of the countless overqualified candidates have passed Christopher’s final interview.”
Her friend since childhood, dressed in one of Emma’s latest satin creations, paced about the luxurious room. It was easily three times the size of Emma’s parents’ parlor, and while Bronwyn looked at ease in her new home, Emma would prefer to be back on the east end of town. Bronwyn paraded back and forth in front of the stern paintings of past Hadfield family members, her forthright march tamed to a ladylike walk. Her friend had undergone other subtle changes since marrying the head of the Protectors of the Royal Family— PORFs— but Bronwyn had vowed she remained the same and would remain Emma’s best friend until her last breath. Bound by an oath taken years ago, Emma was compelled to support Bronwyn in any and every way possible. But even if she hadn’t sworn to serve and protect PORFs, Emma would not abandon her best friend. Even if it meant she had to endure the back-aching pain of being perched on the edge of a formal settee for over an hour listening to Bronwyn’s complaints. Emma held in her sigh.
ALSO AVAILABLE
B&N / KOBO / APPLE BOOKS
COMING SOON
Releasing November 3
AUTHOR BIO
Rachel Ann Smith writes steamy historical romances with a twist. Her debut series, Agents of the Home Office, features female protagonists that defy convention.
When Rachel isn't writing, she loves to read and spend time with the family. She is frequently found with her Kindle by the pool during the summer, on the side-lines of the soccer field in the spring and fall, or curled up on the couch during the winter months.
She currently lives in Colorado with her extremely understanding husband and their two very supportive children.
Visit Rachel's website for updates on cover reveals and new releases - www.rachelannsmith.com
AUTHOR LINKS
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