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Erica Ridley's Blog, page 6

May 25, 2019

MEET THE HEROINE: Lady Felicity

Enjoy an excerpt from the newest Wicked Dukes Club romance,

One Night to Remember!


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“I’m here to inspect the curricle,� Giles Langford informed the Duke of Colehaven’s stable boys. “Do you mind if I get started?�


The lads exchanged doubtful looks.


“The c-curricle?� asked one of the boys. “Not the coach?�


“The curricle,� Giles assured him, and pointed. “That one.�


Yet the wide-eyed stable boys remained positioned between him and the ducal carriages, as if they weren’t certain whether to beg for the Curricle King’s autograph or bar him from entry.


Of the two outcomes, the latter would be the most surprising. This was not Giles’s first visit. He could see the deuced curricle from here and had been summoned to work on it. What the devil was the problem?


“It’ll only be a moment,� he promised the stable boys. “I’ll just have a quick once-over, to gauge whether the vehicle requires more than a routine safety inspection.�


A harrumph sounded from elsewhere in the mews.


Giles glanced about in surprise, but saw no one other than the stable boys. He frowned. The strange sound must have been a gust of wind playing tricks.


He took a step in the direction of the duke’s curricle.


All three stable boys immediately fell behind him, like ducklings paddling after their mother.


“Did you do it?� the closest stable boy asked breathlessly. “Did you truly reach the finish line before Mr. Wiltchurch even made it halfway down Rotten Row?�


Giles tamped down a satisfied smile. One did not gloat over one’s racing wins, even if the losing party referred to him a “nothing more than a bloody blacksmith� or “a self-important peasant.�


“I did indeed,� Giles acknowledged as he strode to the duke’s curricle. “Is Mr. Wiltchurch who His Grace will be racing?�


The lads nodded in unison.


His chest lightened. Good. Colehaven and his curricle were more than a match for a rash know-it-all like Wiltchurch. Giles pulled a wrench from his leather satchel and began to check each bolt’s tightness.


The stable boys kept right on his heels.


Giles didn’t mind. He had once been a green lad just like them, eager to soak up experience and wisdom. Dreaming of someday having a carriage of his own.


The maintenance on the duke’s conveyances was second to none. In all the inspections Giles had performed in this carriage house, he had never once come across a loose axle or a missing bolt or an ill-seating spring or so much as a speck of rust. Every vehicle was always in impeccable condition.


Today was no exception. The duke’s racing curricle was in such immaculate shape, one could be forgiven for believing it had been serviced by a master craftsman moments before Giles walked through the door.


Nonetheless, he went through all the safety points in his mental list, skipping nothing. Not a day went by without a dozen accidents clogging up the already congested streets. Safety was a coach smith’s top priority.


“See this coupling?� he asked the boys as he ducked beneath to show them. “The reason we always check this one…�


The lads followed excitedly, peppering his explanations with questions and exclamations. Before long, he and the stable boys had hunched and crawled their way to the opposite side of the curricle.


Giles slipped his tools back into his leather satchel and turned toward the enthusiastic lads. “Next, let’s turn our focus to the wheels, in order to have an in-depth look at—�


Shapely ankles.


He blinked and looked again.


Dainty boots. A hint of lace. And two lovely ankles. Tucked beneath a stately coach. Barely visible behind the trio of stable boys. Almost as if they’d placed themselves in just the right position to block the coach’s undercarriage from view.


Dz�


As if�


Giles spun to face the lads. “There is a woman in your carriage house.�


“No,� the first boy said without hesitation. “Absolutely not.�


The others shook their heads just as firmly. “No women here.�


“There is.� As foolish as he felt saying so, Giles could not refute the evidence before his eyes. Ladies� half-boots, feminine ankles, lace trim attached to what appeared to be delicate pantalettes. It did not require a Bow Street inspector to put these clues together. He pointed between their shoulders. “Look there! A woman is hiding beneath the duke’s primary coach.�


The lads glanced at each other before shaking their heads with even more fervor. “No females allowed here, sir.�


Giles frowned. If the lads were hiding her presence, then she must not be supposed to be there. Which meant what? Twelve-year-old stable boys were colluding with some madwoman bent on� theft? Sabotage? Not on Giles’s watch.


“Then what the devil is she doing beneath the carriage?� He pushed past the lads and dropped to his haunches beside the coach.


From this angle, he could not glimpse her face.


“Come out of there,� he ordered.


She did not move.


Giles narrowed his eyes over his shoulder at the three white-faced lads. “If the Duke of Colehaven finds out you’ve allowed a stranger to infiltrate his carriage house…�


All three boys blushed in unison.


“Not a stranger,� spluttered one.


“He already knows,� blurted another.


“Oh, for the love of…� With a breathtakingly unladylike muttered curse, the owner of the shapely ankles and lacy pantalettes wriggled out from beneath the Duke of Colehaven’s family coach.


Striking dark eyes glared out at him from a beautiful heart-shaped face. Silky coils of dark brown hair dipped from a crooked, oil-stained mobcap. Her well-tailored dress might have been the equal of any day gown belonging to the Quality…were it not for its horrifically frayed hems, unpatched holes, and impressive collection of enough grease stains to hide whatever had once been the fabric’s intended pattern.


One dusty hand clutched the neck of a worn leather satchel not unlike Giles’s own. In her other ungloved hand was a large iron wrench.


From the expression on her face, she was as prepared to wield it as a weapon as she was to use it as a tool.


Had he thought her presence mysterious before? She was now a full-blown enigma.


“W are you?� he breathed.


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Published on May 25, 2019 04:48

May 14, 2019

New Release: ONE NIGHT OF PASSION

Wicked Dukes Club #3: One Night of Passion!


Meet the unforgettable men of London’s most notorious tavern, The Wicked Duke. Seductively handsome, with charm and wit to spare, one night with these rakes and rogues will never be enough�


Lifelong romantic Thaddeus Middleton is on the hunt for a wife. He hopes to find a woman more attracted to him than to money. Instead, he finds himself drawn to a spitfire who isn’t interested in him at all! At least, that’s what she says when she’s not kissing him�


Miss Priscilla Weatherby will inherit a fortune� provided she remains unwed and scandal-free. Easy enough, until she meets a man more dangerous than haughty lords and heartless rakes. Thad is a sweet, sexy delight, whose passionate embrace will ruin everything—including her! She’ll sacrifice anything for independence. Even love�


###


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Published on May 14, 2019 04:10

May 4, 2019

MEET THE HEROINE: Miss Priscilla Weatherby

Enjoy an excerpt from the newest Wicked Dukes Club romance,

One Night of Passion!


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“Miss Weatherby!� squealed a young lady Priscilla had helped earlier in the season, as their carriages drew close. “If you come to my church on Sunday, you’ll hear a familiar name in the banns!�


“Congratulations,� Priscilla said warmly.


It was not a path she would have chosen. Priscilla thought of her time in London as a prelude to her life as an explorer. A necessary inconvenience, nothing more.


“Miss Weatherby!� Another young lady Priscilla had helped the previous season beamed at her next to her new husband. “I wanted to thank you for—�


Whatever it was she had done, Priscilla did not hear it. There, not forty yards away, sat Thaddeus Middleton atop a smart bay. The very man she’d been trying her hardest not to think about. Of course he’d be part of the Hyde Park crowd. He looked dashing in biscuit-colored buckskins and a stylish wool coat of olive green. Even his smile was delectable.


As if he felt the whisper of her breath upon his skin, Mr. Middleton abruptly lifted his head and turned in her direction. His gaze locked with hers, too far away to see the golden flecks in his dark brown eyes, but hot enough to warm her to her toes all the same.


“Blast and damn.� She flung herself around to face forward and waved a nervous hand toward her driver. “Go! Go!�


The driver could go, but not far. Hundreds of other carriages trudged like treacle down the same gravel road as all the others.


She pushed the warming brick toward the maids and fanned her throat. One sighting of Mr. Middleton and spring had turned to summer.


Her high color was due to the wind, not to the handsome rider who absolutely positively was not coming this way, even as her barouche fled inch by painstaking inch behind an armada of horsemen and carriages.


Was she attracted to Mr. Middleton? Of course. She had a pulse, didn’t she? But she also had a brain. If she let this foolish attraction go any further, she would lose everything.


The only choice was to mind her distance and stay far, far away.


“Miss Weatherby,� came a meltingly rich, low voice from just outside the carriage. “A pleasure to see you.�


The last thing Priscilla wanted to do was look at him again. The mere sight stole the breath from her lungs and filled her pounding heart with dangerous emotions.


“Mr. Middleton,� she managed to croak. “Likewise.�


There. Was that enough? Would he go away, after having performed his duty by greeting every acquaintance, no matter how fixedly she avoided looking at his face?


“I hoped the fine weather would bring you out today,� he continued. “I was disappointed when I didn’t see you yesterday.�


Damn and blast. Priscilla’s pulse raced wild in her ears. No one had ever hopedfor her before, let alone voiced disappointment at going a single day without her company. What the devil was she meant to say in response to that?


“I…� Witty banter failed her. “I’m sure you have other people to greet.�


“This is my sixth circuit about the park,� he replied cheerfully. “If you didn’t appear soon, my beleaguered friends would start greeting me with rotten tomatoes.�


Oh, very well. Her high color was definitely due to Mr. Middleton, and not the wind.


“That’s a lovely bonnet,� he said, his gaze warm and sincere. “The indigo ribbon makes your eyes seem even more luminous than usual.�


She would toss the ribbon into the fire the moment she returned home. The bonnet’s lack of flowers and ostrich feathers was meant to make her lessremarkable, not more so. Certainly not� luminousto cheerful, happy-go-lucky ton gentlemen.


This situation required a sharp, no-nonsense setdown.


“I like your cravat,� she mumbled.


What?


She liked his cravat?Brilliant.


It was all Priscilla could do not to bury her face in her hands and throw herself from the excruciatingly slow-moving carriage.


If she did, Mr. Middleton would likely catch her in his warm, strong arms and cradle her to his wide, firm chest and�


“Thank you,� he said, as if people frequently complimented him on the one item of clothing all men wore, with little variance in location or color. “If you’re in the market for a fine neckcloth, I can introduce you to an absolute wizard of the craft over on Bond Street.�


He was teasing her, Priscilla realized in wonder. Mr. Middleton was neither rebuffed nor insulted nor bored, but rather having a spot of fun. Not at her expense, but withher. As if they were friends.


Now was definitely the time for that setdown.


“Bond Street,� she said instead, with a sad shake of her head. “I assemble my own linen by hand, one thread at a time.�


“That’s because you’re a lady,� he said solemnly, “and ladies have skills. All the gentlemen I’ve ever known are helpless as babes.�


“Not all men,� she assured him. “I believe I read a travel journal once, in which the intrepid explorer wasn’t completelyܲ.�


“If he wrotethe journal,� Mr. Middleton whispered, “it’s probably lies.�


Priscilla placed her hands to her chest in faux outrage. “A gentleman? Exaggerating his accomplishments?�


Mr. Middleton nodded earnestly. “It happens more than you think. In fact…� He sent a furtive glance over each shoulder before leaning close. “I don’t even know any linen-drapers on Bond Street. My valet handles that. I was just hoping to see you again.�


Damn and blast.


Priscilla’s voice failed her. Any other woman would have melted right then and there. Come to think of it, she’d actually begun the melting process twenty minutes ago, when she glimpsed him from afar.


Of course she wanted to see him again. Any other woman would be halfway onto his lap by now.


Carnal possibilities aside, he seemed like a man a woman could have a wonderful time with, even when they weren’t kissing. The sort that would make a fine lover anda cherished friend.


But Priscilla couldn’t risk any of that. She’d had her moment of fun, experienced her first flirtation. No matter how rude she had to be to make it happen, it was time to discourage his attentions once and for all. Nothing could jeopardize her inheritance.


Especially not her heart.


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Published on May 04, 2019 05:38

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Published on May 01, 2019 04:16

April 27, 2019

MEET THE HERO: Mr. Thaddeus Middleton

Enjoy an excerpt from the newest Wicked Dukes Club romance,
One Night of Passion!


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Earlier this year, Mr. Thaddeus Middleton had realized he’d been placing all his attention on the same pool of ladies. The outgoing ones, the flirtatious ones, the ones who had known him for so long that every one of his dances was promised within moments of stepping foot in a ballroom. Such evenings were fun, but got him no closer to his goal. Worse, he might have spent the past decade skipping over all the most interesting women.


Thad had immediately declared this season the Year of the Wallflower.


By dedicating at least half of each evening to ladies he’d never danced with before, he’d met countless new friends� and no potential brides. But just because there had been no fireworks so far didn’t mean he was on the wrong track. In fact, the season had barely begun, and he’d already witnessed two unlikely love matches. Didn’t fortune come in threes?


He turned a slow circle, paying close attention to those in the margins. Although gentlemen carried no dance cards, Thad kept careful track. He still had a handful of unclaimed sets. Some young lady here tonight might be the one to spark the fireworks he sought.


There.


An excited tingle of anticipation rushed through him. Dark brown curls, gorgeous brown eyes, dusky pink lips, an enticing combination of soft skin and lush curves wrapped in a gauzy roses-and-cream evening gown.


He knew her name: Miss Priscilla Weatherby. They had been formally presented during her come-out four or five years ago, but hadn’t spoken since.


Although a reasonably familiar face at society gatherings, Miss Weatherby rarely stood up for more than a quadrille or two and tended to guard her company. As such, her name had never been linked to gossip—or bandied about much at all. She was almost as much a fixture as the gilded columns and crimson ropes partitioning the ballroom.


Not today. He rolled back his shoulders in determination. After being on the shelf for five years, Miss Weatherby had likely tired of being overlooked by unimaginative lordlings. If she had never danced a waltz, why, Thad would be honored to be the first to ask.


He strode in her direction with confidence and good cheer. Even if no spark marked the occasion, at least they would get a dance out of it, and possibly a few laughs. Miss Weatherby might well become the most memorable set of the entire night.


When he reached the pilaster whose shadow half-concealed her from view, Thad swept a glorious bow. “How do you do this evening, Miss Weatherby? Dare I hope room remains on your card for a dance?�


She gazed back at him with a fathomless expression. “W?�


He blinked. “Er, because this is a ballroom. For dancing. The food might be wretched, but the orchestra is lovely. Unfortunately, it is impossible to dance a quadrille by oneself, so I wondered—�


“I know what dancing is,� she interrupted, her dark eyes locked on his with amusement and heat. “Why would you want to do it with me?


Thad moved closer with interest. Now that the conversation had taken such an unprecedented turn, he wasn’t certain he wished to waste a thirty-minute set marking out the steps of a quadrille. Conversingwith Miss Weatherby would be leagues more diverting.


“We needn’t dance,� he said at once, and gave her a full smile. “I’m happy to promenade, if you prefer.�


There was no sense hiding how intrigued he’d just become. Thad did not believe in playing games. Part of being in the right place at the right time meant not ruining the moment by feigning indifference.


She tilted her head. “Did I do something to make you think I’d be interested in perambulating about a ballroom on your elbow?�


“Er,� Thad said brightly. “That is…�


“Or did you come here because you judged me to be a wallflower, and therefore desperate for the attention of some impossibly handsome gentleman with courtly manners and a contagious smile?�


Impossibly handsome and courtly manners sounded wildly complimentary.


Thad suspected it was not.


“Er,� he said again. “Only a fool would believe all wallflowers—�


“Only a fool,� she interrupted, “would assume a woman not dancing must be heartbroken over a lack of suitors. Perhaps the woman received plenty of offers and simply said, ‘No.� Just like this.�


Miss Weatherby stepped away from the pilaster and into the light, her upturned chin and plump lips suddenly close to his own. �No.�


With a flutter of eyelashes, she turned and walked off.


Thad stared after her, thunderstruck. Their encounter had been more sledgehammer than spark, but one thing was certain:


Only a fool would overlook a woman like Miss Weatherby.


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Published on April 27, 2019 04:18

April 16, 2019

New Release: ONE NIGHT FOR SEDUCTION

Wicked Dukes Club #1: One Night for Seduction!


Meet the unforgettable men of London’s most notorious tavern, The Wicked Duke. Seductively handsome, with charm and wit to spare, one night with these rakes and rogues will never be enough�


When the Wicked Duke dares the Duke of Colehaven to find a suitor for an unmanageable ward, Cole immediately accepts. He’s on a winning streak, and besides, how unmarriageable can a pretty young lady be? He appoints himself bodyguard and duenna, only to discover his own desires may be the greatest danger of all.


Supposed wallflower Diana Middleton lives a double life, bringing dishonest businessmen to justice. Shaking off a meddling duke should be child’s play. Yet the more they lock horns, the more she wants to lock lips. Her scandalous secrets would derail his political career. But surely there’s no harm in one little seduction�


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Published on April 16, 2019 01:57

April 13, 2019

MEET THE HEROINE: Miss Diana Middleton

Enjoy an excerpt from the newest Wicked Dukes Club romance,

One Night for Seduction!


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Miss Diana Middleton slumped against the ballroom’s decorative wainscoting. No need to open a journal to discover this woman’s name. This was Miss Felicity Sutton, younger sister—and sole sibling—to the Duke of Colehaven. Who was proving more vexing by the second.


Her fingers curled into fists. “Did your brother send you over here?�


“Yes,� Miss Sutton replied without prevarication.


“For what purpose?� Diana demanded. “He cannot desire a formal introduction.�


“Not with him,� Miss Sutton agreed. “I’m to introduce you to everyone else, particularly the gentlemen.�


Diana gaped at her. “W?�


“He didn’t say.� Miss Sutton lifted a shoulder. “But it appears he intends to matchmake you. Or have me do it, rather.�


Over Diana’s dead body. The back of her neck flushed with heat. She was not some pitiful project for an arrogant duke to take under his wing, and she definitely wasn’t going to allow him to upset her perfectly controlled “wallflower� guise.


Her hackles rose. To the devil with the duke, and he could take his sister with him. Diana had no use for anyone who believed he could march all over someone else’s life, and she certainly wasn’t going to submit to�


“From here, I can see at least half a dozen eligible bachelors I could introduce you to.� Miss Sutton’s brown eyes brightened. “Or we could go to the library instead.�


A snort of startled laughter escaped before Diana could contain it.


“You don’t intend to heed your brother’s bidding?�


“My life’s work primarily consists of thwarting him at every turn,� Miss Sutton replied with an impish grin. “I suppose I could introduce you to all the most ineligible bachelors, and count how many minutes he lasts before storming over to demand what the deuce I think I’m doing.�


Diana grinned. Such an image was almost tempting. Miss Sutton wasn’t what she’d expected after all. If Diana could afford to risk having friends, someone like Miss Sutton wouldn’t be a bad start.


Unfortunately, Diana had to nip this nonsense in the bud before her ability to move unnoticed in this crowd was ruined forever.


“The library,� she said decisively. It should be vacant enough for a quick conversation to go unremarked. “Can you bring your brother to me?�


“Oh, pooh.� Miss Sutton’s shoulders sank. “I was hoping we could hunt for the latest Radcliffe instead.�


“You hunt for the Radcliffe,� Diana suggested. “I’m going to let your brother know exactly what I think of his meddling.�


“On second thought,� Miss Sutton said, “I’d rather watch that.� She dipped into a perfect curtsy. “Miss Felicity Sutton, unexpectedly pleased to make your acquaintance.�


“Miss Diana Middleton.� With a grin, Diana dipped a curtsy of her own. “Likewise.�


If she wondered how Miss Sutton intended to lure her brother to the library, the mystery did not last for long. The moment the two young ladies quit the wainscoting in favor of the ballroom exit, rather than the dance floor, Colehaven immediately abandoned his champagne in pursuit.


Diana and Miss Sutton had only just found the library when Colehaven burst in right behind them.


“Why aren’t you in the ballroom?� he demanded.


“Why are you in my business at all?� Diana countered, hands on her hips.


Miss Sutton disappeared among the stacks of books, but Diana rather suspected she was peeking from behind the credenzas.


“What’s so hard about meeting other people?�


“I didn’t enjoy meeting you,� Diana snapped, her heart racing. She hadn’t noticed how long his eyelashes were before. She couldn’t look away from those magnetic hazel eyes.


“I don’t enjoy being extorted,� he snarled. Or perhaps meant to snarl.


He didn’t look angry anymore. In fact, he wasn’t looking at her eyes at all. His gaze had dropped a few inches lower, where Diana’s teeth nibbled her lower lip.


She licked her lips in response.


He stepped closer.


“I blackmailed you,� she stammered, the words coming out far breathier than she intended, “into not marrying me.�


“Marriage is not what’s on my mind.� His voice was husky, his mouth suddenly nearer, as if he could not prevent his body from inching closer and closer to hers.


Somehow, her feet were doing the same. When the tip of her toe brushed against his, her shiver had nothing to do with the January weather and everything to do with the irresistible scoundrel before her.


“Queen to H5,� she whispered.


“A feint,� he murmured, the full intensity of his gaze meeting hers. “My pawn protects me.�


Her heart beat faster at the realization that he, too, could visualize a chessboard.


She shook her head. “You lost that pawn in your opening gambit.�


“Did I?� he asked softly, lifting his hand toward her face. “Then may the queen defend herself from this DZ.�


His thumb touched her cheek.


Diana held her breath.


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Published on April 13, 2019 02:53

April 6, 2019

MEET THE HERO: Duke of Colehaven

Enjoy an excerpt from the newest Wicked Dukes Club romance,

One Night for Seduction!


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Movement caught the Duke of Colehaven’s eye and he turned to see a maid slip into the drawing room. Possibly sent to offer him some sort of refreshment as he waited for the lady of the house to make an appearance but, given how the mission was unfolding thus far, more likely the girl was simply going about her normal routine. The butler would return at any moment to inform Cole his mistress had no wish to make his acquaintance.


He gave a subtle nod to acknowledge the maid’s presence and moved out of her way to sit upon the edge of a sofa.


The maid tilted her head as if considering him, but the brim of her mobcap flopped too low for Cole to discern the direction of her gaze. Of course a servant wouldn’t be so ill-trained as to stare rudely at her masters� guests. Likely she was deciding between carrying on with her duties or returning later once the unexpected guest had gone.


“You’re one of Diana’s friends?� came the soft query.


Cole wasn’t certain what startled him more: confirmation that Diana Middleton did indeed have friends, or surprise that a maid would dare to address him directly.


Perhaps that was why his mouth answered automatically, “I’m here to see Miss Middleton, yes.�


Even that small evasion caused a ripple of discomfort beneath his skin. It was none of the maid’s business what the Duke of Colehaven was or was not up to, but Cole prided himself on being scrupulously honest in all his dealings, regardless of situation or class. Yet he could not bring himself to say No, I am not her friend aloud. Honesty was paramount, but so was honor, and he was not here to besmirch Miss Middleton’s.


“Is she expecting you?� the maid asked.


“She is not,� he replied tightly, and made a show of arranging his long limbs in the opposite direction as though he had become struck with sudden fascination at the wallpaper on the other side of the parlor.


There. That should put paid to further inquiries.


“Then why are you here?� the maid insisted. “Have you come to press a suit?�


Nothing like that,� Cole blurted out more forcefully than he intended. He gave up on the far wallpaper and turned to glare at the impertinent maid in the doorway.


She was no longer in the doorway. The maid now stood an arm’s width from the other side of the sofa. Her enormous mobcap still flopped too low for her eyes to be visible, but her slender fingers worried at each other against the starched panel of her apron.


The chit ought to be worried. If one of the Middletons caught her interrogating a guest� Or if the head housekeeper should spy her underling shirking her duty�


“Haven’t you anything to do?� Cole said at last. He was not rude by nature, but then again, he normally did not find himself in conversation with other peoples� chambermaids. Reminding her of her duty was doing her a favor, he told himself. If she lost her post due to such antics, Cole would not be to blame.


“Where’s your chaperone?� the maid asked.


I don’t require a chaperone. It’s Miss Middleton who—� He broke off as a sudden thought occurred to him, unlikely as it might seem. “Are you the young lady’s chaperone? Have you come to assess my character?�


“Did you hope for a stolen moment alone with her?� the maid countered.


“Heaven forbid.� He could not repress a shiver of horror. “I would never be caught alone with a marriageable young lady.�


“You’ve no wish to marry?�


“None,� he replied firmly. And definitely no wish to be compromised against his will.


“Then what makes you think Miss Middleton has any intention to marry?�


“Of course she intends to marry,� Cole said in exasperation. “All proper young ladies hope to find a worthy husband and become an equally worthy wife. What else is she going to do?�


“Mathematics,� the maid replied without hesitation.


He blinked at this non sequitur. “What sort of woman prefers mathematics to marriage?�


“A wise one,� the maid snapped. She ripped off her mobcap and glared at him, revealing a beautiful pair of angry blue eyes. “I’d rather devote the rest of my life to applied sums and long division than spend a single second in the presence of yet another man who thinks he knows what a woman wants without bothering to perform the most perfunctory of information gathering interviews to determine—�


“Miss Middleton?� stammered from his mouth, but Cole need not await verbal confirmation to recognize the truth. “Why are you dressed like a maid?�


“Why are you alone with me in this parlor?� she countered, hands on her hips.


At this unfortunate moment, Cole noticed that when the “maid� entered the salon, she’d shut the door behind her. His stomach bottomed in abject fear. If she hadn’t known he was coming, why on earth was she wearing a disguise? Had she known he was coming?


“Please tell me this was not an elaborate trick to compromise me into marriage,� he managed, every muscle tensing in anticipation of the worst.


“No,� Miss Middleton said, blue eyes flashing, “it is leverage which I intend to use to force you to leave me alone.�


“You mean to extort a duke?� He paused as full realization set in. “Into not marrying you?�


“Is it working?� she demanded.


He rose to his feet with alacrity. “I harbor no wish to marry you. None. At all.�


“Splendid,� she said. “Now hear this. I don’t need you or any man. Understood? If you’ve any sense of self-preservation, you’ll find your way out of this town house before someone catches us alone together and both our lives are ruined.�


God help them both.


He dashed to the door and flung it open wide, to prove no nefarious seduction was underway in the guest parlor. But Miss Middleton was right. Lack of misdeed would not be enough. He needed to make haste before the distinct lack of chaperonage in the parlor forced them into an unwanted marriage.


Sensing any act of politeness would only serve to irritate her further, Cole tipped his hat as he swept past her. “Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Middleton. Have a lovely day.�


“I’m already delighted never to have to see you again,� she called after him, her plump lips pursed in victory.


He smiled to himself as he slipped on his gloves.


That was where the fiery Miss Middleton went wrong. They would definitely be seeing each other again. After all, he had a ten-year winning streak to protect.


And the Duke of Colehaven never backed down from a dare.


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Published on April 06, 2019 03:41

April 5, 2019

Win a Rogues to Riches audiobook!

I am SO excited to announce that the talented has narrated all six books of the in audiobook!


Win a copy of any previous Rogues to Riches audiobook over on my website, and pick up your copy of the latest release at your favorite retailer!


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Fall in love with fan-favorite Maxwell Gideon, enigmatic owner of the infamous regency gaming den, The Cloven Hoof. Watch as this clever, take-no-prisoners gentleman finally meets his match!


In the Rogues to Riches historical romance series by USA Today and New York Times bestselling author Erica Ridley, Cinderella stories aren’t just for princesses�


Marian HusseyNarrated by .




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Want to win your choice FREE audiobook of any prior Rogues to Riches romance? Enter by leaving a comment below!



Lord of Chance
Lord of Pleasure
Lord of Night
Lord of Temptation
Lord of Secrets

JUST TELL ME: Have you ever listened to an audiobook? If so, where do you get yours? Do you have favorite narrators or styles?

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Published on April 05, 2019 05:56

April 1, 2019

April Giveaways

Scroll down for this month’s great giveaways!

Download FREE books by Erica Ridley:

Free Book

The Viscount’s Tempting Minx


When the daughter of a duke blows onto a rakish lord’s doorstep, his life will never be the same!


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Free Book

All I Want


He taught her to trust. He taught her to love. And then he left her behind without a word. Tonight he’s back. Whether for a moment or forever depends on the turn of a card�


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Free Book

A Lady Amelia Bonus Story


Exclusively for readers on the VIP list � download to join!






Giveaways, Freebies, & More!



Springtime Clean Regency Romance Giveaway

April 01, 2019 through April 10, 2019







Sexy April Fools Fling

April 01, 2019 through April 10, 2019







Books For Dog Lovers

April 03, 2019 through April 17, 2019







Just Right Romance

April 04, 2019 through April 15, 2019







The Duke’s Accidental Wife

While supplies last. USA only. (Sorry—Amazon’s rules!)




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Published on April 01, 2019 04:36