Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

I’m continuing this week with snippets from The Ruin of Miss Amelia Burrowes, Book 4 of The Matchmaker’s Ball series, that releases on May 1. 

The Ruin of Miss Amelia Burrowes

BLURB:

Can a woman with a past have a future?

Miss Amelia Burrowes was the scandal of the ton in her first Season, when her fiancée died, rumors flew, and she was declared a ruined woman by Society. Ten years later, she’s back in London to make an arranged marriage that will hopefully allow her sisters to be received by the ton. But when Nathan, Lord Ainsley, the man she’d really had a tendre for all those years ago, renews their acquaintance, the flame between them rekindles and Amelia begins to believe that maybe a second chance for love is possible.

Ten years ago Nathan Locke made a terrible mistake in letting himself be hustled off on his Grand Tour when what he really wanted was to marry the delightful Miss Burrowes. Now he’s just learning that the lovely lady isn’t married after all—but instead is a pariah of Society. Nathan’s not about to let that get in the way of his suit but as new rumors swirl around them, can he ignore the ton’s renewed whispers about Amelia’s reputation?

Together Nathan and Amelia must get to the bottom of the scandals—new and old—or face a devastating choice: a life together being shunned by Society or a life without each other forever.

Today’s snippet continues with chapter 1–and I’ve skipped ahead a little bit to give you an introduction to Amelia’s intended: Mr. Lawrence Burke.  Enjoy!

EXCERPT:

London

May 5, 1820

Earlier in the evening, after dinner, Papa had introduced her to Mr. Burke, who’d seemed rather nice on first acquaintance. A gentleman of one and thirty, not overly tall, with curly brown hair and eyes a shade darker, a full-lipped mouth, and a not-so-prominent chin, Mr. Burke could not be called unhandsome. He’d greeted her pleasantly, talked of generally approved topics—like the weather and boating, of which he seemed extraordinarily fond—then asked to escort her around the room. Their conversation had continued in that general vein until they reached the far end of the room, where no one could hear their lowered remarks.

“I must say, Miss Burrowes, your father’s letter putting forward his desire for our nuptials took me by surprise, but not nearly as much as the amount he’s proposed for your dowry.” He’d smiled, revealing white, predatory teeth. “Much more than my uncle had given me to believe. I understand it is imperative for you to marry,” his eyes darkened, and Amelia repressed a shudder at the hunger in them, “I believe I shall very much enjoy making the match.”

And a little bit more…

A sickening drop in her stomach made her steps falter. Every gentleman who’d been interested in marrying her over the years had expressed similar sentiments. Luckily, none of the other attempts had borne fruit, for the thought of actually marrying those suitors had, by and large, given her the jim-jams. They would have had no affection for her whatsoever, simply lust for her body and her father’s bank account. Of course, those would be the only reasons a gentleman would choose to marry a fallen woman, but it hurt to think her husband must be one so mercenary.

She gazed about the quiet room. Without doubt, Mama would soon send Papa, or one of her brothers who’d turned out tonight, to find her. If it was her youngest brother, Tim, she could possibly wheedle him into remaining with her instead of doing his duty and dragging her back to the ballroom.

Her reverie was broken by the sudden opening of the library door.

“There you are, my dear.”

Discovered, drat it. Again, Amelia tightened her grip on the arms of the chair.

“I’ve been looking for you everywhere.” Mr. Burke smiled at her as he entered the library and shut the door. The hollow thud sounded like a death knell. “What are you doing in here? This is hardly the time to try to improve your mind.” He started toward her, his smile turning into a leer. “We might, however, take this opportunity alone to become…better acquainted.”

The Ruin of Miss Amelia Burrowes, Book 4 of my Matchmaker’s Ball series, is now available on Amazon for purchase and on Kindle Unlimited! 

There’s also a Release Day celebration going on on my Jenna’s Journal blog, with a giveaway of signed, print copies of all my Matchmaker’s Ball series books plus one for a $20 Starbucks gift card. Please come by and help me celebrate my newest release! Click the link HERE to join the party.

Don’t forget to check out the rest of the WWW snippets here! There are some great stories out there!