Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

I’m finally back after attending Booklovers Con in Las Vegas last weekend and having a fabulous time! But today I’m continuing with snippets from The Ruin of Miss Amelia Burrowes, Book 4 of The Matchmaker’s Ball series, that released 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 a further introduction to Mr. Lawrence Burke who wants them to become better acquainted with Amelia.  Enjoy!

EXCERPT:

London

May 5, 1820

Amelia bounded out of the chair as though shot from a cannon and somehow managed to land on her feet. Instinctively, she backed toward the fireplace. “I don’t think that is wise, Mr. Burke. Our betrothal is supposed to help repair my reputation, so if we are to become better acquainted, it must be done properly, in full view of my parents and Lady Hamilton’s guests.” She must get them out of this place before he did something that would make it impossible for her to refuse his suit, which she now desperately wished to do.

“Come, come, Miss Burrowes. Or should I say Amelia? Being alone with your intended cannot matter so much in the eyes of the ton.” Pacing slowly toward her, Mr. Burke held out his hand. “In your case, they may well assume we’ve been intimately acquainted as soon as the betrothal is announced,” he paused to leer at her, “why not make their suspicions correct?”

And a little bit more…

Completely outraged, Amelia stopped backing away. How dare he assume she would do such a thing? Even if her reputation was soiled, to think she would simply submit to his crude suggestion—and in her hostess’s library of all places—could not be borne. The devil flew into Amelia, and she stalked toward him. “I will not stand here and be so insulted, Mr. Burke. I may not have the sterling reputation of the other young ladies of the ton, but common decency demands that you treat me with some respect.”

To her dismay, her outburst, rather than acting as a deterrent, seemed to inflame his ardor. His eyes widened, and he grinned as he continued toward her. “Ah, you do have spirit. I suspected as much. One does not come by a reputation such as yours without some spark of passion.” He licked his lips. “This arrangement may prove to be a better bargain than I could have hoped for.”

Dear Lord, she needed to get out of this room before he ruined her for once and all. Dodging around the chair, she made a break for the door, but he grabbed her wrist and swung her around to face him.

“What’s your hurry, my dear?” He showed his teeth again, making him look just like the wolf in the Grimm brothers’ story.

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! 

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