From the Inside Flap
CHECK OUT USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR, COLLETTE CAMERON'S COMPLETE LIBRARY OF REGENCY AND SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER ROMANCE SERIES:
THE HONORABLE ROGUES®
Are you ready for rousing, emotional, and romantic historical Regency romance quick-read capers you won't want to put down?
· A Kiss for a Rogue
· A Bride for a Rogue
· A Rogue's Scandalous Wish
· To Capture a Rogue's Heart
· The Rogue and the Wallflower
· A Rose for a Rogue
· 'Twas the Rogue Before Christmas
· A Rogue Worth the Risk
FOR THE LOVE OF AN EARL SERIES
Enthralling Regency adventures brimming with intrigue, lovable scoundrels, strong heroines, and unforgettable, sigh-worthy romance.
· Earl if Wainthorpe
· Earl of Scarborough
· Earl of Keyworth
· Earl of Renshaw
THE CULPEPPER MISSES: REGENCY HISTORICAL ROMANCES
Read the Culpepper sisters saga for page-turning, humorous, and satisfying historical Regency romance romps you can't forget. Giggles guaranteed.
· The Earl and the Spinster
· The Marquis and the Vixen
· The Lord and the Wallflower
· The Buccaneer and the Bluestocking
· The Lieutenant and the Lady
HIGHLAND HEATHER ROMANCING A SCOT: CASTLE BRIDES
Pamper yourself with Scottish Regency historical romances packed with intrigue, smoldering passion, and page-turning surprises.
· The Viscount's Vow
· The Highlander's Heiress
· The Earl's Enticement
· Triumph and Treasure
· Virtue and Valor
· Heartbreak and Honor
· Scandal's Splendor
· Passion and Plunder
· Seductive Surrender
· A Yuletide Highlander
SEDUCTIVE SCOUNDRELS SERIES
Indulge in these captivating, emotion-laden and quick-read historical Regency romances sure to warm your heart and put a smile on your face.
· A Diamond for a Duke
· Only a Duke Would Dare
· A December with a Duke
· What Would a Duke Do?
· Wooed by a Wicked Duke
· Duchess of His Heart
· Never Dance with a Duke
· Wedding Her Christmas Duke
· The Debutante and the Duke
· Loved by a Dangerous Duke
· How to Win a Duke's Heart
· When a Duke Desires a Lass
· My Dearest Duke
DAUGHTERS OF DESIRE SERIES (Scandalous Ladies)
Read these engaging, sweet romances featuring loveable rogues, scandalous secrets, a pinch of mystery, and a dash of humor for page-turning reads you won't soon forget.
· A Lady, A Kiss, A Christmas Wish
· No Lady for the Lord
· Love Lessons for the Lady
· His One and Only Lady
· Never a Proper Lady
· Lady Tempts a Rogue
CHRONICLES OF THE WESTBROOK BRIDES
A dazzling new series introducing the Westbrook family from USA Today bestselling author Collette Cameron. Perfect for Bridgerton fans, this saga is chock-full of humor, intrigue, heartwarming loyalty, and sigh-worthy romantic adventures, featuring charming and often scandalous rogues and the spirited and unconventional women who become the Westbrook Brides.
· Midnight Christmas Waltz - Prequel
· Mission at Midnight
· The Midnight Marquess
· Minuet at Midnight
· Moonlight Wishes and Midnight Kisses
· Holly, Mistletoe, and Midnight Snow
· The Wallflower's Midnight Waltz
· Kiss a Rake at Midnight
· Unmasked at Midnight
HEART OF A SCOT
Indulge in these captivating, emotion-laden, spicy Highlander suspense romances sure to warm your heart and put a smile on your face.
· To Love a Highland Laird
· To Redeem a Highland Rake
· To Seduce a Highland Scoundrel
· To Woo a Highland Warrior
· To Enchant a Highland Earl
· To Defy a Highland Duke
· To Marry a Highland Marauder
· To Bargain with a Highland Buccaneer
· A Christmas Kiss for a Highlander
From the Back Cover
Excerpt - How to Win a Duke's Heart
Ayr, Scotland
Belleisle Racecourse
7 August 1810—half past ten in the morning
Eager for any sight of the sleek racehorses, Sophronie Slater leaned forward on the luxurious gold velvet seat until her nose practically touched the glass. As she peered out the coach's dusty windows, butterflies giddily flitted around her tummy.
How she loved the races. Ever so much more than stuffy, pompous balls, routs, and soirees.
Only Scottish-bred horses were permitted to run the Belleisle track, and she was curious to learn how the horseflesh would measure up against the thoroughbreds she and her father raised in America. Or against the impressive high steppers Papa had purchased while they'd been in England these past months.
Remorse prodded her conscience when she considered the ocean voyage the poor beasts would have to endure, secured in the ship's bowels for weeks on the return journey to Virginia. Papa had cautioned her against purchasing too many horses for that very reason.
So far, Sophronie had only bought a lovely broodmare at Tattersall's a few weeks ago. On the other hand, Father had made several purchases, including a trio of sinewy racehorses: two colts and a filly.
However, she was too excited about today's race to remain downcast for more than a passing moment. Unlike some breeders or racehorse owners, the Slaters prided themselves on taking the very best care of their animals.
Sophronie scrutinized the scenery as the coach slowly trundled along. The coachmen called out harsh warnings to anyone or anything in the path of the brilliant matched black team. Other drivers cursed and shouted as they too maneuvered wagons, carriages, dog carts, and all manner of other conveyances through the growing throng.
A man hurried past with a boy on his shoulders of perhaps five or six years and clutching a bright red and blue top. Two grinning older lads trotted behind them, each waving a cup and ball toy. A woman who might've been their mother, carrying a toddler with glossy raven curls and her thumb stuck in her mouth, followed at a more sedate pace. From their tidy but plain attire, Sophronie guessed them to be local villagers on an outing.
Farther along, two couples dressed in the first stare of fashion strolled along, preening in the attention they received. The ladies twirled their lacy parasols as their menfolk strutted behind them like proud peacocks.
Racecourses brought all manner of people together. For a few hours, social class and position were forgotten and spectators, rich and poor alike, cheered for their favorite horse.
Would the surly Duke of Waycross be there today?
Did hungry piglets squeal?
Sophronie released a forceful, indelicate snort, and Papa issued a warning. "Ahem."
"Pardon me, Papa."
Sending him a contrite smile, she adjusted her position on the seat to better see out the small window. A fly landed on the glass, crawling a convoluted path until a wheel sank into a rut, jarred the conveyance, and sent the insect on its way. Fine dust particles crept into the well-made coach, and the promise of a warm day and the large crowd might've put a less robust woman off.
Sophronie searched the cottony cloud-ridden azure sky.
It was a perfect day for a horse race.
She lived for events like these. No, she thrived on activities of this nature; outdoors, away from the rigid strictures of Society, and in the proximity of horses.
What could be better?
What more could she desire?
Only one thing.
The day would be far more enjoyable if she didn't have to worry about encountering the disagreeable Duke of Waycross.
Of course the craggy-faced, imposing Scot would be here, stomping around and scowling at everyone and everything. Waycross also raised and raced horses, and usually that would've exalted him to a lofty status in her estimation. Nevertheless, a more unpleasant man Sophronie had never met. His love of horseflesh couldn't compensate for his gruff temperament and severe presence.
Scowl, frown, smirk, sneer, deride, mock, curse, and grimace?
Oh, aye. Many, many times. But a genuine smile of warmth or humor? Not once. Not even a nascent upward tip of his firm lips.
What caused a man to be that grim and humorless?
"We're only here to observe the race today, my girl," Papa said by way of warning for at least the third time. They were to return home at the end of August, and securing accommodations for any more horseflesh aboard a ship bound for Virginia might prove difficult.
"I know, Papa," Sophronie responded, her attention still fixed on the teeming grounds.
A stunning raven-haired woman atop a sidesaddle, and wearing an elegant empire-style raspberry-red riding habit adorned with black and silver accents, expertly guided her dun-colored mare toward the racetrack. The black scarf secured around the lady's jaunty top hat flowed behind her in the breeze like a banner as she rode.
A delicate black lace veil concealed her features, but there could be no doubting she was quality. Likely an aristocrat, given the alert and identically navy-blue and saffron-yellow-liveried footmen riding in her wake like soldiers guarding their queen.
Sophronie glanced down at her bottle-green and peony-pink striped traveling costume. A slight frown tugged her eyebrows together. The bright pink silk of her spencer was more appropriate for a walk in Hyde Park than a racecourse. Perhaps she ought to have worn a gown in a more subdued hue.
Giving a mental shrug, she turned her attention outdoors once more. It was too late to worry about her ensemble now. At least her fawn-colored half boots would serve her well. If she'd had her way, she'd have worn her boys' attire—including sensible boots that came to her knees. Skirts were so cumbersome. Men had no idea the freedom something as trivial as trousers provided them.
A race never failed to stir her blood, and today was no exception. Fortunately, the sport was widely admired by both males and females, and for a change, Sophronie's presence wouldn't be remarked upon. No male would level her an affronted glare, mutter grievances beneath his breath, or declare a woman's attendance wasn't de rigueur.
Sophronie doubted she was capable of being de rigueur, and if that truth offended le beau monde's stodgy sensibilities, she didn't give two farthings. She wasn't English, and the approval of the upper ten thousand meant nothing to her. However, her father was of a different opinion.
She cast him a swift glance only to find him studying her again as he relaxed against the posh squabs. He'd done that often of late, particularly since they'd come to England. Fiddling with the silk cord of her pink crocheted and beaded reticule, she speculated for the umpteenth time whether he'd anticipated she'd find a husband on this trip. After all, she was nearly three and twenty.
About the Author
USA Today Bestselling romance author Collette Cameron® invites you to escape into the worlds of Scottish and Regency historicals. With a passion for witty and smart historical romance, Collette creates both entertaining and thought-provoking stories. Her roguish heroes and daring heroines are inspired by her love of historical trivia and castles, and she brings a dash of inspiration and a pinch of humor to every tale she writes.
Based in the Pacific Northwest, Collette is surrounded by the lush greenery and rainy skies that inspire her writing. She dreams of one day splitting her time between the Pacific Northwest and Scotland, and in the meantime, she indulges in her love of all things cobalt blue, dachshunds, and chocolate. With over 65 books published and multiple writing awards to her credit, Collette is an established award-winning author of Sweet-to-Spicy Timeless Romances®.
If you're looking for an escape to the world of Scottish and Regency historicals, look no further than Collette Cameron. Her books perfectly combine wit and humor, leaving you both entertained and inspired.
Visit collettecameron dot com to enter her world of emotional and stirring historical romance. While you are there, sign up for her mailing list and get a FREE gift, plus entertaining newsletters, and the chance to participate in book news, giveaways, and contests.
