BOOK INFORMATION
His
Scandalous Kiss
Secrets at Thorncliff Manor #3
Secrets at Thorncliff Manor #3
By: Sophie Barnes
Releasing
July 26, 2016.
Avon
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BOOK SUMMARY
Thorncliff
Manor is the perfect setting for a masquerade ball . . . where the heart’s
secret desires are about to be uncovered in this scintillating Regency romance
from Sophie Barnes
Richard Heartly has exiled himself from society since the war, plotting his revenge for a terrible betrayal. A masked ball at Thorncliff Manor is intended to be a brief diversion. Instead, he encounters a fascinating young woman as entranced by the music as he is. He can’t reveal his identity to Lady Mary. But her siren song keeps drawing him back, and their clandestine meetings could be hazardous to his plan—and to her virtue . . .
Avoiding an unwanted marriage was easy when Lady Mary was ignored by the ton. Thanks to her dazzling appearance at the masquerade, she’s a wallflower no longer. Eligible suitors abound, yet the only man she wants is the brooding, seductive companion who keeps his face hidden. A man who tempts her to disclose her own shocking secret, one that could divide them forever . . .
Richard Heartly has exiled himself from society since the war, plotting his revenge for a terrible betrayal. A masked ball at Thorncliff Manor is intended to be a brief diversion. Instead, he encounters a fascinating young woman as entranced by the music as he is. He can’t reveal his identity to Lady Mary. But her siren song keeps drawing him back, and their clandestine meetings could be hazardous to his plan—and to her virtue . . .
Avoiding an unwanted marriage was easy when Lady Mary was ignored by the ton. Thanks to her dazzling appearance at the masquerade, she’s a wallflower no longer. Eligible suitors abound, yet the only man she wants is the brooding, seductive companion who keeps his face hidden. A man who tempts her to disclose her own shocking secret, one that could divide them forever . . .
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EXCERPT
“I must say that I have thoroughly enjoyed your
company, Signor,” Lady Duncaster said as Richard led her away from the dance
floor a short while later. “And you danced superbly, by the way.”
“You are too kind.” Nothing could be truer. He’d
counted five missteps in total, though not on her ladyship’s toes, for which he
was grateful.
“Not at all. In fact, I am quite sure that you
have drawn attention to yourself.”
Following Lady Duncaster’s line of vision,
Richard spotted a group of young ladies who appeared to be whispering behind
their fans while looking his way. As soon as they noted his quiet perusal, they
burst into unified giggles and batted their eyes flirtatiously.
“A lesser man might take advantage,” he told
Lady Duncaster disapprovingly.
“Which is why I have every intention of finding
their parents and having a word with them before their daughters get themselves
ruined.” Leaning closer to Richard, she whispered, “I may not be as strict or
judgmental as most, but I will not stand for naiveté either. Will you excuse
me?”
“Of course,” he said, bowing low before her. He
did not grant the giggling young ladies a second glance as he walked away, his
eyes searching for the only lady who’d captured his interest. Perhaps she’d
gone back inside? Pausing, he looked toward the French doors and the blazing
light that filled the great hall beyond. It didn’t tempt him in the least, and
he decided therefore that he would seek refuge amidst the shadows of the garden
instead.
Crossing to the stairs, he snatched a glass of
champagne from a nearby footman. Tossing back the drink, he discarded the glass
and descended to the graveled path below, his long cape swirling out behind him
as he went. There were plenty of revelers here as well, some strolling amidst
the flickering lights of torches while others were seated on blankets spread
out on the lawn. Some were even enjoying boat rides on the lake while
violinists along the lakeside filled the air with music matching the tune being
played on the terrace.
Stepping down from the bottom step, Richard
breathed in the rich scent of jasmine permeating the air. He was just about to
start forward when a lady wearing a purple gown stepped in front of him,
blocking his path. Dipping into a slight curtsey, she offered him a broad
smile. “My lord,” she said, by way of greeting.
He didn’t bother to correct her error. “Please
excuse me,” he said instead, hoping she’d move aside and allow him to pass.
Although she was older than when he’d last seen her, he’d immediately
recognized her as his younger sister, Fiona. Not even her domino mask made him
doubt her identity as she stood before him now, reminding him of the sprite
who’d tugged at his coat tails when she was little, her hands often sticky from
jam as she’d done so. He allowed a sentimental smile—one that he knew she could
not see.
“Will you not offer to dance with me?” she
asked.
For a second, he considered it. Indeed, his
heart ached for her embrace. And yet, he could not allow himself to be tempted.
She’d only want more than what he was willing to offer, as would the rest of
his sisters, not to mention his mother. In all likelihood, revealing himself to
Fiona would only serve to reignite the crying and begging that had taken place
beyond his bedroom door when he’d refused to see them after his return from
France. Gradually, their voices had faded into silence, though Richard could
still hear the awful sound within the confines of his mind. He did not think
that he’d be able to bear having to witness their pain again, as would likely
be the case if Fiona discovered his attendance this evening.
“Not at present,” he murmured.
For a moment, she looked a little stunned, but
then she straightened herself, pressed her lips together and stepped past him.
Without another word, she disappeared quietly up the stairs. Turning, Richard
watched her until she was out of sight. Again he smiled, pleased by the cut
she’d given him in response to his rudeness and comforted by the knowledge that
she had grown into the sort of lady who demanded respect.
Taking a moment to assess his surroundings,
Richard walked toward the lake where the Endurance—a large frigate that
confirmed Lady Duncaster’s fondness for the unusual—provided tables and chairs
for the supper that would take place later.
Arriving at the lakeside, he watched as a couple
moved hastily toward a copse of trees on the right, disappearing completely
between the shadows. He wasn’t surprised. Masquerades were after all designed
to cause mischief, which was why so many people disapproved of them even as
they couldn’t help but be intrigued.
Turning left, he approached the violinist
standing furthest away, his music swirling like stardust through the air. It
carried Richard forward, all thought of revenge momentarily forgotten as the
notes coursed through him, soothing his soul and calming his heart.
It wasn’t until he’d come within ten paces of
the musician that Richard realized that he wasn’t alone. Seated on a stone
bench that stood slightly concealed by a neatly trimmed hedge, was the lady
he’d seen earlier on the terrace. Instinctively, he froze, his progress halted
by the vision she presented. Her eyes were closed behind her mask while a smile
of pure pleasure graced her lovely lips. By God, she was stunning, and it was
all Richard could do not to fall on his knees before her like a subservient
knight to her medieval maiden.
Instead, he studied the delicate curve of her
neck and the vast expanse of pale skin below. Sucking in a breath, he forced
himself not to stare or to wonder what it might be like to hold her against
him . . . to lay her bare and to . . . He
blinked, aware that his heart was thumping loudly against his chest. It
couldn’t be helped. She was perfect in every way—curved in just the right
places. Christ! His abstinence was clearly trying to knock the gentleman right
out of him in favor of welcoming a scoundrel.
CAT'S REVIEW
"His Scandalous Kiss" by Sophie Barnes is an enjoyable, historical read. There's love and romance, a touch of a mystery, some lighter moments as well as some darker and all around a touch of everything. I really liked our main characters - Mary and Richard. Mary is a sweet lady who is independent and knows her mind. Richard, though marred with physical and emotional scars, is taken by Mary and, I might say, he is truly a romantic, despite his words that say otherwise. The story flows and I never found myself bored or wandering what was happening. While not overly exciting, this story held my interest and had me rooting for our lovely couple. There also was some twists - a few things I wasn't expecting - that helped keep the story alive and interesting too. While this is book 3 of the series, and I don't think it is absolutely necessary to read the others first, I think it will add to the enjoyment of this one and possibly future tales of this series as well. Thank you, Ms. Barnes, for writing a tale that kept me intrigued yet not overly anxious - always makes for a pleasant read. (received copy for honest review)
★★★★
AUTHOR INFO
Born in Denmark, Sophie Barnes spent her youth
traveling with her parents to wonderful places all around the world. She's
lived in five different countries, on three different continents, and speaks
Danish, English, French, Spanish and Romanian. She has studied design in Paris
and New York and has a bachelor's degree from Parsons. But, most impressive of
all, she's been married to the same man three times—in three different
countries and in three different dresses.
While living in Africa, Sophie turned to her lifelong passion:
writing. When she's not busy dreaming up her next romance novel, Sophie enjoys
spending time with her family, swimming, cooking, gardening, watching romantic
comedies and, of course, reading. She currently lives on the East Coast.
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