Maggi Andersen's Blog

Is it possible to fall in love at first sight? Despite everything against it?

Rushing to her father’s defense, Lucy Kershaw has just told a dreadful lie to two spiteful ladies. Her father is not, as she said, the heir to a marquessate.Although the Kershaws are related to the Marquess of Berkwick, he has an heir and a spare. Immediately regretting the impulse, Lucy hopes it is quickly forgotten, even though the handsome Earl of Dorchester overhears her. Her father’s success at the gaming tables means he can now send her to her aunt in London for the Season. And Lucy fears the lie will follow her there and cause a dreadful scandal.

In London, the news has already spread, and suitors and fortune hunters rush to present themselves to her aunt. Fearing it will all fall down like a house of cards, Lucy just wants to go back to Bath. But she is surprised to have a sympathetic ear in Lord Dorchester, who dances with her at a London ball and introduces her to his sister. Lucy is drawn to him, although she knows he is betrothed, and even if he weren’t, they move in different worlds. Unwilling to let the scandal, which is spreading through the ton, touch him, she tries to keep him at arm’s length. But that proves not easy to do as each time they meet, the attraction grows stronger.

When Hugh Fairburn, Lord Dorchester, comes across a lady at a ball, he is immediately taken with her. Despite the fact that he just heard her telling a blatant lie.

Years ago, his father arranged for him to marry the neighbor’s daughter once she emerged from the schoolroom. Left in limbo until then, Hugh joined the army. But while he was away fighting Napoleon, his father died, and the chance to overturn his decision on Hugh’s marriage died with him.

While his betrothed shows little enthusiasm for marriage, Hugh remains honor-bound to keep his father’s promise—even as his thoughts remain on Miss Kershaw. His sister and she have become bosom friends, and Miss Kershaw is often within his orbit, tempting him to forgo his duty. Despite his own betrothal, Hugh feels a sense of urgency to act, to declare his feelings as other men pursue Miss Kershaw, particularly one who might even be dangerous.

Is there a chance to overcome the seemingly insurmountable obstacles which keep them apart and have that happy ending?

https://www.amazon.com/Falling-Earl-R...?

Amazon 5 Star review: What an entertaining and delightful love story. It has many dilemmas and interesting issues, dreadful lies, plots and schemes, murder, and many more twists, and turns that kept me entertained and wondering what would happen next and how it would all turn out. I enjoyed the romance that began over a dance and became so much more. I highly recommend reading!

 

At the end of her third Season, Lady Harriett Edgerton has refused her one offer of marriage from a perfectly worthy, if dull, suitor. Harriett doesn’t want proper. She wants passion. And the prospect of a passionate marriage is becoming increasingly unlikely, judging by the men she meets. When she and her family visit a dying relative at his country mansion in Kent, Pendleton Manor, everything appears normal on the surface, until Harriet is suddenly embroiled in murder, intrigue, and lust. Gentleman farmer, Gerard Everard, Earl of Foxworth, has inherited an estate deep in debt. While he toils to save Foxworth from creditors, he becomes embroiled in a dangerous mission. Together, Harriett and Gerard work to uncover a murderer, while Harriett, expecting Gerard to succumb to the charms of her younger, beautiful sister, Leonora, tries unsuccessfully to guard her heart.

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/611258

https://books.apple.com/us/book/x/id1080027333

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From elegant London ballrooms to the dungeons of Paris…

It is 1792 and Viscount Beaumont has buried himself in the country since his wife died. But now his daughter, Henrietta, has come of age and he must squire her in her London Season. Henrietta, a headstrong young woman, quickly chooses the man she wants to marry, reluctant British spy, Christian Hartley.

Actress, Verity Garnier's father, has been thrown into a French dungeon. To free him, she must deliver Anthony Beaumont to his enemies. She travels to London to seduce Beaumont into following her to France. But she doesn’t plan on falling in love.

When Beaumont travels alone to France to save his brother-in-law from the guillotine, Verity follows him, with his determined daughter, Henrietta, tagging along.

When soldiers of the Revolution capture Beaumont and his brother-in-law, Verity, and Henrietta must save them. Christian joins them.

Will everyone find a safe way home, or will they face the guillotine?

Reviews
This is an adventure not to be missed. The excitement mounts as danger appears around every corner. The devastation of the French Revolution is a backdrop to the well-executed plot. Love is in the air for three couples, but will they survive to realize their dreams? RT Book Reviews
“Maggi Andersen does it again with a riveting story of spies and counter spies, villainous men of power, and Jacobins, and all set during the French Revolution (1792).” Francine Howarth. "The author weaves suspense, suspicions, and intrigue throughout with historical merit. The Georgian Award is hereby granted to Maggi Andersen for Hostage to Love."

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/757210

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You can run, but you can't hide forever.
She fled Ireland because her life was in danger, now her troubles are worse… To escape a dangerous stalker, Caitlin Fitzgerald flees her home in Ireland and takes a governess job in the top end of Australia, determined to guard her heart against further hurt. In her chosen safe haven, she has poisonous snakes, wild boar and crocodiles to contend with. She learns to deal with those. But two men at Tall Trees cattle station test her resolve. The very handsome and moody station owner, Jake Monterey, who has issues of his own, and Harry Phillips, the big, easy-going station hand. Jake has two adorable children, and Caitlin loves her job, but when danger follows, must she flee again?

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/599909

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When Laura joined him for dinner, her conversation centeredon the two people she cared for. Frustrated, he could but enjoy looking at her.In a lacy dinner gown of primrose, her dark-blonde hair swept into a carelessupdo, she was undeniably lovely. He admired her slender arms and dainty hands.Her lissome body, he tried not to think too much about. After dinner, shereturned to the sick room, and he saw no more of her until breakfast. He wasdown in the breakfast room the next morning, although it wasn’t his habit toeat until close to midday. But the maid told him Laura had eaten her breakfastin her bedchamber.

At first, he suspected Laura merely hoped to avoid him, buthe came to realize she really cared about the woman and her child. On the nextevening at dinner, she seemed more relaxed and talkative. He tried to draw herout, but she avoided any reference to what lay ahead for them. Nor did sheflirt with him. That was a novel experience but unsettling. Had he made amistake in inviting her? He still didn’t know why he’d taken such a chance witha woman he barely knew. It had been purely selfish on his part. Laura’s brothermight have found other means to pay his debts, although they were substantial.

Longworth was a fine estate, yet obviously rundown. Peytonwas a gambler, Brendan had learned. And he had no patience with such men. Especiallyconsidering how his actions had affected his sister’s life. Laura had moremettle than that selfish weakling. She showed more compassion for the twoupstairs than her brother would have been capable of.

“Anne Joyce was widowed last year,” Laura said. “It is verysad. She has nowhere to live and must make a home with her aunt. I have fearedthat I might face a similar fate.”

“Why?” he asked, outraged for her.

She shrugged her slim shoulders. “When we faced financialruin, I considered casting myself upon my Aunt Gertrude’s good graces.” Shesmiled, but it failed to reach her eyes. “Aunt Gertrude isn’t an easy person.”

She pushed her meat around the plate with her fork, notattempting to eat it. “Mary is a bright child. She deserves better.”

“Sad, indeed,” he agreed. “That animal on your plate isdead, Laura. There’s no need to kill it again.”

Her blue eyes met his filled with laughter, then he watchedthem grow shadowed. She ducked her head. Brendan cursed, but he grew hopefulthat in time, they might laugh together. Especially as she had opened up to himtonight about herself. It had maddened him to hear it. Her brother needed agood thrashing.

If only they could leave this inferior inn and reach hisestate, then this infernally polite wall between them would disappear. BeechleyPark was a place made for romance, although it had seen little of it. “Is Mrs.Joyce rallying?”

“Her fever abates.”

“Excellent. We can leave tomorrow.”

Laura’s frown condemned him for such a rash statement. “Wecannot leave them yet. Not until Mrs. Joyce is out of bed and able to take careof her daughter. We cannot leave a young girl alone in an inn. Anything couldhappen.”

Brendan poured her a glass of wine. “And does the doctorknow when that might be?”

Laura twisted a curl in her fingers. “He says it’s too earlyto say.”

Was she being deliberately evasive? “I hope it is soon. Inany event, we are to leave on Friday.”

Her fair brows knitted. “So soon?”

He sighed. “Yes. I have urgent matters that cannot wait.”

She chewed her full bottom lip. “Very well. If we must.”

He wished she wouldn’t do that. It was distracting. “I’mglad you agree,” he said solemnly.

Laura took a hasty sip of wine, then put down the glass.“I’ll go up and see if Mrs. Joyce has managed some of the soup. I had the cookprepare it and a coddled egg, especially for her.”

Brendan watched her graceful form cross the dining room. Hehad been rebuffed, but at least he had won a round. They would depart early onFriday and reach his home by the late afternoon.

AMAZON

 

He could ruin her in the eyes of the ton.

She could save him from a life of solitude.

Back on the London marriage mart at almost twenty-six and with no dowry, Laura Peyton holds little hope that a gentleman will want her for herself, when most seek affairs or youthful wives. When her brother makes a financial agreement with the Earl of Debnam to save his estate, Laura’s reputation may be ruined once and for all. She finds herself staying at the estate of the rake the ton call “the Phantom Earl,” where she is expected to fulfill his wishes for a month-long affair.

But she begins to suspect Lord Debnam is not simply the outrageous rake who danced with her in London. The mystery surrounding the elusive earl makes her determined to stay long enough to discover why he is the way he is. The more the attraction between them grows to fever pitch, the greater her need to get close to his true self.

Because of a family tragedy, Brendan Cowper, Earl of Debnam, is determined never to marry. In London, he indulges in unfulfilling short-lived affairs, but deep down, he longs for a woman’s softness and her understanding. Is love always to remain beyond his reach?

Brendan wants Laura Peyton in his bed but now regrets placing Laura, whose natural charm and honesty have maneuvered a way into his reluctant heart, in danger of far more than scandal.

The taint of murder hangs over Beechley Park. But sending her away—even to protect her—is far harder than he ever thought possible.

Read Free in Kindle Unlimited!

AMAZON

 

Perilously close to losing his inheritance, he turns his back on everything that matters to him to save her.

When about to choose his bride in London, Hartley Montford, newly minted Marquess of Pembury, learns his neighbor’s niece, Lady Madeline Howard, has gone missing, Hart drops everything to go in search of her. Despite Maddie being an annoyingly frank-speaking and independent young woman who he would never add to his list of possible brides.

Hart’s estate, Pembury, is badly in need of funds. As he and his father were at odds and the estate holds bad memories for him, he prefers his bachelor’s lifestyle in London. But he suddenly finds himself in urgent need of a wife. His Uncle William, the Montford second son, has stipulated in his will that Hart must cease his rakish lifestyle, settle down, marry and deal with his obligations, by a certain date. Or he’ll be cut out of the will.

When consulted, Maddie’s groom fears foul play. Suddenly, despite the pile of unpaid bills, the renovations needed for the estate, and the clock ticking to fulfil his obligations, Hart simply cannot give up until he finds her. But in London, the popularity he once enjoyed seems to have frayed around the edges as word spreads about his treatment of Vivian Spencer, the lady he was considering for a wife.

When Maddie’s parents died, her father made her Uncle Arthur Wakeham, a cold, indifferent man who rules her with an iron hand, her guardian. When he takes up with some questionable fellows, for nebulous reasons, Maddie grows afraid for her safety. She flees with her maid to her aunt’s house in Bath.

When Maddie and Hart meet, while endeavoring to save her from her scurrilous uncle, Hart asks Maddie to marry him. But did he take a grave misstep?

How can he convince Maddie his reason for marrying her was more than that of convenience?

AMAZON

 Excerpt:

The Duke's Masquerade

Ianthe had danced every dance, and her feet hurt. Beneath her chair, she surreptitiously slipped off a shoe and wriggled her toes. There was no sign of Tate, and the unmasking would take place at midnight. She searched for a tall dark-haired gentleman among the crowd of chimney-sweeps and foreign potentates, dancing with queens, shepherdesses, dairy maids, and exotic gypsies. 

The waltz would soon be announced. Ianthe hoped to avoid any gentlemen who looked as if he would approach her for the dance, as they had in numbers all evening. But if Tate didn’t come soon, her mother would insist she stand up with the first man to ask her.

She prayed he would suddenly appear. He was always kind and wouldn’t deliberately disappoint her. He’d never laughed at her like Stephen when she’d escaped her governess and demanded they let her ride with them. And when she left the schoolroom and nervously dressed in her new habit, Tate had invited her along before she’d even had to ask. She’d felt so grown up and very much aware of him atop his big chestnut stallion, controlling the animal easily with powerful hands and thighs. So handsome it made her sigh. And she’d said to herself: one day I shall marry you. 

She held up her fan to hide her disappointment from her mother. If only she could forget him. Her mind might consider they would never be together, but her heart wasn’t listening.

“His Grace Duke of Lindsey,” the butler announced in a loud, important voice.

“Tate is here,” her mother said. “I didn’t expect to see him in London.” 

Ianthe sat forward in her chair as she looked toward the doorway. She spied a dark head above the crowd of well-wishers surrounding him with a shiver of anticipation.

Tate emerged from the crush dressed in black and white, and a striking black and gold mask. At first, she thought he would miss her, as annoyingly, his gaze flicked over the row of debutantes. But then he saw her and nodded. She quickly slipped her foot into her shoe.

He crossed the floor to her, smiling, his teeth white beneath his mask. This would be his first ball as the Duke of Lindsey. Already there was something different about his walk and the way he carried his shoulders. The responsibility would change him from the carefree man she was accustomed to. She wasn’t sure what she felt about that. She had seen so little of life. Would he seek a more sophisticated woman for his duchess?

He bowed over her mother’s hand and then held hers, while through the slits in his mask, his green eyes studied her, as if taking in every feature. As if he’d never seen her before. Her toes curled in her shoes. Did he approve of her costume? She thought it flattering and had chosen it with him in mind. 

“You make a delightful fairy queen, Lady Ianthe. Will you grant me the pleasure of the next dance?”

How formal he was. Not like Tate at all. Ianthe missed his mischievous smile which held the implication that she could never pull the wool over his eyes, because he’d always see through her. 

Trembling a little, she rose. She had always wanted this. To dance with Tate at a ball. The debutantes still seated looked on. They must be envious. As Ianthe rested a hand on his arm, she reminded herself not to forget that he did not belong to her. And was unlikely to now. Confused and hurt, she lifted her chin wishing she could see more of his face.

The musicians struck up. “I wasn’t sure you’d come,” she said as he led her through the steps. She felt jittery in his arms, not that soaring delight she’d expected. It was as if he wasn’t Tate at all. How silly. What was wrong with her? Had she put too much store on this one dance?

https://www.amazon.com/Dukes-Masquera...

Sales runs 08/21 - 8/27. Books will be $0.99 for the entire week.
Here are the links to both the Rafflecopter and the Promotions page. I've also attached all of the graphics we have for this promo.
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 Amazon: https://amzn.to/3qL8vBtBarnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/32OUM4DKobo: https://bit.ly/3pYSBV7Apple: https://apple.co/3JD4cka

My story for this wonderful anthology is THE DUKE'S BROWN-EYED LADY inspired by Van Morrison's Brown-eyed Girl.

“Skipping and a jumping in the misty morning fog with our hearts a thumping, and you, my brown-eyed girl.”

Linked to The Never Series

Never Doubt a Duke

Never Dance with a Marquess

Never Trust an Earl

 

Reviews:

THE DUKE'S BROWN-EYED LADY by Maggi Andersen -Gene and Mellie were the perfect couple and I fell in love with both of them instantly. Their friendship turned romance had several problems - her parents wanted her to marry an awful man, Gene felt he was too old for Mellie, Mellie thought he only wanted a friend but in the end love won. This was a well written, sweet story with a wonderful HEA.

This was such a sweet and cosy story. Well crafted, lovely characters. I adored Gene and Mellie.