Ravaging the Duke by J.R. Salisbury - Book Tour + Giveaway
Ravaging the Duke
Mayfair Series Book 2
by J R Salisbury
Genre:
Historical Romance
Historical Romance
Inheriting the title from his murdered father, Alec finds just how dire things
really are. His father's gambling obsession left the family with
nothing but the entailed properties. The ton views him as a disgraced duke.
really are. His father's gambling obsession left the family with
nothing but the entailed properties. The ton views him as a disgraced duke.
Alec, now The Duke of Wexwood finds himself in need of a bride. One with a
substantial dowry. It needn't be a love match as Alec doesn't believe
love exists except in rare cases. He needs a woman who can help him
rebuild the dukedom.
substantial dowry. It needn't be a love match as Alec doesn't believe
love exists except in rare cases. He needs a woman who can help him
rebuild the dukedom.
Margaret Douglas is an American recently arrived back in England. She has
fulfilled her late father's wishes by returning with her mother. Now
she needs to find a husband. One who won't squander her dowry,
someone who'll see her as an equal.
fulfilled her late father's wishes by returning with her mother. Now
she needs to find a husband. One who won't squander her dowry,
someone who'll see her as an equal.
Introduced by her cousin, the Earl of Norwood, Margaret and Alec come to an
agreement which quickly turns into a passionate romance.
agreement which quickly turns into a passionate romance.
Lurking in the background are secrets—ones Margaret can't hide from the
duke. Secrets she brought from America. What will happen when Alec
finds out what she's hiding?
duke. Secrets she brought from America. What will happen when Alec
finds out what she's hiding?
"Where is it we're
going?" She asked wanting to change the subject.
"You'll see. It's a
place I like to go when I want to be alone. No one knows of it. Not even my
valet."
"Oh my. Do you go
there often?"
"I have spent quite
a bit of time there since all this mess with my father occurred. You see I
always knew I'd be duke one day, just never like this."
She reached over and
touch her gloved hand to his thigh. "I think you're handling the matter
with grace and dignity, Alec. You're making a concerted effort to bring the
dukedom out of ruins. More than a lot of men would have done. With our marriage
it shall begin to thrive once again."
He gathered his reins in
one hand and took her smaller hand in his. "I'm so lucky to have found you
Maggie. You are exactly what I need in my life. Always."
"And I you, Alec. I
can't wait to start our life together."
"It won't be
long."
They walked along for a
few minutes until they came across another path. This one smaller. Alec knew he
was playing with fire, but he wanted her to not only see the place and
experience it's tranquility, he wanted to make it their private place when they
visited Kent.
"Follow me. I will
tell you the path narrows. I've tried to keep it cut back as best I can without
alerting others that this is where I go."
"I'll be fine. You
just lead," she replied smiling.
Slowly they wound their
way through the wooded area. The path was narrow, just wide enough for one
horse. He said nothing, though his mind was running wild with thoughts.
Thoughts of lust and making Margaret his today. He quickly shook that idea from
his head. Where had it come from. He needed to go slow with her, save the best
until last. When they were man and wife. Finally they reached a small clearing.
He stopped, dismounting from the gelding. He tied the animal to a tree before
turning his attention to his betrothed.
Margaret however was
already on the ground, having slid off the saddle herself. He smiled at her
independence. Most woman would have waited to be properly assisted. She just
took upon herself not to wait.
She handed him the reins.
He led the mare to a nearby tree and tied her as well. He then turned his
attention to Margaret, taking her hand in his.
He led her to a small
clearing at the edge of the tree line. It overlooked the estate and manor
house. He heard her gasp at the sight.
"It's something
isn't it? I came here as a child and tried to imagine what it would be like to
be in my father's position. Lord and master of all that I saw."
"It's beautiful,
Alec. I'm surprised no one's ever done anything with it."
"I doubt my own
father ever came up here. Though he loved to ride, he didn't like going off the
main paths."
"Pity. It's such a
spectacular view. I can see why you come here."
"Yes. I can sit here
unseen by anyone. It's always given me great comfort to come here," he
replied. Under one arm he carried a blanket he'd attached to his saddle.
Nothing unusual about it, he always brought one when he rode. "Would you
like to sit for a while?"
"Yes."
He unfurled the blanket
just inside the trees. They could still sit and look out at the countryside
below them. Alec however wanted more. He took Margaret's hand and helped her
sit down. Then he joined her, sitting close enough their bodies touched.
Alec had to remember to
breathe. This woman had a electrifying effect on him. He couldn't explain it
but she wasn't going to be an ordinary wife. He knew that from the day he first
saw her.
He peered down at her and
smiled before turning his attention back on the landscape before them. He tried
to point out the various outbuildings and gardens, giving her a small history
of each. His heart and cock however weren't into it. He needed more. He needed
to taste her.
His lips met hers and she
willingly opened to him. Her mouth opened and he pushed his tongue inside. She
met him and the two explored the other. Alec wanted more and ran his hand along
her breast.
She moaned.
He took his hand and
forced one breast from her corset. He pinched the deep pink nipple between his
fingers, his lips kissing her creamy skin.
Gently he guided her to
lay down on the blanket as he continued to kiss her neck and breast. He took
her nipple in his mouth and sucked. She squirmed at the sensation. The lady
wanted more.
His hand founds it's way
between her legs as he spread them wider. He ran his fingers up her inner leg
causing a long sigh to come from her. He spread her damp folds apart, tracing
them as though to remember everything about her. She was wet with want and
need. Did he dare?
He inserted a finger into
her channel. She was so hot and tight. Alec inserted a second and waited for a
moment. He began to move his fingers in and out of her. To his surprise she
raised her hips to meet him.
"Alec..." She
moaned.
"Are you alright?
Should I stop?" He asked as he quickened his pace.
"Don't you dare
quit."
Amazon bestselling author J R Salisbury divides her time between the U.S.
and U.K. with her aging Yorkie, Rocco.
and U.K. with her aging Yorkie, Rocco.
When in the U.K. she finds herself shrouded in history, making an author's
imagination come alive.
imagination come alive.
J R writes Victorian era and Scottish historical romance with perfectly
imperfect heroes and strong, sassy heroines.
imperfect heroes and strong, sassy heroines.
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2 Comments
Thanks for hosting Ravaging the Duke.
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome! :)
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