Read The Rogue's Proposal Online
Authors: Jennifer Haymore
The Rogue's Proposal (32 page)
Dear Reader,
“If you love her, set her free. If she comes back, she’s yours. If she doesn’t … Christ!
Stubborn woman! Hunt her
down, and bring her the hell back; she’s still yours according to vampire law.”
Niccolo DiConti, General of the
Vampire Queen’s Army
I always like to believe that the universe has an all-knowing, all-seeing heart filled
with the wisdom to grant us not what we want, but that which we need most. Does that
mean the universe will simply pop that special something into a box and leave it on
your doorstep? Hell no. And if you’re Niccolo DiConti, the universe might be planning
a very, very long, excruciating obstacle course before handing out any prizes. That
is, if he and his over-bloated, vampire ego survive.
Meet Helena Strauss, the obstacle course. According to the infamous prophet and Goddess
of the Underworld, Cimil, Niccolo need only to seduce this mortal into being his willing,
eternal bride and Niccolo’s every wish will be granted. Thank the gods he’s the most
legendary warrior known to vampire, with equally legendary looks. Seducing a female
is hardly a challenge worthy of such greatness.
Famous last words. Because Helena Strauss has no interest in giving up long, sunny
days at the beach or exchanging her happy life to be with this dark, arrogant, deadly
male.
Dear Reader,
Imagine you’re heartbroken. Crying. Literally
into
your drink at a noisy nightclub your best friend has dragged you to. Just as you
are lamenting your very bad decision to come out tonight, someone approaches. A tall,
handsome someone with a tumble of dark hair, expressive amber eyes, and perfectly
contoured lips. Oh,
and
he’s rich. Not just plain old rich, but rich of the
filthy
,
stinking
variety. This is exactly the situation Crickitt Day, the heroine of TEMPTING THE
BILLIONAIRE, finds herself in one not-so-fine evening. Oh, to be so lucky!
I may have given the characters of TEMPTING THE BILLIONAIRE a fairy-tale/fantasy set-up,
but I still wanted them rooted and realistic. Particularly my hero. It’s why you’ll
find Shane August a bit of a departure from your typical literary billionaire. Shane
visits clients personally, does his own dishes, makes his own coffee. And—get ready
for it—bakes his own cookies.
Hero tip: Want to win over a woman? Bake her cookies.
The recipe for these mysterious and amazing bits of heavenly goodness can be traced
back to a cookbook by Erin McKenna, creator of the NYC-based bakery Babycakes. What
makes the recipes so special, you ask? They use
coconut oil
instead of vegetable oil or butter. The result is an amazingly moist, melt-in-your-mouth,
can’t-stop-at-just-one chocolate chip cookie you will happily burn your tongue on
when the tray comes out of
the oven. Bonus: Coconut oil is rumored to help speed up your metabolism. I’m not
saying these cookies are healthy … but I’m not
not
saying it, either.
Attempting this recipe required a step outside my comfort zone. I tracked down unique
ingredients. I diligently measured. I spent time and energy getting it right. That’s
when I knew just the hobby for the down-to-earth billionaire who can’t keep himself
from showing others how much he cares. And if a hero is going to bake you cookies,
what better place to be served
said cookies
than by a picturesque waterfall? None, I say. (Well, okay, I can think of another
location or two, but admit it, a waterfall is a pretty dang good choice.)
As you can imagine, Crickitt is beyond impressed. And when a rogue smear of chocolate
lands on her lips, Shane is every bit the gentleman by—
ahem
—helping her remove the incriminating splotch. Alas, that’s a story for another day.
(Or, for chapter nineteen…)
I hope you enjoy losing yourself in the very real fantasy world of Shane and Crickitt.
It was a world I happily immersed myself in while writing; a world I
still
imagine myself in whenever a certain rich, nutty, warm, homemade chocolate chip cookie
is melting on my tongue.
Happy Reading!
www.jessicalemmon.com
A Hint of Wicked
A Touch of Scandal
A Season of Seduction
Confessions of an Improper Bride
Secrets of an Accidental Duchess
Pleasures of a Tempted Lady
Once Upon a Wicked Night (e-original)
The Duchess Hunt
The Devil’s Pearl (e-original)
His for Christmas (e-original)
“4½ stars! Top pick! Haymore’s first House of Trent novel sets the bar for the series.
Emotional, sensual, and enchanting, this tale of forbidden love is a romance to savor.
Appealing characters, a beautiful, unconventional love story and family dynamics—as
well as deft plotting and depth of emotion—make this a keeper.”
—
RT Book Reviews
“One of Ms. Haymore’s best works so far, and I have read them all. She grabs the reader
from the first page to the last page and holds them in awe as the multifaceted plot
comes together… I can hardly wait to see what the House of Trent has in store next.”
—MyBookAddictionReviews.com
“This is such a sweet story that balances perfect descriptions with well-thought-out
dialogue …There is also just enough intrigue to keep you guessing!”
—BookHounds (Maryinhb.blogspot.com)
“Simon and Sarah make a warm pair. The sexual interaction is pretty steamy…I look
forward to more stories to continue with the other siblings. I recommend this story
to historical romance fans who especially like a touch of Cinderella happiness.”
—MarthasBookshelf.blogspot.com
A TEMPTED LADY
“4½ stars! Readers have been eagerly awaiting this sequel to
Confessions of an Improper Bride
, in order to finally uncover the truth about Meg Donovan’s ‘death.’ Haymore creates
a highly satisfying answer, drawing the reader in with wonderfully realistic characters,
adventure, passion, and unexpected plot twists while crafting another delightful entry
in the Donovan series.”
—
RT Book Reviews
“Recommended read! An exquisite romance! Passion and the high seas have never looked
as good as they do in
Pleasures of a Tempted Lady
… watching these two do the dance of desire is blissfully exciting… It is impossible
not to fall in love with these characters… I could feel the water and see the cannonballs
arcing across the water… [An] inspiring and mesmerizing romance. I cannot wait to
read the tale of Will and Meg all over again… This couple is fierce, sexy, and extraordinary.”
—JoyfullyReviewed.com
“I thoroughly enjoyed
Pleasures of a Tempted Lady
. The story instantly grabbed my attention, holding it hostage as I tore through the
pages. Meg’s story is full of intriguing pieces of a puzzle long overdue for completion…
This is quite simply a romance you won’t want to miss reading.”
—TheSeasonforRomance.com
ACCIDENTAL DUCHESS
“4½ stars! Haymore’s characters leap off the pages in her latest installment in the
Donovan family saga. Written with gentleness and emotional strength, it’s a creative
romance readers will not soon forget.”
—
RT Book Reviews
“5 stars! The second book in extremely talented author Jennifer Haymore’s Donovan
Sisters series is a witty, exciting historical romance… One of the best books I have
read in the past year… I could not turn the pages fast enough… This novel is definitely
bound for my keeper shelf.”
—RomanceJunkiesReviews.com
“Jennifer Haymore writes intriguing, detail-oriented stories… The scenarios and details
that Ms. Haymore creates make every reader feel as if they too are being held captive
by the magic that is the blush of true love.”
—TheReadingReviewer.com
“[Haymore’s] stories and characters stay with me and make me think… They make me feel…
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.”
—RomanceNovelNews.com
IMPROPER BRIDE
“With beautifully rendered characters, lush sensuality, and a riveting story line,
this well-told tale puts a refreshing spin on both the hidden-identity and classic
reunion plots and gets Haymore’s new series off to a delightful start.”
—
Library Journal
“4½ stars! Top pick! Haymore carefully crafts an original ‘second chance at love’
romance that showcases her creativity and understanding of what readers want. Her
three-dimensional characters and their depth of emotion strengthen an already powerful
plot. Those new to Haymore’s work will be enchanted.”
—
RT Book Reviews
“5 stars! Now this is a book worthy of its luscious characters with all their secrets
and baggage on board… Jennifer Haymore has given us a wonderful Cinderella story that
does have more than its share of pain but also has more than its share of passion.
A wonderfully paced story that will take you from London to Gretna Green and back
with a lush amount of sass, finesse, and pizzazz to keep you well satisfied like a
cat in front of a bowl of milk. Just delicious!”
—GoodReads.com
“Gripping… engaging… The writing allows the reader to get deeply involved and the
emotional struggles of Serena are palpable… I’m looking forward to reading about the
other Donovan sisters…
Confessions of an Improper Bride
is a great start to this series, and I would recommend it to all romance novel fans.”
—TheRomanceReader.com
“4½ stars! Haymore uses the Christmas season as an enhancing backdrop for a mystery/romance
that is both original and fulfilling. Her fresh voice and ability to build sensual
tension into lively love stories… make this tale shine.”
—
RT Book Reviews
“Sizzling… an engaging historical tale.”
—RomRevToday.com
“Each time Ms. Haymore writes a book in this series I think there is no way to top
the one I just finished. I started this latest one and realize she has done just that
and has proven to me how fresh this series can remain.”
—
The Reading Reviewer
“Jennifer Haymore strikes a good balance of strength, sensuality, drama, and intrigue
in her characters… Becky is an independent, fearless woman except when it comes to
opening her heart to another man. And Jack, while strong and passionate, shows great
sensitivity under his ‘rogue’ persona.”
—FictionVixen.com
“Jennifer Haymore’s books are sophisticated, deeply sensual, and emotionally complex.
With a dead sexy hero, a sweetly practical heroine, and a love story that draws together
two people from vastly different backgrounds,
A Touch of Scandal
is positively captivating!”
—Elizabeth Hoyt,
New York Times
bestselling author
“Haymore discovers a second fascinating, powerful, and sensual novel that places her
high on the must-read lists. She perfectly blends a strong plot that twists like a
serpent and has unforgettable characters to create a book readers will remember and
reread.”
—
RT Book Reviews
“
A Touch of Scandal
is a wonderfully written historical romance. Ms. Haymore brings intrigue and romance
together with strong, complex characters to make this a keeper for any romance reader.
Ms. Haymore is an author to watch and I’m looking forward to the next installment
of this series.”
—TheRomanceReadersConnection.com
“A deliciously emotional Cinderella tale of two people from backgrounds worlds apart,
A Touch of Scandal
addicts the reader from the first page and doesn’t let go until the very last word.”
—FallenAngelReviews.com
“A classic tale… This is definitely a tale of excitement, hot, sizzling sex, and loads
of mystery.”
—FreshFiction.com
“These characters are just fantastic and endearing. I just couldn’t wait to find out
what happened on the next page.”
—SingleTitles.com
“4 stars! If you like historical romances that engage your emotions and contain characters
you cheer for, this is the book for you.”
—TheRomanceDish.com
“Full of suspense, mystery, romance, and erotica… I am looking forward to more from
this author.”
—
Las Vegas Review-Journal
“A clever, provoking, and steamy story from an upcoming author to keep your eye out
for!”
—BookPleasures.com
“Haymore is a shining star, and if
A Hint of Wicked
is any indication of what’s to come, bring me more.”
—FallenAngelReviews.com
“Sweep-you-off-your-feet historical romance! Jennifer Haymore sparkles!”
—Liz Carlyle,
New York Times
bestselling author
“Debut author Haymore crafts a unique plot filled with powerful emotions and complex
issues.”
—
RT Book Reviews
“A unique, heart-tugging story with sympathetic, larger-than-life characters, intriguing
plot twists, and sensual love scenes.”
—Nicole Jordan,
New York Times
bestselling author
“Complex, stirring, and written with a skillful hand,
A Hint of Wicked
is an evocative love story that will make a special place for itself in your heart.”
—RomRevToday.com
“A new take on a historical romance… complicated and original… the characters are
well crafted… surprisingly satisfying.”
—TheRomanceReadersConnection.com
“Ms. Haymore’s talent for storytelling shines throughout this book.”
—Eye on Romance