Authors: Valerie Bowman
The Untamed Earl (31 page)
Owen leaped to his feet and pulled Alex close to him, his arm around her waist. “Yes, that's exactly what I was aboutâand thankfully, the lady has agreed to become my wife regardless of being interrupted by my overly curious sister.”
Cass and Julian made their way over to them, and Cass elbowed her brother in the ribs. “Why, I'd hardly be doing my duty as a chaperone if I allowed you two to stay in here all afternoon alone together. Besides, I want to talk about the wedding.” Cass nearly clapped her hands. “I'm so excited. We have two weddings to plan. First Daphne's, then yours.”
Before Alex could answer, the door to the ballroom cracked against the far wall and Lucy Hunt came rushing through it, pulling off her bonnet. “There you are. I've been searching the house for you. Oh, dears, you'll never guess. I just came from Lady Hargrove's tea, where I heard the
most
shocking news.”
“What is it?” Alex and Cass asked simultaneously.
Lucy came hurtling over to stand next to them, plucking off her gloves and then pressing a hand against her coiffure to tame her dark curls. “It seems Lady Sarah Highgate has run off!”
“Run off?” Alex gasped. “She and Lord Branford have gone to Gretna Green?”
“No! Apparently, she's run off
without
Lord Branford. From what I gathered, she's quite alone.”
“Alone?” Alex replied. “I don't understand. Whyever would she run off?”
Lucy shook her head. “No one is quite certain, but they suspect she's headed north.”
“We have some news of our own,” Owen said to Lucy. “Though perhaps not quite as shocking.”
Lucy blinked at the two of them before a wide smile spread across her face. “You're engaged, aren't you?” She clapped her hands together and spun around in a circle. “Thank goodness the two of you finally came to your senses. That âclimbing the tree' business helped, didn't it?”
“Yes,” Alex replied, blushing.
“Good heavens, whyever did you allow me to prattle on about Society gossip when we have a wedding to plan? When will the happy occasion be?” Lucy asked, obviously warming to her subject.
“I was thinking next spring would be nice,” Alex replied.
Owen winced. “Have a care, darling. I don't think I can wait that long.”
Alex smiled at him. “Yes, you can. You're no longer the impatient aristocrat. Spoiled and getting whatever he wants whenever he wants it.”
Owen grinned unrepentantly. “I'm not?”
“No,” Alex replied. “Don't you know? You're no longer the untamed earl. I've tamed you quite soundly.”
“That you have, darling.” He pulled her hand to his lips and kissed it.
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The Untamed Earl.
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Coming soonâ¦
Look for the next novel in the delectable Playful Brides series by
The Legendary Lord
Available in November 2016 from St. Martin's Paperbacks
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ALSO BY
VALERIE BOWMAN
THE PLAYFUL BRIDES
THE SECRET BRIDES
Secrets of a Scandalous Marriage
Available from St. Martin's Paperbacks
E-NOVELLAS
It Happened Under the Mistletoe
(Also featured in
Christmas Brides
, available from St. Martin's Paperbacks)
Available from St. Martin's Press
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Praise for the spectacular Playful Brides series by
THE IRRESISTIBLE ROGUE
“Bowman's novel is the complete package, filled with fascinating characters, sparkling romance, and a touch of espionage.”
â
Publishers Weekly
“With its lively plot, heated sexual tension, surprising twists, engaging characters, and laugh-out-loud humor, Bowman's latest is another winner.”
â
RT Book Reviews
(Top Pick!)
“The story is filled with humor, a twisting plot, and vibrant characters that have become Bowman's hallmark. The chemistry is near-perfect, and the will-they-won't-they back and forth is exactly what romance readers want; the simultaneous tale of deceit, revenge, and espionage makes it all the more rewarding.”
âSarah MacLean,
New York Times
bestselling author
“A complicated and sensual romance as well as a thrilling spy-filled adventure!”
â
Fresh Fiction
“A lively tale, with interesting and fun characters and a couple who are well matched in their thirst for adventure and love.”
â
Harlequin Junkies
“You will find no greater romantic escapade.”
â
Night Owl Reviews
(Top Pick)
THE UNLIKELY LADY
“Bowman keeps her prose and characters fresh and interesting; her book is an entertaining renewal of a classic plotline and well worth reading.”
â
Kirkus Reviews
“Fun. Find every synonym for fun and insert here. The merriment! The mischievous heroines and clever, cheeky dialogue! The distinguished gentleman dressed in a rake's clothing. Ohh, I love it all!”
â
Smexy Books
“Impossibly charming, witty, and sexy fun.”
â
Be My Bard
“Rich with fully developed characters and a plethora of witty banter.”
â
Publishers Weekly
“A definite must-read!”
â
San Francisco Book Review
“Quick, lively entertainment at its best.”
â
RT Book Reviews
“A joyous romp in Regency England, filled with bright characters, scintillating conversations, and just plain fun.”
â
Romance Reviews Today
“A fun and romantic read.”
â
Rookie Romance
“You're in for a treat!”
â
Paperbacks and Frosting
THE ACCIDENTAL COUNTESS
“The references to Oscar Wilde's play are more of a tribute than a straight retelling, which keeps this hilarious and lively story from becoming too predictable. Bowman is one to watch.”
â
Kirkus Reviews
(starred review)
“Readers will take the well-drawn, likable characters into their hearts, enjoying every moment of their charming love story as it unfolds in unexpected ways. Simply enjoy the humor and tenderness.”
âRT Book Reviews
(4½ stars)
“Merry, intelligent, and wholly satisfying. The plot is elaborate, and Bowman handles it with grace to spare.”
â
USA Today
“A fun, sexy read that will have you laughing and crying.
Valerie Bowman
has outdone herself with this one ⦠a true gem.”
â
Single Titles
“An emotionally powerful tale with the perfect balance of humor and enchanting romance!”
â
Fresh Fiction
THE UNEXPECTED DUCHESS
“Smart, witty, sassy, and utterly delightful!”
âRT Book Reviews
(4½ stars, Top Pick!)
“Engaging characters, snappy banter, and judicious infusion of smoldering sensuality will have readers clamoring for the next installment in this smart and sexy series.”
â
Booklist
(starred review)
“A fun, smart comedy of errors and a sexy, satisfying romance.”
â
Kirkus Reviews
(starred review)
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Valerie Bowman
grew up in Illinois with six sisters (she's number seven) and a huge supply of historical romance novels. After a cold and snowy stint earning a degree in English with a minor in history at Smith College, she moved to Florida the first chance she got. Valerie now lives in Jacksonville with her family including her two rascally dogs. When she's not writing, she keeps busy reading, traveling, or vacillating between watching crazy reality TV and PBS. Valerie loves to hear from readers. Find her on Facebook, Twitter, and at
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