Interview with Serena Yates

Jen: This week we are happy to have Serena Yates visiting Romancing the Book. Serena, will you please share a short bio with us?
Serena: My fiction is exclusively gay, ranges from the romantic to erotic, and is always centered on the characters featured in the story, be they human, alien or otherworldly in origin. Their trials and tribulations, struggles and hopes are what, ideally, will keep you coming back for more. The one thing I will guarantee is a happy ending.

Jen: Tell us about Eye of Scota: Cinaed and where it's available.
Serena: It’s a paranormal sci-fi novel set in the year 2,500, published by Dreamspinner Press and is available in both e-book and print (http://bit.ly/a1wp97). The story is that of Cináed MacAlpin, a healer priest on the planet Dálriata who goes on a quest for magical Slànach Stones, the Council of Priests’ quickly dwindling source of power. Cináed hopes that a successful mission will relieve the pressure on him to heal only the “worthy”. He has to travel to the mystical Eye of Scota, a passageway through space that leads back to Earth, and the supposed source of the Stones. There he meets Tadeo Banderas, a spaceship captain marooned at the Eye. They discover that the spark of energy between them may hold the key to Dálriata's future. Does Cináed have the courage to bring home the truth that the power to save his planet is found in forgotten laws and his bond with another man?

Jen: At what age did you discover writing and when were you first published? Tell us your call story.
Serena: I discovered the idea of writing when I started reading. I wanted to be a writer, until practicalities took over and I figured out it was unlikely I’d be able to earn a living from it. So I went into business instead. I started writing in the summer of 2006 when I took a 3-month sabbatical to find out what it was I was going to write. To my surprise it as all romance, with a YA sci-fi story mixed in for variety. I took some online classes, went through a lot of rejections, and my first published story was a novella (To Find and to Keep), accepted by Dreamspinner Press in March 2009 and published in June that same year.

Jen: Are there any other writers, published or not, in your family?
Serena: Not to my knowledge.

Jen: Describe your writing in three words.
Serena: Romantic, diverse, HEA/HFN

Jen: Do you have a writing routine?
Serena: I tend to immerse myself into whatever story or book I’m working on actually writing until it’s done. On those days I write anywhere between 2,000 and 5,000 plus words. I’ll think about other stories while I do this, but I can’t seem to work on writing more than one book at the same time. There are days when I focus on planning the next book, or on brainstorming, and I write little or nothing during those times. I usually start writing in the late afternoon and continue late into the night.

Jen: What’s the most challenging aspect of writing? Easiest?
Serena: For me, the most challenging aspect is keeping a story short. While I’m able to wrote novellas (15,000 to 25,000 words), it’s difficult. I have a much easier time with short to medium length novels. The easiest part for me is to come up with new ideas.

Jen: What’s the most rewarding aspect?
Serena: Getting a comment from a reader who was touched by what I wrote is absolutely amazing. Closely followed by holding a print copy of one of my books in my hands.

Jen: Do you become attached to your characters and have a hard time letting them go, or are you happy that their story is told and you can move on?
Serena: Yes, I become very attached to my characters. I think that is the reason I keep coming back to them, and that I have, so far, done a lot of series rather than stand-alone books.

Jen: Who has inspired you as an author?
Serena: Writers like Isaac Asimov, Robert A. Heinlein, Arthur C. Clarke and J.R.R. Tolkien. I used to “inhale” their books as a teenager. Now, most of my inspiration, including my characters, comes from dreams.

Jen: What did you do to celebrate your first book?
Serena: I did a little victory dance, breathed a huge sigh of relief – and quit my day job. I figured if I could do it once, I could do it again. Luckily, so far, this as worked out pretty well.

Jen: Most people only dream of becoming a published writer. Now that you’ve accomplished that goal, is there anything else you dream of doing?
Serena: Being able to write full time is such a thrill, it really is a dream come true already. More dreams? I guess making the NYT bestseller list is one, writing some of the YA books that are in my head would be another (I’d have to do that under a different pseudonym, though).

Jen: What do you do in your free time?
Serena: I read, spend time with my nieces, listen to classical music. I like keeping up with scientific developments and love learning new languages.

Jen: What's next for you?
Serena: There are three series planned with Total-E-Bound, the first of which is called “New Horizons” and has kicked off with the release of “Rescuing the Librarian” on August 30th. The second series, called Men of Riverside, is a series of seven volumes set in the fictional town of Riverside, Texas; it’s first volume “Finding Elliot” will be published on November 22nd. Both of those are contemporary. The third series is called “Scrolls of Vengeance”, the first volume of which is “The Magic Thieves”, to be published on December 27th. That one was originally a novella in the “Stealing My Heart” anthology, but I have expanded it into novel-length, and am planning several sequels for 2011.

There will also be several more books with Dreamspinner Press, and I’m starting a new series with Silver Publishing, called “Workplace Encounters”. The first volume, “The Elevator Mechanic”, will be released on October 9th.

Jen: Where can you be found on the web?
Serena: My website is www.serenayates.com, I’m on twitter http://www.twitter.com/serenayates, and on facebook as Serena Equality Yates.

Jen: Is there anything you’d like to ask our readers?
Serena: Who amongst my characters is your personal favorite?

Jen: Readers, Serena is giving away a free e-copy of Eye of Scota: Cinaed. To enter the contest, you must leave a comment or question for Serena. And you have to leave your email address in your comment so you can be contacted if you're chosen as the winner. Due to the content of Serena's stories, you have to be 18+ to enter the contest. If you’ve already bought this book, you can choose another of her e-books from her backlist at Dreamspinner Press (http://bit.ly/9gnMi8). Serena will chose the winner on Sunday, September 12.

Excerpt from "Eye of Scota: Cinaed" by Serena Yates

“I CAN’T do this anymore.” Cináed MacAlpin covered his face with his hands in a futile attempt to hide from the reality of his dilemma.

“What? Heal people?”

Akir’s voice brought him back to reality. They weren’t alone but having lunch in the monastery’s common refectory. Not that he was hungry after yet another morning full of agonizing decisions.

“No, of course not.” Cináed gave up his brief attempt at ignoring the world and looked up at his boyhood friend and fellow healer priest. Even as close as they’d always been, Cináed had never dared speak to Akir about his doubts. He couldn’t put his best friend’s life in danger like that. The Council of Priests would be certain to send the Inquisition after both of them if they found out about his heretic thoughts. “I’m sorry, I’m just tired.”

“It’s been a long morning.” Akir nodded, but his frown didn’t lessen. “I think we could both do with some fresh air before our afternoon duties.”

“Fresh air?” Cináed wanted to lie down and sleep for a week, not go for a walk. Having to refuse treatment to the unworthy had mentally exhausted him. Knowing there was nothing he could do made him furious with helpless anger. He would have preferred to be able to rest before facing his rigorous afternoon warrior training. Blast his father for insisting Cináed didn’t give up that part of the MacAlpin family tradition, even though he was now officially a healer priest. The only part he looked forward to was being able to get out of the stupid robes and don one of his kilts.

“Yes, out in the forest, where it’s nice and quiet.” Akir’s bright blue eyes sparkled as his gaze intensified.

“Fresh air it is.” A look like that from his friend meant that the other man was planning something.

The meal was finished quickly, Cináed forcing himself to eat at least part of the delicious fresh food on his plate. There was no point in deliberately reducing his strength. They returned their plates and eating utensils to the kitchen and made their way through the bare stone corridors to the exit. Though the guards gave them odd looks, they didn’t dare question the two white-robed healers, and let them pass unchallenged.

As soon as the heavy wooden double door closed behind them, Cináed breathed easier. One path led toward the sprawling city with its stone spires and broad alleyways at the foot of the hill, the other toward the wilds of the forest. Tall trees, overgrown by sùbh vines with their year-round red flowers, offered sanctuary from the glaring summer sunshine. The usual cacophony of multicolored birds greeted them as they approached the welcome shade. Soft moss replaced the prickly grass when they passed into the domain of the ancient darach trees.

They walked in silence for a while, making sure there was enough distance from the oppressive environment that had become their home when they’d left their families at age five. Both of them were supposed to have become warriors, but the tests all children had to go through had shown them to have the mental abilities required to work with the Slànach Stones. Since that always took precedence, it had made them wards of the Council of Priests, changing their lives forever.

“So, tell me what it is exactly that you can’t do anymore.” Akir had stopped walking and turned toward him.

“I told you that I was just tired.” Cináed wasn’t sure he’d be able to overcome twenty years of indoctrination. Talking about the doubts that had begun to plague him was risky, even though they were alone and nobody could possibly overhear their conversation. Voicing his secret thoughts would somehow make them more real and would make returning to being an obedient believer and servant even more difficult.

“You didn’t really think I’d believe that, did you?” Akir raised his eyebrows.

“Well….” He’d hoped it might be enough.

“Look, I’ve known you ever since we were put into the same student group after passing those tests. Something’s been bothering you since we graduated into full service last summer, and today’s exclamation expressed whatever it is that’s wrong with you.” Akir looked around and pointed at a fallen tree. “I think it’s pretty serious if it’s got you down this much, and I want to know what it is so I can help you.”

“There’s nothing you can do.” Cináed followed his friend into the clearing and sat down next to him.

“Aha, so you admit it.” Akir grinned, his white teeth flashing in the semishade.

“Talking about it could get us both into trouble.” Cináed looked down, no longer able to resist the intense curiosity coming from his friend in waves.

“I’ve never seen you so depressed, so it seems to me that not talking about it isn’t working too well either.” Akir put a hand on Cináed’s knee, making him look up in shock. Touching between males was forbidden by the Council of Priests. With that one move, Akir had made himself as vulnerable as if he’d openly spoken out against the religious rulers of Dálriata. “I think it’s time we’re honest with each other.”

“What are you doing, Akir?” Cináed was well aware of his own forbidden urges, his longing to touch another man. But he’d never thought of Akir that way—and he was almost certain his friend didn’t see him like that either. What was going on?

“I’m trying to make you see that we’re both on the same side.” Akir withdrew his hand and sighed. “We’ve always trusted each other, and yet we can’t seem to talk about things like we used to. Something is obviously bothering you, but you can’t, or won’t, talk to me about it. I think this religious indoctrination we’ve gone through has gotten between us, and I hate that.”

“You do? You never said anything.” As the words came out of his mouth, Cináed realized how stupid they were. “Of course you didn’t. It would’ve been too dangerous, with the way everyone is spying on everyone else.”

“That, and the fact that there never seemed to be any need. You seemed fine.” Akir tilted his head. “But that’s changed, hasn’t it?”

“It’s been gradual.” How was he going to explain this to his friend? He’d only fairly recently begun to understand it himself. “Have you ever wondered why we’re only supposed to heal the worthy?”

“No, not really. After all, the Slànach Stones are limited in number. Their energy gets used up over time and, until we find new ones, we’ll have to be careful about how we use them.” Akir frowned. “At least that’s the official line.”

“And that’s only part of what’s got me worried.” But it was the easier one to focus on, so he would start there. “What I want to know is why there aren’t any more of them when the history books tell us they’ve always been plentiful. From what I was able to find out by digging in the library records—once I had access to them after entering full service—the supply came to a sudden and unexplained stop about a thousand years ago.”

“That was when the last major wave of fugitives from Earth came through the Eye of Scota.” Akir scratched his head. “You think the two events are connected?”

“I don’t know. I don’t have any proof, but I think it’s odd that the Stones stopped being found right around the time that those fugitives brought the Crìosdaidh religion and the English language with them. It looks like something about those events or their consequences interfered with the supply. Equally puzzling is that those with the mental abilities to use the Stones seem to be fewer in each generation.” Cináed had done some careful checking of the numbers, and had been shocked when he’d found out that healers had once been very numerous.

“You’re sure?” Akir narrowed his eyes. “Just because there’ve been fewer acolytes each year doesn’t mean there’s a big problem.”

“This annual reduction in numbers has been going on for at least nine hundred years. Healers apparently used to make up about a quarter of the population.” He sighed. “I can’t help but think that the spread of this new belief system has something to do with all those changes.”

“That would explain why the Council of Priests keeps such tight control over who can be healed and who can’t. Since they’re in charge of the spiritual and physical health of the population, they had to find a system of rationing the dwindling quantity of Stones and for dealing with the reduction in the number of healers.” Akir nodded.

“This is exactly where my problem starts. Since they’re in control of the decisions, they get to decide who’s worthy. That leads to them favoring those who can help them remain in power. Not those who really need our help.” He’d had to turn away so many people who really needed him because they weren’t a member of the upper clans and didn’t have the money to pay the fees. Using money was the only way someone with a lower status had access to the healers‟ services.

“So that’s what you meant when you said that you can’t do this anymore.” Akir looked thoughtful.

“Exactly. It’s been bugging me ever since I started full service last year and was given the guidelines as to who can and who can’t be treated. Those criteria seemed arbitrary to me, wrong in principle and in what they make me do on a daily basis. Turning sick people away can’t be right, especially when they’re the ones who need our help most. That’s when I started digging into the history books and discovered this mess.” Sometimes he wished he hadn’t, because even though he knew the reasons, there still didn’t seem to be anything he could do to right this wrong.

Not being able to come up with a solution, Cináed decided it was time to go back. At least Akir was aware of the problem now, and hopefully, between the two of them, they’d be able to come up with some new ideas.

When they emerged from the forest’s shade, one of the special guards waited for them. His uniform wasn’t’ the simple black of the normal guards but decorated with gold tassels and buttons. He looked purposely intimidating. Cináed suddenly wished he’d taken his sword with him when they left the monastery. Not that there was any point in fighting this guard if he didn’t want to risk severe punishment, but it might have made him feel less exposed.

“His Holiness the High Priest Makolm wishes to see you immediately, Cináed MacAlpin.” The guard scowled. “I wouldn’t want to be in your shoes. You’ve made him wait because you left the monastery, and now you’re most definitely in trouble. Don’t think that he’ll be lenient just because you’re a healer. You’re insignificant compared to His Holiness.”

Oh, shit. Being called into the High Priest’s chambers couldn’t be good. Had the powerful man somehow found out about Cináed’s treacherous thoughts? Was the Inquisition going to get him for daring to challenge those in power?

Review: "Trip to Paradise" by L.E. Fallon

Review by Zita

SYNOPSIS: Whatever Trisha McCord set her mind to was accomplished. While preparing for an Alaskan Cruise, being in the wrong place at the wrong time changes her life and everything she believes in. She’s whisked into another place and time, where an intriguing, dark eyed stranger, takes her into another world. She realizes while caught in a whirlwind of emotions – the best laid plans can often take a detour to paradise.
~ ~
Michael Colten left civilization – longing for the simple life of just man and nature. It was perfect until he learned what he loved most may be taken away. Desperate to stop certain events that could put him and everything he loves in danger. He is forced to choose between the old love of his life and the new love in his life. There is only one thing left to do…take a trip to paradise.

REVIEW: Despite what the synopsis says, Trisha is not whisked to another place and time, she's kidnapped during a bank robbery. While she's being held captive by the robber she falls in love with him...indeed, in a direct quote from the story:

“She loved Michael with her whole heart. She had never loved anyone like the way she loved him. Her heart was whole and complete with him. All the fear and hopelessness she had carried with her in her life was replaced by the love and adoration Mike selflessly gave to her. He was her forever soul mate, and her one true love.

Her thoughts continued to drift, on the randomness of life, the blessings, the curses, the beauty, and sometimes even the bad.”

And that's part of the problem with the story. We never actually learn of about the "fear and hopelessness she had carried with her in her life," so that deep, abiding love she develops for Mike does not come across to us at all. In fact, she plays out as a weak, easily manipulated wimp who lets everyone walk all over her. Her boss uses her to swindle people out of their land, her mother is clingy and over-protective, and the great love of her life is the bank robber who kidnaps and terrorizes her. How we are expected to believe this is romantic is beyond me.

Now it does turn out that the bank robber doesn't actually rob the bank. He and his two adopted brothers hold up the bank in order to put something into someone's safety deposit box. You never actually learn how they manage this, because the story turns to the kidnapping before we get to find out and we only learn much later that this is what they did. Our hero sees Trisha in the bank and falls instantly in love and decides that the best move is to grab her and run for the hills. Luckily for him, she's about to go on a week-long cruise to Alaska (in October?!?) and so she won't be immediately missed...even though the bank's security cameras all saw her being taken. Trisha has no friends, either, except for the elderly woman she works with and the elderly woman who is her neighbor. They all think she's gone on the cruise and none of them read the papers or watch TV, I guess. Her mother does wake up from a bad dream around about day 3 where she thinks her daughter is in terrible danger. Her husband convinces her that Trisha is just fine and have a great time on the ship. I guess they don't follow the local news reports either. And the mother turns out to be right, because that's the day that Trisha gets beat up by Mike's brother Zack.

Beyond the logic gaps in this story, Ms. Fallon is overly fond of descriptions. For example:

“She tingled all over, and gushed with complete infatuation. Her breath panted with each beat of her heart. He stood at least a foot and a half above her, and she just sighed as he went by.”

And that's just a random receptionist's reaction when Mike comes into her office. Unfortunately, it is a typical example of the prose the author uses throughout this story.

I don't think Ms. Fallon understands the meaning of the word "smirked," either, because her characters smirked a lot and at very inappropriate times. Like when Trisha gets beat up by Zack, and Mike's other brother, Beau, comes to her rescue. Their conversation goes like this:

“Let me at least help you get something for those scratches.” Beau suggested again.

“No, please...Just go...and please...make Zack go away.”

Beau smirked.”

All in all this story needs work. I don't know if further editing will help it much, because a protagonist who falls for her kidnapper does not spell romance to me, especially when his brother gets her alone and terrorizes her, kicks her in the ribs, and cuts her up. By the way, Ms. Fallon alternately describes the cuts as "scratches" and "deep purple and red scars carved into her chest."

There are several other story lines going on at the same time with a couple, Moira and Nathan, on the cruise Trisha was supposed to be on and a romance between Trisha's elderly neighbor and the Moira's father. There's also a greedy land developer and his cheating wife, not to mention Mike's two brothers. So much is going on in this story in so many different directions it all becomes very confusing and disjointed. My most common reactions when reading this was "What?" and "Really?"

I cannot recommend this story.

Interview with Kit Donner

Jen: Happy Friday! We are happy to have Kit Donner return to Romancing the Book. Kit, will you please share a short bio with us?
Kit: Of course, I’m glad to be here. My story is the path untaken. I grew up milking cows on a dairy farm and planning to be an English teacher. But since I’ve always had the yen to travel, I actually ended up as a Meeting Planner, where I’ve been able to travel to Europe, England (many times), Australia, Mexico, the Caribbean, Taiwan, including all over the US. As an English lit major, I’ve always been a great reader, and one day, I thought, maybe I can write my favorite type of genre, historical romances and add traces of mystery/suspense.

Jen: Tell us about The Vengeful Bridegroom and where it's available.
Kit: My second book, The Vengeful Bridegroom, will be available on September 7th at your local bookstores as well as online at Amazon, Booksamillion, Indiebound, B&N, and Borders.

Jen: At what age did you discover writing and when were you first published? Tell us your call story.
Kit: I began my first full-length novel in the early 90’s, finished it, and put it aside. Years later, I pulled it back out again, edited it (it certainly needed it!), and sent it to an editor. The editor read it and called to offer me a 2-book contract. I floated on air for awhile, then continued working on book #2, which is my latest, “TVB.”

Jen: Describe your writing in three words.
Kit: Adventure + Passion + Humor

Jen: How do you approach your writing? Do you plot or go with the flow?
Kit: I study my characters for a long time, trying to get into their blood, understanding their needs, flaws, likes, dislikes, etc., then with a basic plot in mind, write with the flow.

Jen: What is it about the romance genre that appeals to you?
Kit: I’ve always read romances, beginning with Kathleen Woodiwiss’ books, and liked the way they made me feel when I was finished – positive, upbeat, believing in miracles, love, anything is possible. I wanted to write those kinds of books and add my own brand of suspense and humor.

Jen: What kind of research did you do for this book?
Kit: I have an ongoing love affair with pre-regency, regency, and Victorian research. My research included wedding ceremonies, Italian counts, and studying my little terrier, Merlin.

Jen: How do you pick the character’s names?
Kit: That’s a tough question. I hate to say it, but they just come to me. I like unusual names, but not too unusual or too plain. My first book, The Notorious Bridegroom, the heroine’s name changed four times before I settled on Patience. Her original name was Aurora. For my second book, my heroine’s name is Madelene, first and last. I didn’t realize I spelled her name wrong until after I had finished writing her story, then decided I liked the way it looked. My third book, “The Unexpected Bridegroom” has a heroine named Evangeline. I actually met someone with that name and liked it.

Jen: Do you have a favorite character or one you most identify with?
Kit: Probably Patience from my first book. She always does things with a good heart, but they don’t always turn out the way she thinks they will.

Jen: If you could travel back in time for one year, what time and place would you choose? And if you could only take 3 things with you, what would they be?
Kit: I like this question. I’ve always been enamored of the Jazz Age- think F. Scott Fitzgerald and even earlier to the World War I years. This is a similar romantic time to me as the time period within which I write. I would take peanut butter, my dogs, Scout and Merlin, and the Oxford English Dictionary.

Jen: If The Vengeful Bridegroom was made into a movie, which actors would you choose to play the hero and heroine?
Kit: Yet another good question! My first thought for Madelene is Kate Beckinsale and probably Jeremy Renner for Gabriel. Is he hot!?

Jen: Most people only dream of becoming a published writer. Now that you’ve accomplished that goal, is there anything else you dream of doing?
Kit: Actually, writing the story of my upbringing, living on a dairy farm with four siblings, mom, and a father with hemophilia.

Jen: What do you do in your free time?
Kit: The most important thing I can do with my free time is writing and reading other authors. The rest of my time is taken up with my full-time job, looking after my two dogs, and spending time with my family.

Jen: What's next for you?
Kit: Book #4: “The Reluctant Bride” about a suicide pact, minus the humor. My first three books have similar titles, and the characters from other books appear, but they each stand on their own.

Jen: Where can you be found on the web?
Kit: Facebook, Twitter, and my website: www.kitdonner.com

Jen: Is there anything you’d like to ask our readers?
Kit: What do you like to read in historical romances? More humor? More traditional? More paranormal?

Jen: Readers, Kit is giving away 3 signed copies of The Vengeful Bridegroom to 3 lucky commenters. Due to shipping costs, Kit has asked that the contest be limited to those living within in the US and Canada. To enter the contest, you first need to leave a question or comment for Kit. Then to complete your entry, you must either leave your email address in your comment or send a message to contests.bookblog@gmail.com. The winner will be chosen on Thursday, September 9.

Thank you so much for this opportunity!

Excerpt from "The Vengeful Bridegroom" by Kit Donner

Chapter One

15 May, 1812
St. James Street
London, England

“No question Miss Madelene Colgate is a beauty, but no gentleman in his right mind would want to marry the termagant,” Lord Vincennes insisted.

Mr. Arnold Duckins, great grandnephew of the Marquess of Stalingsford, hurried to disagree with his lordship’s pronouncement. “One with such beauteous features could only have the temperament of an angel. Those deep blue eyes and the long dark hair. She could make Aphrodite jealous.” He sighed and looked heavenward, hoping his dramatic flair would intrigue his companion. Earlier, Duckins had noticed his target, Lord Vincennes, lounging by the bow window at White’s, as he was want to do every morning. To be most effective, Duckins took his time to bait the hook before he reeled in his fish.

Since gossip abounded Vincennes and his wife had a very acrimonious marriage, Duckins thought to walk a tightrope in introducing the topic of matrimony and a sure bet into the conversation. After exchanging pleasantries on the weather and the Prince Regent’s latest excesses, Arnold had launched the subject of marriageable ladies, and in particular, one Miss Madelene Colgate. As they watched the street peddlers pushing their carts up the street in search of those with funds to spare, they continued to dispute the merits of the young woman. In another corner of the club, the morning crowd enjoyed a hot repast of scrambled eggs, sausages, fresh salmon and fried tomatoes in the lingering smoky air from the previous evening. Duckins watched Vincennes’ countenance closely to determine his best strategy.

His lordship shook his head and swallowed his coffee. “You young swain, are charmed by any young thing with a pretty face. I heard tell not a year ago she jilted a man from Kent, and it wasn’t the first time. Said he went home with a broken heart. Even the family’s former servants have spoken about their mistress’ blazing temper and to watch for flying objects when she’s in a sniff. Seems the death of her father has only served to exacerbate this rash behavior. And to compound matters, prattle-bags waggle their tongues her brother has spent all of her dowry.”

Vincennes presumably had an opinion on everything, and obviously not a fair consideration of Miss Colgate. Undeterred, Duckins continued, while staring out the pristine window, “Perhaps the death of her father struck her insensible, and she needs a man to set her on the right path. For the suitable man, I’d bet she’d prove easy to tame.”

Vincennes snorted. “And I’d be willing to bet no man would have her, not until she learned to control her passions.” He popped out his watch fob. “Must take my leave and see to my lawyer,” he muttered. Duckins wasn’t about to let his prey slip away. “Would you be willing to wager Miss Colgate could be married off in three days?” he asked casually while fingering a coin from his pocket. The older man stared at Duckins in consternation. “What say you? Are you suggesting a wager that you can find a man to marry Miss Colgate? I’d like to see the day.”

“In three days,” Duckins told him succinctly.

“Three days until what?” “I’ll find a husband for Miss Colgate within three days, and she’ll go to the altar happily.” Duckins smiled and waited to see if his lordship would nibble at the trap. The older man had plenty of money to lose, even with his impending divorce. Indeed, given his lordship’s penchant for gambling on lost causes and his considerable wealth, Vincennes had been an easy choice for this venture.

His lordship heaved himself out of a cozy chair. “Impossible,” he uttered, probably thinking the conversation at an end. “Then you have everything to gain,” Duckins’ replied lightly. He hoped Vincennes wouldn’t notice he held his breath. His prey appeared to study his options and Duckins, and then shook his head. “Bah, you probably are not even acquainted with the lady. How could you convince Miss Colgate to marry in such a short period of time? And who,” he smirked, “would be the lucky bridegroom?” He waved his hand in dismissal, but narrowed his eyes on Duckins.

Duckins lifted his chin confidently. “I like a right challenge. I’ll find the bridegroom, don’t worry. One-thousand guineas?”

Scratching the back of his head, Vincennes seemed to consider the offer. “A thousand guineas? Quite a sizeable amount.” He hesitated, then nodded. “Done. I hope you have plenty of blunt to back up your claim. You’ll need it.”