Author Visit: The Duke’s Bride by Joanne Wadsworth (Guest Post, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway)

The Duke's Bride: Regency Romance (Regency Brides Book 1) by Joanne Wadsworth
on August 21st 2017
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A fiercely loyal lady, along with her brooding duke come head-to-head in a battle of wills! An unforgettable Regency romance from New York Times Bestselling Author Joanne Wadsworth.

He must steal a lady...then steal her love.

Desiring a man and never being noticed as more than his best friend's little sister has Lady Ellie Trentbury finally consigning herself to the truth. She must move on, and preferably with a man who lives far away from her home in London where she need never be reminded of the duke who stole her heart. An elopement with an honorable American shipping merchant sounds perfect.

The Duke of Ashten has no choice but to bound into his best friend's carriage when he discovers little Ellie is inside and intent on eloping with a man to Gretna Green who she barely knows. He can't allow her to make such a terrible mistake, yet convincing her might mean giving into his desire for the golden-eyed enchantress who has followed him around since he was a lad.

Her pouty lips and bountiful charms can no longer be ignored, only convincing her of the truth of his intentions will mean jeopardizing both his sanity and a lifelong friendship as well.

REGENCY ROMANCE SERIES #1-The Duke's Bride, #2-The Earl's Bride, #3-The Wartime Bride, #4-The Secret Bride

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Ten Interesting Facts About Me – Joanne Wadsworth

My mother insists I was born a month overdue, yet I find that incredibly hard to believe since I’m super-fanatical about getting to where I should be on time.

My first memory is of a bus trip to the North Cape of New Zealand. When I told my mother what I recalled, she said I was only 18 months at the time.

I have a very good memory.

When I was a young child, I played with piglets because we owned a piggery. I used to feed the youngest in the litter with a bottle, which is way cool.

I did not pass my high school English exam, yet today I’m a New York Times Bestselling Author. So ironic.

When not writing, I work as an accountant part-time, and thankfully, I passed those exams.

I don’t like peas. I used to hide those suckers under the mashed potato when I was a kid since my mother never worried if I didn’t finish that all off.

My father chopped a chicken head off in front of me when I was ten because he said the chicken was supposedly on its last legs and wouldn’t survive the night. I’m still traumatized by that experience today. They can run for some time without all their parts, and that chicken’s legs worked just fine.

This could be why I’m a vegetarian today.

I love being a Mum. Best job ever. I’ve also never made my kiddies eat peas or dissected animals in front of them.

Ellie had always wished for such a moment as this, and since this might be the only opportunity she ever had with Ashten, she placed her gloved hand in his and showed her ready acceptance with her actions.

“You are far too trusting.”

“You would never hurt me.”

“Let’s hope not.” Gently, he turned her hand over and finger by finger, tugged on the soft silk until he’d removed her glove then done, dropped it onto the bench beside him and brought her palm to his mouth. With one warm and incredibly soft kiss against her skin, the midnight blue of his eyes twinkling bright, he asked, “Are you ready?”

“Is there anything I need to do during this disrespectful kiss?”

“No, not a thing.” As the opening notes of a waltz floated toward them, he rose and drew her to her feet, then slowly, carefully, he pulled her into his arms.

“I can’t believe we’re about to dance.”

“And kiss.”

“Yes, that too.” She placed her gloved hand on his shoulder, her ungloved hand still held firm in his. Never had she ever danced this close to a gentleman before. Six inches was the required etiquette, and there were less than three inches between them right now. “You look dashing, as if you’ve dressed for this ball tonight, then chose to remain indoors.”

“Since we’re being honest, I was extremely tempted to come.” He swept her around the inner circle of his gazebo, his hand firm on her waist and his limp barely noticeable. “Did you have to dance”—he cleared his gruff throat—“with quite so many men tonight?”

“Yes, but I much prefer dancing here with you right now.” Her legs wobbled. Was Ashten truly going to kiss her? Perhaps he was simply testing her, to see if she really did have a suitor she intended on eloping with. If he was, then she’d have to take great care.

“There’s an allure to a disrespectful kiss. Do you want to know what it is?” He leaned in closer, his breath whispering across her lips.

“Tell me.” She sucked in a breath, her heartbeat thundering in her ears.

“It’s called the danger that awaits with the conclusion of that kiss. Does one simply stop, or does one continue with a second disrespectful kiss?”

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Joanne shared some interesting facts about herself, now it’s your turn to share one interesting fact about yourself with her.

If you do, you’ll go into the draw to win an ebook copy of THE DUKE’S BRIDE.

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~~Reviewed by Lisa~~

A delightful story of childhood friends turned to lovers. Neighboring estates, early tragedy and family love that has made their bond strong.

Lady Ellie Marie Trentbury, sister of the Earl of Winterly, is strong willed, loving and determined. She is loyal, steadfast, a bit mischievous, and has known her heart since she was eight. Her family is very dear to her and they are the rock on which her character is built. Ellie has decided to take the bull by the horns and go for her heart’s desire.

Pierce Luke Blackgate, the Duke of Ashten, held Ellie within hours of her birth and he was six. The tragedy at age five could have destroyed him, but he was taken into the circle of the Trentbury family and he soared! He carries guilt for something completely out of his control. He is very concerned for his fellow soldiers, but was injured while fighting Napoleon, sent home and is being a bit of a grouch.

Ms. Wadsworth has created a strong group of characters with equal amounts of love, humor, and loyalty. The care put into the conversations and the teasing was skillfully done. I was a bit frustrated with Ashten’s caddish behavior, but he was redeemed in GRAND fashion- well done. With this being the first in the Regency Brides series the groundwork was wonderfully laid for the adventures and HEAs to come. I am hopeful that a certain gentleman gets his own HEA, his willingness to sacrifice his future was overwhelming- I wanted to give him a hug. Thank you, Ms. Wadsworth, for this story and the future possibilities it holds!

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

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