I didn’t plan on writing a sequel to His Lordship’s Mate, but when a fellow author mentioned a potential couple in the book, I took the bait and turned it into The Highlander’s Mate. The books are paired, rather than a series, and can be read independently.
In the opening of The Highlander’s Mate, Claire and Felix Hughes are already courting. Their story actually began in His Lordship’s Mate, when they first met at Ella’s house. Claire is being pursued by another man, a viscount, and she’s being gently questioned by Felix and Ella. Looking back… the beginnings are there… although Claire has no idea that Felix is more than a gentleman 🙂
***
“I do think a vulnerable and exceptionally pretty lady as yourself deserves a better calibre of gentleman,” said Felix.
Claire blushed bright pink. “I must confess, he has made a demanding request of me.” She fingered her fan and lowered her eyes.
“What request?” Ella asked, shuffling forward.
“That when I return to Shrewsbury tomorrow morning that I should take the road north, over the Stiperstones, and rendezvous with him at the top at eleven o’clock. He promised to ride out and share… a kiss with me.” Her voice dropped to a whisper.
“The rogue.” Felix slapped his hands on the armrests. “Such an inhospitable place, too. You’ll not go, Miss Armitage. I shall escort your carriage to the highway, to ensure your safe departure.”
“Excellent idea, Captain Hughes,” Ella agreed.
***
Eighteen-year-old Ella Bailey knows that if she is to have any hope of a good match, she must marry quickly before her father completes the ruin of her family’s fortune and good name with his wanton living. Her situation is made worse when a wealthy viscount expresses interest in her hand and she accepts his invitation to a party, only to have the supposed gentleman first seek to seduce her and then attempt to force himself on her.
After his efforts to despoil her are thwarted, the spiteful cad does his utmost to slander Ella’s character with scandalous accusations. With her reputation in tatters and nowhere else to turn, Ella seeks solace in the arms of the enigmatic Gethin Powell, a rich, handsome lord known for his lack of concern for the expectations of high society.
Gethin takes a strong interest in Ella, but he makes it abundantly clear that he is a man who expects to be obeyed in all things. Living under his roof as his woman will mean submitting to his authority, surrendering her body to his desires, and baring her bottom for his stern chastisement whenever he deems it necessary.
Ella soon discovers that Gethin’s sexual appetites are both fierce and insatiable, but as he thoroughly lays claim to her naked, blushing body, she is deeply ashamed to find herself hungering for more. But even as their passion for each other grows deeper, an old and powerful secret waits to come to light. When Ella learns the truth about Gethin, will it tear her away from the man who has taken her as his mate?
Publisher’s Note: His Lordship’s Mate is an erotic romance novel that includes spankings, sexual scenes, anal play, elements of BDSM, and more. If such material offends you, please don’t buy this book.
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When Claire Armitage’s fiancé, Captain Felix Hughes, informs her that he must interrupt their courtship to travel to his estate in Scotland on urgent business, she is distraught. Refusing to wait patiently for his return as he instructed, she instead journeys to the highlands on her own to join him, but upon her arrival she quickly discovers that he will not tolerate such reckless behaviour.
Resolved to demonstrate to his future bride that disobedience will have consequences, Felix takes Claire over his knee for a thorough spanking on her bare bottom. But chastising her in such a fashion awakens desires in him that are too powerful to control, and to protect her innocence he attempts to send her back home to England until he can make her his wife.
Claire cannot be dissuaded from returning once more to Felix’s side, however, even if it means submitting to any punishment he sees fit and then surrendering completely to his lustful dominance. But when she learns the true reason for his visit to the ancient home of his family, and sees with her own eyes that Felix is much more than an ordinary laird, will Claire still yearn for him to claim her?
Publisher’s Note: The Highlander’s Mate is a stand-alone sequel to His Lordship’s Mate. It includes spankings and sexual scenes. If such material offends you, please don’t buy this book.
Buy Link:
Great snippet Jaye, what girl doesn’t like a gentleman 🙂
Hugs
Roz
Indeed 🙂
Hmmm… I wonder if that meeting will take place one way or the other?
Mmmm, I’m pretty sure it will 🙂
I love a gentleman, though I suspect the man who wants to meet Claire on the Stiperstones falls far from that category. Intriguing snippet, Jaye.
There are villains and gentlemen, this book has both.