Lady Margaret secretly yearns for love, but fate has exchanged wedded bliss for a lie. When she is caught hovering over her cheating husband’s dead body, she is instantly doomed to hang for his murder. Without hope for justice, Margaret flees into the night alone.
A cynical Bow Street Constable, Connor Jackson, vows to bring the fugitive Lady Margaret to face the law—but, he doesn’t expect sparks to fly between them. Could the strong yet tender lady truly be a killer?
As more suspects—and even more condemning evidence—surface, the less certain Connor is of his duty. He must choose between his growing feelings for Lady Margaret and the demands of justice. Will the truth tear them apart or set them free to find love?
The Rogue Hearts Series:
The Stranger She Married
The Guise of a Gentleman
A Perfect Secret
The Suspect's Daughter
Not a Fine Gentleman
Praise for Donna Hatch:
“Donna Hatch is one of the masters of clean romance with electric tension and smokin’ hot kisses.” ~ Reading is My Super Power Reviews
“Written with heart and depth, Donna Hatch’s books are absolute must-reads for any fan of swoon-worthy historical romance.” ~ Sarah M. Eden, USA Today best-selling historical romance author
Excerpt from Not a Fine Gentleman
Under
his voice, Jackson said, “Best not to let them know who you are. Follow my
lead.”
Before
Margaret could reply, the justice of the peace called to Jackson.
“Sir,
a moment?”
Jackson
stood and replied to the JP, “Of course. But as you can see, my wife has
sustained some injuries and I’d like to get her to the nearest inn where she
may rest.”
Margaret
barely managed not to let her mouth drop open. Wife! Of course. His gentle
attentiveness had all been part of that ruse. He’d been playing a role, like an
actor. Her pleasure popped like a bubble. She clenched her hands and clamped
down her jaw. It shouldn’t rankle. After all, he was a low-born working man
with the manners of a sailor and the hands of a field worker. As soon as she
safely reunited with her family, she’d dismiss him and never give him another
thought. Ever.
The
Justice of the Peace asked Jackson a few questions. Finally, the JP nodded to
Margaret. “Ma’am. Do you have anything to add?”
Margaret
spoke in a higher range than usual and put in a breathy quality to her voice as
she once did when prowling ballrooms looking for a gentleman of rank and wealth
to charm her way into a proposal. “Oh, no, sir. My beloved husband”—she shot an
overly adoring gaze at Jackson— “said it all so beautifully that I have nothing
at all to say.” She batted her eyelashes at him.
Jackson
blinked and his eyes widened just enough to reveal his surprise. He recovered
and shrugged at the JP with a smile. “We’re newly married.”
“Er,
thank you both.” The JP strode away to speak to another passenger.
With
his brows raised, Jackson let out a half laugh. “You should have been on the
stage.”
“I
might say the same about you.”
Scoundrel.
Of course he knew she was playacting and not speaking in
earnest. She’d been foolish to believe, even for a few seconds, that he could
be tender instead of a complete cad. He was far beneath her notice. A servant.
A peasant. A worm. There, that felt better.
Donna
Hatch is the author of the best-selling “Rogue Hearts Series,” and a
winner of writing awards such as The Golden Quill and the International
Digital Award. A hopeless romantic and adventurer at heart, she
discovered her writing passion at the tender age of 8 and has been
listening to those voices ever since. She has become a sought-after
workshop presenter, and also juggles freelance editing, multiple
volunteer positions, and most of all, her six children (seven, counting
her husband). A native of Arizona who recently transplanted to the
Pacific Northwest, she and her husband of over twenty years are living
proof that there really is a happily ever after.
