Her Perfect Rogue: A Rogue's Kiss, #1

By Amanda Mariel

In a world of societal constraints and unexpected turns, Julia Honeyfield's life takes a drastic twist. Abandoned by her father and facing dire circumstances, Julia and her mother are left with no choice but to make a desperate decision that leaves Julia entangled in the dark alleys of a London brothel, a place of desperation and shadows.

 

Amidst the shadows, a chance encounter alters fate…

 

Julia's path crosses with Charles, the Duke of Selkirk, a man burdened by his own responsibilities and secrets. Unveiling the truth of Julia's predicament, Charles feels an unexplainable connection to her. Driven by a compelling instinct, he becomes her unexpected protector, whisking her away to the tranquil sanctuary of his country estate.

 

Trusting the unknown, embracing the forbidden…

 

As Julia navigates the unfamiliar world of aristocracy, guided by Charles and his family, she discovers her own strength and resilience. Charles, drawn to Julia's unassuming charm, finds himself captivated by her presence. Soon, the boundaries of propriety blur as a single mesmerizing night propels them into a whirlwind of passion.

 

A collision of hearts and a clash of worlds…

 

Their impulsive choices echo like ripples through their lives, challenging societal norms and risking all they hold dear. As the lines between desire and decorum blur, Julia and Charles must confront the consequences of their undeniable connection. In a Regency era where love is both a beacon and a battleground, they must decide whether to forge a new path together or adhere to the rigid conventions that threaten to tear them apart.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brook Ridge Press
• Release date: Mar 20, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386647829

Amanda Mariel

USA Today Bestselling, Amazon All Star author Amanda Mariel dreams of days gone by when life moved at a slower pace. She enjoys taking pen to paper and exploring historical time periods through her imagination and the written word. When she is not writing she can be found reading, crocheting, traveling, practicing her photography skills, or spending time with her family.

Book preview

Her Perfect Rogue

Amidst the strictures of Regency society, Julia's escape from a harrowing fate leads to an unexpected liaison with Charles, Duke of Selkirk, setting them on a path where love challenges tradition and passion tests propriety.

Her Perfect Rogue

USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR

AMANDA MARIEL

Brook Ridge Press

Copyright © 2018 by Brook Ridge Press

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

This one is for my Mama. Thank you for always pushing me to be my best and cheering me on in all of my endeavors! XOXOXO

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Epilogue

Excerpt

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

About the Author

Titles by Amanda Mariel

Afterword

One

Village of Hythe, Kent, England 1818

Julia glanced from where she sat on an old tree stump to the rickety cottage she shared with her mother. She squinted against the afternoon sun while pulling her cloak tighter to shield her from the winter wind as she examined a patch of loose shingles. If Papa did not find his way home soon, the house would crumble down around them.

She could not reason why he’d failed to return. Surely, if Papa had fallen ill someone would have written to Mama. No doubt if he’d perished, word would have been sent. Still, Papa had been gone for nearly a year on what was supposed to be a fortnight’s journey. She could not help fretting about him.

Julia. Mama appeared in the ramshackle doorway in a threadbare blue dress, her graying hair pulled into a tight bun. Fine lines that had not been there a year prior now edged her lips and eyes. Julia, come at once.

Heeding Mama’s command, Julia made her way across the cold, hard ground to meet her in the entrance. The cold from the bare floorboards seeped through the soles of her slippers, chilling her feet.

A carpet had once covered the floor, but Mama sold it last month, the funds used to purchase food—food that had run out a se’nnight ago. Julia’s belly growled at the thought and she rested her hand upon it. Will Papa return for Christmastide? Have you received word from him?

Mama covered a cough, motioning for Julia to follow her. He will not.

Julia swallowed back the rising lump in her throat. Mama sold the family’s goat yesterday and the settee a day prior. If this continued much longer, they would have nothing—as it was, little of value remained. She turned her forlorn gaze on Mama. How can you be so sure? Did you receive news?

Your Papa ran off. He will not be back, and I can no longer afford to take care of you. These are desperate times, Julia. We must be strong to overcome them. Mama entered her room with Julia trailing behind, then came to stand next to a crimson gown.

Trepidation pricked at Julia as she glanced between Mama’s shadowed eyes and the silk frock. An unsettling shiver needled her skin. What are we to do?

You are well aware of my failing health, and we have little wood for the hearth or food in the pantry. Mama stepped behind Julia and started unfastening her daughter’s dress. A round of coughing overtook her, causing her to double over. The fit passed and Mama set back to her task. If you want a chance…if you want a better life, it’s up to you to make it happen.

Mama’s words made no sense to her. Surely, she needed Julia here to help and look after her—even more so if she spoke the truth about Papa. Julia attempted to take a step, to turn toward her mother, but she stilled her and continued unfastening Julia’s frock. I am sending you to London.

A deep chill took hold of Julia, causing the hairs at her nape to stand on end. What could she possibly do in London? What would become of Mama after she was gone? I do not understand, Mama. You need me here.

If you stay, we are both sure to perish. If not from starvation, then from the winter's chill. Mama loosed another button, working her way down the back of Julia's dress. You must go.

The old moth-eaten woolen frock she’d been wearing slid down Julia’s body to pool on the floor at her feet. She glanced down at her slippers, badly stained and coming apart at the seams. She could not argue with Mama’s words, but neither could she accept being sent away. I can take on more work, Mama. Maybe find more mending…or take a post as a maid nearby. Surely⁠—

Mama shook her head, then placed a corset around Julia’s midsection. You know full well there is no work to be had here in Hythe.

Mama pulled the stays so hard that Julia jerked backward before looking down at the garment. Fine ivory silk with a crimson motif encased whalebone and squeezed her ribs to the point of suffocation. She could not imagine why any woman would be willing to wear such a torturous thing. And it must have cost a great deal of money—as the gown certainly had, too. She turned her head to catch Mama’s gaze.

Could we not sell this…torturous garment, and the frock as well, to get us through until I can find work? They must be worth a considerable fortune. Julia turned her head to meet Mama’s hollowed-out eyes. Wherever did you come by them?

Where they came from does not signify, nor is selling them feasible. Mama raised her hand, covering another cough. This is your chance at a good life. Do not squander the gift I am bestowing on you.

Julia swallowed past the lump in her throat. Let me get you something to drink.

No, it will not help. Mama waved a dismissive hand.

Then allow me to fetch the doctor. Julia attempted to retrieve her weathered dress. Surely the doctor could help Mama. Once she felt better, maybe she would forget all about sending Julia off to London.

There are no funds to pay for his services. Mama retrieved the new silk gown, then pulled it onto Julia’s body. If only I were younger….

Julia wanted to press for Mama to finish her statement. What if she were younger? Would it make any difference? She turned toward the skittering of little feet in the corner of the drafty room. A large rat scurried across the warped floorboards before disappearing into a hole dug out of the straw mattress. She shivered, not from fear, but disgust.

If she stayed here there would be nothing but suffering and long hours of hard work for little coin. At the rate they were going, there would be no wood for the hearth to keep