Release day! Beware a Wallflower’s Wrath by Aubrey Wynne – read an excerpt!

Beware a Wallflower’s Wrath by Aubrey Wynne

Annis Craigg gave her heart away at seventeen. First to the handsome lord who spoke so sincerely of love, then to her newborn son. Fifteen years later, she’s content as a “widow” and the life she has created. Until her past comes back to haunt her—and begs forgiveness. Both her son—and the Englishman who has stubbornly remained in her affections—find their lives turned upside down when they discover the secrets she has kept to herself.

Lord Robert Harding, third son of a marquess, fell in love with a shy Scottish lass. His dominating father had arranged a betrothal with a wealthy earl’s daughter. Facing the choice of being shunned by his family and society or returning penniless to Scotland, Robert reluctantly does his duty. After fifteen years of silent longing for Annis, his wife dies, and he is free. Older, wiser, and now financially independent, he defies the marquess and heads to Glasgow.

Lies, secrets, and betrayal will challenge the fierce love of a steadfast Highlander and remorseful but determined Englishman. Will destiny find a way to bring two star-crossed souls together?

“How long have we known one another?” she asked, her tone gentle and her gaze no longer avoiding his. “A year?”

He nodded. “And I’ve only officially courted you for the past two months.”

“It’s that English courage of yers which held ye back,” she teased.

“It was more the Highland mountain I had to ask. Colin is more than a little intimidating.

“Aye, he is that until he kens he can trust ye.” She placed a palm to his cheek. “Truly, I love ye something fierce, Rabbie mine. I felt it the first day I laid eyes on ye, so handsome in yer fine waistcoat, a cravat so white it almost blinded me.”

“It only appeared so white because your person was covered in mud. My rapscallion horse decided to get antsy in front of a puddle that stood between me and the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen.” He chuckled. “Deuced horrified when his hoof hit that mud and splattered it all over your lovely dress.”

Annis laughed with him. “I was ready to give ye the worst skelping with my tongue until I saw those mournful hazel eyes.” She shook her head. “I suddenly pictured myself as ye must have seen me—”

“And began laughing. A full out belly laugh, clutching your middle. I thought for sure you would fall over into that puddle. Had I found the most insane woman in Glasgow, I asked myself? And then those fathomless sapphire eyes locked onto mine and—”

“You guffawed like the most unsophisticated mon in all of Glasgow,” Annis finished for him. She sighed. “But ye caught yerself quickly and became the gentleman, coming to my rescue.”

He had, hadn’t he? That day in late May, he’d jumped from his horse, removed his cravat, and wiped her face clean. Then he’d introduced himself and walked her home.

Robert had lost an expensive cravat that day. And his heart.

“How long before yer aunt realized yer trips to Glasgow werena about her?” A smirk curved her plump lips.

“Aunt Chloe was suspicious on the second visit. ‘Ye dinna come to see me for a year, and here ye are a month later?’ She harassed me until I told her about you.” He stood and pulled Annis into his arms. “I believe you’re the reason I’ll inherit her estate. Small, yes, but all mine.”

“Quite the accomplishment for a third son. Do ye think it has anything to do with her being half-Scot and ye falling in love with a Scottish lass?”

Robert placed his hand on his chest. “I’m hurt you think she would not do it solely out of love for her favorite nephew.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “But I don’t think it hurt my standing at all.”

“If ye kiss me again, it will improve yer standing with yer fiancée.”

“I’ll gladly—” His mouth went dry. “You’re saying yes?”

She nodded, and he bent his head, covering her mouth with his.

Harumph! “There’d best be a good explanation for this, or someone will be losing a head.” Colin MacNaughton filled the doorway, his wide shoulders touching either side, his dark head bent beneath the frame. He smacked a giant fist into his palm. “Sooner than later if ye please.”

“Oh, Cousin, ye may be the first to congratulate us. We’re betrothed.”

Colin’s blue eyes twinkled as he grinned. “As I said, sooner than later if ye please.”

More titles releasing in April

Revenge of the Wallflowers