Title Captivated by His Countess
Author Kathy L Wheeler
Genre Regency Historical Romantic Suspense
Publisher Chisel Imprint
Book Blurb
His work as a dangerous spy was nothing compared to the antics of his bride... The Countess of Huntley, Gabriella, aspires to help less fortunate women gain independence from unfortunate circumstances. But her impulsive nature triggers one scandal after another. The Earl of Huntley’s new wife is as unpredictable as she is lovely. And when a woman of questionable character disappears, and a man of the peerage ends up on the wrong end of a blade, the trail leads directly to his wife. Huntley will do all in his power to protect Gabriella from the blackguard who is not thrilled with her good works. Difficult, when she doesn't show the slightest care for her own ruin or... safety.
Excerpt
Brita giggled, closing the door. She went to the wardrobe and pulled out a lacy confection and held it up.
Gabby gasped. “What are you doing?”
“I believe your husband has plans for you, milady.”
“Plans,” she repeated, looking at the champagne. The adjoining door parted, and Gabby’s husband stood there donned in a black silk robe.
“Good evening, wife.” He strolled over to Brita, fingered the lace she held, then confiscated it. “I’ll handle things from here. You’re excused for the evening.”
Lady MacBeth was apparently stunned silent.
Gabby spun around, putting her back to Huntley, and watched her giggling maid make her escape. Before Gabby could garner her defenses, the bodice of her gown was drooping from her shoulders. She held Lady MacBeth to her chest, keeping her dress in place. Gabby spun back around to blast him with her outrage. There was no need. Lady MacBeth had found her voice and yapped her own outrage on Gabby’s behalf.
“What the devil is that?”
“A dog.”
“That is not a dog. That is a rat. Where did it come from?”
“The mews. She was quite hungry,” she said with a sniff.
He narrowed his eyes on her puppy who had apparently decided he didn’t seem so bad, the little traitor. “It doesn’t have any hair. When did we acquire it?”
“We didn’t acquire her. I did.”
“Mm. Where does it sleep?”
Gabby lifted her nose. “With me, of course.”
His appalled look had her biting back a quick laugh. She and Huntley did not laugh together. “In the bed?” he demanded in apparent shock.
Resentment stirred through her. Why should it matter to him? No one else slept there besides her. “Yes.”
“Where does it stay when you’re not home?”
Irritation fluttered through her. “In my sitting room. What do you care?”
“Ah. Well, then.” He swooped in and instantly took possession of Lady MacBeth, leaving Gabby to clutch her gaping dress. He strolled over to the sitting room and set Lady MacBeth inside and closed the door on a hurt cry that broke Gabby’s heart.
“What do you think you are doing?” Gabby huffed out. “She doesn’t understand.”
“Rats don’t have to understand.” He took Gabby by the shoulders.
“Quit calling her a rat.” Her sudden breathlessness was an annoyance. “Her name is Lady MacBeth.”
He jerked back and stared into her face. “You cannot be serious. Who name’s a rat after a deranged, murderous literary character?”
Satisfaction rippled through her, and she couldn’t quite contain her amusement.
“Dear God. You’ll set the ton on its ear if anyone learns you’ve named that… creature—” He shoved a hand through his hair.
“Yes, I suppose it will,” she said lightly.
His eyes narrowed on her. “Why do I have the feeling you intend exactly that?”
She shrugged. “Perhaps your feminine intuition is asserting itself.”
Buy Links (including Goodreads and BookBub):
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/captivated-by-his-countess-kathy-l-wheeler/1141317169
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/captivated-by-his-countess-rebel-lords-of-london-by-kathy-l-wheeler
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60852988
Author Biography:
Kathy L Wheeler loves the NFL, the NBA, musical theater (don’t ask how her how many times she’s seen Phantom of the Opera (13); or Wicked (7), travel, (Europe, Grand Cayman, Mexico, All over the US), reading (practically a book a night), writing (35 published books and counting) and karaoke (well… what can I say). She assists other authors in critiquing, formatting, and creating covers for their publishing dreams. She is a mentor in RWA’s Pen2Paper program and currently serves as Ethics Director on the Regency Fiction Writers Board.
She writes contemporary and historical stories where the heroines save themselves and the heroes who honor their courage with suspense and humor.
She is thriving in the Pacific Northwest with her musically talented, lawyer husband and her adorable dog Angel who lives up to her name (…mostly).
Social Media Links
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5804151.Kathy_L_Wheeler