Title: Rogue’s Hostage: A Historical Captive Romance
Author: Linda McLaughlin
Genre: Historical Romance
Book Blurb:
Fate delivered them into each other’s arms. Will love set them free?
The Pennsylvania frontier, 1758. Mara Dupré never got used to living in fear. As danger lurks in every shadow, supporting her husband’s farming efforts while France and Britain battle in the New World has worn her down. But her life shatters when an invading war party kills her spouse, and she is taken captive by a dashing French officer.
Lieutenant Jacques Corbeau thought he’d lost his honor years ago. But something about the spirited woman whose scalp he saved from his Indian partners tugs deeply on his desire to redeem his past. And now as they undertake a dangerous trek to return to the fort, he swears a silent oath to protect her with his life.
In desperation, Mara attempts to bargain her virtue in exchange for her freedom. Though Jacques would gladly bed the fetching widow, he’s torn between passion and reclaiming his lost honor.
Will their tragic union fall to a murderous musket, or can they find everlasting love?
Rogue’s Hostage is a riveting standalone historical romance. If you like strong characters, enemies-to-lovers stories, and richly detailed histories, then you’ll adore Linda McLaughlin’s sensual adventure.
Buy Rogue’s Hostage to untie the bonds of desire today!
Currently only 99 cents at Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk, from Jan. 2-8.
Excerpt:
"Madame, are you listening to me?"
The Frenchman’s voice, sharp and insistent, demanded her attention. "There is not much time. My companions are not patient men. We must leave soon, but first I want you to bind my shoulder. Where do you keep bandages?"
Her mouth and throat were dry when she swallowed, but she choked out an answer. "The trunk. Under the bed."
He squatted beside the bed, pulled out the trunk and rummaged through it. She watched his every move, unable to take her eyes off him, alarmed by the physical threat he represented.
He was a tall man who dominated the cabin as Emile never had, and his state of undress revealed nearly every inch of his lean and powerful form. Not only was he bare to the waist, but his breechclout and leggings failed to completely cover his thighs and buttocks. He had a wide-shouldered, rangy body and long, sinewy legs. He looked strong, virile, and infinitely dangerous.
A cold knot formed in Mara’s stomach. The French had killed her father and now her husband. What would they do to her?
She wrapped her arms around her waist. Her grandfather would say whatever happened was God’s will, but she rejected that idea. What kind of God allowed such awful things to happen?
Fearfully, she watched as the Frenchman shoved the trunk back under the bed and stood. He held out the bandages, and she froze. She couldn’t touch him, she just couldn’t.
The man’s heavy black brows drew together in a fierce frown, but his voice was without emotion. "Madame, I am all that stands between you and the men who killed your husband. I can be persuaded to act as your protector. It is to your advantage to do what I command."
He dropped the bandages beside her on the bed, then reached out to touch her hair. "Must I remind you, in my companion’s eyes, scalps are more valuable than live captives?"
Horror sliced through her fear. "Emile!" She shot off the bed and bolted for the door. The Frenchman caught her around the waist before she could reach it.
"It is too late, madame," he said in a hushed voice. "It is done."
"No," she moaned, as she fought to banish the image of a bloody scalp, raw flesh.
The Frenchman turned her toward him, holding her by the shoulders, and spoke in an insistent voice. "Listen to me and be sensible. You must be strong now. We have a long journey ahead of us."
Dazed, she stared at him. "A journey? To where?"
"Fort Duquesne."
Mara gasped. The dreaded enemy stronghold deep in the wilderness. She struggled to get free, clawing at his powerful arms.
He gripped her tighter, grimacing as he did. "Stop it! What chance do you think you have against three men? Do as I say and you will live. Refuse and…" He let the implication hang in the air between them.
Live. Yes, that was what she must do. She must bide her time and stay alive. Her brother would find her and exact revenge. But for now, she was on her own.
She straightened her spine and stared into the Frenchman’s eyes. "How do I know I can trust you, monsieur?"
He met her gaze, but a shadow darkened his eyes. "You have my word of honor."
Bitterness filled her. "The word of a Frenchman? What is that worth?"
"For the moment, madame, your life."
Buy Links (including Goodreads and BookBub):
Grab your e-copy at Amazon US and Amazon UK for only 99 cents!
Amazon.com/KU: http://amzn.com/B00BJO26OY
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Why is your featured book a must-read in 2023?
Rogue’s Hostage is an exciting, adventurous Enemies-to-Lovers romance set during the French and Indian War. The book was in large part inspired by the most recent movie version of The Last of the Mohicans, starring a dashing Daniel Day Lewis, but with a happier ending. If you enjoy history and romantic adventure, this book is for you!
Giveaway –
One lucky reader will win a $75 Amazon US or Canada gift card
Open internationally. You must have a valid Amazon US or Amazon CA account to win.
Runs January 1 – 31, 2023.
Drawing will be held on February 1, 2023.
Author Biography:
Linda McLaughlin grew up with a love of history fostered by her paternal grandmother and an incurable case of wanderlust inherited from her father. She has traveled extensively within the United States and has visited Mexico, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the British Isles, Europe and Iceland. She now lives near the ocean in Orange County, California.
Linda writes historical and Regency romance under her real name and spicier romance under the pseudonym Lyndi Lamont.
Social Media Links:
Website: https://lindalyndi.com
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/lindamclaughlin
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/lindamclaughlin
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LyndiLamont