Title: The Princess’s Knight
Author: Kara O’Neal
Genre: Historical Romance
Book Blurb:
Pike’s Run, Texas, 1890
Carl Dawson finds himself in a Georgia prison with only one way out – get Madeline Talbut, the viperous ice princess and his childhood nemesis, home to Pike’s Run, or lose a year of his life in jail. He takes the deal and finds her playing hostess on a magnificent showboat.
Madeline Talbut has a past she’d like to forget, and she can do that while taking care of the guests aboard the Princess. But, as she sails the mighty Mississippi, a newcomer infiltrates her space, shaking up her heart, awakening the desire she’d thought dormant and reminding her that the past must be dealt with.
Carl learns there is more to Madeline than he’d once thought, and she’s becoming more important to him than he wants. But he must hide his identity from her, or she might not return to Texas and all the pain it holds. And, even worse, if she discovers who Carl really is, he might lose her. Forever.
Excerpt:
“Miss Talbut has taken on all my duties aboard the Princess,” Mrs. Cole explained to Carl, “and I’m so grateful to her. And, as you can imagine, I can’t have anything happening to her.” She sniffed, then with care, she smoothed the hair at Madeline’s temple. “Tell me, Mr. Dawson, what do you do for a living?”
Not an odd question, but he felt it was going to lead somewhere. But what could he reveal without giving away who he was? He continued to sense it was better that Madeline not know his connection to her. At least, not yet. “I don’t have a profession. I travel, do odd jobs here and there.”
Mrs. Cole smiled at him. “And save damsels in distress everywhere you go, I bet.”
He’d aided ladies, yes, but not everywhere.
“I’m quite certain you’re nothing but a gentleman. A true knight,” Mrs. Cole remarked, while Madeline shifted uncomfortably.
“I try, ma’am,” Carl answered.
Mrs. Cole removed her hand from Madeline’s tightly linked fingers and leaned forward. “I have complete faith that you do, and I must ask for your assistance.” She gazed at him in earnest. “Would you watch over Miss Talbut for me? Be her protector while she carries out her duties?”
Well…damn it all. Relief poured through him. He glanced at Madeline again and saw her lips had pinched, and she looked ready to argue. But…she didn’t. Another revelation.
“I’ll pay you, of course, and it’s temporary. My husband will get better, and no one would dare harm Miss Talbut when he is present.” Mrs. Cole gave a sharp nod to emphasize her statement.
He studied Madeline for a brief second, realized she would abhor him guarding her. But did he have any other choice? “I’ll take the job.”
“Wonderful!” Mrs. Cole exclaimed, clapping her hands together.
Madeline looked ready to spit nails.
Well, he’d seen her tantrums. He could handle them.
Buy Links (including Goodreads and BookBub):
BB: https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-princess-s-knight-texas-brides-of-pike-s-run-17-by-kara-o-neal
What makes your featured book a must-read?
The Princess’s Knight allowed me to redeem a villain. Madeline Talbut is the “mean girl” of Pike’s Run, and I did not see her story coming. But she kept knocking on my heart, so I had to help her find her happy ending.
Giveaway –
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Runs April 19 – April 28, 2022.
Winner will be drawn on April 29, 2022.
Author Biography:
Award-winning author, Kara O’Neal is a teacher and lives in Texas with her husband and three children She write stories with strong family ties, lots of romance and guaranteed happy endings! Please visit her at www.karaoneal.com.
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