Spotlight & Giveaway: The Marquess Makes His Move by Diana Quincy

Today, HJ is pleased to share with you Diana Quincy’s new release: THE MARQUESS MAKES HIS MOVE

Diana Quincy returns with the newest novel in the Clandestine Affairs series with a steamy romance about a half-Arab marquess seeking revenge on—and falling for—London’s most famous mapmaker.

 
The new footman doesn’t seem to know his place…

London’s most renowned mapmaker is a woman…but nobody knows it. If anyone discovers that Rose Fleming is the power and talent behind the family business, the scandal could ruin them. Rose’s secret is tested by the arrival of a handsome new footman who shows far too much interest in his new mistress. Rose battles an intense attraction to the enigmatic servant, but maintaining a proper distance isn’t easy when you and temptation live under the same roof.

She makes him forget he has a score to settle…

Few have met the reclusive half-Arab Marquess of Brandon, who is rumored to live with a harem of beauties among his mother’s people near Jerusalem. Brandon couldn’t care less what society thinks of him, or that his fellow peers are disdainful of his common blood, but he won’t stand for being robbed. That’s why he’s disguised himself as a footman in the home of a respected mapmaker who cheated Brandon out of his land. But the nobleman’s plans for retribution are complicated by his growing attraction for the secretive lady of the house.

When Brandon uncovers the shocking truth about Rose’s role in his stolen birthright, can a love born of deception really conquer all?

Enjoy an exclusive excerpt from The Marquess Makes His Move 

“Here you go.” Alex was slightly out of breath, his sable eyes glittering. “Paid in full.”
She stared at the pouch in his hands. “Truly?”
“I would not lie about this.” He grinned, flashing pearly teeth. “You were right. They had the bill.”
“How? Who did you get it from?”
“It was a stroke of luck, really. I told them at the servants’ entrance that I’d been sent to collect the money. The earl’s secretary had the amount ready. Mr. Fleming is sending one of his clerks to collect his fee this afternoon.”
For the first time in days, excitement bubbled up inside Rose. “Let me see.” She loosened the strings and peered inside. It was the first time she’d ever seen the money her maps earned. It was a heady feeling. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more beautiful sight.”
“It’s all there. I checked the amount in the pouch against the bill of sale.”
She gazed up at him, feeling triumphant, giddy. Relief rushed through her. Impulsively, she launched herself into his arms. “I don’t know how to thank you.”
She startled him, momentarily threatening his balance, but then he steadied himself and strong arms closed around her. “The pleasure was all mine,” he murmured into her cheek.
The sensation of being up against Alex’s strong body sent a tremor through her. She nuzzled the crook of his neck.
He stiffened. “Mrs. Fleming.”
“Don’t call me that.” She shook her head into his neck. “Don’t ever call me that. I’m Rose.”
“Rose,” he said, whisper soft. “Stop. You are not yourself.”
She pushed herself more firmly against him. Rose was more aware than ever of Alex physically as a man.
She wasn’t married. Appreciating Alex’s masculine appeal no longer left her guilt ridden. He was still a servant, but he never seemed to be at her mercy. “You want me. I can feel it. I’ve felt it for a long time. Ever since we visited the bonesetter.”
“I will not lie. There is nothing I want more.” He pressed warm lips against her temple. “But this is wrong.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck. “Is it? Unless,” she faltered, “you feel I am taking advantage of you.”
“Sweetheart, no one takes advantage of me.” His voice was a gentle rumble. “It’s just that you’ve had a terrible shock.”
“You have no idea.”
He kissed her cheek. “That is why we cannot.”
She turned her face to catch his lips. She tasted his surprise. And then he nipped at her lips. Slow and sweet. Their mouths immediately adapted to each other. He held her face in his large hands. She parted her lips and their tongues touched and parted and met again. Rose had never been kissed like this. Long and unhurried, purely for the pleasure of it, and not as a hasty prelude to sex. This man knew how to kiss. How to kiss her.
He broke away. “Your reputation.”
Is already destroyed. She nibbled his jawline. “Don’t stop.”
“We must. First, because we are in the middle of Berkeley Square.” He smiled down at her. “And second, we want to be far from here when Fleming’s clerk comes to pick up the fee you’ve already collected.”
“Oh. That.” Still dazed by the drugging impact of kissing her footman, Rose allowed Alex to lead her away.

Excerpt. ©Diana Quincy. Posted by arrangement with the publisher. All rights reserved.
 
 

Giveaway: Giveaway for 1 print copy of THE MARQUESS MAKES HIS MOVE. US residents only!

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Meet the Author:

Bestselling author Diana Quincy is an award-winning former television journalist who decided to make up stories where a happy ending is always guaranteed. Her books have been included on “Best of” lists in Library Journal and The Washington Post.

As a U.S. Foreign Service brat, Diana grew up all over the world, but is now happily settled in Virginia with her husband and two sons. When not bent over her laptop, Diana spends time with her family, reads, practices yoga and plots her next travel adventure.