Title: A Practical Arrangement
Author: Nadja Notariani
Genre: Historical Romance, Romance,
Publisher: Indie Published
Ebook
Pages: appx. 195
Purchase:
Book Description:
۩ A Practical Arrangement, Nadja
Notariani ۩
Miss
Evangeline Grey, intelligent and sensible, has no desire to marry, her
reluctance born from the dire warnings of her overly emotional mother. Her
father has other ideas, however, and decrees that unless she weds by the
spring, he will choose a husband for her.
Prim and
proper Evangeline accepts her father's issue with little more than mild alarm.
Knowing herself plain of face and sharp of tongue, she believes herself capable
of warding off any perspective suitor. Her plan goes awry when the scandalous
seducer, Mr. Thomas Masterson, visits her family's home, for Thomas has learned
that he must procure a wife to receive his full inheritance.
When he
discovers Evangeline's predicament matches his own, Thomas determines to
orchestrate a practical arrangement. A war of wit and word results, and Thomas
finds himself ever more beguiled by the soft heart he discovers under Miss
Grey's stern, inhibited exterior. Patiently, he endeavors to gain her respect
and awaken her passions. As tenuous trust blooms between the rake and the
reluctant, unfortunate events – and Thomas' past reputation – threaten to
destroy the peace and happiness he has found within the bonds of his Practical
Arrangement.
Excerpt:
Evangeline felt sorry for Melody in a small way, her mother as
well. They had no defense, no antidote to counter the forceful emotions stirred
in them. She counted herself lucky to have been spared their burden.
In good time Melody and their mother returned, tea arriving
directly afterward, and while glad to see them she couldn't deny sorrow over
her lost solitude.
“Oh, they both are such handsome men, Melody. And wealthy
enough, too.”
“Mr. Lane
is, by far, more handsome with his light hair and eyes,” Melody admired openly.
They really are too silly! Infatuated girls, you'd think!
“What say you, Evangeline?” Melody challenged brightly. “Which
gentleman do you prefer?”
Pursing her lips, Evangeline took a deep breath.
Of all the fiddle-faddle! Preferring gentlemen!
“I don't prefer either of them, nor any other for that matter.”
But as usual, Providence
gave her no quarter, choosing the moment of her sister's question to spring
said gentlemen into the sitting room. All eyes landed upon her, her father
grinning in a most amused way. Evangeline flushed, a deep burn rising under her
skin. Thomas Masterson made his greetings, and as the others conversed around
the tea cart he neared, taking her hand and bringing it to his lips.
“I'd take you at your word, Miss Grey, but your pretty blush
suggests perhaps you do harbor a preference.” His eyes
simmered, locked intently on hers.
Oh! What did he mean by saying that?
She found herself squirming under that gaze of his – and
appalled – stilled immediately. Gathering herself, she answered. “Never confuse
indifference with deceit, Mr. Masterson.”
Still, he did not look away, surprising her.
About the Author:
Nadja
Notariani was born in Rochester,
Pennsylvania. Her upbringing
included very diverse environments, affording wide and varied richness of
ethnic and religious tradition. Raised in both an Italian/Mediterranean
American home and a traditional German household, Nadja gleaned the unique
benefits of viewing the world through two widely different lenses.
Nadja resides
in Northeastern Pennsylvania, ever embracing
new adventures with her husband, three sons, and faithful German Shepherd. She
also boasts two daughters, who have flown the nest to pursue their own
adventures.
Within her
titles, readers can find romance and adventure, from contemporary to paranormal
to historical, always with a happily-ever-after. Nadja enjoys hearing from
readers and can be found at her website, on Facebook, Goodreads, and at Romance Novel Center.
Readers are welcome to contact her via email.
This biography
was provided by the author or their representative.
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