Kiss a Rake at Midnight (Chronicles of the Westbrook Brides) - Softcover

Cameron, Collette

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1955259798 ISBN 13: 9781955259798

Publisher: Blue Rose Romance® LLC, 2024

Synopsis

A dashing Londoner's world is rocked by the discovery that a captivating woman disguised in male clothing is working at his gaming den, leading to a risky romance amidst class struggles and hidden threats…

Fletcher Westbrook, a dashing figure of wealth and wit, enjoys the luxuries of Regency London, blissfully unaware of the storm brewing around him. As sabotage and danger threaten his world, an unexpected twist leaves him stunned — Siobhan Kenney, the supposed boy he employed, is not only a woman, but a stunning one whose very presence challenges his well-guarded heart. When her true identity unravels after a fainting spell, Fletcher's initial fury gives way to intrigue. Why would a woman go to such lengths?

Compelled by desperation, Siobhan Kenney adopted a male disguise, seeking employment and refuge in the heart of London. Her life as an Irish immigrant wasn't easy, especially after her parents vanished, leaving her the sole guardian of her younger siblings. Masquerading as a boy offered protection and opportunity, but exposure threatens everything she's built. When Fletcher proposes a daring plan, Siobhan is trapped between her need for safety and the tantalizing allure of forbidden romance. As they seek to unmask their mutual adversary, sparks of passion ignite a fire neither anticipated.

Will the perils of their world, from class distinctions to lurking enemies, quench the flame flaring between them, or will the intense allure of opposites drawing closer prove too powerful to resist? Dive into the tempestuous world of Regency London and find out if love can truly conquer all.
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Secrets, Suspense, and Swoon-Worthy Romance…
If you enjoy reading historical romances featuring lovable rogues, enemies to lovers, second chances, class differences, forced proximity, mistaken identities, and opposites attract, you’ll adore USA Today Bestselling author Collette Cameron’s captivating series: CHRONICLES OF THE WESTBROOK BRIDES.

These evocative and compelling tales are infused with a pinch of mystery and suspense, a dash of humor, and a splash of soul-searing emotion. Settle into a cozy reading nook with your favorite beverage and escape into this page-turning, entertaining Regency romance series. Though each book can be read as a stand-alone, readers prefer to enjoy the series in order.

CHRONICLES OF THE WESTBROOK BRIDES:
Midnight Christmas Waltz
Mission at Midnight
The Midnight Marquess
Holly, Mistletoe, and Midnight Snow
The Wallflower’s Midnight Waltz
Minuet at Midnight
Kiss a Rake at Midnight
Unmasked at Midnight
Memories Made at Midnight
Once Upon a Midnight Dream


CHECK OUT USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR, COLLETTE CAMERON’S COMPLETE LIBRARY OF REGENCY AND SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER ROMANCE SERIES:
Chronicles of the Westbrook Brides
Dukes Come Calling (Seductive Scoundrels)
For the Love of an Earl (Wicked Earls’ Club)
Heart of a Scot
Highland Heather Romancing a Scot: Castle Brides
Ladies of Opportunity
Secrets of Scandalous Ladies
The Culpepper Misses
The Honorable Rogues®

About this title

About the Author

USA Today Bestselling author Collette Cameron® is renowned for her captivating, humorous, and heartwarming Scottish and Regency historical romance novels. With over 65 published titles, over 1.6 million books sold around the world, and multiple writing awards to her credit, Collette is a well-known author in the world of historical romance.
 
Readers love her witty and relatable characters including daring rogues, dashing scoundrels, and the strong and spirited heroines who capture their hearts. From the rugged highlands to the refined drawing rooms of Regency England, Collette's novels will transport you to another time and place, where love and adventure are just a page away.
 
Collette's Sweet-to-Spicy Timeless Romances® are the perfect escape for readers looking for romantic escape, poignant inspiration, engaging humor, and entertaining stories.
 
Based in the Pacific Northwest, Collette is surrounded by the lush greenery and rainy skies that inspire her writing. She dreams of one day splitting her time between the Pacific Northwest and Scotland. In the meantime, she indulges in her love of all things cobalt blue, dachshunds, chocolate, and of course, crafting her next historical romance.
 
Connect with Collette on social media, download a printable series/book list, join her VIP Reader Group, and subscribe to her newsletter (get a FREE book too!) by visiting her at collettecameronbooks dot com

From the Back Cover

Excerpt Kiss a Rake at Midnight

De la Chance Social Club
London, England
July 1827 - Early morning

As was Fletcher Westbrook's wont, he walked through his social club's now silent and empty rooms with a cup of strong coffee. Tonight, like every other night, the place would teem with glittering guests eager and, in some cases, desperate for a few hours of entertainment.

Caution and wariness tempered the sense of pride that accompanied these daily inspections. Someone had slipped a threatening note beneath his office door last night.

The first such secret message in months.

"Bloody, sodding hell."

Fletcher swore beneath his breath before blowing on the scalding, sweetened brew and taking a bracing gulp. Nothing suspicious had occurred since last March when Torrian Westbrook, his cousin and a private detective, had apprehended the offender responsible for setting two fires, as well as sabotaging and vandalizing Fletcher's enterprises and sending other ominous letters.

The culprit, Mike Prescott, a low-end gaming hell competitor, hadn't appreciated Fletcher's scruples or losing elite customers to the classier, and quite frankly safer, establishment. Prescott had grown careless, hence his apprehension and imprisonment.

As Fletcher stood in the card room with its dozens of round tables, black Italian marble fireplace, and the occasional cobalt blue and gold striped damask settee, he pondered this unwelcome and unfortunate turn of events. He honestly believed he'd put that troublesome annoyance behind him for good.

Until last night.

His half-brother, Leonidas, and the only Westbrook besides Fletcher and their cousin Torrian Westbrook, who knew the whole situation, believed the harassment was over too. So much so the deliriously happy scoundrel had married Fletcher's new Scottish bookkeeper and currently enjoyed a honeymoon in the South of France.

Perhaps Fletcher had grown lax—let his guard down too soon.

But why shouldn't he have done?

Convicted of attempted murder, arson, and a half dozen other crimes, Prescott rotted away in Newgate.

One thing was for certain.

He couldn't be behind this latest episode.

So, who was?

Perchance, Prescott hadn't acted alone as he vowed, and his accomplice had become emboldened once more.

Mouth tight, Fletcher searched his memory for unfamiliar faces when he'd made his final surveillance of the club last evening, just before midnight. The mental inventory did little good. New club members were as numerous and common as pigeons in London.

What set De la Chance and his other establishments, Ivories & Aces and The Emporium Theater, apart from other gaming dens and men's clubs was Fletcher's strict, unrelenting vetting of members as well as absolute intolerance for known cheats, rakehells—present company excluded, of course—and randy men on the prowl making overtures toward Fletcher's female employees.

He employed over twenty of the best bodyguards in London to ensure the women remained unharried and the premises were as impenetrable as a cloistered virgin nun behind convent walls. Yet, somehow, someone had managed to not only sneak onto the grounds, but they'd found their way undetected to the private quarters on the club's other side.

Unlike many gaming hells, his upper rooms weren't available for liaisons with bit o' muslins on his payroll. Fletcher never had and never would employ prostitutes.

It must've been a guest who breached his inner sanctum.

But who?

Why hadn't one of his security team seen them?

Fletcher's nape hair stood on end, alerting him that he wasn't alone.

Slowly, he rotated toward the card room's entrance, prepared to defend himself with the ugly knife sheathed at his waist. Upon recognizing the small form sauntering through the opening, adorned on either side with heavy royal blue draperies held in place by a thick gold silk cord, he blew out a relieved breath.

Sean Kenney, a perpetually cheerful, if somewhat small and frail Irish lad of all work, gazed around the room with the chairs overturned on the tables that he was tasked with returning to the floor each morning. Unlike most of the club's other employees, Sean and a few others who tended to more menial tasks weren't required to wear all black.

Today, his delicate features wan, the lad seemed tense and distracted.

Nevertheless, he touched two slender fingers to his ever-present flat tweed cap.

"Good morning, sir. Howya today?"

"I am well." Physically, yes. But unrelenting worry niggled in the back of Fletcher's mind. He must find the culprit before things became dangerous once more. He took another sip of coffee. "Yourself?"

He'd learned long ago that when he took a genuine interest in his personnel, not only did they work harder, but Fletcher could, with a great deal of accuracy, determine which of them would become loyal, long-term help. Consistency among his employees proved essential to keeping his establishments running smoothly.

What he couldn't determine at this moment, however, was Sean's age, though if Fletcher hazarded a guess, he'd suppose the lad was in his late teens. Perchance sixteen or seventeen.

Small for his age, likely due to malnutrition, the youth often conducted himself and spoke like someone older and more mature. His eyes often held a world-weary glint, and fine lines sometimes bracketed his mouth, suggesting he'd experienced much hardship in his short life.

Fletcher rubbed his nose with his free hand.

Reading people had come naturally to him for as long as he could remember—nearly his entire life. The ability was as ordinary as breathing. Much like his interest in medicine had been, which had compelled him to become a physician, only to leave the field disenchanted and haunted over a decade ago.

He'd always admire and respect the individuals who made the profession their life's work. For him, the heartache of watching infants and children die despite his best efforts took a toll that seared his mind, scarred his soul, and left him drowning in defeat. It nearly drove him mad or to the bottle, hence his departure from the vocation before becoming an ape-drunk lunatic.

His expression downcast, Sean shifted his feet and covered a wide yawn.

"The truth is, sir, I'm knackered. My sister kept me up most of the night. Kimber's sick with a nasty cough."

"I'm sorry to hear that, Sean." Fletcher scratched the back of his neck. "Does she need a physician?"

Sean hesitated for half a second before shaking his head.

"Nae. I think it's just a summer cold. I left broth and a tonic. Paddy promised to keep an eye on her." Sean raised a thin shoulder beneath his much too-large black coat. "Forgive my rattling. I'd best crack on."

"Paddy is your brother?" Fletcher also made a point to learn something about his employees' families—those that had families. Many didn't, and it was truly sad knowing they had no one except fellow employees who often became their surrogate family.

"He is." Strong and wiry, Sean pulled the gold velvet cushioned ebony chairs off the closest table with practiced efficiency. "Turned twelve last month. Kimber is almost eleven."

A wonder the two children hadn't been forced to find jobs as was the usual practice among the lower classes—probably due to Sean's diligence in providing for them.

It couldn't be easy for him.

Had Fletcher ever seen the lad without his coat or hat?

Even in July, the boy wore a plaid muffler around his neck?

From the Inside Flap

Discover the enchanting world of Collette Cameron's Regency and Scottish Highlander romances! Explore her complete library today and see what's coming next from this USA Today bestselling author.

CHRONICLES OF THE WESTBROOK BRIDES
Unconventional characters, thrilling intrigue, and heart-pounding suspense weave together with soul-stirring romance as scandalous rogues and spirited women defy society's rules to find their soul mates and become the unforgettable Westbrook Brides!

· Midnight Christmas Waltz
· Mission at Midnight
· The Midnight Marquess
· Holly, Mistletoe, and Midnight Snow
· The Wallflower's Midnight Waltz
· Minuet at Midnight
· Kiss a Rake at Midnight
· Unmasked at Midnight
· Memories Made at Midnight
· Once Upon a Midnight Dream

DUKES COME CALLING (SEDUCTIVE SCOUNDRELS)
Indulge in these captivating, emotion-laden and quick-read historical Regency romances sure to warm your heart and put a smile on your face.

· A Diamond for a Duke
· Only a Duke Would Dare
· A December with a Duke
· What Would a Duke Do?
· Wooed by a Wicked Duke
· Duchess of His Heart
· Never Dance with a Duke
· Wedding Her Christmas Duke
· The Debutante and the Duke
· Loved by a Dangerous Duke
· How to Win a Duke's Heart
· When a Duke Desires a Lass
· My Dearest Duke

FOR THE LOVE OF AN EARL
Enthralling Regency adventures brimming with intrigue, lovable scoundrels, strong heroines, and unforgettable, sigh-worthy romance.

· Earl of Wainthorpe
· Earl of Scarborough
· Earl of Keyworth
· Earl of Renshaw

HIGHLAND HEATHER ROMANCING A SCOT: CASTLE BRIDES
Pamper yourself with Scottish Regency historical romances packed with intrigue, smoldering passion, and page-turning surprises.

· Heart of a Highlander
· The Viscount's Vow
· The Highlander's Heiress
· The Earl's Enticement
· Triumph and Treasure
· Virtue and Valor
· Heartbreak and Honor
· Scandal's Splendor
· Passion and Plunder
· Wishes and Wonder
· A Yuletide Highlander

HEART OF A SCOT
Indulge in these captivating, emotion-laden, spicy Highlander suspense romances sure to warm your heart and put a smile on your face.

· To Love a Highland Laird
· To Redeem a Highland Rake
· To Seduce a Highland Scoundrel
· To Woo a Highland Warrior
· To Enchant a Highland Earl
· To Defy a Highland Duke
· To Marry a Highland Marauder
· To Bargain with a Highland Buccaneer
· A Christmas Kiss for a Highlander

LADIES OF OPPORTUNITY
Unconventional heroines dare to rewrite society's rulebook, taming roguish hearts and sparking love stories full of daring adventures, swoon-worthy intrigue, and a dash of irresistible mischief.

· The Wallflower's Wild Wager
· The Spinster's Secret Stake
· Better Not Bet a Bluestocking ~ Coming Soon!
· When You wager a Widow ~ Coming Soon!

SECRETS OF SCANDALOUS LADIES
Read these engaging, sweet romances featuring loveable rogues, scandalous secrets, a pinch of mystery, and a dash of humor for page-turning reads you won't soon forget.

· A Lady's Scandalous Kiss
· No Lady for the Lord
· Love Lessons for the Lady
· His One and Only Lady
· Never a Proper Lady
· Lady Tempts a Rogue

THE CULPEPPER MISSES
Read the Culpepper sisters saga for page-turning, humorous, and satisfying historical Regency romance romps you can't forget. Giggles guaranteed.

· The Earl and the Spinster
· The Marquis and the Vixen
· The Lord and the Wallflower
· The Buccaneer and the Bluestocking
· The Lieutenant and the Lady

THE HONORABLE ROGUES®
Are you ready for rousing, emotional, and romantic historical Regency romance quick-read capers you won't want to put down?

· A Kiss for a Rogue
· A Bride for a Rogue
· A Rogue's Scandalous Wish
· To Capture a Rogue's Heart
· The Rogue and the Wallflower
· A Rose for a Rogue
· 'Twas the Rogue Before Christmas
· A Rogue Worth the Risk

Edition details

• Publisher: Blue Rose Romance® LLC
• Publication date: 2024
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1955259798
• ISBN 13: 9781955259798
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 212