What a Lady Demands

Book excerpt: USA TODAY BESTSELLER • Readers of Julia Quinn, Eloisa James, and Sabrina Jeffries will love Ashlyn Macnamara’s novel about a smoldering new love that is threatened by past betrayals. Viscount Lindenhurst cannot seem to find a governess who meets his impossible standards—until Cecelia Sanford becomes the first woman to interrupt the widower’s brooding in years. Lind had returned home from the Napoleonic wars, broken in body and soul and longing for his wife’s embrace, only to find her changed. Before they could reconcile, an accident struck their son and claimed her life. Now enter Cecelia, with her soft curves and sharp tongue—a tempting distraction, it is true, but not a welcome one. Past the usual marrying age and haunted by a scandal of her own, Cecelia soon finds herself caring for both the child and the man. The viscount is brittle and even abrupt at times, yet she cannot deny the attraction that stirs her body in his presence. Moved by the deep sense of abandonment that tortures his soul, Cecelia aches to fully awaken Lind’s heart from its rancorous slumber—if she can just keep their pasts from destroying a second chance at love. Praise for What a Lady Demands “An intriguing, dramatic, and sexually charged novel that is recommended for most historical romance lovers.”—Library Journal “Loads of scandalous kisses and lusty embraces . . . The sizzling tension adds just the right amount of heat.”—Heroes and Heartbreakers “[An] excellent drama . . . The protagonists find true love despite the physical and emotional scars that constantly drive a wedge between them.”—RT Book Reviews (Digital First/Indie Press Historical Romance nominee) “Suspense, passion, great love scenes . . . This one is a keeper.”—The Reading Wench “The moments of wicked passion [Ashlyn] Macnamara intersperses balance out the tenderness, creating a truly well-rounded romance.”—Three Chicks After Dark “If you are looking for a hot and steamy historical romance novel, and you enjoy lots of plot to go with the hotness, you should pick up What a Lady Demands.”—(un)Conventional Book Views “This wonderful story has plenty of romance, some mystery and lots of deep passion. . . . If you enjoy a story that pulls at the heart strings, with well-developed characters and an engaging storyline, then this is a book you will not want to miss.”—Romantic Historical Reviews “An emotional ride of a romance that pulls the reader into a plot of mystery, desire and redemption!”—Addicted to Romance Praise for Ashlyn Macnamara “Ashlyn Macnamara is a born storyteller, weaving tales rich in angst, humor, and history as she treats readers to the steamier side of Regency. Her inventive prose has secured her a place on my auto-buy list, and her memorable characters have secured a place in my heart. Don’t forget to set your morning alarm, though . . . you’ll be reading far past your bedtime!”—New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jennifer McQuiston “Ashlyn Macnamara brings all the elegance and romance of the Regency to life.”—New York Times bestselling author Tessa Dare Includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.