Defying The Earl

Defying The Earl
Anabelle Bryant

Game…Matchmaker Wilhelmina Montgomery helps cupid’s arrow find its mark in the drawing rooms of the Ton, effortlessly pairing even the most unlikely couples for a discreet fee. Perhaps not an appropriate pursuit for a lady…but with an ailing sister to care for, it’s Whimsy’s only hope at securing their future.Set…Meanwhile, penniless aristocrat Valerian St. David, Earl of Dashwood is society’s favourite matchbreaker; assisting those who want to escape engagement without being sued for breach of promise. Cynical, yes…but with no intention of falling in love himself, Valerian considers himself ideally suited to the role.…And match!When Whimsy discovers that Valerian has set out to break the very engagement she has been painstakingly arranging, she refuses to allow this mysterious saboteur have his way. Yet she didn’t expect to find the handsome Earl so distractingly alluring. And suddenly, it seems that the Ton’s last two loneliest hearts are in danger of meeting their match… in the most inopportune of places.Fans of Regency romance will adore Anabelle Bryant’s Regency Charms series:1. Defying the Earl2. Undone by His Kiss3. Society’s Most Scandalous Viscount4. His Forbidden DebutantePraise for Anabelle Bryant:'Anabelle Bryant’s books just keep getting better! Duke of Darkness is the epitome of what a romance novel should be – sexy, steamy and heart wrenching.' -Elder Park Book Reviews' storytelling rivals any established author in the market' 5* for 'To Love a Wicked Scoundrel' from historicalromancelover.blogspot.co.uk'This book was sweet, enjoyable, and absolutely fantastic. Romance lovers, this is a must read book.' - 5* from Farah (Goodreads) for 'To Love a Wicked Scoundrel'

Game…

Matchmaker Wilhelmina Montgomery helps cupid’s arrow find its mark in the drawing rooms of the Ton, effortlessly pairing even the most unlikely couples for a discreet fee. Perhaps not an appropriate pursuit for a lady…but with an ailing sister to care for, it’s Whimsy’s only hope at securing their future.

Set…

Meanwhile, penniless aristocrat Valerian St. David, Earl of Dashwood is society’s favourite matchbreaker; assisting those who want to escape engagement without being sued for breach of promise. Cynical, yes…but with no intention of falling in love himself, Valerian considers himself ideally suited to the role.

And match!

When Whimsy discovers that Valerian has set out to break the very engagement she has been painstakingly arranging, she refuses to allow this mysterious saboteur have his way. Yet she didn’t expect to find the handsome Earl so distractingly alluring. And suddenly, it seems that the Ton’s last two loneliest hearts are in danger of finding their match…in the most inopportune of places.

Also by Anabelle Bryant (#ulink_38ee55ea-19a4-57ef-8073-73714b16742d)

To Love a Wicked Scoundrel

Duke of Darkness

The Midnight Rake

Defying the Earl

Regency Charms

Anabelle Bryant

www.CarinaUK.com (http://www.CarinaUK.com)

With sincere thanks and gratitude to my brilliant editor, Clio Cornish, for her unending encouragement and effervescent support. How lovely to know you share my vision.

To the entire Carina team for their dedication and hopelessly romantic cover creations and to Harlequin/HarperCollins for allowing me the opportunity to realize a dream with every novel.

This book is dedicated to my Aunt Maryann, who has politely listened to me rattle on about hopes, dreams, wishes, and concerns, even when she might have preferred to press mute, and who has always offered the most sincere advice in return.

And to my readers and friends; the start of a new series is thrilling and your genuine enthusiasm has been contagious. You have my heartfelt gratitude for reading and believing in me.

May all your days be charmed.

Contents

Cover (#u4301e44c-2be5-5f34-b01b-f14873467b12)

Blurb (#uc85cba88-07c1-532b-a6d1-1ee011f7ee7e)

Book List (#u9eb2d8cf-a042-5aba-8b01-26ad43cc2ff6)

Title Page (#ud093bbe3-893a-58c2-a506-f129c64b092c)

Acknowledgements (#udab231b2-89e7-5a06-9fdd-a8856bd6c24b)

Dedication (#ud97ffc17-79b0-50bd-8926-cb8901cdbde6)

Chapter One (#uf312dcec-5906-5cda-a720-0a9c8ca55e24)

Chapter Two (#u623409cc-1429-5b47-a588-d66d581d6746)

Chapter Three (#uec690ab2-5b14-57f8-8638-e4a68279f71e)

Chapter Four (#ubaedbec0-4857-59a1-b78d-d5068d4dedc0)

Chapter Five (#uee8528dd-f66f-5f43-8d87-c129cecf0245)

Chapter Six (#u6db9d89e-746b-5571-b73c-aed7e9b7f40f)

Chapter Seven (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Eight (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Nine (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Ten (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Eleven (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twelve (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Thirteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Fourteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Fifteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Sixteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Seventeen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Eighteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Nineteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twenty (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twenty-One (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twenty-Two (#litres_trial_promo)