Fool's Paradise

Fool's Paradise
Tori Phillips

'TWAS NO LAUGHING MATTERWhen fleeing an odious arranged match, the Lady Elizabeth Hayward found herself under the protection of famed court jester Richard Tarleton. But even disguised as the fool's boy apprentice, there was no hiding the fact that she'd fallen hopelessly in love!Though Tarleton's ready wit had won him royal favor, his tongue was tied in the presence of the sweet-voiced Elizabeth - at least about things that truly mattered. For how could he offer the queen's own goddaughter a gift so lowly as his own foolish heart?MAGGIE AWARD WINNER March Madness - Don't miss these talented newcomers to the field of historical romance!

Table of Contents

Cover Page (#ua1e70444-95e4-570e-9fc2-9059a215fb1c)

Excerpt (#u21cef7e8-cdfa-554b-9527-0b903c91b3f2)

Dear Reader (#u659dee2e-4108-5d4c-8ad3-9ea28fa9b11f)

Title Page (#u4e591020-77bd-5cf9-b3fc-a9887ba99df4)

About the Author (#u234cdd32-2603-52ca-99b7-3a610c499005)

Dedication (#u2402b7fe-7520-5464-836c-e9b4c9b78439)

Chapter One (#u9e9f87eb-27ac-5268-a7cf-7df514e46812)

Chapter Two (#u15b2ddf1-2724-5b41-8072-d51cf064a3c5)

Chapter Three (#u8678e013-0121-5d23-8545-a9fde52ffe11)

Chapter Four (#uf0e66627-6d60-5820-94fe-215d472d7114)

Chapter Five (#ue0f11849-9a5f-535f-8fca-be93e7af00ed)

Chapter Six (#litres_trial_promo)

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)

Epilogue (#litres_trial_promo)

Author Note (#litres_trial_promo)

Copyright (#litres_trial_promo)

“You must forget yourself— completely forget. You are now a lusty lad,

“and you must learn to talk like one, and act like one, too.” Tarleton roared with laughter.

“I see you intend to enjoy yourself at my expense,” Elizabeth coolly observed. Her remark only brought forth fresh rounds of mirth.

“Aye, at your costly expense! Remember, there will be a matter of payment.” He grinned at her wickedly.

“When we get to court!” she reminded him.

“Aye, we shall get to court.” Tarleton regarded her gravely for a moment. “That I do promise you. And now, ‘tis time I work your transformation. Lady Elizabeth, be gone! And in her place you shall be…” His roguish gaze danced over her. “Robin! For you remind me of that bright little bird. Aye! That has a pleasing ring to it! Robin—the jester’s lad!”

Dear Reader,

When we ran our first March Madness promotion in 1992, we had no idea that we would get such a wonderful response. Our springtime showcase of brand-new authors has been so successful that we’ve continued to seek out talented new writers and introduce them into the field of historical romance. During our yearly search, my editors and I have the unique opportunity of reading hundreds of manuscripts from unpublished authors, and we’d like to take this time to thank all of you who have given us the chance to review your work.

This March, we are very pleased to be able to introduce you to author Tori Phillips with her Maggie Awardwinning story, Fool’s Paradise. This Elizabethan tale of a young noblewoman and the jester who becomes her protector is delightful, and we hope you enjoy it

And be sure to keep an eye out for our other three titles. The Pearl Stallion, the story of an adventurous voyage by Rae Muir. Warrior’s Deception by Diana Hall, a medieval tale about a marriage based on lies. And Western Rose by Lynna Banning, the story of a rancher and a schoolteacher who must work out their differences before they accept their love.

Four new talents, four great stories from Harlequin Historicals. Don’t miss a single one!

Sincerely,

Tracy Farrell

Senior Editor

Please address questions and book requests to:

Harlequin Reader Service

U.S.: 3010 Walden Ave., P.O. Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269