One Bashful Lady, by Brenda Williamson

Desmond Rawlington, Marquess of Dunsmore and seductive charmer, needs a Delacorte sister as a wife. When the eldest elopes, Desmond marries Ainsley only to find himself falling in love with the enchanting young woman, despite her quirky habit of hiding behind draperies.

Lady Ainsley Delacorte, the shyest person anyone has ever met, is nervous around servants, overwhelmed by the ton and forced into marriage. Her reluctance fades with her husband’s sinfully romantic touch, but she can’t forget he’s involved in a traitorous plot to return Napoleon to power.

When Ainsley is caught with an incriminating letter she stole from her husband, Desmond intervenes. Will they face the gallows or can love save them?

Excerpt

Desmond wasn't sure why he wanted her to like him. The marriage plans were for him to gain acceptance by the Prince Regent.

Ainsley moved closer. The scent of her surrounded him. As he watched her overcome fears, her attraction to him became apparent. Her mouth closed in on his and he shut his eyes, wishing with all his soul to have the cautious little snail came out of her shell.

"I've heard a kiss would make a hurt feel better." She brushed her lips against his.

He had awoken something in her. She kissed lightly, like a butterfly perches on the most delicate flower.

"M'lord, you won't have to duel with anyone. You have been the only one to kiss me. Teach me how to kiss you."

He could have died with her endearing words. Cocking his head, he slanted his mouth over hers. The flavor of her breath charged into him, and for the first time, she participated in the art of kissing.

"Ainsley," he spoke softly and cupped her cheek. "You already know how to kiss me."

She lowered her lashes while offering her smile.

He pulled her back for another taste. This time her tongue slid into his mouth. He gave her free reign to explore to her heart's content and it made him want her with a greater urgency than before.

Desmond kissed her face, down her neck to her shoulder. He tugged the gown over the edge and nibbled her dainty shoulder.

"M'lord?"

Did she think he'd stop when they were this close to consummating their relationship? His blood pulsed through his veins, thumping in his chest as if his heart were to explode. His need to free her of clothing became critical.

"M'lord?" She tried getting away.

"Don't be afraid." He held her tighter while fighting the pain in his body and ignoring the pounding in his head.

"But, m'lord, it's…" She turned her face away.

"Call me Desmond," he urged as he nibbled at her ear.

The drumming vibrations continued and he soon realized his body wasn't making the sounds. Someone hammered on the dressing-room door and his gaze followed Ainsley's.

Reviews

The intrigue, suspense and great love scenes make this one a must read for fans of Historical Romance.

...Maura Frankman, The Romance Studio

...the sensuous play between Desmond and Ainsley are scorching enough to burn off the page...and enough intrigue and suspense to retain the readers' attention...

... J.T., Romance Junkies

...an intriguing tale. Ainsley is a complex woman, shy and retiring in most company and yet she comes to life in Desmond’s arms. Each love scene is more passionate than the one before it. The plot to restore Napoleon kept me engaged and added spice to the story. The villains are those you just love to hate and wish for their comeuppance. Well written and engaging, One Bashful Lady is a story I heartily recommend

... Tara Renee, Two Lips Reviews

...this author wrote one darn "Great"...story. I loved Ainsley, she is a woman after my own heart. I have always been shy and to read about her and her troubles, was very refreshing, instead of always reading about women that are always posed and perfect. To me that made this story so much more realistic... I look forward to more from this author.

...Nicole, My Book Cravings

Ainsley runs from her problems, never understanding that she can stand up for herself. Desmond just wants to get his task accomplished, never thinking he would fall in love with his new bride. The passion they share is sizzling. It is even better since they are not expecting it to happen. Ms. Williamson put a passion to the page that exploded and left me fanning my face.

...Krista, Coffee Time Romance Reviews

One Bashful Lady pens two refreshing characters at a rough point in their life, where it appears all they are doing is trying to survive. Their emotions really charge through the pages, allowing the reader to grasp hold of their heartaches and confusions. ... If any two people needed to find a happy medium, it was Ainsley and Desmond. I liked the way Ms. Williamson depicts the rage, the love, and how far people will go even to sell their daughter, to keep them in a favorable light. She strikes a passion with Ainsley and Desmond that slowly builds until it explodes. From the complicated lies that continue to befall Desmond to the in-depth secondary characters, this is an intriguing read.

... Linda L. , Fallen Angel Reviews

...Chuckling through a lot of Ainsley’s quirks, I found her to be totally charming and one of the most likeable heroines I’ve read lately…Desmond, was much more complex and moody… But, oh my, what a wonderful lover he was….I loved the quick pace, the totally enchanting heroine and beautifully described sensual love scenes. Big thumbs up for this recommended read.

...Marilyn Rondeau, Ck2s Kwips & Kritiques