Everyone loves to read about the decadently rich lives of English lords, especially a duke of the realm. Leave it to me to throw my handsome duke into his own kidnapping. Finding himself drugged, beaten, and nearly frozen to death? He is soon unrecognizable as the former ballroom-attending nobleman. Throw in a Scottish young woman whose only flaw was being related to the duke’s kidnapper and my 40th published book gives my readers an adventure to remember.
Borrowed clothing, a stolen horse, menial labor, an irritating Highland bull, and tussles with ruffians bent on threatening his life finds the duke in one situation after another. The duke would not have survived without an innocent young woman to share the danger and suspense. Throw in a treasure hunt and a blackmailed viscount and the story shows that growing up with a title is not always a guarantee of a pristine life. I had a heck of a lot of fun putting both of these characters in the worst of situations.
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About The Duke’s Diamond
Payton Hartwell, the Earl of Bellmeer, is on a quest to return signet rings to various less-than-noble men whom a dead man had blackmailed. Instead, he walks into his own kidnapping. Separated from his cousin and friend, and finding himself alone with his kidnapper’s Scottish stepsister, his travels take on a serious tone. Saving her from Viscount Manning’s despicable plans, as well as Payton’s possible murder, takes a turn during a costume ball.
Tara Scott cannot believe her stepbrother kidnapped a nobleman and tied him up in his country manor’s barn. She saves Payton from the bitter cold and starvation, then is punished by an irate Viscount Manning. When Payton helps her escape, they find themselves on a journey into Scotland that is filled with ruffians, a Highland bull, wild weather, and a sexual awakening that surprises them both. Back in England at a New Year’s ball and the second discovery of a huge blue diamond comes to a head when the viscount and his men attack. It will take Payton, Tara, and all his friends to thwart a man set on vengeance and treasure.
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Excerpt from The Earl’s Treasure
After Payton mingled and invited several young women to dance, Lord Hamilton appeared at his elbow. “Yer Grace, can we talk? In private?”
Nodding, they slipped down a hall and into his study. The room appeared tidy, as usual, since his steward kept things in order. He had no doubt his grandmother, Fanny, ruled the estate and the steward was too afraid to take a misstep.
“How might I assist you?” Payton poured two glasses of whiskey and passed one to him.
“My thanks, Your Grace. I wish to talk about your travels concerning…the treasure.”
Payton choked. Sputtering, he managed to swallow the dram of whiskey before glaring at his visitor. Before he could form a sentence, the door opened. Tara walked in.
“There ye be, Lord Hamilton. Yer friend is asking for ye.”
When Lord Hamilton started to leave, Payton grabbed his shoulder. “Wait. What do you know of the treasure?”
“Is this the treasure Fanny mentioned at dinner?” Tara quickly shut the door.
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About the Author
Nancy Lee Badger grew up in Huntington on New York’s Long Island. After attending Plymouth State, in New Hampshire, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree and met and married her college sweetheart. They raised two handsome sons in Rumney, New Hampshire while she dreamed of being a writer. When the children had left the nest, and shoveling snow became a chore, she retired from her satisfying job as a 911 Emergency Medical Dispatcher and moved to North Carolina, where she writes full-time.
Nancy is a member of Romance Writers of America, Heart of Carolina Romance Writers, Fantasy-Futuristic & Paranormal Romance Writers, and the Triangle Association of Freelancers. She finds story ideas in the most unusual places. Connect with her at Nancy@nancyleebadger.com and:
Nancy Lee Badger grew up in Huntington on New York’s Long Island, where school field trips to lofty museums were the norm. After attending Plymouth State, in New Hampshire, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education and met and married her college sweetheart. They raised two handsome sons in Rumney, New Hampshire, where Nancy volunteered as an EMT and firefighter while working full-time. When the children had left the nest, and shoveling show became a chore, she retired from her satisfying job as a 9-1-1 Emergency Medical Dispatcher and moved with her husband to North Carolina, where she writes full-time.