A Rake for Christmas. Ann Lethbridge

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      England, 1813

      After years of struggling against her wicked desires, Lady Eugenie Hardwick is being driven wild by the sounds of unrestrained passion coming from her neighbor’s bedroom. The thought of Lord Richard Townsend, a notorious rake, sets her body quivering with need—even though she’s never yet seen his face.

      When they finally meet in person on Christmas Eve, it only takes one masterful kiss to unleash Eugenie’s inner temptress for a night of sensual pleasure with the devilish lord. But Eugenie must ensure their holiday affair remains a secret so she doesn’t get ruined—again….

      Dear Reader

      It is not often that I can point to one specific thing as an inspiration for a story, but in this case my visit to Keates’ house, on the edge of Hampstead Heath opened the floodgates for the setting of the story. For two years, 1818 to 1820 Keates lived in the one side of Wentworth Place. On the other side lived the girl who proved to be the love of his life Fanny Brawne. It was here he wrote some of his most memorable poetry. Keats died of tuberculosis in Italy and virtually alone at the age of twenty-five. Fanny went on to marry and have a family. She never forgot the love of her life, however.

      At the time of my visit, I couldn’t help wondering what it must have been like for the couple to have been separated only by the walls dividing their house. For some reason, the thought came back to me when beginning Richard and Eugenie’s story. While this couple is nothing like the poet and Fanny, it felt good that the house inspired a happy ending.

      If you want to know more about me and my books, join me at my website at http://www.annlethbridge.com. Feel free to contact me at any time at [email protected]. I love to hear from readers. On Facebook find me at AnnLethbridgeAuthor

      I plotted this book at the gym, while working with an amazing weight trainer, Helen. I dedicate this book to her for her patience in listening to me babble on, and for her laughter and for her moments of utter shock. I think she had just as much fun with the plot of this story as I did.

      Contents

      Chapter One

      Chapter Two

      Chapter Three

      Chapter Four

       About the Author