As you probably know, the second book in the Beau Monde Secrets series will release November 21. You’ll be hearing more about the release as we get closer to the date, but for now, here’s a short excerpt from the first chapter:

“But who will you give the house to, Uncle William?” Augustus asked.

George glanced nervously at Augustus and Benedict. Benedict stared at Uncle William, his mouth agape. Augustus leaned forward in his chair, patently eager to hear the answer to his question. George knew he was being profoundly unfair to the two brothers, but he could not stomach the idea of one of them living in Dogwood Cottage. Would they even appreciate the charm of the house or the beauty of its gardens?

George knew better than to consider himself a likely prospect, given how often Uncle William had labelled him “shiftless” or “irresponsible.” But Vincent would be a far worthier heir than either of his other cousins.  

“Well now, it’s not entirely up to me who will win the cottage.” Uncle William smiled slyly.

Win? That was a rather odd choice of words. George narrowed his eyes. “Is this some kind of contest, Uncle William? How fun that would be!” Or, rather, how strange. But Uncle William did sometimes take odd crotchets.

Uncle William leaned back in his chair and rested his hands on his comfortably round belly. All of his grumpiness disappeared, replaced by a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. “I suppose it is a contest, in a manner of speaking. One might even call it a race.”

George waited for his uncle to explain himself, but Uncle William seemed determined to milk all the suspense possible out of the situation. He beamed at his four nephews, waiting for them to beg for more information. He was plainly enjoying himself.

Benedict finally asked the question they were all wondering. “What kind of race? A footrace? A horse race?”

Uncle William chuckled. “Not exactly. You see, the fact of the matter is, I plan to leave the cottage to whichever one of you boys is the first to marry.”

If you like closed door romance with a pinch of mystery, check out Discovery at Dogwood Cottage! It will be available on Kindle Unlimited.