Don’t miss Hildie McQueen’s new historical romance series set in the 1870s of brave women who traveled to the west to seek marriage and a better life. Be sure to check back tomorrow for the last Bride, Esther, and your next book adventure.
Lucille, A Lucky Bride was released on 3/14/17
Official Blurb: A beautiful woman arrives during the worst time of his life.
Lucille Ash travels west with her mistress expecting to continue a life of servitude. However, her entire existence changes upon arriving in Montana. No longer a maid, she is free to make choices about her future. One thing she’s certain of is that she will never choose the infuriating Tobias as her husband.
Through the haze of sorrow after losing his mother, Tobias Hamilton still notices the stunning new woman in town and decides to marry her. When he announces his intentions, the feisty woman swiftly rejects him. How to convince her of his true feelings when he is not sure himself?
Although transformation can happen, sometimes it takes more strength than one can ever imagine.
Excerpt from Lucille:
“Thinking about hanging yourself?” The amused voice was accompanied by musical laughter.
Lucille’s eyes sparkled with mirth when he turned to her. To keep from allowing a smile, he pressed his lips together. “Doesn’t sound like you’d mourn my death.”
“Hmm,” she replied noncommittally and neared the stall. “What, do tell, is the reason for you looking gloomier than usual?”
“Watching this mare with her offspring. She was restless until I let her come back inside.” He didn’t expect her to understand, but elaborated anyway. “Mothers, they provide love and support even after their offspring don’t need them to sustain life. This colt is old enough to do for itself.”
Lucille neared, bringing with her a soft floral scent, which he inhaled deep into his lungs. Reaching for the mare, she slid her hand over its mane. “Hey there, Lady. The mean man doesn’t understand you does he?”
“I am not mean. She will eventually have to be separated from…”
“Why? I think you should consider letting them stay together. What can it hurt?”
He let out a sigh and had to admit that he liked to spar verbally with her.
“I understand you are mourning, yet…” She looked to him for a moment. “Do you know how blessed you are to have had your mother for as many years as you did? The people in the house, what about them? You should relish your time with your siblings. Family is very important.”
Ire flowed wide and thick until Tobias couldn’t hold back. “If family is so important, then why did you come so far away from yours? Obviously, the support you could give and receive did not matter as much as whoever you left back east.”
Her eyes narrowed and, for a moment, he thought she’d slap him. When she focused on him there was mirth instead of anger. “You are an ignorant man. I came here with Aurora because she is the only family I have. Of course I would not leave if I had parents or siblings back home, which I have neither by the way.” She huffed, placing her hands on both hips and tapping one foot. “I came out here to find you for supper. Time to eat.”
“I owe you an apology. I should have thought before speaking.” Regret settled onto his chest demanding he make things right.
Lucille lifted a brow. “You owe me two apologies. One for the inexcusable marriage demand and another for assuming I gave no forethought before moving here.”
“I’m sorry, Lucille.” He considered reaching for her. Instead, he crossed and uncrossed his arms. “Please accept my apologies for both.”
“You need to consider how much you want something and then strive for it. Enjoy life, else you’re wasting air.”
“I have to say, you have quite a way with words.”
Lucille held up her right hand, palm away from him and waved him closer. “Lean forward.” He did as she asked, careful not to lean too close.
“Closer, lower, you’re quite tall.”
If the woman planned to slap him or break his nose with a punch, he’d allow it. However, one hit was his limit. After that, he’d stop her and leave.
She placed a hand on each side of his face and looked directly into his eyes. Tobias held his breath. It was the first time a woman had done this and he wasn’t sure what to think.
Lucille kept the eye contact. “If you wish to marry me, Tobias Hamilton, I suggest you decide if I’m really the woman for you. I will tell you this. I plan to marry and it will be to a man who both desires me and accepts me just the way I am.”
She pulled his face even closer and pressed her lips over his. The kiss lingered until he was just about to close his eyes. Then she abruptly moved back.
As if he were a child, she patted his left shoulder. “Think about it, Tobias. Supper should be ready shortly.”
The swish of her skirts and curvy figure kept his rapt attention until she walked out of sight. It was then he finally gulped in air.
Bio:
Bestselling author Hildie McQueen loves unusual situations and getting into interesting adventures, which is what her characters do as well. She writes romance because she is in love with love! Author of Romance in Highland historical, Western Historical and contemporary, she writes something every reader can enjoy.
Most days she can be found in her pajamas hiding from deliverymen while drinking tea from her David Gandy coffee mug. In the afternoons she browses the Internet for semi-nude men to post on Facebook.
Hildie’s favorite past-times are romance conventions, traveling, shopping and reading.
She resides in beautiful small town Georgia with her super-hero husband Kurt, an unruly boy Chihuahua Pepito and a spoiled rotten girl Chiweenie named Lola.
Visit HIldie McQueen’s website at www.hildiemcqueen.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HildieMcQueen
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HildieMcQueen
Instagram: @HildieWrites
