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    Rogues, Rakes & Jewels
    Rogues, Rakes & Jewels
    Rogues, Rakes & Jewels
    Ebook275 pages4 hours

    Rogues, Rakes & Jewels

    By Claudy Conn

    4/5

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    About this ebook

    The Marquis of Lyndhurst is tired of women who are more attracted to his title and money than to his charms. So when his mother requests that he go to the Isle of Wight to court another eligible woman, Ryker decides on a little game ... his cousin Robby will pose as him, and he will pose as his cousin—a rake and a gambler. If the woman falls in love with him, it will be for himself. Only then will he reveal who he is.

    What the marquis doesn’t expect, however, is someone like Jewelene. Lovely and provocative, intelligent and headstrong, Jewels cares not for status and wealth. Ryker finds her irresistible, and she finds herself falling for the handsome man she believes to be the marquis’ cousin.

    But Jewelene is playing a game of her own. In a daring bid to repay her family’s debts, each night she poses as Babette, the French card dealer. When Ryker begins flirting with the sultry Babette, Jewelene realizes she has become her own rival. If she reveals the truth, will her house of cards come tumbling down?

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherClaudy Conn
    Release dateJun 14, 2012
    ISBN9781476439235
    Rogues, Rakes & Jewels
    Author

    Claudy Conn

    New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Claudy Conn is a multi published author who got her start with her bestselling historical/regency romances.She tells us that she fell in love with the fantasy/paranormal genre and created a world of paranormal.She hopes you will read and enjoy and join her on her facebook where she loves to interact with her readers.page.http://www.facebook.com/pages/Claudy-Conn-Paranormal-Romance-Author/135826686471445

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    Reviews for Rogues, Rakes & Jewels

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    7 ratings1 review

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    • 4/5
      The Marquis of Lyndhurst (Ryker as his friends call him) is rich, handsome and charming. He's also wearied of the women his mother throws in his path hoping he'll catch one and settle down. His mother is at it again, wanting him to visit the children (i.e., Marriageable Daughter) of a deceased friend. So off he goes with the promise that this will be the last time. But he also has a plan to thwart his mother - switching places with his cousin. And then he meets the daughter. Jewelene is not a female grasping for money - or at least not by way of marriage.

      And so the story goes until the end but I don't know how to say more without giving away too much.


    Book preview

    Rogues, Rakes & Jewels - Claudy Conn

    Books by Claudy Conn

    available at smashwords.com

    Risqué Regencies

    Myriah Fire

    Oh, Cherry Ripe

    Rogues, Rakes & Jewels

    Taffeta & Hotspur

    Wildfire Kiss

    After the Storm

    Runaway Heart

    Lady Bess

    Lady Star

    Serena

    ~

    Witches, Warlocks, and Dark Magic

    Dark Love

    Netherby Halls

    Lady X

    ~

    Hungry Moon Series

    Hungry Moon: Quicksilver

    Hungry Moon: Destiny

    Hungry Moon: Jodi (coming in Aug)

    ~

    Legend Series

    Prince Prelude—Legend

    Spellbound—Legend

    Aaibhe—Shee Queen (Novelette)

    Shee Willow—Legend

    Prince in the Mist (Novella)

    Trapped—Legend

    Free Falling—Legend

    Catch & Hold—Legend

    ~

    Through Time Series (time travel)

    Through Time-Pursuit

    Through Time-Whiplash

    Through Time-Slamming

    Through Time-Frankie

    Through Time-Compulsion

    ~

    Shadow Series

    ShadowLove—Stalkers

    ShadowHeart—Slayer

    ShadowLife—Hybrid

    What reviewers are saying

    about Myriah Fire

    5 out of 5 stars

    Fanning the flames of Myriah Fire!

    What was once an innocent, if rollicking, regency romance has exploded with passion as Claudy Conn revisits Myriah Fire to turn up the heat.

    The addition of unbridled sexual passion to Myriah Fire’s strong story brings dimensions of maturity and depth to the struggles faced by Myriah and Kit, without diminishing any of the innocence, joy or charm found in the original story. This revised version of Myriah Fire allows Claudy’s regency followers to appreciate what her paranormal romance fans have discovered—mind-bending eroticism.

    A truly captivating tale with a blast of added sizzle, Myriah Fire will kindle the flames of your heart and burn up the night.

    ~ Vonnie Faroqui, Ink Slinger’s Whimsey

    Love, love, love Myriah Fire!

    It’s a brilliant, fast-paced, and ‘true to its title’, ‘going to catch you on fire’ romance. Looking forward to more! Hoping Claudy Conn plans to share more of her historical treasures with us.

    ~ Candice Stauffer, author

    Myriah has always been my favorite

    This is a sweet, funny, charming romance. The characters are likeable and the story is well told. I loved all of the Claudette Williams (now Claudy Conn) books, but this one has always been my favorite. I hope she will put out more of her backlist.

    ~ lmjolicoeur on Smashwords

    Rave reviews for Oh, Cherry Ripe

    Five stars—A true keeper!

    Had me hooked from the first page. Beautifully written with a clever plot. For lovers of steamy hot regency romanance this it a true keeper!

    ~ Renee on Amazon

    Five stars—delicious

    If you love sexy fun regencies, this one will keep you on the edge of your seat. You will love Cherry who just can't accept the 'rule' of her day.

    ~ Parareader on Amazon

    Great story, good writing, and a novel that is sure to please

    A delightful, fun, sexy Regency romance with all the earmarks of good fiction writing and a story that will engage the imagination from beginning to the end. The author deals with the often repeated scenario where parents/guardians make marriage contracts for their daughters/wards without any consideration for their feelings. The heroine here made her own arrangements and was living life her own way. Great story, good writing, and a novel that is sure to please.

    ~ DrJ on Smashwords

    Praise for Claudy’s paranormal romances

    ShadowLove—Stalkers is hot, Hot, HOT

    ShadowLove—Stalkers is filled with steaming action and dramatic tension … Claudy delicately plants the seeds for future development and characters without distracting from the excitement and romance of Stalkers. The result is that she has a paranormal, vampire series, of romance novels, which carries her own unique and spicy aroma.

    ShadowLove—Stalkers is hot, Hot, HOT … and yes, I am blushing.

    ~ Vonnie Faroqui, Ink Slinger’s Whimsey

    Five Cups and a CTTR (Coffee Time Reviewer’s Recommend) Award

    ShadowLove—Stalkers is a story that immediately hooks the reader. It reminds me of a roller coaster just beginning, only to plunge into speed, drawing the reader into non-stop action. Intense and spellbinding, this paranormal romance kept this reader engrossed until the conclusion. I loved the passion and chemistry between the main characters. With tremendous action and well thought out characters, this fantastic read sizzles and sparks like a firecracker.

    ~ Coffee Time Romance & More

    Trapped Legend has my pulse skyrocketing!

    A clever, fast paced, unpredictable blend of action, adventure, mystery, magic and steamy hot loving … I picked it up and couldn't tear myself away from it until I read the last page.

    I highly recommend each book in Claudy's Legend series. You're seriously missing out on some wonderful adventures if you haven't read the previous stories. It's by far one of the most exceptionally crafted, enchanting Fae series I've ever read.

    ~ Candice Stauffer, author

    Five Stars for ShadowHeart—Slayer

    This second in Conn’s Shadow series is filled with vampires, a vampire slayer, demons, wizards, a Fae prince and an unlikely romance. Claudy Conn does an excellent job of making this a standalone story while incorporating some of the characters from the first book and introducing us to several new characters. The war is still brewing and now the fae are becoming involved. Can’t wait for the next book in the series.

    This is another one I couldn’t put down and read in a single sitting. I got so caught up in the action I was sad to see it end. Fans of the paranormal romance, urban fantasy and vampire genres should enjoy this as well.

    ~ Wild About Bones on GoodReads

    One hot and thrilling book

    I fell for all three of the main characters, fun loving Maxie, dark and brooding Julian, and one hot Fae, Breslyn. However, it wasn’t just the characters that kept me on the edge of my seat, it was the entire involved plot that included jealously, betrayal, magic, murder, and, of course, hot passion … The well-written out mixture of myth and legend, not to mention the characters, all in today’s world has me Joyfully Recommending Spellbound—Legend as one book you won’t want to miss.

    ~ Jo, Joyfully Reviewed

    Rogues, Rakes & Jewels

    By

    Claudy Conn

    Copyright Page

    Rogues, Rakes & Jewels

    By Claudy Conn

    http://www.claudyconn.com

    Copyright © 2014 by Claudy Conn

    Edited by: Karen Babcock

    Cover Artist: Kendra Egert

    All rights reserved

    Smashwords editions

    First edition, June 2012

    Second edition, July 2014

    Excerpt of Serena

    Copyright © 2014 by Claudy Conn

    Excerpt of Oh, Cherry Ripe

    Copyright © 2012 by Claudy Conn

    Excerpt of Prince Prelude—Legend

    Copyright © 2013 by Claudy Conn

    Excerpt of ShadowLife—Hybrid

    Copyright © 2012 by Claudy Conn

    This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

    Names, characters, and events depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, places, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author.

    ~ One ~

    SOMEONE TOLD ME once that the road to hell was paved with good intentions. Fiend seize me if I am not just about to cut such a path! grumbled the Marquis Ryker of Lyndhurst, kicking a well-appointed stool for emphasis.

    His cousin, the Honorable Oscar Robendale, gave him a rather blank stare and reached for his glass of sherry. He dared not question the volatile marquis when he was in such a mood.

    She has tricked me again—bless her, Robby. She is the best of good mothers, but damn if I can take much more of this. I’d swear there is none sweeter or finer in all Albion, but … but … He seethed, searching for a proper description of his present opinion of his only surviving parent.

    Wants you neatly married—wants grandchildren, only natural you know, offered his cousin unwisely.

    Married—aye, she wants that! said his lordship dryly. He moved to the great marble fireplace and placed his elbow on the mantle, touched his thumb and knuckle to his mouth, and lost himself in thought. His mother had presented him with yet another challenge—one that he had taken up only to find it irritating beyond endurance.

    The Honorable Oscar Robendale fell into studied quiet as he stared at the back of the marquis’ ginger-colored locks, but then he ventured a question. Why so hot about it? After all, it isn’t the first time.

    Because I have had it, old boy—I have just had it. This time, she wants me to travel to the Isle of Wight of all places. Can you believe it?

    Robby shook his head. No … damn silly place to go.

    Aye … but that is where we are going.

    We? I’m not courting anyone. I don’t have to go—not going. He shook his head emphatically. Isle of Wight? Cuz, love you and all … but … there is just so much a man must do in the name of friendship and family.

    The marquis ignored this and said, She thinks that because I am about to turn thirty I am in my dotage and plagues me more than ever. What? Does she think I am about to dive into senility?

    No, no, dear boy. Don’t think m’aunt had senility in mind—really, old fellow, his cousin stuck in hastily. Told you, wants grandchildren … you being the heir … stands to reason, don’t it?

    "Yes, and she shall get them when I am ready!" the marquis snapped.

    The thing is, you will be thirty inside of three months …

    And what does that signify?

    Might not be so easy, as you get older. Look at Foster—he got married at forty and couldn’t have a one … not one brat did he have. And then there was Merriweather--although you are the very broth of a man, fitter than most …

    Thank you, Robby … The Marquis sighed. But as it happens, I have agreed to her scheme, because I have a scheme of my own that will see us through a day or two, and then we will be able to make our way back to London.

    Really? Robby’s hazel eyes widened. How will you explain that to your mother?

    Won’t have to—we will do as she asked, get through a few days, and be off.

    Robby sighed. Time you should tie the knot though … owe it to the name.

    The devil you say. Tie the knot, indeed. Noddy! How you came to be in the family is beyond me …

    Shouldn’t be—thought you understood. Your mother and mine are first cousins—that makes us …

    The marquis eyed him for a long moment before he burst out laughing and patted his shoulder affectionately. Never mind, cuz … we’ll do, you and I.

    Will we?

    Yes, for, as I said, I have a plan.

    Do you? Well, you were ever a knowing one, Ryker ole’ man.

    Here is the thing—Mama expects me to travel to the Isle of Wight to introduce myself to this little country child, and I have agreed to do so.

    Upon my soul—seems an odd thing to do, go to the Isle of Wight. I mean, plenty of chits to meet right here in London.

    To appease the old dear, I have accepted, so we shall. We’ll do the polite and get the devil out of there as soon as we may.

    We’ll go? What do you mean, we’ll go?

    You will enjoy yourself immensely.

    No, I won’t. Robby was frowning darkly.

    There is, I think, a gaming house …

    Robby brightened. Never say so … well, upon my word—perhaps it won’t be too bad then. At least I don’t have to court any young thing …

    ~ Two ~

    HENSHAW HOUSE WAS situated at the top of a clear knoll. Only scattered elms and pines broke the starkness of the landscape surrounding its Tudor lines. What had once been a magnificently maintained park was now being allowed to run to weeds, for its present inhabitants had not a penny to their name.

    However, young Sir James and his sister, Jewelene Henshaw, were optimists at heart. They never allowed the shabbiness of the home they loved to weigh them down for more than a moment or two, and both worked toward reviving its previous glory.

    Sir James, who was eighteen months younger than his twenty-one-year-old sister, had some time back hatched up a scheme, a scheme the orphans thought would serve to save their home.

    They sat dressed in shabby buckskin jackets and breeches upon the fence line and watched as their old groom, Jonas, led a magnificent black Arabian stallion toward them.

    I say, Jewel … he’ll do! exclaimed Sir James, thwacking his knee for emphasis.

    Jewelene brushed her long, honey-gold hair away from her eyes and cooed to the horse. The stallion flicked his ears and nodded his head, which made her brother laugh. Look at that … he knows us!

    He should—after all the training we’ve given him, she replied with a smile.

    Aye, that’s the truth, he agreed.

    She glanced wistfully above his curly, light brown hair. If only we can get a win at Derby … oh imagine, Jimmy, just imagine how much we could make with Lightning as a breeder …

    Aye, trouble is, he is ready, but we ain’t. Face it, Jewel … we still don’t have the blunt it takes to meet the entrance fee.

    We shall. If I have to marry that wretched creature Omsbury to get it—

    I’d sell my soul before I’d let you marry that devil. What a rum touch that one is! Jimmy shouted, his face taking on a reddish color.

    She laughed and touched his hand. I didn’t mean it, Jimmy … I don’t think I could, for it would mean I would have to … you know … go to bed with the bloke, and I think I would have to kill myself before I could do that.

    Aye, said Jimmy, nodding his head vigorously.

    Jimmy! His sister laughed and then sighed. However, he did tell me he would send you off to Cambridge and pay for the entire thing if I married him. He would restore Henshaw House, and that would make you independent again. It is tempting, you know …

    You loathe the ground he walks upon … I loathe the ground he might ever walk upon!

    She giggled. Oh Jimmy … it is the truth … She sighed. I’ll just have to find a way to get the entrance fee—there has to be a way …

    Sir James looked up at the sky and the sun’s position. They had already disregarded his aunt’s wishes. She had explicitly told him to bring his sister home in time to change before the Marquis of Lyndhurst’s arrival. He shot his sister a quizzical look. Lord, girl, you look a sight. Aunt will go into convulsions if you should walk in on the marquis looking like that.

    Oh pooh. Besides, he will probably be late. All high and mighty lords of London arrive late. What does he want with a poor country bumpkin lass like me? She batted her eyelashes.

    He laughed. "You know, even a brother can see that you are a beauty, Jewels … and the marquis’ mother was a sweet woman. We liked her, in fact, so maybe he isn’t so bad?"

    Yes, I suppose. Jewelene sighed and then asked him sadly, Do you miss them terribly, Jimmy? Mother and Father?

    Yes, he said, looking away and into the distance as though recalling them in a childhood event.

    Sometimes … it is unbearable … so hard …

    He nudged her shoulder. Give over, girl. Won’t help. It has been two years since their accident. Come on then—we have to get back.

    ~ Three ~

    A DARK COACH BEARING the crest of Lyndhurst, together with its horses, luggage, and riding mounts, reposed aboard a schooner in the harbor of Portsmouth. The marquis and his companion, the Honorable Oscar Robendale, stood at the bow, leaning on their elbows and staring into the dark blue water in the harbor. Their capes were flapping in the wind, as was their hair beneath their top hats.

    Don’t know how you convinced me to do this, grumbled Robby, though he wore a smile as the sea wind caressed his face.

    Ryker laughed. Give over and admit it, you devil … you are having a splendid time. I let you beat me two rubbers at piquet, didn’t I? And you love the salt air!

    Robby cast him a sharp look and then said enthusiastically, Here we go—Rye, we are off!

    Aye, Ryker said with a sigh. Devil take it … so we are. Lord, I wish I could get out of this. The notion of having another cloying chit trying to interest me in her when all she wants is m’title and m’fortune …

    Aye, but can’t get out of it now, returned his cousin practically.

    It is just that I hate being fawned over.

    I should think you would be used to it by now. Robby shrugged. Besides, she might take you in dislike and not dangle after you at all.

    She wouldn’t care if I were the devil himself. She won’t take the time to know me. She will be interested only in what my fortune and position can do for her.

    Cynical …

    But true.

    You can’t know that. I’d wager that she might like you even if you were in my position as a second son with only a respectable living. Why, deuce take it, Rye … look at you! Damned good looking chap …

    The marquis’s eyes narrowed as his thoughts began to formulate. He put a gloved fist to his lips and said, Robby … I have an idea … and a wager to offer.

    "Oh no …"

    Aye, now do but listen—

    No, it will get me into trouble, Robby said, putting his gloved hands to his ears.

    We are going to play a game and have a wager.

    Ah, a wager, eh? What kind of a wager? he made the mistake of asking.

    I am going to masquerade as you, and you will be me—let’s see who the chit wants.

    Don’t like it … we don’t even look like one another. For one thing … you have at least six inches on me.

    No one there has ever seen us … so that doesn’t signify.

    Yes, but … why? I tell you what—sit down, old boy … rest … all this has gone to your head …

    No, no, Robby. This will liven up our stay. They want to marry off their country bumpkin to a rich marquis. We will trade places. I will put up my hunter as the wager. I say the Henshaw chit will try and marry you in spite of your inability to turn a flattering line and in spite of your disinterest. I will flirt outrageously with her … attempt to gain her attention, and she still will put out her hooks for you—simply for your name and your money …

    You are daft, Ryker … daft!

    Perhaps … is it a bet?

    What if I slip up with the name?

    I’ll just keep m’given name, and you will keep yours. I will continue to call you Robby, not Oscar, so no one will be the wiser. The Marquis eyed him. Is it a bet?

    Robby looked at him with a quizzical eye and shook his head. I don’t like it, but, aye, it is a wager.

    * * *

    At the Henshaw house, Mrs. Debbs, the late Mrs. Henshaw’s sister, paced about the parlor. Her lavender silks rustled about her short, plump figure as she moved about deep in thought.

    She glanced at her daughter sitting serenely with her embroidery and let out an exasperated sigh. My word, Elizabeth, I should think you would at least show some interest.

    Her daughter raised soft brown eyes. She was a slender girl, quietly pretty, whose gentleness had won a warm welcome in the Henshaw household. However, her more erratic though capable mama was wont to see this characteristic as a fault. Mrs. Dora Debbs had come to Henshaw House with her only child two years ago, after the Henshaws’ tragic accident. She had always been close to both her sister and brother-in-law, and their deaths had been a terrible blow. She loved her sister’s children and wished to help them in any way she could, but alas, a poor widow herself, she was not in any better straits financially to do more than offer a caring and much appreciated hand in the running of a severely understaffed estate.

    Interest in what, Mama?

    Faith, child—I have told you the Marquis of Lyndhurst will be arriving soon, and just look at you … could you not find a brighter, prettier gown? I do so dislike this dove color you seem to prefer.

    "Mama, my gown is both serviceable and pretty. What

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