Title The Lyon’s Alliance: A Tale of Devotion, Betrayal, and Second Chances
Author Ruth A. Casie
Genre Historical Romance
Publisher Dragonblade Publishing
Book Blurb
In a world where alliances are everything, love becomes the most daring and unpredictable alliance of all.
In the heart of Regency London, amidst the glittering ballrooms and shadowy alleyways, a mystery unfolds that threatens to unravel the very fabric of high society. The intertwined fates of two men navigate a web of secrets, desire, and betrayal—all for the love of one woman.
Christina Hartfield, beset by her family’s recent financial woes and devoid of a dowry, assists Mrs. Dove-Lyon with her charity work. She finds herself caught between Viscount Wolfton, with his mercurial charm and mysterious past, who seeks to win her heart while hiding a wager with Mrs. Dove-Lyon that could ruin them both, and Richard St. John, steadfast and sincere, who battles his doubts as he strives to prove his worth and protect Christina from the shadows that lurk around them.
Inspired by a discussion with Richard, Christina develops an ambitious project for indigent children, which gains momentum, but whispers of embezzlement and scandal threaten to derail her efforts. The stakes are high, with reputations, fortunes, and hearts on the line. In a world where appearances can be deceiving, Christina must discern who she can truly trust.
Will the truth come to light before it’s too late? Can love triumph over deceit? Or will the shadows of the past destroy any chance of happiness?
In a tale where love and loyalty are tested, the final twist remains shrouded in secrecy, proving that in the game of hearts, the most profound alliances are often those least expected.
Excerpt
“Richard, how can I accompany Wolf knowing what he’s done to you?” Christina stood outside the carriage, her hand in Richard’s, the evening’s revelations heavily on her mind. “I don’t want to make a scene. I don’t want to be in tomorrow’s London Chronicle.”
“Of course, you don’t. You have a strong collection of allies at your side.”
As she stepped into the carriage, she was surprised to see Mrs. Dove-Lyon.
“Personally, I can’t wait for the event to be over, either.” Mrs. Dove-Lyon said.
Intense astonishment touched Christina’s face. “But I thought—”
“That you were attending in my stead. Have no fear. You are not alone. The three of us shall face this challenge together.” Her glance lingered on Christina. “Besides, I was looking forward to seeing you in that deep sapphire blue gown. Now, please sit down and let Richard in so we can be on our way.”
Christina took her seat. “I’m still not certain,” she said to Richard as he sat beside her.
“You can count on the alliance,” Richard said as he squeezed her hand. Christina settled into the carriage. The coach ride was somber. Everyone deep into their own thoughts, broken only by the rhythmic clatter of the horses’ hooves on the cobblestone streets. Richard and Mrs. Dove-Lyon were both comforting anchors amid the turmoil.
They arrived to the soft glow of lanterns illuminating the entrance. Guests milled about. Christina took a deep breath, steeling herself for the evening ahead. She, Mrs. Dove-Lyon, and Richard stepped out of the carriage.
An hour later, Christina had gone over the last items on her list with the Hazelton housekeeper and butler. With everything in good order, she stepped into the ballroom. The air was filled with laughter and music.
Christina stood in the ballroom. Her deep sapphire blue silk gown shimmered under the candlelight. Delicate silver embroidery formed an intricate pattern across the dress’s bodice that glittered with every movement. The gown had short, puffed sleeves and an elegant square neckline trimmed with delicate lace that accentuated her graceful collarbones. The skirt flowed softly to the floor. Tiny, twinkling crystals were subtly sewn throughout the skirt, adding a touch of sparkle when she walked. To complete her ensemble, Christina wore long white gloves and a simple yet exquisite diamond necklace that rested just above her neckline.
“You look exquisite. As always.”
The silken purr of Wolf’s voice made Christina pause. She gathered her thoughts and tilted her head to the right. Wolf sauntered in her direction. His eyes met hers, and for a fleeting moment, the air thickened with tension.
Christina’s gaze narrowed into icy hazel daggers that pierced through the layers of her carefully composed facade. The corners of her lips twitched, barely restraining a curl of contempt. The elegant sweep of her gown amplified her disdain as if the silk itself recoiled from Wolf. In that charged silence, Christina radiated a silent warning: You, Wolf, tread on treacherous ground.
Christina watched him approach with his confident stride, which had always intrigued her. But as his gaze locked onto hers, something shifted. His charming smile wavered, replaced by a flicker of uncertainty.
For a moment, he seemed to forget his practiced charm. His eyes widened, revealing a vulnerability Christina hadn’t seen before, and she smiled inwardly.
“What have I done to earn your wrath?” he asked.
He confirmed he had no idea that his secret had been found out.
The musicians played the opening strains of a waltz. As several gentlemen escorted their ladies to the center of the room, Wolf took her hand and brought her onto the dance floor.
He put his arms around her and drew her close. He had held her before, which had been a pleasant sensation, but now his touch felt foreign. As they began to swirl around the floor, she gazed across the ballroom, seeking out Richard. Finally, their eyes met in a silent exchange.
Amidst the room’s crystal chandeliers and silk-clad couples twirling, Christina’s resolve wavered. She was swept into the dance, her gloved hand resting on Wolf’s shoulder.
His charisma was undeniable—a tempest of charm and danger. His eyes held secrets, and his lips curved in a half-smile that promised pleasure and peril. Christina had vowed to expose him, to tear away the mask he wore. But as they glided across the polished floor, she wondered if she could.
“Christina,” Wolf murmured, his breath warm against her ear. “You’re a mystery wrapped in moonlight. You’re not like any of the others.”
His words shook her. She had expected defiance, perhaps even mockery. But this she didn’t anticipate. The rogue, who had wagered his vanity for her affections, now stood inches away, studying her as if she held the key to a forbidden treasure.
“What do you want?” she whispered, her voice barely audible above the music.
He twirled her, their bodies brushing, and for a heartbeat, she forgot her mission. The ballroom blurred, and it was just them—locked in a dance that defied reason.
“I want,” he said, his gaze unyielding, “to know what lies beneath your determination. Why do you fight so hard? Is it duty? Or is there something more?”
Christina’s heart raced. Duty—yes, that was part of it. But there was something else—an ache that defied logic. She had glimpsed vulnerability in Wolf’s eyes, a fracture in his armor, and she couldn’t help but wonder what secrets he carried.
“Tell me,” he urged, pulling her closer. “What do you desire? What tempest brews within you?”
Christina steadied herself, her resolve solidifying. “And you, Wolf? What is it that you truly want?” Her gaze was firm, challenging him to reveal his desires.
Wolf’s expression softened, the layers of the rogue peeling away to reveal the man. “Friendship,” he said softly in all honesty. “The thought of losing your friendship is most painful to me.”
Christina considered his words, the tension in her body easing. “I’m not certain we can be friends.”
Buy Links (including Goodreads and BookBub)
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJ5P61FK
🎉 Giveaway Alert! Celebrate the release of The Lyon's Alliance! 🎉
To mark the launch of my new release, The Lyon’s Alliance, I’m taking over the Dragonblade Reader’s Facebook Group for the day, and YOU’RE INVITED! Join me for a chance to win some amazing prizes that are sure to delight any book lover!
🌟 Grand Prize Includes:
A Ghirardelli Hot Chocolate Single Serving gift set to warm your tummy.
A signed copy of The Lyon's Gambit by me to warm your heart.
A variety of book swag to warm your reading nook.
📅 Date & Time: Wednesday, November 13 - All Day 📍
Where: The Dragonblade Reader’s Group Facebook page!
Don't miss out on the games, the fun, an opportunity to win some prizes, (did I mention games?) when we celebrate The Lyon's Alliance. See you there!
Author Biography
RUTH A. CASIE is a USA Today bestselling author. She writes historical adventures from the shores of medieval Scotland to the cobblestone streets of Regency London. Within the pages, you’ll discover ‘edge-of-your-seat’ suspense, mind-boggling drama, and heart-melting emotions featuring strong women and the men who deserve them. She currently has four historical series: The Druid Knight, The Stelton Legacy, and The Ladies of Sommer-by-the-Sea, and she participates in two connected worlds, The Lyon’s Den and The Pirates of Britannia. Her new series, Barrington’s Brigade, is scheduled to be released in January 2025.
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