Maggie Blackbird

Book Hooks is a weekly meme hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog. Readers have the chance to jump from one author to another who share hooks from their current WIP (work in progress) or any previously published book.

For this week’s edition of Book Hooks, I give you a teaser from my upcoming release His Proposition, coming your way on Friday, August 12, 2022.

Her biggest dream’s offered on a platter, but the clincher is, she has to marry a perfect stranger.

Blurb:  When her employer offers the no-nonsense Shannon Nadjiwon the position of chauffeuring Séamus Daugherty, she jumps at the chance.  To work for one of Toronto’s most powerful families means she can make her biggest dream of owning a fleet of limos come true, something her female relations tooling away at her Ojibway community want badly for her, and she won’t let them down.

His reckless need for speed cost Séamus Daugherty his license. If he doesn’t marry, as demanded by his overbearing father, he will not only lose his lucrative job with the family business —the only positive aspect in Séamus’ gilded cage life—but everything Daugherty.

The unpretentious and gorgeous Shannon will make the perfect bride, and Séamus is ready to strike a deal with her.  One that will ensure he keeps everything he holds dear if she puts a wedding ring on her finger. However, they face three big obstacles: His family, her family, and a marriage neither truly wants, leaving both wondering if the sizzling sexual chemistry and cozy rapport they share is enough to grasp a happily ever after.

Genre(s): Interracial Romance, Contemporary Romance, Billionaire Romance
Heat Rating: Level 3
Publication Date: August 12, 2022
Publisher: eXtasy Books

“I think we have a lot more in common than what you’re presuming.” Séamus finally lifted his fork and dug into his salad. He munched on the greens first, wiped his mouth, and then reached for his cider. Once he’d sipped, he kept hold of the glass. “We both have goals. And we’ll do anything to reach them.”

“Not…anything.” Shannon fisted her fingers beneath the table. “My parents raised me to abide by the Seven Grandfathers’ teachings. I have my limits.”

“The—what?” He blinked.

“In our culture, we have seven teachings we follow that come from our ancestral grandfathers. They were given to us so we could survive as a community. We are governed by the circle. Everyone has their place and what they contribute so we can flourish.”

He clasped his hands together. “How interesting and true. It’s how we function as a society, is it not? Someone to market, and someone who drives the person to work so he can do his job. As I said, we have more in common than you’ll admit.”

“True. My role is your driver. Your job is to market the business to potential customers.” The stupid heat was back on her face. Why had he answered the way he had? It was as if he understood.

He moved his finger in a circle. “My best friend is our data analyst. His duties are to ensure our performance as a company meets the objectives of the board.”

“So he analyzes your marketing plan?”

“My plan is based on the objectives of the board, who base their objectives on our bottom line. We always want to be in the black.”

“Everything you do is based on how much money you can make?”

“Of course. Isn’t this why your boss is in business? To make money? Isn’t this why you want to own your own business? To make money?”

Shannon kept squeezing her fingers. “It’s more than making money.”

“You’re referring to the circle again. Hmm.” He tapped his finger against his U-shaped chin.

“Finding employment on the rez isn’t easy.” Shannon pushed her plate away. So much for eating. “We had to come here if we wanted good jobs. My mother didn’t want me growing up the way she did. She wanted me to reach my dreams.”

“Is this more about your mother then?” His voice had dropped to almost a whisper.

“She always encouraged me to make something of myself. Maybe she didn’t want me to end up like her.”

“And how did she end up?”

“Cooking at the local restaurant. Raising kids. Playing bingo in the evening.” Shannon shrugged. “She said there’s a big world out there, and she told me to see it before I thought of settling down.”

“What if I could help you then? See this world? Reach your dreams? Everything your mother wants for you?” He sat back and folded his arms, but his gaze remained assessing.

“How could you help me?” And did she want his help?

“By marrying me.” His words were evenly spoken in a hushed tone, as if his shoulders were bunched over, although he remained straight in his seat.

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