Maggie Blackbird

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

For this week’s edition of Book Hooks, I give you a teaser from His Proposition, a marriage-of-convenience, contemporary romance that is now 50% off at Extasy Books.

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

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 lose not only 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 create a happily ever after.

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

PURCHASE A COPY AT EXTASY BOOKS AT 50% OFF

Meeting the mother-in-law:

“It’s nice the family has many heirlooms.” Shannon tapped her spoon against the egg’s shell.

“I guess it is,” Mrs. Daugherty murmured. “Can you tell me a bit about you? I’m aware my husband contracted you to drive my son.”

“Yes, he did. My boss… well, my former boss asked me if I’d like the position.” Shannon set the eggshell on the provided plate. She dipped her spoon and spread a portion of the runny yoke and egg white across her toast.

“You wanted the position to drive my son?” Finally, warmth shone in Mrs. Daugherty’s eyes.

This was strange for Shannon to find herself talking, when her preference was to keep silent or reply with perfunctory cheerful answers among the rich or famous. But she’d keep reminding herself she belonged here as much as anyone else in the household. “I’ve worked as a driver since I moved to Toronto. Taking on such a job is seen as an excellent opportunity.”

“An opportunity for what, if you don’t mind my asking.” Mrs. Daugherty knitted her black brows.

A warning siren went off in Shannon’s brain. If she divulged her career goal, Séamus’ mother might get the wrong idea.

Yes, she’d married Séamus to achieve her own business, but Shannon wasn’t a gold digger. He’d asked, even begged, and she’d relented. “As a working girl, I need to keep building my résumé. It allows for better paying positions, or even an increase in my wage.”

“Understandable.” Mrs. Daugherty plopped her cigarette butt into a device that resembled a thimble with a circular cut on top. The smoke vanished immediately. “I think it’s wonderful you have a career. Will you keep working?”

Shannon couldn’t disclose she was building her business as of today. “We’ll see. Séamus asked if I’d first acquaint myself with the family.”

Tonight, after she met Pashney and Ronnie, Shannon had to speak to Séamus. There were concerns she had, such as what his family would say when she started her own business.

Would they suspect why she’d married him? Would they hold it against her? Would they even believe Séamus was the one who’d dreamed up the scheme? Or would they think she’d taken advantage of their son when he’d been at his most vulnerable, needing to marry before a bride was handpicked for him?

Cold seeped down Shannon’s spine. The portion of egg she’d eaten sat funny in her stomach. Now she’d have to force down the rest of her breakfast, when she ached to take her coffee and retire upstairs, far away from the formality and wealth suffocating her like a cloth placed over her nose and mouth.

CHECK OUT OTHER BOOK HOOKS HERE FROM PARTICIPATING AUTHORS