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.

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

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His proposition:

Shannon stole a peek at Séamus and then at the attendant, whose expression said he might as well be sitting in the bathroom reading the morning paper. No doubt the attendant had signed a non-disclosure agreement.

“Ask what?”

“Whatever you wish so you will agree to marry me,” Séamus simply replied.

“I have a car payment. A mortgage payment. Bills split three ways. I’m obliged to clean every third week.” She didn’t have servants to see to everything, or a trust fund, or a six-figure job. With Séamus, it was probably seven figures.

“Done.” He added a dash of milk to his cup. “Consider your portion of the mortgage paid for, and your car paid off. As for cleaning, it’s no problem to hire someone to care for your share of the upkeep until they can acquire a new roommate.”

His nonchalance was a punch to her stomach. “Uh… wh-what?” How blasé could a person be? She dropped the spoon she’d picked up. “Th-this is my life we’re talking about. I had plans. Big plans.”

“You told me you wanted to reach your goal before you turned thirty. Now you will.” His tone implied tut, tut.

“Well, yes.” She came close to shaking her head. “But… but not as your wife.”

“Am I that ugly?” He made a ghoulish face while grinning, baring his devastating dimples.

“You are far from ugly. But… I’m supposed to be your driver. Your parents will never approve of me. I have a life. You have a life.”

“I won’t have a life unless I get married, and I refuse to marry someone from my social circle.” His gaze became thoughtful. “I need your help, Shannon.”

Dammit, why did he have to say her name like she was the most beautiful woman in the world? “Séamus, I’ll admit you really piqued my interest, but we’re talking about a life I created for myself. I don’t want to see you disinherited or lose your job, but there must be another way.”

“There are no other options. Once I arrive home, I will be called to Father’s study and given a timeframe to marry, and the prerequisites my future bride must meet.” He glanced away. The glare he positioned on the potted plant matched the disgust in his words. “If I come home married, he will not have anything to say.”

“Oh, from the sounds of him, I think he’ll have a lot to say.” Shannon sighed. “What about…” Wait, what if they only said they’d gotten married? “Will he want proof?”

“You mean my marriage certificate?”

“Yes.”

“If I know my father as well as I do, he’ll want details right down to the cost of your engagement ring and wedding band.” Séamus flicked his hand.

“You mean he’ll want to see the actual certificate?”

“As I said, he has to control everything.”

Shannon bowed her head. Yes, she wanted to help him. Her upbringing dictated she assist those in need, but at her own expense? Her own dream? She pressed her lips together. Séamus continued to thoughtfully gaze at her. The heat coming from the coffee cup matched the warmth growing on her cheeks.

His offer was too tempting. She’d have her debt erased and the chance to start her own business. But the price was higher than the CN Tower.

This was why she’d refrained from disclosing the truth to her friends last night, because Pashney would’ve called her insane for even considering the offer. As for always sympathetic Ronnie, if in the same predicament, her dear friend would have seriously considered Séamus’ proposition. So naturally, Shannon had kept her mouth shut when Pashney had appeared on the screen.

“You said I could start my business.”

Séamus nodded. A gleam was surfacing in his eyes.

Great. He knew he could market everything, even his very own self. Shannon grimaced. “You said you’d pay for my portion of the mortgage on the townhouse.”

Again, Séamus nodded.

“You said you’d take care of cleaning services until my friends get a new roommate.”

A third nod from him.

“There’s my job. I’d have to give a minimum of two weeks’ notice before I leave.”

“I will contact your employer and tell him we wish to contract your services on a permanent basis.”

Shannon blanched. Not giving two weeks’ notice was irresponsible. “It’s very important that I give him notice. He’ll need a driver to—”

“I will see to it that your employer has a driver right away to replace you,” Séamus assured her.

With that kind of promise, there was nothing else for Shannon to say other than, “Where will we live… if I say yes?”

“For now, at Daugherty Manor.”

Shannon almost fell off the chair. She didn’t wish to live with some tyrant who was forcing his son into marriage. “We have to have our own place.”

“It’s tradition to live at home until a child is born. That’s how it’s always worked.” “Ch-child?” Oh geez, they’d have sex. Well, yes, they’d have sex. They’d be married. And married people had sex.

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