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, interracial romance. Be sure to check out other participating author posts HERE.

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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Even after Séamus had showered and dressed for dinner, he still hadn’t been summoned to Father’s study. With Shannon on his arm, he steered them into the family dining room to find everyone already seated. He took his usual spot, ensuring first to pull out his wife’s chair.

While they ate, nothing set off Séamus’ suspicion bells. Cillian asked Courtney about her day, and she prattled on about new dresses she’d bought for some party the two were attending on the weekend. As for Mother, she had the same distant look in her eyes while Father dug voraciously into his meal as if he was starving.

Yet something Séamus couldn’t put his finger on said everyone was behaving too normally. He reached for his water glass and sipped. Attempting to swallow the hearty beef entrée—no matter how perfectly done and juicy—was a tad trying on his dry throat.

Mom raised her wine glass. The look she cast Father spooked Séamus’ spine. He’d never witnessed his mother firing such a warning shot at the tyrant.

Séamus peeked at Shannon, but she kept eating her meal. Father knew the truth. He was waiting until they entered the study with Cillian before he said anything. Séamus gripped his fork. There was no way in hell he’d allow Shannon to be left out of the conversation. Their seceding from the family concerned her, too.

“Perhaps instead of our usual routine of retiring to the study after dinner, Shannon and I could speak to you and Mom alone.” Séamus kept his suggestion light but did add a smidgen of gravity to his tone so Father understood the discussion was important.

Father wiped his mouth. “Is there a reason why you wish to break with tradition?”

Tradition—that was all that mattered. Séamus curled his fingers into a fist. “Yes. It’s rather important.”

“I have no doubt this not only impacts your mother and I, but the family.” Father glanced at Cillian and Courtney.

Cillian quirked a brow and nodded.

Great. The frustration tightening Séamus’ shoulders goaded him to almost toss his linen napkin on the table, because his brother also knew the truth. Father must’ve acted quickly after talking to Mom.

“We can retire to the sitting room.” Father pierced some beef. “We’ll speak after dinner.”

The man never ceased with the control. For sure Séamus would move into his own condo with Shannon. As for Mom, he wasn’t going to leave her here. She also had a chance to break free. He’d take her with him.

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