She would rather burn in his presence than pine in his absence 

Faith Wellingford Evers, Duchess of Ashedon, is tired of society’s endless gossiping about her failings and her late husband’s infidelities. Seeking escape one night, she’s attacked by ruffians, but is saved by an unlikely figure from her past!

Having risen from penniless orphan to Member of Parliament, David Tanner Smith is no longer the quiet boy Faith once knew. With the first spine-tingling kiss, their old friendship is transformed. And in its place is an explosive mix of illicit encounters and forbidden desire…

Click on title below to connect directly to Amazon buy link:                  Stolen Encounters with the Duchess (Hadley’s Hellions)

David Tanner Smith is a respected member of Parliament,  and is financially comfortable.  He’s come a long way from being a farmer’s son, but he’s still not of noble birth, and would not be considered a good match for an aristocratic lady.  Ten years ago, as a young man, David became acquainted with Faith, who was about to make her debut in society, and was expected to make a good marriage.  For one magic summer, the two became great friends, and David fell deeply in love.  He knew there was no place for him in Faith’s future, so they parted – he to pursue his future in politics, and Faith to marry a duke.

Faith Evers, the now widowed Duchess of Ashedon, got married, believing that her husband loved her in return.  In time, she learned that she was married only for her dowry, her meekness, and her child bearing.  Her husband was constantly unfaithful, and died in a manner leaving Faith even more humiliated and the subject of malicious cruelty from society.

A chance encounter brings David and Faith together, and while Faith initially only feels happiness at seeing her old friend, David is clearly reminded that his love has never died over the years.  As the story develops, David does his best to help Faith regain her joy with life, which had been beaten down by her sad marriage.  Soon Faith is regaining courage, and realizing that she has the authority to manage her household and to raise her sons as she sees fit.  This is one of my favorite parts of this story, watching Faith embrace her freedom and blossom.  Before long, Faith is daring enough to consider an affair, and who better than her dear friend and champion, David?

Oh, how I love David!  Such an honorable man.  While he loves and desires Faith, he won’t risk causing her to be part of a scandal.  If they were to have an affair, and it became known, there’s a chance that could jeopardize her custody of her sons.  Is there any possibility the lady would consider marriage?  STOLEN ENCOUNTERS WITH THE DUCHESS is a lovely story with great protagonists who have to work through class differences, some heartbreak, and some villainy to achieve their well deserved happy ever after.

JULIA JUSTISS IS GIVING AWAY A COPY OF THIS BOOK TO ONE COMMENTER:

MY SPECIAL TALENT

Most of us have a hobby or interest in which we can use a special skill.  Maybe it’s the ability to arrange flowers, or to create a wonderfully-decorated room.  Maybe we can sew clothes or curtains or banners, knit or embroider, paint or design.  Whatever the talent may be, using it brings us joy and a sense of accomplishment.

But what if your talent doesn’t create something tangible?

Beaten down by an oppressive marriage in which she is constantly belittled, the widowed heroine of my new release, STOLEN ENCOUNTERS WITH THE DUCHESS, is such a person.  Although she has the unique gift of making those around her feel special and important, a loveliness of spirit that brightens the day of everyone with whom she comes into contact, she doesn’t recognize that as a gift.  Particularly after struggling to maintain a sense of her own worth through the humiliation and criticism of a philandering husband, she sees herself as a person of little importance and no skill.

When the man who has always loved her from afar—being too far beneath her socially to hope for anything more—meets her again after many years apart and discovers how isolated and unhappy she’s become, he feels compelled to try to revive the spirit and self-confidence of the enthusiastic, happy girl he fell in love with.  Even though he knows he can never be more to her than a friend.

Or can he?

What special gift or talent brings you pleasure?  Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of STOLEN ENCOUNTERS!

One commenter will win their choice of a print or ebook copy of Stolen Encounters With the Duchess.  No geographic restrictions.  Good luck!