Dukes Are Forever
Page 37
Adele tried to pretend her eyes weren't gleaming with unshed tears. "A proposition? Does it involve something ridiculous, like an intention to seduce one's wife? Or an act of war?"
"No. Gemma wanted to unleash doves, but I told her to stop being ridiculous."
"Doves?" He could see the sudden confusion in her eyes.
"And Kincaid threatened to dump a barrel of flowers over the top of you."
Confusion turned to outright suspicion. "What on earth are you talking about?"
Malloryn went to one knee, clasping her left hand. He eased the wedding ring he'd once placed there off her finger. "Adele Cavill, our marriage started under dubious circumstances, and I once told you I resented it. I lied. It's the best thing that ever happened to me, but I want there to be no more doubt left in your mind." He presented the small box with a flourish. "Will you do me the honor of renewing our vows?"
Adele's luscious rosebud mouth dropped open, and for once, it seemed he'd rendered her speechless.
"Is that a yes?" he teased, as a single tear slid down her cheek.
"Oh, my goodness. Yes!"
He eased the new ring onto her finger, and she splayed her fingers wide to examine it.
"Emeralds," he said, with a wicked smile. "To match your eyes. And a pair of pearls I kept from your necklace. You keep prattling on about diamonds, but I think, in a secret little part of you, there's a sentimental woman."
Adele burst into laughter.
And then a tear slid down her cheek, and she flung her arms around him as he pushed to his feet. The sweet crush of her body against his eased some small tension he'd been carrying. He'd known she'd say yes, but there was something nerve-wracking to be said for doing this when it actually mattered.
"That was almost romantic" came a very small whisper.
"Believe it or not," he whispered back, burying his face against her throat, "I planned it all myself. I win our war, Adele. I have you right where I want you."
Her laughter lifted his heart as she drew back with twinkling eyes. "I would call it a draw, Your Grace. Considering I finally brought the arrogant Duke of Malloryn to his actual knees."
"Let's start a new game," he said, sliding a hand up to cup her nape as he lowered his head. "This one lasts forever. And we both win."
And then he kissed his wife as a new dawn broke over London, promising a brighter future.
For all of them.
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BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE LONDON STEAMPUNK WORLD
Dear Reader,
Thank you so much for reading Dukes Are Forever! It’s always a bittersweet feeling to finish a series, but I hope you enjoyed the journey.
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Adele and Malloryn have always been endgame and we’re closing the chapter on London Steampunk… but that doesn’t mean there isn’t more of this world to explore.
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Want to know more about future release dates?
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Make sure you sign up to my newsletter to be the first to know when they’re available.
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There’s also an exclusive London Steampunk epilogue coming soon for those subscribers who’ve finished Dukes Are Forever.
Have you read the whole series?
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Mission: Improper
The Mech Who Loved Me
You Only Love Twice
To Catch A Rogue
Dukes Are Forever
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Here are some other ways to stay updated:
* Follow me on Bookbub
* Visit my website at becmcmaster.com
*Or join my Facebook Fan Group for all the exclusive stuff!
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I hope we meet again between the pages of another book!
Cheers,
Bec McMaster
P.S Ready for more fantasy-fueled romance? READ ON for an exciting glimpse of a thrilling new series. Promise of Darkness is coming in September, 2019.
PROMISE OF DARKNESS
COMING SEPTEMBER 2019
Princess. Tribute. Sacrifice. Is she the one prophesied to unite two warring Fae courts? Or the one bound to destroy them?
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In a realm ruled by magic, the ruthless Queen of Thorns is determined to destroy her nemesis, the cursed Prince of Evernight.
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With war brewing between the bitter enemies, the prince forces Queen Adaia to uphold an ancient treaty: she will send one of her daughters to his court as a political hostage for three months.
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The queen insists it’s the perfect opportunity for Princess Iskvien to end the war before it begins. But one look into Thiago’s smouldering eyes and Vi knows she’s no assassin.
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The more secrets she uncovers about the prince and his court, the more she begins to question her mother’s motives.
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Who is the true enemy? The dark prince who threatens her heart? Or the ruthless queen who will stop at nothing to destroy him?
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And when the curse threatens to shatter both courts, is she strong enough to break it?
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A fairytale twist inspired by the Hades and Persephone myth.
PRE-ORDER AVAILABLE IN MARCH 2019
Also by Bec McMaster
DARK COURT RISING
A new fantasy series with a fairytale twist, inspired by the Hades and Persephone myth.
Promise of Darkness
(coming September 2019)
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LONDON STEAMPUNK: THE BLUE BLOOD CONSPIRACY
In a steam-fuelled world where vampires once ruled the aristocracy, a dangerous conspiracy threatens to topple the queen. It’s up to the newly-formed Company of Rogues to find out who.
Mission: Improper
The Mech Who Loved Me
You Only Love Twice
To Catch A Rogue
Dukes Are Forever
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LONDON STEAMPUNK SERIES
In Victorian London, the Great Houses rule the city with an iron fist, imposing their strict ‘blood taxes’ on the nation, and the Queen is merely a puppet on a string… But a few brave heroes and heroines are determined to challenge the status quo.
Kiss Of Steel
Heart Of Iron
My Lady Quicksilver
Forged By Desire
Of Silk And Steam
Novellas in same series:
Tarnished Knight
The Curious Case Of The Clockwork Menace
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DARK ARTS SERIES
Three estranged brothers are the only ones who stand between a demon hell-bent on unleashing itself on this plane, and a Victorian-era London blissfully unaware of the danger.
Shadowbound
Hexbound
Soulbound
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BURNED LANDS SERIES
First rule of surviving the Wastelands? Don’t get caught out after dark, when the monsters come out to play…
Nobody's Hero
The Last True Hero
The Hero Within
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LEGENDS OF THE STORM SERIES
The old eddas speak of dreki—fabled creatures who haunt the depths of Iceland's volcanoes, and steal away fair maidens.
Heart Of Fire
Storm of Desire
Clash of Storms
Storm of Fury (coming 2019)
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STANDALONE
The Many Lives Of Hadley Monroe
Burn Bright
About the Author
BEC MCMASTER is a writer, a dreamer, and a travel addict. If she’s not sitting in front of the computer, she’s probably plotting her next overseas trip, and hopes to see the whole world, whether it’s by paper, plane, or imagination.
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Bec grew up on a steady diet of ’80s fantasy movies like Ladyhawke, Labyrinth, and The Princess Bride, and loves creating epic, fantasy-ba
sed romances with heroes and heroines who must defeat all the odds to have their HEA. She lives in Australia with her very own hero, where she can be found creating fantasy-fueled worlds, where even the darkest hero can find love.
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Read more at www.becmcmaster.com
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THE END