Straight Reading from the Library: Riveting His Attention by May Williams

At The Library we love historical romances, so we were very excited to have the chance to win RIVETING HIS ATTENION by May Williams as part of her virtual book tour with Goddess Fish Promotions. May will be awarding a $15 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

READ THE BLURB

Jim Ferguson hides from his past and focuses on his future until Lady Ella Harwich rivets his attention.

Lady Ella Harwich is capricious. At least that’s what her older brother thinks. However, when it comes to Jim Ferguson, Lady Ella is quite serious. One long, lingering kiss put Jim at the center of her romantic desires and at the top of her list of suitors. And she plans to keep him there. Unfortunately, Jim wants off her list because of a secret past, a career as a shipbuilder instead of a gentleman, and his own inability to resist her. Proving her love—and his worthiness for her love—is Ella’s only way to rivet his attention.

READ THE REVIEW

This is the Victorian age--and things are changing. Lady Ella has set her sights on Jim Ferguson--who is a businessman, not a member of the aristocracy. Even though there's a definite attraction on his part, there are reasons he feels he should not indulge her in this: he's ten years older, not in her social class, and there's a secret in his past.

In addition, there is also a bit of intrigue surrounding the work Jim and Lady Ella's brother-in-law is doing--which adds a nice bit of suspense to this romance.

The characters are likable and well-drawn--not only the main characters. I really liked Ella and Jim (and there's a small twist in the story that made me smile.) This family may be nobility, but they are very much progressive in attitude.

Riveting His Attention is the second book of a trilogy and can easily be read on its own. However, I liked the characters so much, I want to read the first book (about Ella's sister-- I really liked that couple in this book) and look forward to reading the last book in the series.

4 stars. READ AN EXCERPT

“Is this about money?” Ella asked. “I have money of my own or will when I come of age. And I know there’s a decent sum set aside for my dowry. My brother has made that clear.”

“I’m not living on money I don’t earn.” Jim’s yearly wages from Edmund’s company were more than his family made in twenty years of running the inn. Money itself wasn’t the issue. He had more than he needed now and the expectation of increased earnings as the business expanded.

“Stubborn. I like a man who knows his own mind. It’s one of the many things I admire about you. Heroic, too. Giving up the woman you love for noble reasons.”

“I never said I loved you,” he said, exasperated. How did women make everything so complicated?

Her eyes widened. “I’ll correct myself for now. Giving up the woman who loves you. Better?”

“No,” he spit out, irritated at himself and her. She’d perceived his weakness and gone in for the kill.

“Because it’s true?” Somehow, she’d made the space between them evaporate. When had she put her hand on his chest and tilted her face up? “Kiss me, and then tell me you don’t love me.”

A stronger man might have been able to resist her. He imagined himself picking her up to set her aside, but he couldn’t. When his hand encircled her waist and tipped her back as though to lift her, he crushed her closer. His other hand sank into the silkiness of her hair, demanding her lips meet his.

A victorious smile crossed her face before their mouths connected, but he didn’t give a damn if she thought she’d won.

MEET THE AUTHOR

May loves romance. Big pink roses, chocolate hearts, sunset walks, but, most of all, she loves romance novels. She’s been reading romances since she first discovered the public library where the librarians didn't notice or didn't care what she was checking out even though she hadn't hit puberty yet.

Since then, May has continued to read every genre of romance, but she writes mostly historical. Places and time periods have stories to tell. And she likes to listen. Her most recent novels are Victorian era pieces where she can imagine beautiful gowns and elegant teas.

When May’s not writing, she manages a houseful of children, pets, and flowers grown in her garden.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter: @maywilliams2 ~ Blog

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