Link to print book 

Awards:

2nd place winner in the Anne-Bonney Readers' Choice - Favority Hero category

3rd place winner in the Anne-Bonney Readers' Choice - Most Emotional category

Excerpt

Sebastian returned his hand to her neck. He stroked her creamy flesh as he lessened the kiss. By the time their mouths separated, both were gasping for air, breathless from their shared passion.

He held her on his lap, stroking her neck, for an inexhaustible amount of time, listening to the last few droplets of rain now falling from the canopy of leaves above them.

Gwen rested her head on his shoulder. Her previous courage to explore Sebastian’s mouth abated as anxiety and guilt over her lack of self-restraint seeped in.

She was fearful of what he must think of her. Ladies didn’t behave in such a manner, especially ladies betrothed to other men!
“Why were you riding by yourself?” Sebastian asked, his voice interrupting her silent flogging.

She turned to face him, certain her heated cheeks were a brilliant shade of pink. “I needed time away from my father and, since Tristan has gone to London, I went riding alone.”

“Sounds very innocent,” Sebastian gave her a slight smile before his sarcasm set in. “You did, however, almost kill yourself maneuvering that hill.”

It was time to admit the truth.

She averted her gaze but only briefly. Her pride dictated she face him. “My father has arranged my betrothal and I have been unable to dissuade him. Being cooped up in our manor, listening to his blind devotion to Keir, the man he insists I marry … I felt like I was going insane. I thought the only thing I could control was my horse and you witnessed how I mucked that up.”

“Let me see if I understand this.” Sebastian caressed her shoulder as he spoke. “Your father wants you to wed a man named Keir?” Gwen nodded in agreement.

“What’s his last name, dare I ask?”

“Dunlop.”

Sebastian feigned indignation. “Why would your father ever want you to marry a man with such a ridiculous name?”

“It’s a Scottish name.” Gwen retorted.

“That explains it,” he smirked. “Why does your father want you to marry him? And why is it that you don’t wish to marry him? All qualms about his name aside.”

He’s not you. She bit the inside of her lip to avoid speaking the words. “He’s a long time friend of my father’s and papa loves Keir like a son. I suppose that’s why he thinks it to be a splendid match. That and the fact that Keir is Scottish. My father is loyal to his ancestry. Did I mention Keir is an Earl? I suppose that could also be a reason.”

Sebastian’s brow creased. “Why the hurry to see you wed?”

“Papa’s health has been deteriorating. It’s his wish to see me wed before his passing.”

“It is a fine mess you have made for yourself, Miss. MacAlistair,” Sebastian’s voice was calm, his gaze steady. “A Scottish Earl fiancé and you sitting on an English Duke’s lap.”

The heat in her cheeks intensified, spreading to her ears.

“Perhaps,” he added in a low, husky voice, “here is where you ought to be.”

About the Author

Tracy Goodwin resides in Houston with her husband and their three feline sons. Dance with Deception is the first in a series of three novels set in Victorian England.

Tracy is a member of the Romance Writers of America, West Houston Romance Writers, Hearts through History and Beau Monde chapters, Tracy is currently writing her next two novels.

 You can visit Tracy's site at:  www.tracygoodwin.net  and  www.myspace.com/tracygoodwin 

Reviews:

Dance with Deception is an excellent example of a regency romance with likable characters, romantic settings and a clichéd ending. If you like, romances with happy endings, this is the book for you.

Dance With Deception is a stellar debut by gifted author, Tracy Goodwin. You will be proud to display this one on your “keeper” shelves ... I felt an emotional connection to Sebastian and Gwen right away. They stole a little bit of my heart as I read the heartbreaking yet heartwarming story of their love. I laughed, I cried, I got angry. All the time, I cheered them on to keep going and prayed it would work out for them. It isn’t often I fall in love with characters, but I certainly did with these two. If this is a debut novel, I eagerly anticipate the next offering by Tracy Goodwin. Dance With Deception expertly blends romance, danger and lush sensuality in one brilliant novel. I applaud you, Ms Goodwin.