Sally Orr shares an excerpt from 'The Rake's Handbook'

Sally Orr, author of The Rake's Handbook: Including Field Guide, shares an excerpt from her debut novel.

Sally: Thank you for the invitation today! I'm delighted to share both an excerpt, and that (cough) fetching cover, for my debut book, The Rake's Handbook: Including Field Guide. The book is a humorous, light-hearted Regency-era romance released today.

This is the first book in The Rake's Handbook series. The hero, Ross Thornbury, is a very naughty rake, who vows to change his ways and behave like a proper gentleman. Needless to say, this is going to be difficult for him.

The heroine, Elinor Colton, is a widow who loved her late husband and cannot imagine ever falling in love again. She believes rakes don't exist and tales of rakish seductions are nothing more than taproom boasts. In her case, she'll learn firsthand how seductive they can be.

This excerpt is from their first meeting. Elinor is on his grounds without permission. When she figures out that he is the notorious rake everyone in the village is gossiping about, she is quite excited about meeting a real rake. All Ross sees is a lovely lady fishing in his lake.

Excerpt from The Rake's Handbook: Including Field Guide (courtesy of Sourcebooks Casablanca):

He uncrossed his arms, leaned back, and rested on his palms. "I wrote all this down in a book, of course. The title is The Rake's Handbook." Another unnatural and wholly wicked grin spread across his lips. "Including Field Guide." The silence stretched. "Have you read it?"

"No, no, of course not."

"I know the words by heart. For your amusement and pleasure, I'd be honored to recite the first chapter for you now."

She should be affronted, not amused, but she laughed anyway. "That is not necessary. I can assure you." Was he trying to shock her or determine if she was married? Either way he was an expert tease and a devilishly clever man. "I'm a widow, so I'm not in your book."

"Yes, you are, my fetching female. I included widows in the handbook section, the first part of the book. My friend, George Drexel, penned the second part, the field guide. In that section, Drexel praises widows in great detail." He let out a warm, deep laugh. "It's rather shocking, but Drexel lists widows under the heading houses to let."

"Oh." His brazen innuendo proved unstoppable. Since his conversation and good looks had a profound effect upon her heart rate, not to mention her clarity of mind, he must be a professional seducer. If so, she might be fishing in a lake far too deep to be safe for a respectable lady.

She tried to crawl around him, but he kept his focus on a butterfly spiraling over the tall reeds, so he failed to move his well-muscled thigh and blocked her exit. Then he leapt to his feet, and held out his hand to assist her. Without thought, she accepted his outstretched hand. The warmth of his palm caused her breath to catch, and she expected him to let go.

He did not let go.

"You really are a rake," she whispered, the sight and feel of their joined hands warming her cheeks. "A proper gentleman would never hold a lady thus. I have been warned about your charms. Perhaps I too should write everything down. Pen a handbook to instruct my widowed sisters what to expect upon attempted seduction and how to fight it."

"Factual or satirical?"

She bit her lower lip to stop an indelicate reply.

"I could write that handbook too."

His boast made her smile. "I seem to have found another trait of a rake."

"Humph. I'd be delighted to show you all of my traits. Perhaps start with chapter one?" The determination in his voice indicated he was quite willing to comply.

"Please do, sir," she replied in a facetious tone, tugging her hand free. "But I can already tell that I'll stop reading your book after the table of contents. You know, all of those funny pages in the front of the book numbered v and i."

He chuckled softly, then stared at her until he captured her gaze. "My handbook starts with fine eyes." He reached up and swept back a ringlet that had fallen over her eye and carefully tucked the curl under her bonnet.

Her heartbeat raced.

"The eyes are followed by a notable vee." His gaze lowered to the upper edge of her bodice and lingered in the center.

"Oh my, if that's the table of contents, I don't dare read chapter one."

"I'd be pleased to read you all of the chapters. There are a total of ..." He glanced at her leisurely, from the top of her leghorn bonnet down to her sensible half boots. His focus returned up to her neck—almost. His chest broadened as he inhaled. "Ten."

"Ten."

He gave her a smoldering look from under heavy lashes. "Ten in volume one," he continued in a silky baritone. "Let's start with chapter one." He leaned forward slowly, staring at her mouth, as if he might take liberties and kiss her. The distance between them shortened to inches. Close enough to feel his warm breath.

"Enough." She stepped backwards. "Enough of chapter one. I am finished with your book." She resisted covering both burning cheeks with her hands. "I'll return home now. I seem to be a little heated from the sun." She avoided his gaze and reached for her book.

Henry was right. Since Mr. Thornbury's rakish charms were beyond what she expected, she should never again speak to him alone. He certainly would not have attempted liberties with Henry standing nearby. However, even with Henry's presence, she might not be able to negotiate with him. He was a rake: not pure and not simple. His smiles, chuckles, and smoldering glances intended to blank female minds on purpose. Curse his boots.

"I see I've upset you. Apologies, my lovely fish feaster."

"I can assure you that your reputation is just," she said, her voice sounding higher than normal.

"I'm a reserved gentleman with exemplary manners?"

Find out more about Sally and her debut novel at www.sallyorr.com.