Friday, October 14, 2022

BOOK BLITZ: Queen of Hearts by Whiney Dineen


Today, we have a Book Blitz to kick off to celebrate the book birthday for USA Today Bestselling Author Whitney Dineen's Queen of Hearts, the sixth standalone title in the Seven Brides for Seven Mothers series. To celebrate this new release, we have an excerpt AND a blitz-wide giveaway to share! So... Be sure to check out this new release and grab your copy now!

Genre:
Adult
Contemporary Romantic Comedy
Series:
Seven Brides for Seven Mothers, #6
Publish Date:
October 14, 2022

Synopsis:
Queen Charlotte of Malquar has a talent. She’s already helped two of her children find mates, and now she’s convinced her daughter’s new secretary would be a perfect partner for her remaining single son.

Agnes Dupuis has a plan. She’s going to work for the royal family for a couple of years before opening her own upscale employment agency. When she starts her job with Princess Aubrey, she knows everything is on track. After a short time, she gets transferred to the crown prince’s staff, and she couldn’t be more ecstatic.

At thirty-five, Prince Andrew knows it’s past time for him to find a bride. Unfortunately, it’s a nearly impossible task. While he would like to marry for love, it doesn’t look like that will be an option. His future wife will be queen one day and she must have all the necessary skill sets to thrive in that role.

Sparks fly when Agnes and Drew start to work together. Drew fights his attraction for his new secretary as hard as he can. Meanwhile, Agnes doesn’t know what she’s doing wrong. She can’t seem to do anything to make the prince happy.

Will Queen Charlotte be responsible for another match? Or are Agnes and Drew destined to forever butt heads.

Find out in the deliciously fun sixth installment of the Seven Brides for Seven Mothers Series.

* All books in this series read as standalones. *


      

*Excerpt*

Sir, I have the update you requested on McMillian.” In the month that Ive been Prince Andrews secretary, I can count on one hand the number of times hes looked at me when Im speaking. Currently, Im attempting to communicate with his back.

Waving his hand in the air in what I can only construe as a dismissive manner, he says, Leave it on my desk and Ill read it later.”

Its not a written update.” Try as I might, I cant keep the edge from my voice. While the rest of the royal family treat me kindly, Andrew has never been so inclined. He acts like Im his own personal robot who doesnt require basic courtesy.

He continues to face the window, allowing me the opportunity to study him. Hes taller than most at three inches over six feet, with proud broad shoulders, and short dark hair so thick a bird could nest in it—theres something about my new bosss appearance that brings to mind Disneys Prince Charming. It was Cinderella who had the bird fetish, right?

Then put it in writing and leave it on my desk.” The sharpness of his tone snatches me from the precipice of the illusion that Andrew might have Charmings personality.  No, nothing charming here.

Yes, sir.” I shift on my heels as I start to feel a blister forming. These infernal stilettos. I could wear sporting shoes to work for all Prince Andrew would ever notice.  Will that be all, sir?”

He abruptly turns around and glares at me, his penetrating brown eyes practically nailing me to the floor. No, thats not all. Will McMillian be coming back to work soon?”

Um … well … I wouldnt think so. Hes still in San Francisco receiving treatments for his Parkinsons disease.”

The prince grunts loudly. Has his replacement been found yet?”

Is this guy a moron? “I’m his replacement, sir. I thought you knew that.” My spine straightens, making me very close to his own height with my new shoes. 

I was under the impression you were a temp.” His eyebrow cocks in such a supercilious manner, its all I can do not to punch him. 

I started out that way, but I was informed last week that I was doing such a good job I was being made a permanent member of your staff.” Put that in your pipe …

Who told you that?” he demands angrily. Instead of letting me answer that the Master of Household himself told me, Andrew continues, As far as Im concerned, you are not permanent.”

How in the world am I supposed to respond to that? The whole point of me working in the royal household is to make a strong enough connection to open my own employment agency. Once I do that, Ill be able to supply staff to the palace. The only way thats going to happen is to impress my current boss. The same man who appears to hate me. 

So, while I want to take my shoe off and smack Andrew over the head with the sharp pointed heel, I force myself to ask, Is there something youd like me to do that Im not currently doing?”

His glare darkens as he takes a step forward. I stand rooted to the floor, unable to look away. Youre a woman.”

How astute of you.” Yes, my response is snotty, but Ive had just about enough of being treated like a disposable entity by this patronizing man. 

Excuse me?” Another step.

Prince Andrew, my being a woman in no way hinders my ability to perform my duties with precision. In fact, I would argue that my being a woman makes me more efficient.”

How do you figure that?” How in the world did I have a crush on this arrogant beast throughout my entire adolescence? I dont care how gorgeous he is, the prince is not a nice man. Let me rephrase that. Hes not nice to me. He seems to love everyone else.

Women are much better multi-taskers than men.” I raise one finger in the air to start ticking off my points. Another finger goes up. Were very attuned to details …” More join in. Were empathetic, nurturing, and are able to see more than what is required of us.” If I dont stop talking now, I may truly be out of a job.

And youre saying these qualities are inherent to your sex? That men do not possess them?” If he walks any closer to me, hell be standing behind me. 

I force my gaze up to meet his. Thats what Im saying.”

Prove it.” 

I reach up and pick an invisible piece of fluff from his collar. Your shirt is starting to fray.” I turn my gaze back to his in a challenging manner. Your valet is a man, is he not?”

You know he is.”

If your valet were a woman, you would be wearing an impeccable shirt with no sign of wear.” That may or may not be an accurate statement as Ive made up the sorry condition of his apparel. It appears that women can also be liars when it suits them.

Are you now applying for the job of my valet?” I know hes being facetious, but I cant help the stirring I feel at the thought of what that job would entail. Assisting Andrew in the bath or shower if needed, helping him to go from a naked state to a clothed one, undressing him for bed at night … Its getting hot in here.

I dont want Finnleys job. Im merely saying that women are more detail oriented. Thats all.”

I leave my bedchamber at eight oclock every morning.”

How lovely for you.” I mean, seriously, what else am I going to say?

You will now meet me there at seven forty-five and inspect my clothing for any imperfections before I start my day.”

But I dont come to work until nine.” Surely, he doesnt expect me to get here early to make sure another member of his staff is doing his job.

You now arrive at seven thirty so that you can get to my rooms by seven forty-five.” He leans down so menacingly, if he were a tiger, Id be afraid for my life. That is, if you want to keep your position. If youre unable to do so, Ill gladly hire a man to replace you.”

So thats his game. Hes actively looking for a way to get rid of me. If the success of my future agency wasnt on the line, Id turn around and walk out of his office without a backward glance. Unfortunately, that action will not aid my plans. Would you like me to bring your coffee up with me?” I mean, hell, if Im moonlighting as his valets helper, maybe he wants me to take on some kitchen duties. 

I think I can trust the kitchen to deliver my coffee.” He cocks his head to the side, before adding, Unless you care to complain about them, as well.”

I shake my head vigorously, hoping to activate some good sense. I really dont need to get into any more trouble. I look at my watch and see that it’s nearing five. If Im expected back here so early, Ill head out now.”

Im afraid Ill still need you here until six oclock every day.”

Being that Ive never seen him past our four oclock meeting since the day I started working for him, Im certain this is a lie. Which of course can only mean one thing. 

Prince Andrew has just declared war on me. 




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Seven Brides for Seven Mothers series:
      
(covers link to Goodreads)

       
   

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**About the Author**
Whitney Dineen loves to laugh, play with her kids, bake, and eat french fries -- not always in that order.

Whitney is a multi-award-winning author of romcoms, non-fiction humor, and middle reader fiction. Basically, she writes whatever the voices in her head tell her to. 

She lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her husband, Jimmy, where they raise children, chickens, and organic vegetables.

Gold Medal winner at the International Readers' Favorite Awards, 2017.
Silver medal winner at the International Readers' Favorite Awards, 2015, 2016.
Finalist RONE Awards, 2016.
Finalist at the IRFA 2016, 2017
Finalist at the Book Excellence Awards, 2017
Finalist Top Shelf Indie Book Awards, 2017

Stay connected with Whitney Dineen
     
  

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***The Giveaway***

Giveaway Open Internationally
~ ends October 20, 2022
Note: Not Responsible for Lost & Damaged Prizes in Your Mail Box

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