#CharacterInterview – “The Captain’s Lady” by Robecca Austin

**Let’s welcome the hero from The Captain’s Lady. Normally, I talk with heroines, so I’m always super excited when the men come in for a chat.**

First of all, what’s your name?

“My name is Captain Nicholas Ferguson.”

What do you look like?

“I’m a brawny Scot, over 6 feet tall. There’s nae an English men yet who can look me in the eye. As I spend many a day at sea, the sun has toasted me to a find ruddy complexion, and I wear my hair tied back—partly because I cannae be bothered to cut it and partly because it sends tongues waggling at balls.”

Oh, my. Please, never cut your hair. I love long hair on men. What time period does your story take place?

“Prince George IV serves as his father’s proxy and warms the throne.”

What is your occupation? Are you good at it? Do you like it?”

“I captain of my vessel, Devil’s Pearl. She takes me across the sea to buy merchandise like silk and tea from as far as China. We could spend months at sea together. It is a glorious feeling being on the open waters. Storms, pirates, thieves… aye, I love it all..” Nicholas shrugged. “Aye, I am good at sailing. I’m a Highlander, we are good at most things.”

So I’ve heard. What did you think the first time you saw Lady Isabella?

“Aye, Lady Isabella captivated me the very first time I saw her. A ray of sunshine to warm my heart. Did ye know that the lass went out into the pond bordering her father’s property in a faulty boat?” He shook his head. “It took me a moment to realize she couldnae swim. She was deviant and bold, and I couldnae help jumping into the water after her.

“Though she may disagree, I saved my bonnie lass that day, and my waters have never been calmer since.”

Ah, young love. What is your family like?

My family isnae typical, but I wouldnae have it any other way. We can be a loud bunch but family comes afore all else. We are also a loyal lot. Our daughter Cassie even more so. I swear the lassie has Highlander blood in her veins.”

What is people’s first impression of you?

That I am nae but a brute. That’s to be expected as the Sassenachs think all Scots are uncivilized.

That’s an unfortunate belief. If you could go back in time, what one thing would you change in your life?

“My mother wouldnae have died without me by her side.”

I see. That’s very sweet of you. Thank you so much for joining me today!

Blurb

Lady Isabella Pennington’s life is mired in scandal, but not of her own making.

As London’s gentry bask in her heartache, she devises a plan to avoid another disastrous engagement. But those plans go awry as she struggles to forget the rogue Captain Nicholas years after the passionate afternoon they spent together.

Her intention to adhere to societal demands is admirable but short-lived when Nicholas shocks everyone by asking for her hand in marriage. What unfolds leaves Lady Isabella torn between societal expectations and her long-held desire.

Captain Nicholas is far from an aristocrat yet is held in high regard in some circles. With his attention focused on Lady Isabella, it’s all she can do to resist the handsome devil. Will a marriage of convenience be a means to a much-coveted end, or will it lead to another humiliating failure for Lady Isabella?

Sneak Peek | Excerpt of The Captain’s Lady:

“Are you drowning, Lady Isabella?” His Scottish accent was a bath in hot springs. His thumb brushed the tip of her nose. Lingered. Her nostrils flared and the scent of him invaded her senses. His hands snaked around her waist, guiding her closer.

“You,” Isabella whispered.

“Aye, me.” He kissed her cheek. “Is your nose still covered in freckles, lass?”

“No!”

“Liar.” He brushed the tip of her nose with his. “Did he kiss you?” His lids lowered to watch her mouth. “I’ll be damned if I kiss you after him.”

“No.” She shivered, the sensation curling her toes in anticipation. “Emsley didn’t kiss me.” The man holding her in strong arms was something old, from her past, something forgotten. Isabella relaxed, molding against the captain. Oh, but she needed this, to feel like a woman again, alive and desired. His tongue brushed against her lips, not once but twice, tracing the outline of her mouth—a delightful distraction from her recent episode.

“Let me in, lass.”

His warm breath fanned her face. She had dreamed of this, years ago, when she was young and thought the world not full of danger but adventure. His gaze moved from her mouth, wet from the tantalizing brushes of his tongue, to her eyes. In the darkness of the night, his eyes were black fire. Hot. Wicked.

“What a bonnie reward for my second rescue.”

“You’ve botched your count, sir.”

“A new tally is in order, then.”

“Brilliant.”

He smiled. His lips descended in slow torture, groaning his approval when his tongue brushed hers. All rational thoughts scattered. He explored her mouth. Heat pooled. Fanned out. The shudder that shook her was not from anger, but fear and desire.

The sea, that’s what he was. Raging waves that didn’t settle in the wee hours of dawn.

***

Buy Links:

Amazon.com – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0886KD16Q

Amazon.UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0886KD16Q

Amazon.CA – https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1999003233

Bio

Robecca Austin is the author of happy ever after romance stories. She enjoys crafting tales of sassy heroines and alpha heroes that have a soft center.

She writes historical romance and billionaire romance stories.

You can find her outside enjoying nature and lots of sunshine when there are no bugs. When she’s not writing her next novel, she’s busy battling Cystic Fibrosis and hugging family. She lives and works in Canada.