Wrath and Mercy

Book 5: Sins of the Virtuous

by Faye Hall, Rhiannon Poli, MageWorks .ink

Genres: Erotic & Steamy Romance; Historical Romance; Small-town Romance; Romantic Suspense; Friends to lovers; Second Chance Romance; historical romance; small town romance; old fashioned romance; australian romance; romanctic plot line victorian romance; 7 deadly sins

Synopsis

Would you show mercy to the lover who deserted you?

Finley Helmer thought he had it all when Elina invited him into her bed. He thought he found passion and love beyond compare. Instead he was thrown into a life of smuggling black opals, drugs and aboriginal slaves. When he was charged with murder, he fled town to escape the charges, vowing to return and ask his lover why she’d handed him over to the police.

Elina Clemence was ripped away from her home and the man she loved and brought to Australia to start her life anew. Her father promised her beauty and opportunity. What she found was a cruel and abusive business partner, and a step-daughter who wanted to destroy her.

Despite the constant accidents following her and threatening her life, Elina sets herself up as a profitable shipping tycoon, with control over most of the towns supply. Despite her powerful position, her heart still ached for the man she once loved who disappeared from her life without a trace.

Finding themselves passionately reunited, Finley and Elina discover the cruelty that tore them from each other. As they search for answers, they uncover the unrelenting wrath and vengeance of an opium addict who will stop at nothing until she has possession of the black opals she thinks they are hiding.

Will their love for each other allow them forgiveness, or will they fall victim to the horror that seems to be following them?

Content Warning: contains sex, strong language, and some violence.

 

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Release date: December 6, 2022

Publisher: 4th Avenue Press

Print pages: 281

Content advisory: contains sex, strong language, and some violence.

Sample

Elina went quiet, watching Fin’s attention return to the papers on the desk. She knew now wasn’t the best time to bring up her own concerns. Still, he needed to know.

“My father told me we leave for Australia as soon as he has our affairs in order.”

Fin looked up at Elina. “He told me before the funeral that he thought it best to take you as far away from here as possible. He believes what is being said about Ewan, and he doesn’t want those he dealt with finding their way back to you.”

Elina lowered her gaze to her lap. “Will you be coming with us?”

Silence surrounded them. Lifting her gaze to him and seeing his stern expression, she felt her heart sink.

“Archie has instructed me to stay here in England a while longer to finalize the last few shipments. It will be at least a few months before I can get my own passage to Australia.”

His words stabbed at her heart. “I don’t want to leave you,” she uttered, her voice laced with tears.

Getting up from his seat, he walked around the desk. His hands going to her, he helped her to stand. “I’ll join you as soon as I’m able. I promise.”

Her gaze held his as fear filled her. What if this was the last time she’d ever see him? The mere thought pained her.

“This isn’t goodbye,” he told her, his hand going to her face, his fingers stroking her cheek. “I won’t allow it to be.”