Brenda Sparks's Blog, page 32

Book Blitz and #Giveaway: Deadly Alpha

This photo was taken in Savannah, Georgia. Something drew me to the Kehow House, perhaps it was its haunted history or the way it reminded me of my hometown, but whatever it was I was mesmerized. 

In fact, I used it for inspiration when I needed to create a special vampire restaurant for the next book in my series, Deadly Alpha, coming September 11, 2015. The story takes place in Savannah, so it seemed like the perfect                                                                                    choice. 
There is nothing hotter than Savannah in the summer time, unless it is the passion burning between the characters in Deadly Alpha.  As the summer comes to an end, hopefully you haven't wilted from the heat  but instead enjoyed the days with some yummy food, fun vacations, and most of all, awesome friends & family!

I, for one, don't want the summer to end, so I decided to offer a FREE giveaway to keep the fun going. I'm giving away Kindle copies of my Savannah inspired, Deadly Alpha. 

For information and chances to win go to: 
http://www.brenda-sparks.com/giveaway.html



          Good Luck!!!

Book Blitz: The Aqua Lie

Title: The Aqua Lie Series: The Aqua Saga book 2 Author: L.L. Hunter Genre: YA Dystopian Cover Designer: Regina Wamba of Mae I Design and Photography Release Date: July 31st Ever since being told he had to work for General Maddox in order to see Pym, Rush has had more than enough time to contemplate how to get out of this deal. When he is invited to play a high stakes poker game with the General and his father, he is a little suspicious of the General’s motives. When he discovers just what he is playing for, it has Rush seeing red. The prize: Pym’s heart. But if he loses, he will have to watch his friend Troy take Pym to the annual General’s Masquerade Ball while he sits on the sidelines. And the hardest part of it all - trying to keep his secret from Pym. In the much anticipated sequel to The Aqua Secret, Will Rush be able to keep up the facade, or will it all be unraveled by midnight? Purchase The Aqua Lie Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00ZHTGLF2 iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/au/book/the-aqua-lie/id961199430?mt=11 B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-aqua-lie-ll-hunter/1121107639?ean=2940046532791 Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-aqua-lie Purchase The Aqua Secret Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00JD17QKY iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/au/book/the-aqua-secret/id839578505?mt=11 Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-aqua-secret B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-aqua-secret-ll-hunter/1118909186?ean=2940045761673&itm=1&usri=the+aqua+secret L.L. Hunter is the author of over 20 published works, including The Legend of the Archangel Series and The Eden Chronicles. She has studied everything from veterinary nursing, forensic science, and dramatic arts, but has always known her true calling was to be an author. She has been writing since her teens - everything from fan fiction, to song lyrics, to plays and musicals. When not working on her next paranormal romance, she can be found at home in Australia, reading somewhere comfortable with one or both of her “fur babies.” Follow L.L. Hunter Facebook Author page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/LL-Hunter/110104129132865 Twitter: https://twitter.com/LLHunterbooks Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/L.L.-Hunter/e/B00B2B701I/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1379386637&sr=8-1 Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6559537.L_L_Hunter Blog: http://llhunter.blogspot.com.au Instagram: @llhunter Website: http://llhunterauthor.wordpress.com Google +: google.com/+LLHunter

Book Blitz: This Means War by A.M. Wray

Title: This Means War Author: A.M. Wray    Genre: Contemporary Romance, Suspense Hosted by: Lady Amber's Tours Blurb:  All words that Taylor would have used to describe her dream employer, Alexander Stone – CEO of Stone Literary Agency. That is, until she met him. Now there are much different words coming to mind…  Overgrown Man-child.  Her incredibly serious, professional demeanor clashes with Alexander’s sweetness and vibrant sense of humor and he loves to get her angry. He just can’t seem to wait to hear the next terrible thing she’ll say to him. Taylor, however, isn’t one to back down and Alexander manages to bring out her own dark humor as her need to get even with him at every turn gets the better of her.  The game only barely gets started when she gets a little friendly advice that she can’t seem to shake. Things begin to change for Taylor and she begins to find the girl that she used to be. The more these changes take place, the more her life seems to spiral out of her control.  When her secrets catch up with her as trouble comes knocking, everyone she loves is put in danger. Taylor’s life is threatened and she learns that Alexander has some secrets of his own. Maybe he isn’t just the sexy yet silly, unprofessional man-child she once thought him to be after all…  Candy Crum lives in Indiana and is the Author of “The Eternal Series” and other short stories. She published her first novel, The Eternal Gift, in May of 2011 and has been publishing ever since. Candy is an avid lover of the paranormal genre, stemming from years of reading the Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice when she was a teenager. Later, she developed a deep love of the Vampire Academy Series by Richelle Mead and the House of Night Series by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast, furthering her love of the genre and pushing her to really push to finish and publish her novel. Since then, Candy has released three other books in The Eternal Series and will release another later in 2014. Now, Candy is trying her hand at more contemporary pieces of work, like that of Lean on Me and other books she will release in 2014. Some of Candy’s interests include the usual reading and writing, music (of most types), movies (action and comedy or any combination of the two), cartoons (she loves to say that her children watch cartoons because she does), and drawing. She loves talking with her fans and loves reading the reviews that her fans are kind enough to leave for her. Always feel free to find Candy on Facebook and send her a message! Author Links:  Facebook * Amazon * Goodreads * Twitter  Buy Links: Amazon: http://amzn.to/1e4dd6F Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1Qq3atx

Book Blitz: The Dating Misfortunes of Paige Turner

Title: The Dating Misfortunes of Paige Turner Author: Aubrey Kendall      Genre: Romantic Comedy Hosted by: Lady Amber's Tours Blurb: Is it possible for a princess to meet her Prince Charming for the first time and fall in love? Are the princesses we read about kidding themselves, or do they just settle? Happily ever after is something all women dream of as children, but how does someone meet that one exquisite man then run off and marry him? Rubbish! The men Paige Turner has met have had something terribly wrong with them or just aren't charming at all. Paige has only ever felt love from a boy long ago, and is finally ready to settle down. The few potentials, however, are colleagues and she has a strict rule in dating men she works with. Holding a job as a paralegal and owning her own home, Paige has made her decision to get serious in her dating efforts. After several attempts to find the guy of her dreams, Paige begins to see a not-so-bright future. Just as she thinks she found the one, he turns out to be something she is not. Luckily for Paige, a few of her friends help her along the way. Will Paige ever find her Prince Charming? Or is she destined to be a maiden forever? Each book in the Circle of Friends series is a standalone

S.M. Knowles wanted to keep her S.M. name separate for her YA Books. Aubrey Kendall is for anything that is not YA or not meant for children to read. She graduated with her Master’s degree in Adult Education and Training in 2012 and is now looking at pursuing her doctoral program. She has been writing since the age of nine, but didn’t pursue publishing until 2013. She lives in Phoenix Arizona with her two daughters and husband.

Author Links: Author reads the first chapter to you! Here: https://youtu.be/RSkModb-VNM www.facebook.com/smknowles1 - www.facebook.com/smknowles01 - https://twitter.com/SMKnowles1 - https://www.pinterest.com/smknowles1 http://smknowles.tumblr.com/ http://amzn.to/1NxvlkD Buy Links: Amazon -  http://amzn.to/1IOxtAI Giveaway Info: Once Review is up on Amazon, please submit your user name in comment. TWO PRIZES: $50 Amazon GC's TWO PRIZES (selected by RANDOM.ORG) for those who leave a review for "The Dating Misfortunes of Paige Turner". You would have to buy the ebook (for those who can't buy please keep reading), BUT once the review is left you would input the user name you used in the comments and I would let Random choose TWO! Here's the deal, IF you cannot afford to purchase the ebook, I would be willing to "kindle email" you a copy, BUT you would need to post about the giveaway at least twice a week in a random group as well as post in Twitter and email me the links so I can make sure you are holding up your end of the deal. I'm all about fair (in giveaways) as long as you hold up your end. Just submit your kindle email to me in my inbox and add my email: sm.knowles@ymail.com -- Keep my author email so you are able to email me your links when you've posted at least twice during the week. I'm keeping track and if I do not get these emails you will be disqualified from the giveaway. START: July 15, 2015 END: October 15, 2015 PLEASE do not post your review UNTIL JULY 15. Any review submitted before this date will NOT be included in the giveaway. SYNOPSIS Is it possible for a princess to meet her Prince Charming for the first time and fall in love? Are the princesses we read about kidding themselves, or do they just settle? Happily ever after is something all women dream of as children, but how does someone meet that one exquisite man then run off and marry him? Rubbish! The men Paige Turner has met have had something terribly wrong with them or just aren't charming at all. Paige has only ever felt love from a boy long ago, and is finally ready to settle down. The few potentials, however, are colleagues and she has a strict rule in dating men she works with. Holding a job as a paralegal and owning her own home, Paige has made her decision to get serious in her dating efforts. After several attempts to find the guy of her dreams, Paige begins to see a not-so-bright future. Just as she thinks she found the one, he turns out to be something she is not. Luckily for Paige, a few of her friends help her along the way. Will Paige ever find her Prince Charming? Or is she destined to be a maiden forever? Each book in the Circle of Friends series is a standalone **Note: Facebook is NO WAY responsible for this giveaway. There will need to be at least 60 reviews up in order for this giveaway to find itself into the hands of two winners. Find out more information HERE!!

Book Blitz: And Then He Kissed Her��

Title: And Then He Kissed Her Box Set Genre: Contemporary Romance Hosted by: Lady Amber's Tours Blurb: ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID by Melinda Curtis, USA Today Bestselling and Award Winning Author: Nicole Edwards has walked down the aisle as a bridesmaid thirteen times! Thirteen times! In an effort to change her luck, this master baker plans to give up waiting for Jake – who doesn’t know she’s alive – sell her business in New York City, buy a food truck in Los Angeles, and find her own happily ever after. Chef Sean O’Malley could use Nicole’s dessert skills at his restaurant in New York City. In fact, he’s banking on a joint venture with Nicole, although he hasn’t yet approached her about it. When he learns during a pre-wedding event they’re both working that she’s moving to L.A. because she’s giving up on Jake, he decides to give her a crash course on how to be noticed. Sean has, after all, three younger sisters. He knows how a woman’s mind works. But he doesn’t factor in how his heart works or how easily it could be broken. CHARMER by Brinda Berry, Reese McClain has a solid plan in place: finish raising her teenage niece, run her pie bakery, and avoid entanglements with a tempting man. After all, her sister deserted her own child for a freewheeling lifestyle. Life is much less complicated without dating. Especially dating a man like Cord Barton—a rock star who’s too gorgeous, too young, and too carefree. Cord knows his life needs change, but he doesn’t expect it in the form of a beautiful pie maker named Reese. She’s a much needed star in his burnt out life. Because when it comes to plans, he wants her for more than dessert. RIVERBEND by Ciara Knight, Amazon Bestselling Author Five years after the death of his wife, Dr. Mitchem Taylor is ready to share his life with someone. Only one thing stands in the way of giving love a second chance--the strictly enforced "no dating" rule. A rule that pierces his heart every time he thinks about his university assistant, Cynthia. When a handsome man shows interest in her, Mitchem must choose between love for his career or love for his beautiful assistant. Since the day she saw her boss, Mitchem, care for his son’s knee at a little league game, Cynthia Gold has been in love with him. Pining away over a love she can never have forces her to make a drastic change—a new job thousands of miles away. But can she walk away from her life she enjoys and a boy who’s like a son, or keep her heart bound to a man who may never love her. ALONG CAME YOU by Hildie McQueen, Amazon Bestselling Author Off to an awkward start, Gina Mills and Jake Weston attempt to ignore the attraction between them and stick to the business of selling his house. Unfortunately circumstances keep cropping up that make it difficult. When the past collides with the present, a surprising turn of events makes them rethink if they were meant to be after all. UPTOWN HEIRESS by Lindi Peterson: At an after-party for the reality series, Love Atlanta Style, hotel empire heiress Grace Adams has an epiphany. Love isn’t a game and neither is life. It’s time to find a job and prove she doesn’t need Daddy’s money. Waiter, Justin Walker, is biding his time working for the rich crowd who thinks they’re owed everything. But his service pays off when he meets the beautiful Grace Adams. He asks her out, oblivious to the fact that she’s a hotel heiress. When they find out they are competing for the same job, Grace and Justin try to maintain their budding friendship and romance, until Justin discovers the truth. Grace represents all he tries to avoid. Will Justin’s view of high society stand in his way of finding love? Will Grace’s heart shatter as she finds love only to lose it? Or will time-honored truths show Grace and Justin the beauty of everlasting love. Ciara Knight writes with a ‘Little Edge and a Lot of Heart’ with her contemporary and paranormal romance books. Her most recent #1 Amazon bestselling series, Sweetwater County, has topped the charts and received acclaimed reviews. Her international best-seller, Pendulum scored 4 stars from RT Book Reviews, accolades from InD’Tale Magazine and Night Owl Top Pick. Her young adult paranormal series, Battle for Souls, received 5 stars from Paranormal Romance Guild and Night Owl’s Top Pick, among other praises. Author Links: Website: http://www.ciaraknight.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ciaraknightwrites Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ciaratknight Instagram: https://instagram.com/ciaratknight/ Buy Links: Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/then-He-Kissed-Her-ebook/dp/B011CF0XPI/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1436543510&sr=1-2&keywords=And+Then+He+kissed+Her Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/and-then-he-kissed-her-2 Ibooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/and-then-he-kissed-her/id999190181?mt=11

Cover Reveal: Undeniable by Janet A. Mota

Title: Undeniable Author: Janet A. Mota         Genre: Contemporary Romance Expected Release Date: August 14, 2015 Hosted by: Lady Amber's Tours Blurb: Tucker Blythe is a broken man.  His father mentally abused him.  He carried and lived with all the ugliness his father has pounded into his brain.  He wants a wife and children but fears that his father has been right.  He just isn’t good enough to have that.  He didn’t go to college and feels like he is in a mediocre job.  He believes he has nothing to offer a woman, especially the one he has wanted since he was ten years old. Kayla Vincent is the girl next door.  She comes from a loving family.  She went away to college and is coming back to open the only dental practice in the small town.  Although she loved going away for college, she always knew that she would come back to the place she grew up in.  The man she wanted was also back home.  She knows everything about him and knows that it will be a long road to get him to love her back.  Will she be able to convince him that he is all she wants?  Janet A. Mota is 36 years old and lives in Jacksonville, FL with her husband and two children.  She was born and raised in Miami, FL but both of her parents are from Portugal.  She was raised like her parents were raised and her first language was Portuguese.  She didn’t know English when she started school.  Janet has three college degrees and is always striving to make more of herself.  Janet works in Bankruptcy Law during the day and writes at night.  She is also an editor, a beta reader and a reviewer.  Janet has published two books, Unexpected Surprises and Shattered.  Her third book, Undeniable, is scheduled to release on August 14, 2015.  Undeniable is Book 1 in the Coming Home Series.  This is the first series that Janet will be publishing.  Author Links: Website:  www.janetamota.com Facebook:  www.facebook.com/janetamota Instagram:  janetmota1015 Tucker I am sitting at the local bar contemplating on what I have done with my life. I am almost twenty eight years old and I feel like I haven’t done anything worthwhile. I always hated school. I made sure to get a high school diploma but college wasn’t in the cards for me. I went to a technical school and became a roofer a year later. I have been working at Southern Roofing for eight years now. I have made good money but I feel like my life is empty. My brother, Jake, and I don’t get along and it got worse after my parents passed away and he went off to college. My best friend, Shane, left home and went to Louisiana State University. He comes home to visit but it isn’t the same. Our little circle of friends seemed to have disappeared when everyone went to college and I stayed behind in the town we all grew up in. We all went our separate ways except for Jake and Belle. They both attended New York University and were both studying radiology. Don’t get me wrong. I am proud of all my friends and I want to see them succeed. Unfortunately, I can’t help but feel left behind. I don’t have a girlfriend and I have always dreamed of having a family of my own. The one girl I have always wanted is way out of my league and my best friend’s sister. Shane would kill me if I went after Kayla, I think. Honestly, I’m pretty sure Kayla would laugh in my face if I ever asked her out. Kayla is absolutely gorgeous. She has long light brown hair and the most amazing green eyes. She has an hourglass figure that will drop a man to his knees. Besides her killer looks, the enormous brain on that woman is so hot. I would give anything to have more than a friendship with her but I am afraid of rejection and that our friendship will go to hell. I am also pretty sure she has never looked at me that way anyway.

Celebrate Freedom Blog Hop

Happy 4th of July to all my US readers! I hope you enjoy the holiday by celebrating with yummy food, fun fireworks, and most of all, awesome friends & family!

This Independence Day, I was feeling kind of...well...celebratory, so I decided to participate in a blog hop and offer a FREE a giveaway.

Here are the details:

The giveaway will be held from 7/3/15 through 7/10/15 Winners must live in the United States Two winners will be selected at random through Rafflecopter to win a swag pack that includes a key chain, coupons for books from the Wild Rose Press, a beautiful compact mirror, and other fun items. Gain entry points through Rafflecopter below. To get more entries all you have to do is: Leave a comment on this blog post (+1 point) Sign up for my newsletter by clicking the 'contact me' tab then completing the form (+5 points) Do all of the above and you'll have a total of 9 points! Just mention in the blog comment the total points you've earned and how you earned them :)

Want to learn insider information about my upcoming book, Deadly Alpha? Sign up for my newsletter to read an secret excerpt that will be included in the newsletter when I announce the pre-sale event and release of the story. Please visit the 'contact me' tab to be added to my email distribution list. And don't worry. I'll never spam you are give your email to someone else. 

Don't forget to visit the other participating blogs for chances to win other great prizes at the Romance Beckons site. 

Thanks everyone & good luck!

Brenda a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blitz: The Reapers by Ali Winters

Title: The Reapers
Author: Ali Winters 

Genre: YA Fantasy
Release Date: May 31, 2015

Hosted by: Lady Amber's Tour
Blurb:
The balance of life and death must be kept at all costs.

Having been a reaper as long as she can remember, Nivian knows that what she does is essential in maintaining balance. After being assigned to a rushed mark she finds that there is more to this human than any other she has encountered.

Kain had been living an ordinary life without a second thought until he meets Nivian who turns his world upside down. He is thrust into a world of hunters and reapers. The keepers of life and death have been feuding for centuries over a reason no one can even remember.

With Kain having been marked for reaping, and Nivian being hunted, they forge a friendship and together must find the truth in order to keep balance in check. Wrong choices could destroy everything. As they journey they discover hidden histories, powers, and lies and truths that have been spun since the beginning of time. The consequence of failure, unimaginable.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25258649-the-reapers

Author Bio:


Ali grew up in the Pacific North West. She attended Oregon State University for photography. After many adventures she moved to Colorado and earning second degree, she found and met and married her husband. 
Ali currently lives in windy Wyoming with her husband and two dogs, Nika and Tedward. When not writing Ali is either photographing, knitting, reading, dancing or staying inside where it’s warm with a hot cup of coffee. She dreams of traveling the world someday soon.

Author Links:

 

You can email Ali at authoraliwinters@yahoo.com


Or you can also find her on these social platforms.


Facebook
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Pre Order Link:
Amazon

Excerpt:

 

Nivian jumped over the edge of the bridge, landing with a soft tap on the surface of the water. She reached down, pulled the soul of the driver up by the collar of his shirt, and stood him up next to her on top of the water. She took the drivers hand palm up in hers, waving her other hand over his. She pinched the air and pulled, lifting up and exposing his life string, his wide eyes were hypnotized by the glowing string. She grabbed the scythe strapped to her back and swung. With a slow deliberate movement she sliced the human’s thread. The light formed a ball and hovered as she pulled out the small pocket watch. The life light floated down to the watch and sunk into it, disappearing. With a snap, she closed the watch and returned it to her pocket.

“You really shouldn’t drink and drive; you could have seriously hurt someone,” she said giving him an apathetic look. He gaped at her, mouth opening and closing like a fish. “Yes, you really are dead.” She confirmed as she started to turn away.

“Are you … the devil?” he managed to sputter.

“No, of course not. I am just the natural order of things,” she said, briefly looking back at him. “Wait here; your spirit counselor will be here soon for you to guide you to your afterlife. I have other jobs tonight,” She turned, walking away as she pulled her hood back up over her head and vanished.

Book Blitz: Killing for Keeps by Mari Hannah

Title: Killing for Keeps 

Series: A Kate Daniels Mystery
Author: Mari Hannah
        ISBN: 9780062387141
Genre: Police, Detective, Thriller
Imprint: Witness Impulse
        On Sale: Ebook 06/02/2015 Paperback  6/30/2015
        Pages: 416
        List Price: 2.99 USD

Goodreads

Buy the Book  HarperCollins |  Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iTunes

They know he's coming.

Two brothers from the same criminal family die within hours of each other, five miles apart—one on the edge of a Newcastle industrial estate, the other in the busy emergency room of a local hospital. Both victims have suffered horrific injuries.

Who wanted them dead? And will they kill again? Investigating these brutal and bloody killings leads detective Kate Daniels to break some rules, putting her career as well as her life on the line.

As the body count rises in the worst torture case Northumbria police have ever seen, the focus of the investigation widens to Glasgow and beyond, ending in a shocking confrontation with a dangerous offender hell-bent on revenge.              

About the Author

Mari Hannah was born in London and moved north as a child. Her career as a probation officer was cut short when she was injured while on duty, and thereafter she spent several years as a film/television screenwriter. She now lives in Northumberland with her partner, an ex-murder detective. She was the winner of the 2010 Northern Writers’ Award and is a nominee for the 2013 Polari First Book Prize.

Connect with the Author

  Blog | Twitter | Goodreads

Book Blitz: The Lost Love of a Soldier by Jane Lark on sale for only $.99

To commemorate the two hundred anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo the publisher HarperCollins has reduced the price of The Lost Love of a Soldier to ninety nine cents for the entire month of June.

Title: The Lost Love of a Soldier (Marlow Intrigues #4) Author: Jane Lark Genre: Historical Romance 18+ Regency Period Publication Date: July 17, 2014 Publisher: HarperImpulse an imprint of HarperCollins
Synopsis Young, naïve and innocent, Lady Ellen Pembroke falls for a young army officer. Paul has such an easy enchanting smile and his blue eyes glow, vibrancy and warmth emanating from him. She is in love. Captain Paul Harding, finds his attention captured by the beautiful young daughter of the Duke of Pembroke at a house party in the summer. Finding Ellen is like finding treasure on a battle torn field. His sanity clings to her; something beautiful to remind him that all in the world is not ugly. She’s someone to fight for and someone to survive for when he is called to arms in the battle of Waterloo…

The Lost Love of a Soldier Excerpt “Ellen?” Paul whispered her name into the night as he heard the rustle of frost bound leaves on the ground. His breath rose in a mist into the cold winter air. He was on the Duke of Pembroke’s land. He’d not dared encourage her to take a horse, so he’d come close enough that she might walk from the house and find him. He waited at the end of an avenue of yews, out of sight of the house, in a place she could easily see him. His horse whickered, sensing something, or someone. “Ellen?” he whispered again. Still no answer. He stayed quiet. Listening. Wondering if she’d been caught as she left the house. He hoped not. If she’d been caught her father would give her no freedom. Short of leading a military assault on Pembroke’s home, he would not be able to get her out then. The horse shook its head, rattling its bit, and snorted steamy breath into the cold air. The chill of the winter night seeped through his clothes. There would be a hard frost. He hoped she’d dressed in something warm. He’d have to buy more clothes for her before they sailed. She would need garments to keep her warm in the sea breezes she’d face on their journey to America. There was another sound. “Ellen?” “Paul?” How did this woman manage to make his heart beat so erratically whenever he saw her? He could run into battle and not be so affected. She looked even more beautiful in the dark. Ethereal. A band of silver light reached through the scudding clouds and caught her face. He let go of the horse’s bridle and instinctively moved forward. He’d never held her. In the summer there had been no moments alone, she’d been strictly chaperoned and even when she’d come to meet him she’d brought the groom and her sister. When they’d met a fortnight ago, she’d still brought a groom. For the first time they were alone. “Ellen.” He stepped forward and embraced her. In answer her arm came about his waist. It was the most precious feeling of his life. He would always remember this day. She was slender and delicate in his arms. She slipped free, but he caught her nape and pulled her mouth to his, gently pressing his lips against hers. It was her first kiss, he knew; he could tell by the way her body stiffened when he‘d pulled her close. He let her go, a tenderness he’d never known before catching in his chest. “Come.” He took the leather bag she carried. “Will you ride before me, or would you rather sit behind my saddle and grip my waist?” “Would it be easier if I ride behind you?” Her voice ran with uncertainty. She was giving up everything to come with him. “Do what feels comfortable for you, Ellen.” She nodded, not looking into his eyes. “I would prefer to ride pillion.” “Then you shall.” He warmed his voice, hoping to ease her discomfort. Turning to the horse he slipped one foot in the stirrup, then pulled himself up. “Did you have any difficulty leaving the house?” “No, the servants’ hall was quiet, and the grooms had all retired.” He rested her bag across his thighs, then held a hand out to her. “Set your foot on mine and take my hand. I’ll pull you up.” He watched her lift the skirt of her dark habit and then the weight of her small foot pressed on his, as her gloved fingers gripped his. She was light, but the grip of her hand and the pressure of her foot made that something clasp tight in his chest, and the emotion stayed clenched as her fingers embraced his waist over his greatcoat. He shifted in the saddle, his groin tightening too. A few more days. Just days. He had been waiting months. As he turned the horse, Ellen’s cheek pressed against his shoulder. “Did you tell anyone you were leaving? Your sister? Or your maid?” “No, I did not want them to have to face Papa knowing the truth. He would be able to see they’d lied, and then who knows what he might do.” Paul urged the mare into a trot as Ellen continued. “He made me spend the day on my knees reading the Commandments because I refused to marry the Duke of Argyle.” “Today?” He wished to look back at her but he could not. Her father had been diabolical to Paul, sneering as though he was nothing when he’d done the decent thing and offered for her. He could not imagine the way Pembroke treated the girls. He had to get Ellen to Gretna before her father caught them, so she never had to come back and face his retribution.


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About the Author Jane is a writer of authentic, passionate and emotional Historical and New Adult Romance, and a Kindle top 25 bestselling author. She began her first historical novel at sixteen, but a life full of adversity derailed her as she lives with the restrictions of Ankylosing Spondylitis. When she finally completed a novel it was because she was determined not to reach forty still saying, I want to write. Now Jane is writing a Regency series and contemporary, new adult, stories and she is thrilled to be giving her characters life in others' imaginations at last. You might think that Jane was inspired to write by Jane Austen, especially as she lives near Bath in the United Kingdom, but you would be wrong. Jane's favourite author is Anya Seton, and the book which drew her into the bliss of falling into historical imagination was 'Katherine' a story crafted from reality. Jane has drawn on this inspiration to discover other real-life love stories, reading memoirs and letters to capture elements of the past, and she uses them to create more realistic plots. 'Basically I love history and I am sucker for a love story. I love the feeling of falling in love; it's wonderful being able to do it time and time again in fiction.' Jane is also a Chartered Member of the Institute of Personnel and Development in the United Kingdom, and uses this specialist understanding of people to bring her characters to life. Connect with the Author: Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Website