Patricia Green's Blog, page 14

Giveaways!

Hello, everyone! In case you haven’t noticed, there are two brand new giveaways over in the right sidebar: the Game of Thrones Giveaway and the Back to School Giveaway. These are sponsored by A Girl and Her eBooks, and like all of their contests, they have great prizes, including books, DVDs, and gift cards. Go on over to the sidebar and click on either graphic (or both) and enter yourself through the Rafflecopter. You’ll have lots of chances to win.

I’m a proud contributor to these prizes. Enter. You could win!

To those of you who already entered: thank you and good luck!

Guest: Corinne Alexander Brings Melissa’s Saving Grace

Corinne Alexander is a spanking romance writer with heart and a good grasp on what makes a book fascinating for readers. In Melissa’s Saving Grace (a new Corbin’s Bend novel), she’s telling another compelling story. If you’ve read any Corbin’s Bend books, you’ll love this book, but even if you haven’t each of the books stands alone.

Here’s a little synopsis of the book.

Melissa Toselli is a wild child with a troubled past. Having been on her own since she was fifteen she is desperate to find the one who will take her into his arms, heart, and control. She has a tendency to pick all the wrong men for all the wrong reasons.

Unbeknownst to Melissa she has caught Corbin’s Bend newbie, Jason Donovan’s, attention. The wild spitfire stirred something inside of him that he could not let go. He could see right through Melissa’s devil may care attitude to the vulnerable child within who just needed someone to care for and watch out for her. She was crying out for some guidance; both the kind that would tuck her in at night and the kind that would take her over a knee for some much needed discipline and structure.

Can Jason give Melissa what she needs and tame the wild child that she is? Can he show her the way a true gentleman treats the woman he has feelings for? Will Melissa turn out to be too much for Jason to handle? Will she fall back into her old ways? Or will Jason and Melissa find exactly what their looking for in each other?

And here’s a fun excerpt.

Setting her down on the sofa, he sat next to her. He should probably let her sober up the rest of the way before having this conversation. Taking in the firm set of her jaw and ramrod straight line of her spine, she was obviously ready to have this out now. “What were you thinking, Melissa?” He started as gently as he could, but could feel all of his earlier emotions begin to boil again.

Melissa obviously felt them too because she immediately went on the defensive. Her eyes flashed. “You think there’s something wrong with going out dancing?”

He leveled his eyes on hers. “Is that really the stance you want to take right now?”

“Why not?” she spat. “I went out to have some fun. While I admit it got a little out of control, it’s over now. As you can see, I’m fine.”

His mouth dropped open in dismay. “A little out of control,” he sputtered. “Melissa, if I hadn’t found you, who knows what would have happened to you.” He clenched his fists. “You were passed out against a wall for God’s sake.”

“So what are you going to do about it?” she dared him.

Shock zinged through him as her words sunk in. He didn’t know what had gotten into his normally level-headed friend, but this was not a dare he was going to resist. “Melissa, so help me you are about to wind up panties down, bottom up over my knee if you don’t take this conversation seriously, starting now.”

“Oh, I’m taking it seriously, Jason,” she answered back, the fire gone from her voice. “I just think you’re exactly like everyone else in this community. You talk a big game, rushing in to rescue me, but you’re afraid to put your money where your mouth is and give me what I really need.”

Was she really daring him to spank her? Did she honestly think he wouldn’t follow through? His mind scrambled to keep up with the turn of events along with any potential ramifications, but there was no doubt in his mind that before this night was over she would be getting exactly what she asked for.

“Are you going to spank me or what?” she asked, a fierce bravado flashing in her eyes.

He shook his head at the sheer courage she could muster at the blink of an eye. He stood, pulling her with him. Crooking a finger under her chin, he lifted it so that he could look into her shining eyes. “Oh, I’m going to blister your bottom all right,” he said, lowering his voice, allowing the energy to sizzle between them for a few heartbeats. He ran his hands down her arms noticing the little shiver she gave at the contact. “But not yet.” He could see how desperately she needed to gather her thoughts. There would be no spanking until he determined that she was sober and in a better frame of mind. Turning her toward the bathroom, he gave her bottom a soft smack. “Take a shower. We’ll talk when you’re done.” She gave a little squeak, but headed in the direction he sent her.

Are you ready to buy? You know you are! Here’s where you go to get Melissa’s Saving Grace.

Blushing Books

Amazon

Amazon UK

Barnes & Noble

Learn a little about Corinne now.

Corinne Alexander is an erotic spanking romance writer who loves nothing more than to snuggle up with a cup of coffee, a warm blanket, and a steaming hot erotic romance. She enjoys strong alphas, feisty heroines, and a good old fashioned spanking romance. A Brush of Violet (Corbin’s Bend) is her debut novella, now up for the Golden Flogger Award. Corinne’s favorite kind of day is when she can slip away into nature to get lost in her daydreams (spinning her fantasies) with the forest floor under her feet, the wind rustling through her hair, and sunbeams kissing her face.

Talk to her here:

Corinne’s Blog

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

The Book Gourmet – July 9, 2015

Welcome back to another installment of The Book Gourmet, where I share some goodies and thoughts on books.

First Course –  The Amuse Bouche

Here are a few tag lines that caught my attention. They look pretty intriguing.

The Colonel’s Woman (by Jordan St. John): Desire and discipline in the old West.

Blood Ties (by Ashley Fontainne): The bonds are permanent.

Second Course – The Appetizer

For this week’s appetizer, I’d like to spotlight Jenna Jaxon’s new novelette, Beloveds. It’s a medieval menage story, based upon her Time Enough to Love series. This book interests me for a few reasons. First, it’s a follow up story exploring themes that use characters from the series, but which plays out a situation that normally wouldn’t happen in the realistic settings Jenna has conjured up, and yet it does, and it happens organically, making perfect sense. It’s a masterful work, that has some surprises. The other thing that interests me about this story is that it’s a M/F/M menage story. (This subgenre has now become simply “menage” stories as though there was no such thing as F/M/F menage, or any other combination of sexes. Don’t get me started.) Anyway, I really like the way Jenna has managed to make both men Alyse’s lovers without having them cross over into homosexuality. In the time period portrayed, homosexuality was very much forbidden, both by church and state, and straying over into that zone would have put Jenna’s story into “unbelievable” territory. She did a great job working within the framework of her series.

I’d love to hear what you think about a medieval menage situation, and menage stories in general.

Third Course – The Entrée

Right now, I’m working on the fourth Romantek book. For those of you who aren’t familiar with this series, it’s a sci-fi, time-travel romance series, in a very unique environment where virtual reality takes on new proportions. The first book (The Winner) took our hero and heroine to 1850s Nebraska, the second book (Charlotte & the Pirate) took another couple to the high seas of the eighteenth century, and the third book (Eddie, My Love) had the main characters’ adventure take place in a 1950s noir detective murder mystery. All are romances, all have spanking, and all are well-reviewed. But the fourth book harkens back to book two, where Charlotte and Rex encounter an evil villain who’s trying to sabotage the Romantek company and harm one of the VIP guests. The evil villain comes back in book four, tentatively titled, “My Vacation in Rio.” I’ve managed to make quite good progress on this book, so I’m hoping it will get to readers soon.

Fourth Course – The Dessert

I got the rest of the editing back for the Sonata’s Moon release, and hope to get to work on finalizing that book for a release this month. My sincere thanks to Wizards in Publishing, and specifically Kate Richards, for her help on this project.

Thank you for joining me here today. I’ll share more with you soon!

Guest: Mary Wehr with Wild for You

If you like spanking romances, you’re in for a real treat. Pick up a copy of Mary Wehr’s new book, Wild for You. Mary is reliably one of the best at spanking romance.

Here’s a little blurb for Wild for You:

Nathan Holt has a reputation in Swiftwater, and not one he was proud of. If he had half a brain, he’d stay far away from there. But there was a certain blue-eyed blonde holding his heart, not to mention a half-sister that he barely knew. He had left Swiftwater to protect them from his father. That reason no longer existed.

Bonnie Blakely had been taught to be a proper lady, but inside she felt anything but proper. She longed for a man – a strong, capable man – to put her across his knee. A brief encounter with Nathan Holt had held promise, but he left Swiftwater, Kansas years ago. He had promised he’d return, but as time passed without a word, Bonnie feared her dreams of his firm hand and unconditional love would never be fulfilled.

Eager for an excerpt?

“You are a naughty girl.” His low drawl made her toes curl. “Your pa didn’t do you any

favors by not paddling your ass when you were a little girl.” He unbuckled his belt, but left it

hanging as he moved to the wall where there were various farm implements.

Bonnie’s heart jolted with excitement. She licked her lips, her gaze tracking his every

move. “I told you Papa spoiled me.” Dampness gathered between her legs and trickled down her

inner thighs. She could smell her own arousal.

“That day you came to the jail, I swore I’d never seen a more beautiful woman in my

life.” He took a riding crop off the wall, examined it, then put it back. He moved further along

and reached for a coiled rope. “Then, when you opened your mouth and spewed such

vindictiveness toward a woman you claimed took your man, it sickened me to think such a

beauty could be so ugly. A man can’t be took if he doesn’t want to be.”

His words were harsh and unyielding. Bonnie briefly squeezed her eyes shut against the

enormous ache in her heart. When she opened them again and looked at him, his expression was

unreadable. She swallowed, nearly choking on her own saliva. Shivers of uncertainty as to why

he really invited her here crept along her arms and legs. He must think her vile and rightly so.

She never should have come here. Was it only his intent to humiliate her? Had her feelings

toward him been one-sided all along? God, she hoped not. Her shoulders sagged under his stern

scrutiny. She’d take what was coming; she deserved to be punished. She lowered her head, not

wanting to witness his fathomless stare any longer, but his finger under her chin wouldn’t allow

her the advantage.

“But, when I told you how a man could truly hurt a woman, break her until

there’s nothing left, you pleaded with me to forget your vendetta. You showed compassion and

that meant something to me.” A gentle brush of his thumb wiped away her tears.

“I, I was wrong, so wrong to come to you with such a horrid idea.” She shuddered.

“Charlotte believes things happen for a reason. If I had been the one in her shoes, I wouldn’t

have been so forgiving.”

Nathan squatted in front of her, his breath mingling with hers. “In my dreams you came

to me naked, your long blonde hair covering your breasts. I’d turn you over my knee and spank

you until your ass turned red, then I carried you to my bed. I’d get down on my knees and latch

my mouth onto your sweet pussy.” He paused. “Do my words offend you?”

Bonnie’s heartbeat ramped loudly in her ears. What he implied had to be scandalous and

downright filthy, an act no proper lady would ever allow a man to do, but she’d welcome

Nathan’s tongue anywhere on or in her body, especially that part now heavy and throbbing and

pounding with every beat of her heart.

“Oh, God, Nathan, no. Those words don’t offend me at all.”

His hand fisted in her hair and he yanked, leaving her feeling open and vulnerable.

“Would they excite you if another man said the same words? Would they arouse you like you are right now?”

“God, no,” she whispered fiercely. “I want only your hands and mouth upon me.”

“Don’t lie to me.”

“I’m not. I swear.”

His nostrils flared. Bonnie swore her woman’s scent filled the barn. “Now is not the time

to think about the pleasures your ripe body surely holds. You’ve pushed me too far with your

talk about finding another man to tame you. I’m the only man for you. I’m the only man who

will punish you and by the time I’m finished, you’ll have an excruciating ride home. It’s time for

a reckoning sorely needed on your part.” He released his hold on her hair and stood up. Bonnie

licked her lips in anticipation. He stepped away and she swayed forward as if pulled by an invisible

thread connecting them together. The rasp of leather being pulled singed her ears and she winced. He

picked up the coiled rope at his feet.

“What’s the rope for?” She asked.

You’re gonna buy it now. I did! Get it in the following places.

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Barnes & Noble

Blushing Books

Mary’s bio, in her own words:

I write what I love to read. Strong, stern heroes and feisty sassy women. Women who are independent and aren’t afraid to speak their mind and commanding men who wouldn’t change them for the world. But, if they place themselves in danger, a trip over a firm thigh is swift to follow. There will always be a spanking in my romances.

The Book Gourmet – July 2, 2015

Welcome to a new feature, here on Patricia Green Books. I’ll be sharing some of the current events in books, both my books and others’. It would also be nice to get to know you better, as well as be open to you, so please chime in when it suits you. I hope you find this format both entertaining and yummy.

First Course – The Amuse Bouche

Books come with tag lines, little one or two sentence gotcha moments. Here are a few for books you’re going to love:

Striker (by me): “I knew it was taking a step toward danger, but some part of me was committed to the adventure that was Angelica Piccolino.”

Irresistible Attractions (Rod and Cane Society) by Cara Bristol: “What happens at the Rod and Cane Society stays at the Rod and Cane Society.”

Disciplined Date: The Spanking Murders (by Mark S. R. Sterling): “Nikki is torn between two powerful men who seek to control her life. Mobster Lenny Fusco coerces Nikki into helping him develop a fetish dating website.  Homicide detective Carl Howard needs her knowledge of the mob to track a serial killer. Each man will put her over their knee -panties down – to get her cooperation.  Nikki must decide which man’s discipline to accept.”

Second Course – The Appetizer

For this week’s segment, I’d like to highlight Grey by E.L. James. I haven’t read it, but I’ve heard a lot of criticism of it. Some people seem disappointed that it re-tells the 50 Shades story all over again, though from Christian Grey’s perspective. I think those people are glad to hear from Christian, but not so glad that there’s no new plot to sink your teeth into. Other people point out the irony of a fan fic writer essentially writing fan fic on her own book. That is rather amusing, though, hey, if she can carry it off, more power to her. Another comment I heard was that “Christian is a controlling bastard.” Um. This surprises readers, why? Grey is only the retelling of the first book (Fifty Shades of Grey), not Christian’s thoughts as he progresses from classic dominant into his next phase of life. In the first book, he’s very much a controlling bastard. That’s why so many women fell in love with him. He had the whole “bad boy” thing going on.

But these are all negative comments making the rounds. I wonder if any of you like the book, why you like it and if you are looking forward to more in the series. So have you read it? (Or have you decided not to read it?) What did you think of it, and are the critics right or wrong?

Third Course – The Entree

My last release was Striker, an erotic romance, murder mystery. It did well in its first month, holding a place on the Amazon Top 100 for erotic mysteries for the entire month. As always happens, sales are reduced after the first month, but, let’s face it, whether it’s a day old or a year old, it’s the same great book. You can find more info on Striker on its page, here.

One tidbit about Striker that many of you don’t know, or might not have picked up on, is that the book takes place in Los Angeles. There are two reasons I set the book there: (1) I’m a Los Angeles native, born and raised there, though I don’t live there anymore; and (2) I’m a total fan of hard-boiled detective/crime fiction from the 50s and 60s, and Raymond Chandler’s works are favorites of mine. He uses LA as a backdrop, and I figured, why not? If it was good enough for him, why not for me?

Fourth Course – Dessert

I’m starting on my next book, a new novel in the Romantek series, this week. Tentatively, it’s titled “My Vacation in Rio.” Like the other Romantek books, it is set in the future and in the fabulous Romantek dream world. The evil villain from book two (Charlotte & the Pirate) will return to create havoc again for the Romantek staff and some customers as well.

Thank you for joining me here today. Look for another installment of The Book Gourmet next week.

Delays

Hello, everyone. Those of you who follow me on Facebook (see link, upper right corner) already read this announcement, but for those of you who aren’t on my FB feed, I wanted to tell you that the “Sonata’s Moon” serial set will not be published in the time frame originally planned. Due to some changes at Amazon, particularly pertaining to self-published books, I had to re-package the books, not as a serial set of two, but as one volume. You will still get both books, but you’ll only have to pay once. I will have the volume out in July, but the date is uncertain at this time since the cover must be redone, as well as the formatting. The editing on the second half is still in the works as well. I will alert you when the book is finally scheduled, but in the meantime, if you want status updates, follow me on Facebook. You’ll get the latest news there because I limit myself to one blog post a day, 3-4 posts per week, but on FB I sometimes have two a day on my author page.

Thank you for your patient understanding. If you want to complain, Amazon would be your best target.

Guest: More Kallista Dane – His to Command

Kallista Dane is a prolific writer with a wide range of offerings. Her latest is His to Command, an erotic, sci-fi adventure with spanking. Take a look at what follows and I’ll bet you’ll want to snap up your copy – links after the excerpt.

Before we get too far, I’d like to share a little something about Kallista with you. Here’s a one-question Q&A.

Patricia: Has your writing changed and evolved over time?

Kallista: My first book was published exactly two years ago. His To Command is number fourteen and I’m on the very last chapter of my next one already. I’d say the biggest change in what I write is in the way my characters develop. I’m a lot more relaxed with them now, trusting that they will grow and change as the story builds.

And here’s the sales blurb:

When Amanda Jane Norris sets out on an undercover mission to infiltrate the ranks of a rogue general on the planet of Neodyma, a world which has turned its back on modern technology, she has complete confidence in her ability to complete her task. But then things go terribly wrong…

Captured by the power-mad general, Amanda’s ordeal begins with a thorough, intimate physical examination which leaves her both utterly humiliated and helplessly aroused. Her body’s intense response to the embarrassing procedure ensures that she will be sent to join the harem the general provides for his men, but only after she is punished for her failed attempt at espionage. After a long, hard spanking in the public square, Amanda is fitted with the red tail of a harlot and prepared for her training.

She is given first to Kaden, a warrior on a secret errand of his own. He quickly proves more than willing to compel her submission with a firm hand applied to her bare bottom, but his plans for her are very different from the general’s. When Amanda first experiences the intense pleasure that a man’s mastery of her body can bring, it is unlike anything she has felt before, and though it fills her with shame she is left begging for more. But can she afford to risk asking for Kaden’s help bringing down the general?

Publisher’s Note: His to Command is an erotic romance novel that includes spankings, sexual scenes, extensive anal play, elements of medical play, elements of BDSM, and more. If such material offends you, please don’t buy this book.

How about an excerpt?

“Keeping order on these distant outposts is an on-going problem. Frankly, Commander, the Interstellar Federation isn’t concerned about some cult indulging in obsolete sexual practices in the mountains on a faraway planet. Rumor has it that this rogue band is mining vast quantities of rare minerals and selling them to planets outside our Federation. With them, terrorists hold the key to building superweapons capable of taking the entire Universe hostage.”

With a sigh, he turned and met AJ’s eyes.

“We’ve already sent out one undercover team. But as you know, modern communication devices can’t survive the bombardment of electromagnetic forces unleashed in the Portal. We’re limited to receiving live reports from our scouts or antiquated devices like sheets of paper bearing written words. There’s been no word from the team for three months. The Minister fears they’ve been captured or killed. Frankly, I’m inclined to agree with him.”

He paused, sizing up the slender woman in front of him. Shoulders back, head held high, she stood strong and proud in her dress whites. She wore her chestnut hair longer than most. However, per regulations, it was drawn back into a severe knot at the back of her head. Wide amber eyes regarded him steadily, displaying no hint of emotion.

“Command Central has decided that rather than risk the lives of another full team, this time they’ll send in a single spy. A female, more likely to be kept alive, if the rumors are true. Because of the danger, we’re reluctant to order anyone to take on this mission. So, Commander Norris – we’d like you to volunteer.”

She didn’t disappoint him. “Certainly, Sir. It is an honor to be of service to the InterStellar Federation.”

“We’ve prepared a cover story for you. Although you’re average in height here on Earth, women on Neodyma do not grow to six feet tall. There’s no chance of disguising yourself as a local wanting to join his cult. Instead, you’ll pose as a reporter eager to score the first intergalactic interview with General Tok. Appeal to his vanity. You’re going to make him a superstar, bring his amazing new concept in social structure to the entire galaxy. Assure him that women everywhere will want to know how they too can be worshipped as Goddesses.”

His expression grew somber. “But your real mission is to get as much information as you can about what’s going on in General Tok’s mountain fortress – and then get back here alive to tell us.”

You’re excited to buy this now, I’m sure. Well, here’s where to get it:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

AllRomance eBooks

About Kallista:

Like my ancestor Scheherezade, I cannot sing or dance or paint.  I have but one talent.  I am a weaver of words.  I love to tell stories of strong women and the even stronger men who suddenly show up in their lives when they expect it least and need it most.

As a little girl I was afraid to take risks.  But when I grew up, I vowed never to let the thrills in life pass me by because of fear.  Since then, I’ve walked on the Great Wall of China, gone scuba diving in underwater caves, and skied a black diamond run in Vail. But the greatest risk I’ve taken is sharing my naughtiest secret fantasies in the books I write.

Kallista’s Blog: http://kallistadane.blogspot.com/

Kallista’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/kallista.dane.5

Kallista’s Amazon page: http://www.amazon.com/Kallista-Dane/e/B00D54IW6M/

Sneak Peek – Sonata’s Moon, Book 1: Surface

Now that the website is done, I can move forward with finalizing the editing for the first book in the two-book Sonata’s Moon serial set. But I thought I’d take a moment and share the edited version of the blurb with you.

The year is 2145, and a terrible war plagues the North American Union. It’s a time when “free love” has cycled back, touching the social mores and habits of people everywhere. But Sonata McLir has held herself apart for much longer than the norm. The time for her to jump into the desperate parties and hurried relationships is only beginning. She’s begun a love affair but stubbornly refuses to see it’s not right for her. And then comes Mikhail.

Mikhail Andropov is a psychology professor with a knack for listening to people and caring. Upon meeting Sonata, he is very attracted to her, but she’s in a relationship with his best friend. It’s a destructive relationship, but he doesn’t know how to tell her or that she’s ready to hear it. He formulates a plan he hopes will be enough to teach her she’s not a jaded man’s plaything; she has much more to offer.

The war escalates. Along with close friends, they’ve built an amazing shelter underground in the countryside not far from Los Angeles. The tricky part is getting there in case the ultimate cataclysm happens and the nuclear bombs drop nearby. Sonata and Mikhail, and a group of their friends, struggle with the dilemma as well as their incendiary interpersonal bonds in Sonata’s Moon, Book One: Surface.

Note: This book is part one of a two-book erotic romance serial set. If you read book one, you’ll want to read book two to discover the conclusion to the romance, the war, and the relationships of all the people involved. Each book is about the same length (roughly 250 typewritten pages), and I thought it too long to publish all at once. I hope you’ll enjoy them both. These books are a totally re-imagined, rewritten, and professionally re-edited version of my Daughter of the Moon books. They have very little in common, but I thought I should give you a heads up, in case you read Daughter of the Moon before I pulled the set from the shelves three years ago.

Sonata’s Moon, Book One: Surface will be released for the 4th of July weekend (so you can enjoy the fireworks on your Kindle before enjoying the fireworks in the sky). Sonata’s Moon, Book Two: Sanctuary will be released about a week later. Each will sell for $2.99.

Subscribers to this blog by email will have an exclusive look at the beginning of the book just before its release.

 

Changes to the Website & Blog

Hi, everyone! I wanted to give you a quick notice that I’ll be making some significant changes to my website/blog over the next week. I think it will only take me a few days to make these improvements, but it might take as long as a week. While I’m working at it, there will not be any new posts, and this one will be featured.

I apologize for this upcoming silence, but I guarantee the new site will be amazing.

Pardon my pixel dust!

Guest: Amelia, by Stevie MacFarlane

As part of my ongoing series introducing you to new and special books, I’m showcasing a new book by Stevie MacFarlane: Amelia (Book One in the Marriage Market Series). You’ll enjoy this mail-order bride tale for its humor, cleverness, and domestic discipline. Here’s a little story summary:

Fresh out of Mrs. Pettigrew’s School for Young Ladies, Amelia Westcott and her two best friends are ready for adventure.  Suddenly a life filled with social obligations and meaningless gossip seems unappealing.  On a whim the girls investigate the phenomena of young women heading west to marry, and Amelia is captivated by the freedom such a decision offers.

Hugh Jordon needs a wife.  The severe shortage of women in the Pacific Northwest makes advertising for a bride seem reasonable. As long as he finds a wife who is the exact opposite of his tempestuous mother, he’ll be well satisfied. Studying the applicants, he chooses one that seems to best fit his needs, and delegates his head clerk with the critical task of sending polite rejections to the others. Unfortunately, most of them never get the letter Hugh anticipated and soon the brides descend, all expecting to marry the same man!

Amelia is horrified, and realizes that the adage “marry in haste, repent at leisure” has never been more true. How could he do that to her? What sort of man was he, to propose to so many women? She simply must have their wedding annulled and return to Massachusetts at once.

Hugh has other ideas. In his opinion, the perfect place for his bride to learn about faith, loyalty and commitment is in his home and over his knee!

Doesn’t that look like a fun book?

Here, you’ll find an excerpt:

“It’s nothing really,” she replied softly with an embarrassing blush. “It was a long trip and I’ve left my family and my closest friends behind. I guess I was lonely and a bit scared.”

“And are you a woman given to tears? I’ve always found them hard to abide except under certain circumstances.”

“No, Mr. Jordon, absolutely not. Usually I’m quite eager to experience new things. As I said, I don’t know what came over me.”

Hugh sighed and easily lifted her to her feet before he rose, towering over her.

“Well, now that you’ve somewhat recovered, I suggest we make our way to our hotel where you can uh…freshen up or whatever it is women do after a long journey and rest until it’s time for dinner.” Taking her hand he tucked it securely in the curve of his arm.

“I am quite rested, Mr. Jordon,” Amelia insisted, gripping his arm tightly as he wove their way through the throng of passengers. “In fact, I would love to see some of the city as soon as I’ve gotten settled in my room.”

“All right, if that is your preference,” he agreed.

“Thank you, Mr. Jordon,” she said, looking up at him with a small smile.

“I think you’d better call me Hugh.”

“Oh, I couldn’t,” she gasped. “Not yet. After all, I hardly know you.”

“Amelia,” he began, his lips twisting in an ironic smile. “You jumped into my arms, cried all over my shirt, sat on my lap and blew you nose into my handkerchief. I believe we’ve moved beyond the formalities,” he teased, patting her hand.

“Yes, Hugh,” she whispered back. “I’m sorry if I caused you any embarrassment by my actions and I’ll understand if you want to withdraw your proposal.”

Hugh stopped and turned to her. Her dry eyes were now a beautiful clear gray as she slowly lifted her chin. There was a spattering of freckles across the bridge of her nose he hadn’t noticed. She’d said she was small of stature, but that would be true standing next to a normal size man. Beside him, the top of her head didn’t reach his shoulder, but she was perfectly lovely. Her pink lips formed a sweet bow and her curls spilled over her shoulder, having escaped from her cock-eyed hat. The faint scent of lilacs drifted past his nose, as he lowered his head to speak quietly in her ear.

“Not only do I not wish to withdraw my proposal, but I fear even if you should like to change your mind, I could not allow it. While you’re not quite what I expected, I am not at all disappointed. I will hold you to your promise, Amelia,” he said firmly. “When we board the ship for home, you will be my wife.”

I know you’ll want to snap up this book right away — I know I wanted to — so here are links for your convenience:

Amazon

Amazon UK

Barnes & Noble

Blushing Books

Maybe you’d like to reach Stevie, or follow her career. If so, here’s where you can find her:

Amazon Author’s Page http://www.amazon.com/Stevie-MacFarlane/e/B00AJD34BU/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1422383716&sr=8-1

Website: http://steviemacfarlane.weebly.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stevie.macfarlane.7

Twitter:  @steviemac1175

Email:  steviemacfarlane@aol.com