Katherine Bone's Blog - Posts Tagged "regency"
Duke by Day, Rogue by Night is Here!!
Happy Halloween everybody!
Who doesn't love an alpha male, especially if he's dressed as a pirate? An aristocrat portraying himself as a fop to keep his enemies and the ton at bay? Or men willing to forsake their place in society as first sons in order to serve England without falling under suspicion? Most anyone would find a rogue like this wildly exciting. But not Lady Constance Danbury. Her previous experience with pirates left her motherless and fearful of the sea. But when her father's reputation is practically in tatters and he must wed her to a lecherous lord with a penchant for abuse in order to replenish his coffers, Constance boards a ship bound for Spain in order to escape and plead for her aunt's help. What happens on that ship catapaults Constance into a den of intrigue and danger. It also brings her face to face with a man who cannot compete with her wildest imaginings— a duke by day, rogue by night.
While you masquerade in costume today, I hope you'll give the first book in my Nelson's Tea trilogy a try. It debuted two days ago and I'm still over the moon.
Enjoy the adventure, but don't forget to love a rogue.
Katherine
www.katherinebone.com
Who doesn't love an alpha male, especially if he's dressed as a pirate? An aristocrat portraying himself as a fop to keep his enemies and the ton at bay? Or men willing to forsake their place in society as first sons in order to serve England without falling under suspicion? Most anyone would find a rogue like this wildly exciting. But not Lady Constance Danbury. Her previous experience with pirates left her motherless and fearful of the sea. But when her father's reputation is practically in tatters and he must wed her to a lecherous lord with a penchant for abuse in order to replenish his coffers, Constance boards a ship bound for Spain in order to escape and plead for her aunt's help. What happens on that ship catapaults Constance into a den of intrigue and danger. It also brings her face to face with a man who cannot compete with her wildest imaginings— a duke by day, rogue by night.
While you masquerade in costume today, I hope you'll give the first book in my Nelson's Tea trilogy a try. It debuted two days ago and I'm still over the moon.
Enjoy the adventure, but don't forget to love a rogue.
Katherine
www.katherinebone.com
Rolling in Second
I found out the most wonderful thing yesterday, my friends. Duke by Day, Rogue by Night has a 2nd place ranking at Crimson Romance!!! Let me tell you, that's a marvelous boon to my spirits and great way to start off the week! <3
Thank you to everyone who has bought my book and/or plans to read it. I cherish each and every one of you. You see, writing a story isn't about fulfilling a lifelong dream of being a storyteller or becoming rich and famous. It's about touching other people's lives with a hint of something that brings a familiar excitement, comfort and peace to those who read the book. I was touched like this growing up and have been every time I open a book and get whisked away to another time and place via an author's beautiful prose.
Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, Julie Garwood, Johanna Lindsey, Rosemary Rogers, Fern Michaels started me off on this path. (There's nothing like weaning on the best!) And there's nothing better than two people falling in love, overcoming challenges, risking danger and crossing the threshold into an adventure we all can only imagine in our minds, but desire to experience. (It's safer that way, isn't it?) Add on an HEA, the happily ever afters we all crave and love and life is SWEET!
Romance novels are definitely here to stay, especially historical romance and in particular, the Regency genre. And thank goodness for the alpha males who'll do anything and everything to win their lady loves!!! Ah, yes. What a joy reading can be!
As I write book two in the Nelson's Tea series, I think of you, dear readers. This is for you!
Blessings!
Thank you to everyone who has bought my book and/or plans to read it. I cherish each and every one of you. You see, writing a story isn't about fulfilling a lifelong dream of being a storyteller or becoming rich and famous. It's about touching other people's lives with a hint of something that brings a familiar excitement, comfort and peace to those who read the book. I was touched like this growing up and have been every time I open a book and get whisked away to another time and place via an author's beautiful prose.
Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, Julie Garwood, Johanna Lindsey, Rosemary Rogers, Fern Michaels started me off on this path. (There's nothing like weaning on the best!) And there's nothing better than two people falling in love, overcoming challenges, risking danger and crossing the threshold into an adventure we all can only imagine in our minds, but desire to experience. (It's safer that way, isn't it?) Add on an HEA, the happily ever afters we all crave and love and life is SWEET!
Romance novels are definitely here to stay, especially historical romance and in particular, the Regency genre. And thank goodness for the alpha males who'll do anything and everything to win their lady loves!!! Ah, yes. What a joy reading can be!
As I write book two in the Nelson's Tea series, I think of you, dear readers. This is for you!
Blessings!
Duke by Day, Rogue by Night Excerpt
It's Giving Tuesday! I'm celebrating a wonderful compliment today. I was told my writing style reminded a reader of Georgette Heyer. Can it get any better than that? So while I do a moon walk, I thought I'd share an excerpt from Duke by Day, Rogue by Night. Enjoy! ;)
“Where are my clothes?”
“You’ll not be needing them,” he said.
She struggled to breathe. “What do you mean I’ll not be needing my clothes?”
Even before the question came out of her mouth, his meaning was clear. An abysmal vulnerability unlike any she’d ever experienced forced a heated blush into her cheeks. He stepped closer, looming above her like a hawk stalking prey. She shrank back, scurrying on her hands and feet until her back braced against the wall, intent on putting as much space between herself and the deplorable scoundrel as possible.
“Nothing can come between us, Constance, including clothes.”
His alarming grin proved he meant to ensure every word. Beads of sweat broke out on her brow as her mind labored for a response. Something wicked churned in her stomach as her mind labored over a memory, the sensation of the two of them without clothes, their bodies scandalously intertwined, his warm fingers, comforting touch, and his heart pounding underneath her ear.
“How do you know my name?” she squeaked, trying desperately to block out the condemning images.
“Did you honestly expect me to believe your lies about being Admiral Duncan’s daughter? The man died quite seasoned. His daughters most assuredly wed and bedded before you were born.” His penetrating gaze darted over her body. “How old are you?” he asked. “I wager nineteen — at most.”
He moved closer, his knee resting on the edge of the bunk. Reaching out to grab a lock of her hair, he added, “Too young to be Duncan’s daughter,” he continued, “and far prettier.”
Unsettled, she snatched back her hair. Indignantly, she spat, “You irritating simpleton! My age is of no consequence to you.”
“Yet you claim to be one of Admiral Duncan’s daughters. Who is the simpleton?”
“Are you calling me a liar?”
“If I must,” he said with a wave of his hand, acting as if the effort drained him. But it was the look in his eye that warned her not to insult him again.
She quivered. He stood and crossed the room until he was positioned by the door again. He leaned against it and crossed his arms over his chest, once again causing her eyes to feast on his toned, lean body. The black shirt he wore accentuated his weathered skin. His dark hair, mustache, beard, and eye patch emphasized the reticent set of his jaw. His hair flowed loosely about his shoulders. The red scarf around his forehead stood out like the blush of a cardinal attracting a mate. For the first time, she noticed a gold hoop in his left ear as he dropped his head to the side to observe her with disdain.
“Where am I?” Her voice cracked. She hated being vulnerable, hated herself for thinking the man slightly handsome.
His mustached lip curled upward as if he’d been waiting for such a cue. He stepped away from the door.
“You’re aboard the Striker. Don’t you remember?”
She turned away from him and gazed out the spacious window to replay the previous night’s events in her mind. Her heart raced as bone-chilling images proved she had much to be grateful for where he was concerned. She averted his gaze, hoping to hide the fear listing her heart. Indeed, she remembered all too well that pirates had stormed through her cabin door. She recalled the first time she’d set eyes upon him. She remembered Captain Collins and that heartless brigand, Frink, tearing at her clothes. A tear slipped out of the corner of her eye. Light and moist, it tickled her skin, reminding her of being weighted down by water. She remembered nearly drowning. She remembered hearing her mother’s voice. She remembered him.
“I remember … ,” she admitted, “you saved me from drowning.”
“And I brought you to my cabin,” he finished for her.
“Where’s Captain Frink? Is this his ship?”
“Do not worry your pretty little head about him. He’ll do you no more harm.”
“And Mrs. Mortimer?” Fear took hold when he did not answer. She only vaguely remembered her dearest governess being carried out of the cabin. What had happened to her? Had she been passed from one man to the next like a communal jug of rum?
He approached her slowly, sat down on the edge of the bed and leaned closer, making her heart flutter. “Mrs. Mortimer?”
“Yes,” she replied. “My traveling companion. Is she all right? Is she alive?”
“That crafty old witch is fine. She’s in another cabin.” He held up his hand when she began to ask another question. “Rest assured she is well.” He placed his finger on her lips to silence her when she tried to speak.
Constance brushed his finger away. “Why are we separated? Why aren’t you keeping us together?”
“What joy would there be in that for me?”
“Where are my clothes?”
“You’ll not be needing them,” he said.
She struggled to breathe. “What do you mean I’ll not be needing my clothes?”
Even before the question came out of her mouth, his meaning was clear. An abysmal vulnerability unlike any she’d ever experienced forced a heated blush into her cheeks. He stepped closer, looming above her like a hawk stalking prey. She shrank back, scurrying on her hands and feet until her back braced against the wall, intent on putting as much space between herself and the deplorable scoundrel as possible.
“Nothing can come between us, Constance, including clothes.”
His alarming grin proved he meant to ensure every word. Beads of sweat broke out on her brow as her mind labored for a response. Something wicked churned in her stomach as her mind labored over a memory, the sensation of the two of them without clothes, their bodies scandalously intertwined, his warm fingers, comforting touch, and his heart pounding underneath her ear.
“How do you know my name?” she squeaked, trying desperately to block out the condemning images.
“Did you honestly expect me to believe your lies about being Admiral Duncan’s daughter? The man died quite seasoned. His daughters most assuredly wed and bedded before you were born.” His penetrating gaze darted over her body. “How old are you?” he asked. “I wager nineteen — at most.”
He moved closer, his knee resting on the edge of the bunk. Reaching out to grab a lock of her hair, he added, “Too young to be Duncan’s daughter,” he continued, “and far prettier.”
Unsettled, she snatched back her hair. Indignantly, she spat, “You irritating simpleton! My age is of no consequence to you.”
“Yet you claim to be one of Admiral Duncan’s daughters. Who is the simpleton?”
“Are you calling me a liar?”
“If I must,” he said with a wave of his hand, acting as if the effort drained him. But it was the look in his eye that warned her not to insult him again.
She quivered. He stood and crossed the room until he was positioned by the door again. He leaned against it and crossed his arms over his chest, once again causing her eyes to feast on his toned, lean body. The black shirt he wore accentuated his weathered skin. His dark hair, mustache, beard, and eye patch emphasized the reticent set of his jaw. His hair flowed loosely about his shoulders. The red scarf around his forehead stood out like the blush of a cardinal attracting a mate. For the first time, she noticed a gold hoop in his left ear as he dropped his head to the side to observe her with disdain.
“Where am I?” Her voice cracked. She hated being vulnerable, hated herself for thinking the man slightly handsome.
His mustached lip curled upward as if he’d been waiting for such a cue. He stepped away from the door.
“You’re aboard the Striker. Don’t you remember?”
She turned away from him and gazed out the spacious window to replay the previous night’s events in her mind. Her heart raced as bone-chilling images proved she had much to be grateful for where he was concerned. She averted his gaze, hoping to hide the fear listing her heart. Indeed, she remembered all too well that pirates had stormed through her cabin door. She recalled the first time she’d set eyes upon him. She remembered Captain Collins and that heartless brigand, Frink, tearing at her clothes. A tear slipped out of the corner of her eye. Light and moist, it tickled her skin, reminding her of being weighted down by water. She remembered nearly drowning. She remembered hearing her mother’s voice. She remembered him.
“I remember … ,” she admitted, “you saved me from drowning.”
“And I brought you to my cabin,” he finished for her.
“Where’s Captain Frink? Is this his ship?”
“Do not worry your pretty little head about him. He’ll do you no more harm.”
“And Mrs. Mortimer?” Fear took hold when he did not answer. She only vaguely remembered her dearest governess being carried out of the cabin. What had happened to her? Had she been passed from one man to the next like a communal jug of rum?
He approached her slowly, sat down on the edge of the bed and leaned closer, making her heart flutter. “Mrs. Mortimer?”
“Yes,” she replied. “My traveling companion. Is she all right? Is she alive?”
“That crafty old witch is fine. She’s in another cabin.” He held up his hand when she began to ask another question. “Rest assured she is well.” He placed his finger on her lips to silence her when she tried to speak.
Constance brushed his finger away. “Why are we separated? Why aren’t you keeping us together?”
“What joy would there be in that for me?”
The Rogue's Prize!
Good morning, me hearties!
Found out some great news yesterday. The Rogue's Prize, Book Two of the Nelson's Tea Series, now has a May 6, 2013 release date. I'm so excited about Captain Henry Guffald's book. In an attempt to redeem himself, he meets a pirate he'll never forget.
Here's a blurb:
CAPTAIN HENRY GUFFALD is no ordinary captain. A member of Nelson’s Tea, he’s learned the hard way what treachery will achieve. As a result, he’s sworn an oath never to give in to his ambition. Daring, proud, Henry sets out to rescue a comrade captured in Spain. But when his ship is attacked by a female pirate roving the Cornish coast, waylaying his plans, Henry is forced to make her his prize if he’s going to save a good man’s life.
LADY ADELE SEATON has been raised in a family profited by a lucrative smuggling business. Though her parents wish otherwise, she would no sooner give up the call to rove than marry. But obtaining independence is a challenge when her brother faces a hangman’s noose. Planning to save him, she captures an English ship. But things go awry and she is dragged home in disgrace, forced to ally herself with the one man with the power to anchor more than her ship— her heart.
Have a wonderful Thursday!!
Blessings,
Katherine
Found out some great news yesterday. The Rogue's Prize, Book Two of the Nelson's Tea Series, now has a May 6, 2013 release date. I'm so excited about Captain Henry Guffald's book. In an attempt to redeem himself, he meets a pirate he'll never forget.
Here's a blurb:
CAPTAIN HENRY GUFFALD is no ordinary captain. A member of Nelson’s Tea, he’s learned the hard way what treachery will achieve. As a result, he’s sworn an oath never to give in to his ambition. Daring, proud, Henry sets out to rescue a comrade captured in Spain. But when his ship is attacked by a female pirate roving the Cornish coast, waylaying his plans, Henry is forced to make her his prize if he’s going to save a good man’s life.
LADY ADELE SEATON has been raised in a family profited by a lucrative smuggling business. Though her parents wish otherwise, she would no sooner give up the call to rove than marry. But obtaining independence is a challenge when her brother faces a hangman’s noose. Planning to save him, she captures an English ship. But things go awry and she is dragged home in disgrace, forced to ally herself with the one man with the power to anchor more than her ship— her heart.
Have a wonderful Thursday!!
Blessings,
Katherine
Duke by Day, Rogue by Night Giveaway
There are 3 hours left in my Goodreads giveaway!!! I'm so excited that I've got 665 readers signed up so far! Sending a grateful shout out and a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you who've signed up for a chance to win an autographed copy of my debut historical romance. Percy and Constance's story takes readers on a wild adventure of love, mistrust, and betrayal. It's the first in a trilogy, The Nelson's Tea Series. The 2nd book is with editors now and I'm writing the 3rd as I write this post.
Your generosity and kindness mean so much to me, dear readers!!! To thank you, I'm including treasure (swag) with each book for my 3 lucky winners!
Good luck, me hearties!
Katherine
Your generosity and kindness mean so much to me, dear readers!!! To thank you, I'm including treasure (swag) with each book for my 3 lucky winners!
Good luck, me hearties!
Katherine
Book Cover Reveal!
Hey gang, great things are happening. I just received ARC's of THE ROGUE'S PRIZE (digital version, of course) and got a peek at my book cover. Woot!!! May I just say that I'm in LOVE with it? I think you'll love it too.
DUKE BY DAY has Percy on the cover, posing as Thomas Sexton, his pirate disguise, with a blunderbuss pistol. I'd had it in my head that it would be great to have all 3 rogues in my Nelson's Tea Series on the covers, for continuity purposes. What I got was most unexpected, but truly divine!!! (You'll see what I mean as soon as the cover goes live, which I expect to be any day now.)
The art department at Crimson Romance has been extremely creative in helping bring my series to life. I'm fortunate to have had really great book covers, me hearties, and I know it!!! Book covers that differ from normal Regency romance covers, but reveal much of my characters. I hope that makes the books stand out in a good way.
So be on the lookout for the BIG reveal coming to a port near you. Keep your eyes on that horizon, mateys!!!
Blessings,
Katherine
DUKE BY DAY has Percy on the cover, posing as Thomas Sexton, his pirate disguise, with a blunderbuss pistol. I'd had it in my head that it would be great to have all 3 rogues in my Nelson's Tea Series on the covers, for continuity purposes. What I got was most unexpected, but truly divine!!! (You'll see what I mean as soon as the cover goes live, which I expect to be any day now.)
The art department at Crimson Romance has been extremely creative in helping bring my series to life. I'm fortunate to have had really great book covers, me hearties, and I know it!!! Book covers that differ from normal Regency romance covers, but reveal much of my characters. I hope that makes the books stand out in a good way.
So be on the lookout for the BIG reveal coming to a port near you. Keep your eyes on that horizon, mateys!!!
Blessings,
Katherine
Sail Ho!
THE ROGUE'S PRIZE book cover is live! As you can see on my Goodreads page, it's been added to my list of books. Woot!!!
You can't imagine my excitement, me hearties. My publisher's art department got this cover right. The heroine of THE ROGUE'S PRIZE, Lady Adele Seaton, is the only daughter of Earl Pendrim in a sea of six stalwart pirating sons. Redheaded and green-eyed, her fiery Irish temper and adventurous spirit warn she's a force to be reckoned with. And it's up to Captain Henry Guffald to tame her if he's ever going to achieve his objective ~ rescue Garrick Seaton, another member of Nelson's Tea who's been captured in Spain.
The book gets off to a rousing start when Adele attacks Henry's ship. I'm sure you can imagine what ensues. Or can you? I hope you'll give the book a try. ;)
If you'd like to read more about my cover reveal, check out my blog at: http://katherinebone.wordpress.com/20... or my blog post at Romance Magicians: http://www.romancemagicians.blogspot....
Have a blessed weekend!!!
Katherine
You can't imagine my excitement, me hearties. My publisher's art department got this cover right. The heroine of THE ROGUE'S PRIZE, Lady Adele Seaton, is the only daughter of Earl Pendrim in a sea of six stalwart pirating sons. Redheaded and green-eyed, her fiery Irish temper and adventurous spirit warn she's a force to be reckoned with. And it's up to Captain Henry Guffald to tame her if he's ever going to achieve his objective ~ rescue Garrick Seaton, another member of Nelson's Tea who's been captured in Spain.
The book gets off to a rousing start when Adele attacks Henry's ship. I'm sure you can imagine what ensues. Or can you? I hope you'll give the book a try. ;)
If you'd like to read more about my cover reveal, check out my blog at: http://katherinebone.wordpress.com/20... or my blog post at Romance Magicians: http://www.romancemagicians.blogspot....
Have a blessed weekend!!!
Katherine
Romance Readers' Luncheon
Hey gang,
Some fun stuff coming up for me. First, I've been putting together some awesome promo for the 2013 Heart of Dixie's Romance Readers' Luncheon, June 8th. Gotta take care of my peeps, right? I'm a creative soul, so I love discovering exciting ways to share my book love, aka my books. LOL!!
What did I come up with, you ask? Well, for starters each attendee will be getting a a packet with postcards, bookmarks and my signature Stress Bone. Top that off with an author basket door prize, plus a Rogue raffle basket. And that's not all. Each guest at my table will receive a print copy of Duke by Day, Rogue by Night and a surprise pirate trunk filled with goodies. I can't wait to share me treasure!!!
Readers are what makes writing a success. Readers are the buoy to a writer's spirit. Book wouldn't be available without readers. It's my goal to ensure that my readers know how much I care about them. That's why I've opened another Goodreads Giveaway as a means of celebrating my newest release The Rogue's Prize.
I hope you feel my love for you, even if you aren't attending tomorrow's luncheon in Alabama. You, dear reader, are the wind in my sails.
Blessings,
Katherine
Some fun stuff coming up for me. First, I've been putting together some awesome promo for the 2013 Heart of Dixie's Romance Readers' Luncheon, June 8th. Gotta take care of my peeps, right? I'm a creative soul, so I love discovering exciting ways to share my book love, aka my books. LOL!!
What did I come up with, you ask? Well, for starters each attendee will be getting a a packet with postcards, bookmarks and my signature Stress Bone. Top that off with an author basket door prize, plus a Rogue raffle basket. And that's not all. Each guest at my table will receive a print copy of Duke by Day, Rogue by Night and a surprise pirate trunk filled with goodies. I can't wait to share me treasure!!!
Readers are what makes writing a success. Readers are the buoy to a writer's spirit. Book wouldn't be available without readers. It's my goal to ensure that my readers know how much I care about them. That's why I've opened another Goodreads Giveaway as a means of celebrating my newest release The Rogue's Prize.
I hope you feel my love for you, even if you aren't attending tomorrow's luncheon in Alabama. You, dear reader, are the wind in my sails.
Blessings,
Katherine
Two And Nine!
Such an exciting time for me and you, me hearties!!! There are two days left before The Rogue's Prize launches toward your horizon and nine days until the winners of my Goodreads Giveaway for Duke by Day, Rogue by Night are announced!!!
How am I passing the time? My rogue took my mother and me out for a late birthday celebration last night, where I enjoyed a strawberry daiquiri and scrumptious chocolate dessert. Yum!!! And I got to go see Man Of Steel with Henry Cavill. Great movie filled with fabulous comic book adventure. Very nastalgic too as Superman has been one of the major players on the comic scene for as long as I can remember. Critics have mixed reviews for Man Of Steel but they tend to forget when Superman was created, post depression era when America needed a hero to assauge its woes. Iconic! Uplifting! Dependable! Trustworthy and moral! That's Superman.
Today, I enjoyed breakfast with my rogue and we checked out some cars as we're thinking of trading in our 2000 model for one with better gas mileage. And of course, what day could go by without writing, eh?
Until The Rogue's Prize comes out, here's a snippet for you to enjoy.
With escape in the forefront of her thoughts, Adele asked, “What are you going to do with me?”
“That is something I’ve been asking myself since the moment I saw you brandishing a sword in your hand.”
There was a gleam in Guffald’s eyes, a faint signature sign she recognized — respect, but also something more powerful — attraction. She’d seen the look on Harrison’s face. Lust! Guffald’s momentary lapse gave her an idea. She drew him in.
“Then don’t hold back,” she said. “Go ahead. Kiss me.”
His lips were mere inches away. His cynical eyes turned stormy as they examined hers. At his nearness, unbidden warmth enveloped her, setting off a maelstrom throughout her body. She could feel herself sinking beneath his blue-eyed stare. Determined, however, not to succumb and to keep her wits, she fought the inclination to close the distance and erected a barrier of anger around her. Focus, girl. Focus on what you really want — no, need. She needed to bring Captain Guffald to heel. Not the other way around. But to do so, she was going to have to tempt the devil, draw him close enough so the tips of his lips caressed hers. Then, just as he gave in to her seduction, she’d dispatch him, proving she was immune to him.
Yes, a good plan.
“Kiss me,” she repeated, her voice a tremulous whisper.
Tenderness softened his eyes. He moved in, touching his lips to hers just as she lifted her knee to do him harm. But instead of being startled, his reflexes were quick. Arrowing daggers at her, he stepped easily aside. Undaunted, she swooped underneath his arm, twisting sideways until she was behind him and whipped the chains in an effort to wrap them around Guffald’s neck. But the captain had already anticipated her attack. He countered her actions, ducking to the side before she could trap him. In an instant, he appeared behind her, pinning both of her arms to her sides.
His voice was cool, impersonal. “The cobra finally shows its fangs.”
Guffald didn’t give her time to react. He pulled her toward one of the hanging lamps where he swiftly attached one of her manacled wrists to a hook, and then pulled her other arm outward until he could latch the iron link to another hook on the bedpost.
Outraged, Adele screamed and rattled her chains. “You can’t be serious.”
“Aye,” he said, “I can.” He grinned and straightened his shoulders before easing a knife out of the waistband of his breeches.
Adele’s eyes widened. She was so furious she could barely speak. “W-What do you intend to do with t-that?” Her entire body grew rigid. Did he intend to rid himself of his current problem — her? Garrick will die if you kill me! she wanted to scream.
Oblivious to the fear and rage mounting inside of her, Guffald’s eyes took on a mischievous twinkle. How could he be so callous? For all that was holy, she was a woman! She kicked and thrust her feet into the air, desperately trying to kick him, wound him, anything to keep him from getting closer. But the more she jerked in an attempt to do him bodily harm, the deeper the iron bands dug into her wrists. As her anger became a burning fury, she yelped in pain until her bravado disintegrated.
When she’d spent her last ounce of strength, Guffald moved in closer and placed the dirk’s tip close to her throat. “You like to play games, don’t you?”
She choked down a lump of fear as he lightly stroked the knife along her jaw. “It depends on the game,” she said.
“I have a rewarding game in mind.” Guffald dragged the knife from her jaw to the tip of the collar of Winters’s uniformed coat. Adele held her breath as a grin overtook the captain’s features and he cut off the top button. Pop. She inhaled a swift breath as the now useless ornament dropped into his waiting hand. He cradled it there for a moment, as if weighing it, and then slowly lifted his gaze to hers. His sardonic smile intoned he wasn’t finished.
“What are you doing?” she gasped.
He laughed as if she was dense. “Cutting off buttons, of course.”
Female pirate? Sword fights? Mistaken identities? Rollicking good fun? What's not to love, eh? I do hope you'll give The Rogue's Prize a try and that you'll love these characters as much as I do.
Blessings,
Katherine
How am I passing the time? My rogue took my mother and me out for a late birthday celebration last night, where I enjoyed a strawberry daiquiri and scrumptious chocolate dessert. Yum!!! And I got to go see Man Of Steel with Henry Cavill. Great movie filled with fabulous comic book adventure. Very nastalgic too as Superman has been one of the major players on the comic scene for as long as I can remember. Critics have mixed reviews for Man Of Steel but they tend to forget when Superman was created, post depression era when America needed a hero to assauge its woes. Iconic! Uplifting! Dependable! Trustworthy and moral! That's Superman.
Today, I enjoyed breakfast with my rogue and we checked out some cars as we're thinking of trading in our 2000 model for one with better gas mileage. And of course, what day could go by without writing, eh?
Until The Rogue's Prize comes out, here's a snippet for you to enjoy.
With escape in the forefront of her thoughts, Adele asked, “What are you going to do with me?”
“That is something I’ve been asking myself since the moment I saw you brandishing a sword in your hand.”
There was a gleam in Guffald’s eyes, a faint signature sign she recognized — respect, but also something more powerful — attraction. She’d seen the look on Harrison’s face. Lust! Guffald’s momentary lapse gave her an idea. She drew him in.
“Then don’t hold back,” she said. “Go ahead. Kiss me.”
His lips were mere inches away. His cynical eyes turned stormy as they examined hers. At his nearness, unbidden warmth enveloped her, setting off a maelstrom throughout her body. She could feel herself sinking beneath his blue-eyed stare. Determined, however, not to succumb and to keep her wits, she fought the inclination to close the distance and erected a barrier of anger around her. Focus, girl. Focus on what you really want — no, need. She needed to bring Captain Guffald to heel. Not the other way around. But to do so, she was going to have to tempt the devil, draw him close enough so the tips of his lips caressed hers. Then, just as he gave in to her seduction, she’d dispatch him, proving she was immune to him.
Yes, a good plan.
“Kiss me,” she repeated, her voice a tremulous whisper.
Tenderness softened his eyes. He moved in, touching his lips to hers just as she lifted her knee to do him harm. But instead of being startled, his reflexes were quick. Arrowing daggers at her, he stepped easily aside. Undaunted, she swooped underneath his arm, twisting sideways until she was behind him and whipped the chains in an effort to wrap them around Guffald’s neck. But the captain had already anticipated her attack. He countered her actions, ducking to the side before she could trap him. In an instant, he appeared behind her, pinning both of her arms to her sides.
His voice was cool, impersonal. “The cobra finally shows its fangs.”
Guffald didn’t give her time to react. He pulled her toward one of the hanging lamps where he swiftly attached one of her manacled wrists to a hook, and then pulled her other arm outward until he could latch the iron link to another hook on the bedpost.
Outraged, Adele screamed and rattled her chains. “You can’t be serious.”
“Aye,” he said, “I can.” He grinned and straightened his shoulders before easing a knife out of the waistband of his breeches.
Adele’s eyes widened. She was so furious she could barely speak. “W-What do you intend to do with t-that?” Her entire body grew rigid. Did he intend to rid himself of his current problem — her? Garrick will die if you kill me! she wanted to scream.
Oblivious to the fear and rage mounting inside of her, Guffald’s eyes took on a mischievous twinkle. How could he be so callous? For all that was holy, she was a woman! She kicked and thrust her feet into the air, desperately trying to kick him, wound him, anything to keep him from getting closer. But the more she jerked in an attempt to do him bodily harm, the deeper the iron bands dug into her wrists. As her anger became a burning fury, she yelped in pain until her bravado disintegrated.
When she’d spent her last ounce of strength, Guffald moved in closer and placed the dirk’s tip close to her throat. “You like to play games, don’t you?”
She choked down a lump of fear as he lightly stroked the knife along her jaw. “It depends on the game,” she said.
“I have a rewarding game in mind.” Guffald dragged the knife from her jaw to the tip of the collar of Winters’s uniformed coat. Adele held her breath as a grin overtook the captain’s features and he cut off the top button. Pop. She inhaled a swift breath as the now useless ornament dropped into his waiting hand. He cradled it there for a moment, as if weighing it, and then slowly lifted his gaze to hers. His sardonic smile intoned he wasn’t finished.
“What are you doing?” she gasped.
He laughed as if she was dense. “Cutting off buttons, of course.”
Female pirate? Sword fights? Mistaken identities? Rollicking good fun? What's not to love, eh? I do hope you'll give The Rogue's Prize a try and that you'll love these characters as much as I do.
Blessings,
Katherine
Goodreads Giveaway Count Down!!!
Time passes by so fast these days, don't you agree, me hearties? Some days, I just don't think I can keep up. The year is half over, and another birthday has come and gone. LOL!!!
One of the great things about time passing is getting to experience the things you've been looking forward to the most, like holidays, vacations, birthdays, or a reader event. Today, I'm particularly excited about my Goodreads Giveaway, which ends in 9 hours!!!
This is my second Giveaway here on Goodreads. Last time, I gave away 3 books. This time, I've upped the anty and have 5 books to give away in celebration of Book Two in my Nelson's Tea Series, The Rogue's Prize, which released June 24th.
Even better? I'm including swag, me hearties!!! So each winner of my 5 books will also receive postcards, bookmarks, my signature stress bone, and more surprises! I love surprises, don't you?
So don't forget to sign up for the giveaway. There's still plenty of time. I'm really looking forward to sharing Duke by Day, Rogue by Night, the first book in my Nelson's Tea Series, and more with you, dear readers!!!
Blessings,
Katherine
One of the great things about time passing is getting to experience the things you've been looking forward to the most, like holidays, vacations, birthdays, or a reader event. Today, I'm particularly excited about my Goodreads Giveaway, which ends in 9 hours!!!
This is my second Giveaway here on Goodreads. Last time, I gave away 3 books. This time, I've upped the anty and have 5 books to give away in celebration of Book Two in my Nelson's Tea Series, The Rogue's Prize, which released June 24th.
Even better? I'm including swag, me hearties!!! So each winner of my 5 books will also receive postcards, bookmarks, my signature stress bone, and more surprises! I love surprises, don't you?
So don't forget to sign up for the giveaway. There's still plenty of time. I'm really looking forward to sharing Duke by Day, Rogue by Night, the first book in my Nelson's Tea Series, and more with you, dear readers!!!
Blessings,
Katherine
