Aubrey Wynne's Blog, page 14

The Wallflower’s Secret by Rose Person with excerpt #revengeofthewallflowers #sweetromance

The Wallflower’s Secret by Rose Pearson

When a scorned wallflower, Miss Julia Harbison, plots revenge on the roguish Lord Rushington, a dance floor mishap turns into a game of love and deception. Can truth and passion outshine vengeance?

When a drunken gentleman mistakes her for another on the dance floor, Miss Julia Harbison must battle the gossip and whispers alone. Without any apology or explanation, Lord Rushington leaves her to fade into the background, forcing her into the guise of a wallflower. Angry at his lack of consideration, Julia plots her revenge – to make him fall in love with her before shattering his heart to pieces.

Viscount Benedict Rushington is a gentleman inclined towards revelry and has no intention of finding himself a bride. However, his eye is caught by a mysterious young lady who hides away at the side of society but whose smiles pluck at his heart. All the more intrigued, he encourages her to step out a little more, finding himself entirely caught up with her.

When the truth is revealed, will Benedict confess how much he adores her? And can Julia bring herself to break the heart of the gentleman she has come to love?

The Wallflower’s Secret is the ninth book in the Revenge of the Wallflower’s multi-author series. It is clean and wholesome and suitable for all ages. Get your copy today!

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Excerpt

“I am surprised that you would dare to show your face here.” Astonished, Julia reared back, blinking rapidly, as the gentleman she had seen glaring at her from across the ballroom now stood before her, swaying a little from one side to the other. Her hand clamped itself strongly around Lord Charleston’s arm, her heart beating wildly as she stared at the gentleman, seeing his wide eyes and his hand pointing at her. “After what you have done, I would have thought that you would have hidden yourself away, far from where society could reach you. The audacity of your presence is –”

“Pardon me, but I do not know what you speak of.” Heat built in her face as she waved him away, aware that his voice was loud enough now to carry to the very edges of the ballroom. Despite her fright, she drew herself up, realizing that there had been a misunderstanding as to who she was, but also seeing the need to defend herself. She did not want the ton to believe what was being said of her. “You mistake me for someone else. Do excuse me. I am to dance with Lord Charleston.”

To her horror, the gentleman grabbed her hand and held her back, leaving her pulled between two gentlemen. The weight of his words flung themselves at her one at a time, stacking up one on top of the other, pushing her onto the floor.

How can this mistaken identity disaster be happening to Julia, when she was so looking forward to the London Season! What will she do? Check out the rest of the story here. The Wallflower’s Secret

More titles releasing in AprilRevenge of the Wallflowers

Lure of Time by Vera Bell with excerpt and giveaway

Into the Lure of Time
Vera Bell
(Always and Forever, #2)
Publication date: April 23rd 2024
Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense, Time-Travel

In this gripping sequel to the award-winning novel, Through the Veneer of Time, echoes of Siena’s past life lure her into a shocking indiscretion that threatens to destroy her marriage. She alone can undo the damage, but this chilling revelation is only the beginning of her battle.

1564, ULSTER, IRELAND. After Aedan’s diplomatic visit to Queen Elizabeth’s court results in his compulsory divorce and arranged marriage, Neave’s violent unraveling drives her into another man’s arms. But in seeking revenge, Neave falls into a perfect trap set by Aedan’s enemy. By the time she learns the truth, it’s too late to undo the damage to Aedan, herself, and the hard-won peace in Ulster. When despair makes her reckless, the price will be a lifetime of infamy, confinement, and isolation from what Neave treasures most—Aedan and her son.

2011, WASHINGTON D.C./DALLAS, TX. It seems like a reasonable plan—Siena finishing her final mural in D.C. while Ryan starts his new job in Dallas. But when Siena meets Ryan’s new FBI partner, an inexplicable fit of jealousy sends her on a downward spiral. To make matters worse, the present mirrors the past when her visions take a startling turn. Consumed by insecurities, Siena takes a drastic step, which proves a catastrophic lapse in judgment. When her self-fulfilling prophecy unfolds in a devastating inversion of the past, Siena’s actions could cost her the two people she most fears to lose—Ryan and their baby.

Will Siena and Ryan beat their disastrous odds, or is their marriage foredoomed?

If you love time travel romance with dark undertones, as well as elements of domestic suspense, psychosexual thriller, and a touch of magic, don’t miss the second installment of the Always and Forever trilogy!

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EXCERPT:

Everything—the floor, the walls, the air—fell away. Only this parchment in my hand remained.

Chimeric. Foretold.

Somewhere deep down, I knew I stood very still, calm, and mute, my eyes fixed on Aedan’s precise English hand. But I also hovered above, crumbling into bleeding bits. Watching my life’s blood drain out of me and wash the world in crimson, drop by drop by drop—

Kian said something, his voice familiar, ordinary. It cannot be. I shifted my gaze to the broken seal. An English forgery to foment strife. A cruel trickery to break our spirit. But there was yet a paragraph unread—

As I shall be returning soon after you take delivery of this dispatch, I trust that as my loyal subject, you will abide my expressed demand in the proper and expeditious fashion commensurate with the sensitivity of this matter. As well, it is my uttermost wish that you will, hitherto, regard me solely as your rightful ruler, and as such, would not seek my audience in any unseemly or unsuitable manner. Furthermore, shall you find yourself in my presence, I rely on your good sense and proper decorum to act toward me with such deference and regard as befits my rank.

Earl II of Tyrone, Lord Aedan O’Neal

This 5th Day of January, 1565

The hall swayed. The parchment slipped from my fingers. His handwriting. His name. His signature. What forgery?

Kian steadied me with his hands on my shoulders, eyes frozen with horror.

He bent to take the parchment, pinching it between his thumb and index finger like it was something vile to touch. Like it would sully anyone mad enough to lay a hand on it.

“Is…is h-he…dead?”

The dais stood wrapped in saffron and gold, awaiting the O’Neal’s return.

I came back to myself. My eyes burned with salt. My throat chafed with sand. My heart burst into icy, piercing shards. How determined he was to go to London, how callous to slam our chamber door.

All content subject to copyright © Vera Bell 2024. All rights reserved.

Author Bio:

Imagine doing Past Life Regression (PLR) for the first time and emerging with a crazy book idea! That was exactly how I came to write my award-wining debut, “Through the Veneer of Time,” Book One of the time-travel romance trilogy, “Always and Forever.” But while my PLR session was a vivid, impassioned encounter, bursting with colors, sounds, smells, textures, and a bizarrely visceral knowledge, it was incomplete. Yet despite trying to go back, I never could. So I wrote the continuation in my head until it became so extensive and detailed, I had to put it on paper.

Besides being a writer, I’m a wife to my high-school sweetheart, a mother to two teenagers and one fur baby, a former commercial artist and boutique owner, and a member of the Historical Novel Society and Romance Writers of America. My favorite place to write is on my porch, overlooking a pond lined with river birches and magnolias. The topics I never tire of are bygone eras, our universal human condition, and love that transcends time and space.

Want to be in the know? Join my mailing list at VeraBellAuthor dot com and follow me on Facebook @ReadingBells and on Instagram @VeraBellAuthor.

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Read an excerpt from the New Release The Wallflower, the Rake, and the Masquerade by Alanna Lucas

The Wallflower, the Rake, and the Masquerade by Alanna Lucas

After years of being treated as a little more than a servant, Portia Lamont overhears her half-siblings plotting to send her to Town and marry her off. Since she has a paltry dowry and little else to offer a prospective husband, she wonders if she’ll even find a half-decent match, someone who’ll share her love of intellectual pursuits.

Titus Beaumont, Lord Ravensworth, is an unwilling participant in this year’s Season. All his adult life, he’s managed to avoid marriage, becoming a seasoned rake because he dares not risk his heart again. However, at his aunt’s insistence, he must attend for his cousin’s entrance into Society.

In the ton’s hectic marriage mart, Portia is considered a wallflower, an experience made even more vexing when she catches sight of Titus, her beloved childhood companion—the boy who once told her, I will always be your friend, no matter what happens. But when she was sent away after her father’s death, she never heard from him again. And time, a ruthless master, has not improved her circumstances. It seems he still wants nothing to do with her.

Except at a masquerade, when he doesn’t recognize her behind her mask and kisses her…

Sometimes the best revenge is just being yourself.

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Excerpt

Who was the goddess in a blue silk dress that accentuated her curves and shimmered against the dullness of those around her?

He gently pushed through the crowd, scarcely noticing those around him. Although the goddess’s face was covered by an ornate mask, her eyes pulled him, begging him to drink in their blue depths. Much to his delight, she did not move, but continued to hold his gaze.

As he reached her, the first chords of a waltz began to play. He offered his hand and was rewarded with a beautifully seductive smile. No words were spoken as he guided her through the steps across the ballroom. Their bodies moved together in perfect harmony as lavender and lemon enveloped his senses, reminding him of a distant summer day.

Who was she?

He desperately wanted time alone with her, to discover her identity, to know if she felt the same intense attraction. Propriety dictated that he return her to her chaperone after the dance, but then again, he’d never been one for propriety. He wouldn’t do anything to ruin her, he just wanted a moment… alone.

As the music came to a soft end, he guided her toward the open door that led onto a small balcony. It wasn’t the quiet location he desired, but at least they were mostly by themselves. Only once they were outside did he attempt to speak.

However, for the first time in his life, words escaped him. All he could do was stare into her eyes that looked so familiar, and yet he was certain he did not know her. How could this be?

Music and loud chatter spilled onto the balcony, making it difficult for him to hear his mystery goddess’s soft voice. “Thank you for the dance.” She worried her bottom lip as she started to move away. “I should return to my relative.”

“Please don’t go.” He closed the distance, and then without thought for consequence, brushed a kiss across her lips. He rarely kissed women, believing it was too personal. And yet, he hadn’t thought twice about kissing this woman. When she didn’t pull away, he deepened the kiss, savoring the essence of this vision who’d entranced him the moment he’d laid eyes on her.

Her lips were as silky as rose petals, and just as sweet. Her fingertips caressed the back of his neck in gentle circles, sending a wave of want down his spine. Their breath mingled as tongues intertwined in a seductive dance that had him begging for more. Never in his life had he felt such a connection to a woman. Never in his life had he thrown all caution to the wind and indulged in such a kiss. This was personal, passionate, intimate, and he wanted more.

As the kiss slowed, a lovely soft sigh escaped her lips. “That was…”

“Heavenly.” His cheek brushed across her mask, reminding him that he’d yet to discover her identity. “What’s your name?”

She jumped back, startling them both. Her eyes were wide with shock. “You… you don’t know who I am, Lord Ravensworth?”

His mind searched through the numerous women of the ton, and yet, he could not place the goddess before him. But he knew her. He knew he knew her.

“Of course, I do.” He stepped in closer, a breath away, wanting to feel the warmth, the desire emanating from her. “You are the siren of my dreams, the angel of my heart, the temptress of my soul.” Never in his life had he been so intoxicated by a woman, so enthralled.

That’s not true. The thought tickled his remembrances.

A bout of laughter rolled out onto the balcony, interrupting their interlude.

“I must return to my chaperone.” Although her words were quiet, they were laced with panic. Panic and sadness. Why should she be sad?

He reached for her hand, but she practically jumped out of reach as if just burned by fire. “Please don’t leave. Just—”

“I must.” And with that, she turned and rushed back into the noisy ballroom.

Titus followed, but no sooner had he reentered than he was waylaid once more by Lady Baldwin. Damn. The moment was ruined, but he vowed to discover the mysterious goddess’s identity. He would find her again.

“Lord Ravensworth, you naughty boy, you mustn’t keep running off. Many a lady wishes to dance with you, including my lovely daughter.” No sooner had the words left the unpleasant woman’s mouth than she pushed her offspring forward, practically colliding with Titus.

Those around seemed to take note of the occurrence. He sucked in a breath. He had two options, do his duty, or risk the gossip and Flora’s chances. He did his duty.

“May I have the next dance, Miss Baldwin?” he ground out with impatience. His evening had just gone from heavenly to hellish.

More titles releasing in AprilRevenge of the Wallflowers

Read an excerpt from SEVEN DAYS AT MANNERLEY by Audrey Schuyler Lancho and enter the giveaway

SEVEN DAYS AT MANNERLEY

By Audrey Schuyler Lancho

GENRE:  Historical Romance

BLURB:

The suitcase she found changed everything. The contents? An elegant dress and an invitation in another girl’s name. Twenty-three-year-old Mary would go to the ball, enjoy how the rich lived just for one night, and then quietly slip back into her real life, sorting rubbish as a poor barmaid. No harm done. Of course, there wouldn’t be much of a story to tell had it turned out that way.

It’s 1870 in rural England, and Mary assumes the identity of the suitcase owner, Agnes. When Mary’s one night at Mannerley estate turns into a seven-day, hilarious farce, she quickly makes friends, finds suitors, and keeps fibbing. Not only does Arthur, the heir himself, fall for her, but so, too, does Mr. Singh, his friend visiting from India, making advances in plain sight of the heir. Making matters worse, a former workmate recognizes Mary and extorts her: she must steal a golden watch from the heir for him or have her true identity exposed and risk being thrown in jail, which could mean death–and that would certainly ruin her stolen, er, borrowed ball gown.

The only way Mary can get close enough to Arthur to steal his watch is via sensuality and flirtation. But as Mary scrambles to cover her tracks, her lies and crimes compound, weaving themselves into an impossible tangle. All the while Agnes, the real owner of the fancy ball gown, is making her way ever-closer to Mannerley.

Excerpt:

“I think I’ll just dry out by the fire.” She moved there, holding out her cold hands. Of course, he trailed behind her, hands in his pockets, whistling a tune, scoping out his surroundings for the perfect seduction, and planted himself at her side where he stared into the lapping flames. A golden gleam danced on the watch chain and reflected on both their faces. He turned his body toward hers, but she pretended not to notice and continued her task of warming her hands. She glanced from the corner of her eye at the glistening chain. How on earth would she manage to undo it?

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Audrey has always written stories. Her very first picture book which she wrote in early elementary school was about a mean, grumpy tooth fairy. Her first “novel”, bound using a cardboard cereal box, was written in the fourth grade. By high school, she was writing secret novels of her own, usually naming her characters by her own initials. By her twenties, she knew that writing was her calling––and she’s so glad you’re reading her debut romance!

Audrey lives in North Carolina with her Spaniard husband and two young sons, is completely bilingual in Spanish, and enjoys church, crochet, jigsaw puzzles, time with friends, yoga, and funny movies. She’s a freelance fiction editor on Upwork, an editor at a literary agency. She also writes contemporary romance under the name Audrey Lancho. Her debut contemporary is due out in May 2025 from Harpeth Road. You can learn more about Audrey by visiting www.audreylancho.com and signing up for her newsletter––she promises not to spam you; she’ll just inform you of big happenings and new releases. Audrey also enjoys connecting with readers and other authors on X/Twitter and Instagram (@audreylancho).

AUTHOR LINKS

Website/Newsletter: www.audreylancho.com/connect

Amazon Author: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Audrey-Schuyler-Lancho/author/B0CSGN9RVG

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/47903487.Audrey_Schuyler_Lancho  

Upwork (editorial services): https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~016edfde2663d23587

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/audrey.schuyler

Twitter: https://twitter.com/audreylancho  

Instagram: https://instagram.com/audreylancho  

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Hott Take by Serena Bell with excerpt and giveaway

Hott Take
Serena Bell
(Hott Springs Eternal, #2)
Publication date: April 16th 2024
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance

The hard part isn’t acting like we’re falling for each other. It’s pretending we’re not.

Shane: My grandfather’s will has me between a rock and a Hott place. If I don’t score a celebrity wedding, my sister will lose her wedding planning business—and our family’s land. As a playboy movie star, I know Hollywood’s ins and outs. But finding two celebrities in love is tougher than it looks.

Enter Ivy Scofield—the beautiful star of one of TV’s most beloved failures. She’s hiding from her past in Rush Creek, running a community theater for troubled kids. She needs my family’s wedding barn to save her program. So we make a deal: I give her the barn—she gives me her hand in fake marriage. Lights, camera, action—and cut—right?

Not so fast. Planning our fake wedding is way more personal than I was expecting. I’m learning Ivy’s quirks, preferences, and pet peeves—and that’s before I walk in on her enjoying my most infamous on-camera scene. Plus she’s slowly peeling back my layers—the ones I’ve built up to protect myself. If someone doesn’t do something soon, we might discover that the only thing fake about this wedding is the way we keep pushing each other away.

A spicy, movie star, marriage of convenience, fake relationship standalone romantic comedy set in the beloved small town of Rush Creek.

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EXCERPT:

After Nia told me that Shane Hott is an actor, I watched the first Crown of Spires movies, Lord of Every Sky. It was full of scenes where he was shirtless, badass, and bossy. He’s basically the villain of the first movie—although I get the sense that he’s going to be redeemed later from the way the camera lingers on his…assets.

Even as I watched, I questioned my life choices. I wasn’t at all sure watching the movie was a good idea because in a town as small as Rush Creek, Shane and I were bound to cross paths.

After I watched him in Lord of Every Sky, I wanted to build a small monument to his torso and worship it…with my tongue.

And now, encountering him in the hallway outside of Hanna’s office, my knees feel less solid than I would ideally like.

Never trust a guy so good looking he makes you stupid.

So I do what any self-respecting woman would do in that situation.

I pretend I have no idea who he is.

I can tell he’s waiting for me to recognize him, giving me a beat to say, Holy crap, Shane Hott!

After he got on Bridge and turned into a household name, Anthony used to do the same thing.

Seeing echoes of Anthony in this guy makes me even less inclined to give him what he wants. Another Hollywood fuckboy hopped up on fan worship. It’s the last thing my life needs.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Ivy Scofield,” I say, cool and low key, like I’m introducing myself to the manager at the bank.

Surprise flickers behind his eyes, but he hides it, extending his hand. I take it. It’s big, warm, and dry and, unfortunately for my equilibrium, attached to a toned, muscular forearm below a rolled shirt sleeve. The shirt itself is a soft-looking blue gray that clings in all the right places to his movie star–worthy shoulders, pecs, and abs. He has long-lashed dark brown eyes paired with a blade of a nose, square jaw, and lush mouth. Against my will, I admit that he’s gorgeous.

I thought I had permanently rid myself of men who were too good looking to be believed, but apparently not.

“I think we can help each other out,” he says. Actually, he whispers it. “You, um, mind walking with me?” He gestures toward the exit.

“Should I be worried that you’re a serial killer?”

The corner of his mouth turns up. “I’m not a serial killer. I’m an actor.”

“Even worse.”

He laughs, which is terrible because it makes him even better looking, all eye crinkles and white teeth and genuine amusement. Then he stops—because I wasn’t joking and he seems to intuit that.

“Even so,” he says, more seriously. “Please. Just…let me walk you out and tell you what I’m thinking.”

I give him a shrug-nod, and we walk out of Hott Springs together to the parking lot. Now I know who owns the Aston Martin Vanquish I parked next to. I know nothing about cars…but Anthony coveted that car: fast, expensive, and—his words—a dream to drive.

As we draw even with his car, Shane says, “I know you need our barn.”

I flick him a quick, confused glance as hope buys real estate in my chest. It sounds like he’s implying that it still might be possible. I will do anything to save our theater—not just for me, but for the kids. I know Nia feels the same way.

“I can get the barn for you.”

“Hanna said—”

“Hanna wasn’t looking at the whole picture,” he tells me. “I am.”

I raise an eyebrow.

“You need the barn, and I need you to marry me.”

His too-pretty-for-real-life face is deadly serious now. My mouth falls open.

Author Bio:

USA Today bestselling author Serena Bell writes contemporary romance with heat, heart, and humor. A former journalist, Serena has always believed that everyone has an amazing story to tell if you listen carefully, and you can often find her scribbling in her tiny garret office, mainlining chocolate and bringing to life the tales in her head.

Serena’s books have earned many honors, including an RT Reviewers’ Choice Award, Apple Books Best Book of the Month, and Amazon Best Book of the Year for Romance.

When not writing, Serena loves to spend time with her college-sweetheart husband and two hilarious kiddos—all of whom are incredibly tolerant not just of Serena’s imaginary friends but also of how often she changes her hobbies and how passionately she embraces the new ones. These days, it’s stand-up paddle boarding, board-gaming, meditation, and long walks with good friends.

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Release day! Beware a Wallflower’s Wrath by Aubrey Wynne – read an excerpt!

Beware a Wallflower’s Wrath by Aubrey Wynne

Annis Craigg gave her heart away at seventeen. First to the handsome lord who spoke so sincerely of love, then to her newborn son. Fifteen years later, she’s content as a “widow” and the life she has created. Until her past comes back to haunt her—and begs forgiveness. Both her son—and the Englishman who has stubbornly remained in her affections—find their lives turned upside down when they discover the secrets she has kept to herself.

Lord Robert Harding, third son of a marquess, fell in love with a shy Scottish lass. His dominating father had arranged a betrothal with a wealthy earl’s daughter. Facing the choice of being shunned by his family and society or returning penniless to Scotland, Robert reluctantly does his duty. After fifteen years of silent longing for Annis, his wife dies, and he is free. Older, wiser, and now financially independent, he defies the marquess and heads to Glasgow.

Lies, secrets, and betrayal will challenge the fierce love of a steadfast Highlander and remorseful but determined Englishman. Will destiny find a way to bring two star-crossed souls together?

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“How long have we known one another?” she asked, her tone gentle and her gaze no longer avoiding his. “A year?”

He nodded. “And I’ve only officially courted you for the past two months.”

“It’s that English courage of yers which held ye back,” she teased.

“It was more the Highland mountain I had to ask. Colin is more than a little intimidating.

“Aye, he is that until he kens he can trust ye.” She placed a palm to his cheek. “Truly, I love ye something fierce, Rabbie mine. I felt it the first day I laid eyes on ye, so handsome in yer fine waistcoat, a cravat so white it almost blinded me.”

“It only appeared so white because your person was covered in mud. My rapscallion horse decided to get antsy in front of a puddle that stood between me and the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen.” He chuckled. “Deuced horrified when his hoof hit that mud and splattered it all over your lovely dress.”

Annis laughed with him. “I was ready to give ye the worst skelping with my tongue until I saw those mournful hazel eyes.” She shook her head. “I suddenly pictured myself as ye must have seen me—”

“And began laughing. A full out belly laugh, clutching your middle. I thought for sure you would fall over into that puddle. Had I found the most insane woman in Glasgow, I asked myself? And then those fathomless sapphire eyes locked onto mine and—”

“You guffawed like the most unsophisticated mon in all of Glasgow,” Annis finished for him. She sighed. “But ye caught yerself quickly and became the gentleman, coming to my rescue.”

He had, hadn’t he? That day in late May, he’d jumped from his horse, removed his cravat, and wiped her face clean. Then he’d introduced himself and walked her home.

Robert had lost an expensive cravat that day. And his heart.

“How long before yer aunt realized yer trips to Glasgow werena about her?” A smirk curved her plump lips.

“Aunt Chloe was suspicious on the second visit. ‘Ye dinna come to see me for a year, and here ye are a month later?’ She harassed me until I told her about you.” He stood and pulled Annis into his arms. “I believe you’re the reason I’ll inherit her estate. Small, yes, but all mine.”

“Quite the accomplishment for a third son. Do ye think it has anything to do with her being half-Scot and ye falling in love with a Scottish lass?”

Robert placed his hand on his chest. “I’m hurt you think she would not do it solely out of love for her favorite nephew.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “But I don’t think it hurt my standing at all.”

“If ye kiss me again, it will improve yer standing with yer fiancée.”

“I’ll gladly—” His mouth went dry. “You’re saying yes?”

She nodded, and he bent his head, covering her mouth with his.

Harumph! “There’d best be a good explanation for this, or someone will be losing a head.” Colin MacNaughton filled the doorway, his wide shoulders touching either side, his dark head bent beneath the frame. He smacked a giant fist into his palm. “Sooner than later if ye please.”

“Oh, Cousin, ye may be the first to congratulate us. We’re betrothed.”

Colin’s blue eyes twinkled as he grinned. “As I said, sooner than later if ye please.”

More titles releasing in AprilRevenge of the Wallflowers

An excerpt from A Waltz for the Wallflower by Rue Allyn

A Waltz for the Wallflower
by Rue Allyn

BLURB: The ton calls her Lady Blundering Blythe Leigh. So what if she can’t dance, or run, or even walk more than ten steps without a stumble, fumble, or bumble. Blythe knows she’s intelligent, thoughtful, considerate, loving—for all the good it does her. Since that disastrous first dance during her first season, she hasn’t been able to live down her reputation as an accident waiting to happen.

The ton calls him Lord Deft. Lord Daniel Cynarme, Marquess of Cynedroit enjoys a life free of conflict and confrontation. His unequaled accuracy with a pistol, his unparalleled reputation as a lover, and his uncanny ability to use the right word at the right time, ensure that his life stays that way. He has no regrets—well perhaps one. Years after that unfortunate waltz, he still wishes he could change disaster into delight. However, Lady Blythe won’t give him a chance.

Can polar opposites find love in Regency Era drawing rooms?

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Excerpt:

Leigh Chase, Leicestershire, late fall 1811,

Daniel Cynearme, Marquess of Cynedroit sat on Nimble his Irish gelding, surveying the chaos around him as the Duke of Leigh’s Hunting Master organized the day’s hunt. The huntsman was directed to assemble the hounds at a good distance in front of the field of riders. Whippers-in followed the dogs. Riders began to assemble in order of skill and precedence. Daniel waited patiently for one of the first riders to calm a recalcitrant horse. Then the entire scene faded from his mind.

A young woman emerged from the direction of the stable yard riding a leggy black Andalusian. She was young, enough that she had not yet had her come out or he would most definitely have noticed her.

The horse, like most of its breed was stunning. It’s long mane and tale carefully braided as was appropriate for a hunt. But the woman. The woman was beyond stunning, incredibly so, because she was not beautiful.

She wore a pale green riding habit, a darker green military style spencer accented with gold buttons and epaulettes. The spencer’s high collar emphasized her slender neck, and even at this distance the ensemble’s colors threw her bright green, gold flecked eyes into high relief from her alabaster complexion.

A straight blade of a nose sat between high sharp cheekbones. Pink tinted the golden skin over those bones in pale competition with the bold rose of her mouth. A mouth that was just a tad too wide for beauty. All captured somehow in a face just the tiniest bit longer on the left than on the right. A low-crowned, paisley shako adorned with a small spray of peacock feathers sat atop a profusion of nearly white curls.

He estimated her to be nearly as tall as he, given that she seemed perfectly proportioned for the towering height of her steed. The rest of her was slender but curvy enough to make the most hardened rake’s mouth water. What a shame she was most likely an innocent and, if so, ineligible to him as a mistress or lover.

When Daniel was finally able to tear his gaze away from her person, he noted the effortless elegance of her left hand on the reins. Her fingers, gloved in dark green leather to match her spencer, held the lines securely but relaxed—much as an expert held and rapier. Her right hand held a whip with a fairly long shaft and a short lash. With the smallest moves of fingers and whip, she conveyed her wishes to the splendid mare beneath her. She moved past him, to the area where the last of the riders would assemble. Odd that. She sat her steed with all the grace of a goddess. In addition, the skill with which she commanded her mount led Daniel to suspect she was a more expert hunter than many men present.

“Ah.” his friend Glenlewis rode up beside him. “I see you’ve noticed Lady Blythe Leigh.”

Daniel’s eyes widened. “That’s Lady Blythe? The clumsy one whom that rag the Teatime Tattler writes of so often?”

“One and the same,” the Scottish Duke replied. “The mare’s name is Harmony.”

“I’m surprised she is permitted out of the house let alone given the reins of any mount, especially one like that Andalusian.” Daniel noted where Lady Blythe positioned herself. She’d be bringing up the rear of the field.

“I’ve known the family forever,” Glenlewis remarked. “Though I’ve not yet met the daughters. According to her brother the duke, Lady Blythe is just as horse mad as the rest of the clan. He told me she is more often in the stables or the kennels than in the house. Even hinted that she’s involved herself in the training and breeding of both horses and dogs.”

“Hmm, she must be successful, for no one gossips about that.” Daniel mused.

Glenlewis laughed. “True, success is never fodder for tittle tattle. Although I’m certain some scandal could be made of her interest in hunting and other masculine pursuits. As she’s not out yet, and does not flaunt her hobbies, the subject is of little note.”

Perhaps, it is only the more feminine pursuits at which Lady Blythe is awkward and accident prone? Pursuing activities at which she might succeed suggested the presence of a mind to go with her beauty.

Daniel decided he would find out. He wished he’d been introduced long ago. Then he rather than a footman or groom would have had the pleasure of helping her into the saddle, assisting her to arrange he skirts and talking with her all the while to discover more about her. Everything about her from her clothing to the regal way she sat her hunter screamed a lady of quality. But was she all she appeared to be? He could ask one of the other men, or his host, but Daniel knew that discovering direct from the lady herself would provide much more fun.

Pray heaven she has some wit, or I’ll wish I’d asked Glenlewis.

More titles releasing in AprilRevenge of the Wallflowers

The Wallflower’s Midnight Waltz by Collette Cameron #revengeofthewallflowers

The Wallflower’s Midnight Waltz
by Collette Cameron

A masquerade ball sets the stage for an American wallflower’s revenge against an English noble, only to be complicated by unexpected love…

American Eva Westbrook has had enough of English aristocrats looking down their snooty noses at her. Among these elite nobles is her neighbor, Peter Hartigan, a notorious rake she believes played a part in her cousin’s humiliation a few years ago. Disguised as a mysterious masked woman and seeking reprisal, Eva sneaks into a masquerade ball that Peter is hosting.

As Eva spends more time with Peter, she realizes he may not be the heartless blackguard she thought he was. She becomes torn between her duty to avenge the past pain and suffering of her dear cousin and the unexpected feelings for the very man who’d caused it.

As they dance the midnight waltz, Eva and Peter engage in a dangerous game of deception and desire. Eva struggles to maintain her facade while battling her growing attraction to Peter. Meanwhile, Peter is captivated by the enigmatic woman in his arms and is determined to uncover her true identity.

With her blossoming feelings conflicting with a quest for vengeance, will Eva decide to follow through with her vendetta or let go of the past and take a chance on a future with Peter?

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Excerpt
As Peter dismounted, he glanced around, half expecting a dozen footmen or stable hands to come charging toward him, prepared to physically and mayhap even violently escort him from the property.
Instead, a maid, her head lowered against the blustery wind and skin-soaking drizzle, hurried toward him. Her dark blue woolen cloak flapped about her slender ankles as she held her hood in place.
She glanced up, her vivid blue eyes widening upon seeing him.
Rather than alarm, inquisitiveness flitted across her pert features, partially concealed by the hood draped over her hair.
Peter did not recognize her, but then he hadn’t visited Hefferwickshire House in years. Servants came and went, though this one did not have a typical domestic’s subservient mien.
“May I help you?” She glanced at his horse, and appreciation lit her eyes.
Not only did she recognize superior horseflesh, but she possessed an odd accent that he couldn’t quite place.
“I have come to deliver an invitation,” he said by way of an explanation.
Something usually delegated to a servant or sent by post.
“To a masked ball,” he added.
“On New Year’s Eve. The invitation is extended to all the Westbrooks.”
Egads, man. Stop blathering.
Peter glanced toward the entrance, which remained firmly shut.
Had Simms recognized him and refused to open the door?
Did someone give the butler instructions of that nature?
“You do not look like a servant.”
The maid’s impertinent comment drew a reluctant chuckle from Peter.
The first in a very long while.
“I am not. I am Peter Hartigan.” He pointed his attention and a finger toward Landford Park’s chimneys, visible amidst the treetops on the horizon. “Hefferwickshire House’s nearest neighbor.”
An odd sound, a mixture of a gasp, a wheeze, and choking, made him jerk his head toward the servant once more.
She’d pulled the hood lower over her face, no doubt against the wind and damp. Only her chin, jutted at a rather mulish angle, remained visible.
“I shall take it inside.” Distinct iciness leached into her voice as she extended her hand.
From her cool reception, Peter would be bound she knew who he was, even if he did not know her. That answered his question about whether the duke had advised his staff to rebuff him.
He had expected as much.
In point of fact, it was no more than he deserved.
He withdrew the thick invitation from his coat pocket.
The breeze buffeted his hat, compelling him to lift a black leather-gloved hand to keep it upon his head. “I had hoped to deliver it myself.”
“The family is not home at present.” The arctic wind held more warmth than the belligerent maid’s frigid tone. “They attended Sunday services in the village this morning.”
Rotten luck, that.
He should have expected their absence. The Westbrooks regularly attended services when in residence at Hefferwickshire House.
Peter hadn’t braved the parish yet, though he had ventured to the village several times.
How could he enter a church where the cleric frequently preached about forgiveness, when he could not even forgive himself, let alone expect such amnesty from anyone else?
“Very well.” He passed her the missive. “Would you also please convey my regards?”
She angled her head and gave the briefest nod. So brief in truth, her behavior bordered on insolent.
Her impudence ought to annoy him, but Peter couldn’t begrudge her loyalty.
He’d have to wait and see if the duke and duchess responded to his invitation. In truth, he held little hope that they would.
There was no point in lingering and becoming further soaked.
“Thank you.” Peter swung back into the saddle, and with a finger to his hat, kicked Legend’s sides.
As he trotted down the drive, a whisper carried to him on the wind.
“Rotten lout.”
However, when he glanced over his shoulder, the maid had already disappeared into the house.
Had he imagined her murmured insult? 

Grab this #steamyromance The Professor by Skye Warren – read an excerpt and enter the giveaway

The Professor
Skye Warren
(Tanglewood University, #1)
Publication date: March 26th 2024
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

New York Times bestselling author Skye Warren, delivers the sizzling first book in a brand new trilogy, The Professor, a forbidden, student/professor, ex-boyfriend’s dad romance.

One night only with a handsome stranger.
Older. Alluring. Savage. Dominant.
No last names or expectations.
Just raw, carnal, filthy pleasure.

I never thought I would see him again.
Until the first day of class. He’s my new professor.
And my ex-boyfriend’s father.

He has a world of secrets in his eyes and the weight of the world on his shoulders. I should stay away from him, but the more I try, the more consumed he gets.

His possessiveness is rivaled only by his secretive nature. He knows everything about me, but mystery surrounds him. Shadows threaten the entire university…and our forbidden love.

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EXCERPT:

“It’s okay,” he murmurs. “Pretend you don’t want it.”

His kiss is urgent, unyielding. He forces my mouth open, allowing me to feign resistance. Or at the very least, nonchalance. I let him tilt my head back and run his lips down my neck. It’s a terrible game I’m playing, letting him take the fall for our mutual destruction.

I should at least tell him, confess my own desire, even if he already knows.

It would be the honorable thing to do.

“Will—”

“Ah ah,” he says with a slow shake of his head, with a devastating expression of knowing in his dark eyes. “In this office, you will address me as Professor Stratford.”

My secret muscles clench, and he gives me an almost boyish smile.

“This gets you hot, doesn’t it, Ms. Hill?”

How is this possible? I had a heavy course load of classes my freshman year, with professors of every shape and size. They were smart and interesting, and for the most part, at least somewhat arrogant. Professor Stratford is all those things…and more. He’s simply more. More handsome, more mysterious. More playful as he nips at my lower lip.

“I asked you a direct question, Ms. Hill. Don’t make me punish you.”

My eyes widen. It’s not an entirely fake break in my voice. “What kind of punishment?”

“Let’s see,” he says, tugging my T-shirt off, leaving me in my bra. The starkness is enough to make my cheeks burn. He’s fully clothed while I’m shirtless. “For the first offense, I wouldn’t be too harsh. Then again, we can’t have disruptive students, can we?”

I thought his fist in my hair had been perverse.

That holding me up against the window had been a wild form of desire.

This is far worse.

And far better.

At least my body thinks so, becoming hot and clenched, swollen around nothing, hungry to have him inside me again, thrusting and thrusting the ache away.

“I tried to behave,” I tell him, surrendering to the game. Surrendering to him. “I tried to be a good student. It’s just that you were so…distracting.”

That earns me a dark chuckle. Large, strong hands undress me with calm expediency, as if stacking books or finding the right page. With both care and anticipation.

At this moment I’m the worn pages of an old copy of Romeo and Juliet.

He thumbs through my pages.

“You’d blame your professor for your own lack of focus?”

I gasp at his touch, low and intimate. It’s too much, and I scoot back to get away from him. That only lands me on the edge of his desk, smooth wood cool beneath my bare ass. “Maybe I can make it up to you?”

“Extra credit,” he says, musing. “Perhaps an oral report would suffice.”

Author Bio:

Skye Warren is the New York Times bestselling author of dangerous romance. Her books have sold over one million copies. She makes her home in Texas with her loving family, sweet dogs, and evil cat.

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GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

—

Historical Romance Easter Egg Hunt

I love reading about holiday traditions. But I really enjoy the odd customs that people celebrate. Here in the US, we have our giant Easter bunny, decorated eggs and hunts, and baskets filled with candy and toys. 

In Australia, rabbits are pesty animals that destroy crops. So instead, they have this darling endangered marsupial: the Easter Bilby!

Bessières in southern France, has a 40-year tradition. They make a 15,000 egg omelete in their town square to celebrate Easter! Fifty volunteers help crack the eggs, and local chefs help create the breakfast dish for 10,000 spectators every year.

In Antigua, Gautemala, the locals take several days to create a kilometer long carpet made of sawdust and flowers. The people walk along the colorful creation on their way to church on Easter Sunday.

In Finland, children dress up as Easter witches and go door to door collecting candy. In exchange, they offer decorated pussy willow bouquets as a blessing for the house. The bouquets welcome spring and drive away evil spirits.

In Poland, women prepare the traditional Easter bread. If the men help, it’s said their mustaches will turn gray and the dough won’t rise. (I bet that was made up by a man!)

In Germany, trees are decorated with colorful eggs.

In Scotland, egg races are all the rage. They roll their egg down a hill, and if you’re egg gets to the bottom first—without breaking—you win!

GIVEAWAY!

For a chance to win this beautiful hummingbird wind chime, tell us your favorite holiday or spring tradition! A random comment will be chosen (US only, International winner will receive a gift card) for the wind chime and two other comments will be chosen for their choice of any e-book on my website.

When you have all 30 egg matches, either e-mail a picture of the form/list or send an e-mail with the author’s name with their matching egg number. E-mail to Heather@HeatherMcCollum.com by 11:59 PM on Easter – 3/31/24 to be entered into the $150 gift card giveaway! A winner will be randomly picked out of all the entries. The grand prize winner will be announced by noon on 4/1/24. The winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize. Join the Facebook event: https://fb.me/e/5amw85UG7 Here’s the list below or visit https://www.heathermccollum.com/ 

Author Link List

Historical Romance Author Easter Egg Hunt 2024

Sandra Sookoohttps://www.facebook.com/sandrasookooauthor/ Collette Cameronhttps://facebook.com/collettecameronauthor Ellie St. Clairhttps://www.facebook.com/elliestclairauthor Glynnis Campbellhttps://www.glynnis.net/promotions/ Annabelle Andershttps://www.facebook.com/Annabelle.Anders1/Kathryn Le Vequehttps://www.facebook.com/kathrynlevequenovels/ Cecelia Meccahttps://ceceliamecca.com/historical-roman…ter-egg-hunt-hop/Heather McCollumhttps://www.heathermccollum.com/fun-for-readers/ Celeste Barclayhttps://www.celestebarclay.com/2024easteregghuntTara Kingstonhttps://www.facebook.com/TaraKingstonAuthor/ Katherine Bonehttps://www.katherinebone.com/ Deb Marlowehttps://www.debmarlowe.com/historical-mysteries.htmlElizabeth Rosehttps://www.facebook.com/ElizabethRoseNovelsTina Gabriellehttps://www.facebook.com/TinaGabrielleAlissa Baxterhttp://www.facebook.com/alissa.baxter.writerMelanie Rose Clarkehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/1159564541120841 Jane Charleshttps://www.janecharlesauthor.com/happy-easter C.H. Admirandhttps://www.facebook.com/CHAdmirandAuthor Alanna Lucashttps://alannalucas.com/ Lori Ann Baileyhttps://loriannbailey.com/ Lisa Williams Kline https://www.facebook.com/lisawilliamskline/ Kara Griffinhttps://www.facebook.com/AuthorKaraGriffinSophia Nyehttps://sophianyewrites.com/ April Moranhttps://www.facebook.com/AuthorAprilMoran Tabetha Waitehttps://www.facebook.com/TotallyTabethaAubrey Wynnehttps://aubreywynne.com/historical-romance-easter-egg-hunt/ Terri Brisbinhttps://terribrisbin.com/news/?p=1874Ruth A. Casiehttps://ruthacasie.blogspot.com/Brenna Ashhttps://www.brennaash.com/parlor Amy Quintonhttps://amyquinton.net/published-works/historial-romance-novels/GOOD LUCK!