Devika Fernando's Blog, page 46

Sneak Peek Sunday - Excerpt from "Seduced in Spain"

I'm currently working on another round of edits for my upcoming romance novel "Seduced in Spain", incorporating beta-reader feedback and falling in love with the story and characters all over again. So here's a Sneak Peek Sunday snippet for you all.
​
​“Better?”
Emily suppressed a squeak. Speak of the demon… Alejandro stood so close their arms touched, towering about over her and also staring up at the sky while breathing in deeply. His scent and heat and nearness flooded and floored her. She swallowed and answered with a wobbly “yes”.
“Next time I make you labor like a slave-driver, please let me know,” he said. “You must be regretting you accepted the job.”
“No, I don’t.”
The words were out before she could stop herself, and she realized their truth. All complications and the nagging voice in her brain aside, she did not regret her decision.
Alejandro turned and peered closely at her. The illumination from the street lamps nearby made his chiseled features stand out, his prominent cheek bones and strong jaw looking as hard as if cut out of marble. Oh yes, he was a statue of a man. One of those Greek gods, a modern-day Adonis, but from Spain rather than Greece.
Dammit, there she went again!
He was still staring at her. Was he trying to figure out whether she had merely given the appropriate reply or really meant it? Not ready to face any deep discussions, Emily hitched the strap of her bag higher up her shoulder. Alejandro’s gaze followed the movement, and an odd look crossed his face. With a half-smile, he said softly, “You’re still doing that.”
“What?”
His smile intensified. He reached out and slowly traced a long finger across the strap of her bag until it rested lightly on the back of her hand. She realized only then that her fingers had been clenching and unclenching around the leather strap, tugging and twisting.
“I remember how you used to adjust your bag and worry the strap every time you were nervous those days,” he said in the same soft voice laced with an emotion she couldn’t place.
His finger was still on her hand, a feather-light touch that had her frozen. His gaze traveled back to her face, and she drowned in it. Somewhere deep inside, the lines crisscrossing her broken heart cracked upon, slowly but surely. Why? Why did he have to drag up memories like a child worrying a dried scab and making a half-healed wound bleed again?

Featured - Series Blitz for "A More Perfect Union" by Betty Bolte

A More Perfect Union Series by Betty Bolt é Genre: Historical Romance


Emily's VowRelease Date: October 4, 2014
Emily Sullivan's greatest fear is dying in childbirth, as did her twin sister and their mother. Then she's thrown in a loyalist prison for her privateering father's raids on the British, and her accuser—a former beau—promises to recant if she will marry him.

Frank Thomson always loved Emily despite her refusal to return his affections. A patriot spy posing as a loyalist officer, when Frank learns of Emily's plight, he challenges her accuser to a duel.

Freed from prison, Emily ponders returning the affections of her rescuer—the only man she's ever loved and who married her twin to save the Sullivan family's reputation. But Frank cannot afford to be discovered. For the sake of young America, he must deliver his secrets.

Goodreads
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Amy's ChoiceRelease Date: October 5, 2014
Without a goodbye, Amy Abernathy's childhood sweetheart, Benjamin Hanson, leaves to fight in the American War for Independence. Amy chooses to pick up the pieces of her heart and leave Charles Town to help her sister who is with child.

Benjamin knows he hurt Amy, but he plans to make it up to her after his mission is completed. Then he learns that Amy has been captured by renegade soldiers. Now Benjamin faces his own choice: free the sassy yet obstinate woman he's never stopped loving or protect Charles Town from vengeful British occupation.

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Samantha's SecretRelease Date: April 25, 2015
Midwife and healer, Samantha McAlester returns from the front lines to find Charles Town under British siege and the town's new doctor at war with its citizens.

Dr. Trent Cunningham intends to build a hospital staffed solely with educated doctors. What he doesn't need is a raven-haired charlatan spooning out herbs and false promises to his patients, while tempting him at every turn.

Then a mutual friend develops a mysterious infection. Trenton is stumped. Samantha suspects the cure but knows treatment will expose her long-guarded secret, risking all she holds dear... including Trenton.

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Evelyn's PromiseRelease Date: January 26, 2016
Determined to make her own way in the emerging United States of America, and live free of the dictates and demands of another husband, widow Evelyn Hamilton faces soaring post-war inflation as she struggles to provide for herself and her infant son.

Militiaman Nathaniel Williams is determined to make his fortune on the New Frontier. But during a visit to Charlestown, his heart is ensnared by a smart, beautiful widow, forcing Nathaniel to make the hardest decision of his life.

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Betty Bolté writes both historical and contemporary stories featuring strong, loving women and brave, compassionate men. No matter whether the stories are set in the past or the present, she loves to include a touch of the paranormal. In addition to her romantic fiction, she’s the author of several nonfiction books and earned a Master of Arts in English in 2008. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, the Historical Novel Society, the Women’s Fiction Writers Association, and the Authors Guild. Get to know her at www.bettybolte.com.


                   

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Featured - "My Lady Valentine" by Lindsay Downs

About the Book Blurb-
The past has come back to haunt Lord Mathew and Lady Jessica. Even with extra precautions to keep them both safe from someone who was supposed to be dead their plans quickly change. With family and friends, they retire to the Winsome estate to await the countess’s annual Valentine Eve Ball.
What Lord Matthew doesn’t realize; this excursion will be rather costly for him as Lady Jessica insists on a proper gown for the ball. While she and the other ladies shop Lord Matthew and Lord Justin, the newest peer, search out where the person could be hiding. What they find is even more disturbing-a body. Immediately Lord Matthew knows who murdered the old man. Another individual who shouldn’t be living as he and Lady Jessica watched her die.
After passing this information on to their friends the men set about to hunt these people down. Will the persons be found in time so Lord Matthew and Lady Jessica can marry without worry?
 
Excerpt-
Stepping in, Matt was more focused on the powerful peer than anything which wasn’t his norm, considering his former duties to the Crown. Several feet from the desk, behind which the duke sat glaring at him, Matt stopped and gave a deep bow.
“Take a seat,” the duke ordered, or so it seemed to Matt.
Immediately, this gave him a hint as to how this interview would go. Interrogation. The only chair available, was a hard-seated, straight-backed one which reminded Matt of his youth and being called into his father’s office for a dressing down.
Knowing he wasn’t to speak until addressed by His Grace, Matt tried to calm his increasingly quaking nerves, but to very little avail. The stare he was getting could have rivaled any from the Grand Dames of the ton. Finally.
“So, you’re here to seek my approval in marrying my goddaughter, Lady Jessica? Can you give me one valid reason why I should give my consent?”
“Yes, Your Grace. I love Lady Jessica to the point of distraction and have ever since we met a year or so ago,” Matt barely got out.
“Then, I ask, why has it taken so long for you to approach me? Before you answer, I am well aware of your reputation within the ton and duties to the Crown.”
“As you said, Your Grace, you know of my past indiscretions but since I was formally introduced to Lady Jessica, not once has my eye strayed to another. As for my work with the Crown, many times I have been called away. Only now have I tendered my services with them, much to their displeasure,” Matt explained.
“If you receive my nod, what are your plans if Lady Jessica agrees to be your wife? Will you keep her shuttered away in some faraway estate thus not permitting her to come to London?”
“Your Grace, as I’ve no estate of my own until I, someday in the distant future, become the Earl of Winsome, we will reside either in the earl’s townhouse or the country estate. As for coming to London during the Season, I will be more than happy to accompany her that way we may keep acquainted with her and my friends.”
He could feel himself becoming more panicked that the duke wouldn’t give his permission to speak with the earl. When the office door opened, it was all Matt could do to keep from jumping up. Not hearing anyone approach but knowing someone had entered, it took all of his fortitude to keep his attention focused on the duke.
“Dearest husband, why on earth are you giving this boy such a hard time? You’ve known all along he would receive your permission, so just give it, and let him be on his way.” Matt heard the duchess declare.
Matt jumped to his feet, turned, and bowed deeply to the grand lady.
“Because I wished to see him squirm. After all, he’s about to depart on the most amazing adventure of his life, and I wanted to make sure he was ready,” the duke stated.
 
Buy Links:
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About the Author ​I’ve been an avid reader ever since I was old enough to hold a red leather bound first edition copy of Sir Walter Scott’s The Lady of the Lake in my lap.
So it only seemed natural at some point in my life I take up pen and paper to start writing. Over time my skills slightly improved which I attribute to my English teachers.
My breakthrough came about in the mid 1970’s when I read a historical romance written by Sergeanne Golon, Angelique. This French husband and wife team opened my eyes to the real world of fiction. Stories about romance, beautiful damsels, handsome heroes and plots which kept me hooked. Of course, being a man, I had to keep my reading hidden from others as that wasn’t appropriate reading for men.
With this new found appreciation of the written word I took up other books and devoured them as a starving person would a plate of food. I them attempted to write again. I still wasn’t satisfied so I put it aside for years as other events entered my life.
Finally, in the early years of the new millennium I tried again to write and once again met with limited success. At least now I was able to get past the first page or two. Then, in 2006 a life changing event brought me back to my love, I took a job as a security officer. This allowed me plenty of time to read different genres.
My favourite was regency. As I poured through everyone I could get my hands on I knew this could be something I wanted to attempt.
Since 2012 when my debut regency romantic suspense released I was hooked and have, except for a few contemporaries, focused on this genre.
Since 2012 I’ve lived in central Texas. I’m also a member of Romance Writers of America and their local chapter.
 
Where you can find Lindsay Downs-
Facebook- http://tinyurl.com/pgq8vzz
Facebook Page- http://tinyurl.com/nresq5j
Twitter- @ldowns2966
LinkedIn- http://tinyurl.com/e8t56
Goodreads- http://tinyurl.com/prcdmml
Lindsay Downs-Romance Author- http://tinyurl.com/kvfz468
Amazon- http://tinyurl.com/ktem76c

Featured - Book Club Spotlight - "Color Me Rich" by Mohan Deep

Color Me Rich by
Mohan Deep
Blurb 


A sensitive love story of a handsome and talented struggling painter Akash Saigal. What happens when he marries an extremely rich and beautiful artist and art investor Zenobia Taraporevala?
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Prologue ( A teaser)
J J School of Art, Mumbai.
Taking a charcoal pencil, Akash Saigal started drawing the wood-and-stone structure, popularly known as „Kipling Bungalow‟. He was sketching sitting on a bench on which, in another era, K K Hebbar, M F Husain, Syed Haider Raza, Sadanand Bakre, V S Gaitonde, even Dadasaheb Phalke had sat with their sketchbooks, sketching the house where the author of The Jungle Book was born.
Ganpat Gupte appeared along with two of his gang. Gupte was the nephew of a minister, or so he claimed, and had the arrogance that comes with power. 
“Ae Akash, kae karto?”
Akash looked up at the trio and said, “Nothing much. Just a drawing.
“Okay. What is the day today?”
“I should have known.Tere ko blue shirt hai na?”
Akash didn‟t get the connection, but Gupte‟s chamchas laughed knowingly.
The three boys sang in unison, “Monday, blue shirt. Tuesday, black shirt. Wednesday, blue shirt. Thursday black shirt. Friday, blue shirt. Saturday, black shirt. Sunday...laundry!”
If Akash was hurt, he didn‟t show it. He laughed sheepishly and continued sketching the bungalow.
But he would never forget this.


About the Author 
Mohan Deep, is an Indian author, painter and Feng Shui Master. Mohan Deep is the author of ‘The Mystery and Mystique of Madhubala’ (1996), ‘It’s My Life’ (Novel) (1997), ‘Simply Scandalous: Meena Kumari’ (1998), ‘Eurekha!’ – an unauthorized biography of Rekha. (1999), ‘Four Options’ (2000), ‘Feng Shui for the Bold & Beautiful, the Rich and Famous’ (2001) and ‘Nehru and the Tantrik Woman’ (2002). After a sabbatical of a decade, during which he touched upon the lifves of people as a Feng Shui Master, he is back with The Five Foolish Virgins, a book of fiction, to be launched in April 2013. Mohan Deep is arguably the only Indian author to write what is often described as controversial, unauthorized star biographies in India. Columnist-journalist and former editor of 'Illustrated Weekly of India', Khushwant Singh called him 'a truly gifted gossip writer'. “The maverick writer”, like columnist-reviewer-poetess Tara Patel described him has also been called William Goldman of Bollywood’s stars (By Behram Contractor, the Editor of Afternoon Despatch & Courier) (Source) Kitty Kelly of India (By R K Bajaj, the Editor of ‘The Daily’). Interestingly, almost every book he has wrote/penned has invited controversies for its bold content.
                              
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Fictional Valentine's Day Celebrations

​Love is in the air… which is probably why I am even more focused on romance right now. “Seduced in Spain”, my next contemporary romance novel, is with my beta readers, and I can’t wait to start writing my new series of small-town romance set in Misty Springs. But for now, let’s celebrate LOVE. I’ve been wondering how the couples from my romance novels would celebrate Valentine’s Day, so here are some ideas.
Special thanks goes to my writer friend Ronald – also an admin of the Facebook group The Society of English Literature – whose post got my mind whirring. When I See Your Face ​Cathy has faced a lot of trouble and left an abusive relationship behind when she meets Michael. With his help, she makes her dream come true and opens her own bakery. So for Valentine’s Day, she surprises her Prince Charming with Valentine’s Day Cupcakes! She’s opted for Vanilla Love Cupcakes with White Chocolate Truffle Centers. You can find the sinfully delicious recipe here.
 
Michael is a gardener and naturally loves everything connected to plants. So instead of buying fancy jewelry or unimaginative chocolate, he gifts the love of his life with a very unusual bouquet. It’s the meaning more than the beauty that counts: He includes heliotrope for endless love, forget-me-nots, goldenrod for encouragement, jasmine for sweet love, lavender for devotion, myrtle for the emblem of marriage, violet for faithfulness, red tulips as a declaration of love, and honeysuckle for strong bonds. Kaleidoscope of Hopes ​Nadia fell in love with the enigmatic, brooding hero Lucas – tall, dark, and handsome indeed – who moved in next door with his daughter Melody. It took both of them a while, but they’ve jumped over their shadows and admitted to their true feelings. On their first Valentine’s Day, Melody has planned a surprise for her favorite two people in the world: She has used her pocket money to buy them a gift voucher for a romantic weekend getaway in a Golden Oak Cottage in Blackwood Forest in England. Saved in Sri Lanka ​Sepalika and Daniel from Sri Lanka and Ireland are living proof that love knows no boundaries and transcends nationalities. While Valentine’s Day is only slowly catching on in Sri Lanka, Daniel doesn’t let this chance slip to surprise his love. He starts with breakfast in bed, then spends the day reading his favorite love poems to her because they both love literature. He cooks her a romantic dinner that includes typical Irish food – and for desserts he presents her with two tickets for a romantic holiday in Australia. If you’ve read the book, you’ll know why he chose Australia of all countries. ​What do you think, who had the best idea? And how are YOU spending this Valentine’s Day?

Featured - Book Club Spotlight - "Voyagers: Into the Unknown" by Ruchira Khanna

Voyagers Into the Unknown by Ruchira Khanna
Blurb In the historic Indian town of Agra, you can find a very unusual tour company, which is owned by a charming young man named Raj. Although Raj's official job is to show off the historical landmarks of Agra, including the legendary Taj-Mahal, his true mission is to heal the souls of his broken "birds," as he affectionately refers to his tour participants. His business operates purely upon word-of-mouth referrals, ensuring that all of his tour members arrive in Agra with their hearts in their hands, ready for the spiritual growth and cleansing that Raj is known to provide. Healing the hearts of the spiritually damaged can be a difficult job, and in this particular tale, Raj finds himself faced with his most challenging tour group yet. First, there is Ira, a stunningly gorgeous but fragile young woman on the brink of suicide. Next, we meet Darci and Lennard, a couple on the verge of divorce. Then there is Carl, an irritable, antisocial workaholic who has burned all of his bridges. Lastly, we meet Asha, an elderly widow who still yearns for the company and comfort of her late husband. When disaster strikes the tour group, everything is thrown into jeopardy, including lives, relationships, and Raj's very reputation as a tour guide. Raj must find a way to lift the spirits of these five special travelers, even in the face of death and despair. Venture into the unknown and discover how Raj Touristry heals the brokenhearted, one soul at a time.

ExcerptDawn had risen over the historic Indian town of Agra. Agra was a city of monuments, which stood tall, their unmatched grandeur telling of their long and fascinating history. The morning air was filled with the sounds of roosters calling, birds chirping, and morning prayers and salutations. Dogs and cows were being hustled through the streets and errand boys on bicycles hurried along to their respective chores and deliveries.

Amidst this vibrant chaos, a man in his late thirties with an athletic physique, broad shoulders, and unkempt black hair was briefing his colleague in a quiet, affable tone. He held a bunch of papers in his hand, and the other man nodded obediently as he glanced through them, making notes on the pad in his hands. “So, are you all set?” inquired Raj, the black-haired man.

“I think so,” replied the other man confidently, as he took his seat behind the wheel of a mini-bus.

“Call me if you have any questions, Albert. You know where to reach me,” added Raj as he shut the door of the driver’s seat, giving his driver two thumbs up. Albert started the engine quickly and began to roll away from the curb. He was abruptly halted by a sharp knock on the door of the vehicle. The driver slammed on the brakes and looked to see who was doing the hammering. Raj reappeared on the other side of the glass with blank boards and a sharpie. Albert opened the door and reached out for the additional items. “Write the names of my birds on these planks. It will be easier for them to spot you,” explained Raj.

“Birds?” inquired Albert with a confused expression.

“Sure, Birds. Since they will fly back to where they are coming from in a week’s time.”


“Aha! Yes, boss!” Albert winked and started his journey.

About The Author 
A Reiki Master where she passes out information about channeling universal energy and conducts sessions. The author of “Choices”, “The Adventures of Alex and Angelo” but just another soul trying to make a difference in this lifetime.

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Featured - Release Day Blitz - "The Millionaire Makeover" by Naima Simone

The Millionaire Makeover by Naima Simone Series: Bachelor Auction, #2Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Entangled PublishingRelease Date: February 8, 2015


He promised to stay away…but some promises are made to be broken

Plain-Jane computer programmer Khloe Richardson needs a date—one to make the prince of her dreams jealous. Maybe then he'll finally see her as a desirable swan and not the ugly duckling in the second office from the left.

But when she bids on a bachelor at a charity auction, the man she wins is millionaire Niall Hunter—who once made intense, passionate love to her and then left without a word. She's determined not to let her guard down again—among other things—around the infamous Irish lothario.

Niall never imagined his penance for one hot-as-hell night with his best friend’s little sister would be transforming her from a shy wallflower to a sultry siren. Helping her attract another man is torture...especially when he promised his friend he’d stay away. Plus, she wants forever, and he's not a forever kind of guy. But Niall can't stop wanting her. Can't stop touching her. Can't stop, period. And damn if he can remember why he has to...





“I have the perfect shoes that will go with the dress,” the saleswoman said as she loosed the button and closure in the back. “Let me go pull them while I remember so we can put those aside as well.”“Thanks, Lindsey.” Khloe smiled at the other woman in the dressing room cubicle’s mirror. Lindsey left, and Khloe slipped free of the dress, leaving her clad only in her bra and panties. As she removed a lovely blouse from its hanger, a knock reverberated on the door.That was quick, Lindsey. “Come on in.”A large inhalation of breath jerked her head around.Niall.Shock rocketed through her, jarring, jolting—electrifying.Blue fire flared and smoldered in his gaze, drying up the moisture in her mouth. His skin, drawn tight across his facial bones, emphasized the carnal fullness of his mouth. Slowly, he reached behind him and shut the door. Her heart thudded against her sternum. And her world narrowed down to the space between them that steadily decreased as he stalked closer…and closer…He closed his fingers around the hand clutching the blouse to her chest, and loosened her grip on it, casting the clothing to the side as if it were made of burlap instead of expensive silk. He lowered her arms, baring her to his hungry gaze.Because it was hungry.Her breasts rose and fell on her rapid, harsh drags of air, and he followed the movements with rapt concentration. Switching her wrists to one hand, he traced the flesh swelling above black lace, dipping a fingertip underneath the scalloped edge.Nudging a beaded nipple.She whimpered. Oh God. Before him, she hadn’t realized a conduit ran from her breasts straight to her clitoris. But with each swipe over the aching tip, he reminded her.When he removed his touch, she bit her lip to imprison the plea for him to don’t stop. She parted her lips, prepared to beg but the words died a swift death on her tongue when he bent his head and captured her nipple with his hot, wet mouth.Oh shit. Oh. Shit. Ohshitohshitohshit.His tongue curled around her nipple through the bra, drawing it between his lips, and sucking hard. Up, up, up. She went to her tiptoes, a soft cry escaping her. Her fingers curled into her palms, needing to touch him, to clutch his head, and hold him to her.“Niall,” she whispered.“Chopsticks” pealed loudly, almost painful in the hushed, dense quiet broken only by her sighs and moans.She blinked. Frowned. Her phone. How had her phone ended up in here with her?Niall straightened, and the loss of his mouth on her vibrated inside her like a discordant chord. Frustration howled inside her. Releasing her wrists, he withdrew her cell from his pants pocket. But instead of handing it to her, he glanced down at the screen. The hunger in his expression fled, replaced by a forbidding coldness.“It’s Bennett,” he stated flatly. “It’s why I came in here. Your phone rang.”Her stomach plunged toward her feet, her heart in hot pursuit. Bennett? Calling her?Niall swiped his thumb across the phone, and the ringer abruptly ceased.“Wh-what?” she stuttered as he slipped the cell back into his pocket.“You’re wet, aren’t you, Khloe?” he demanded, his brogue thicker, voice a harsh whip. His gaze dropped to the rigid points of her nipples, clearly visible through her bra. “And I made you that way. I’ll be damned if he benefits from what I caused. What’s mine.”





Naima Simone’s love of romance was first stirred by Johanna Lindsey and Linda Howard many years ago. Though her first attempt at writing a romance novel at age 11 never saw the light of day, her love of romance and writing has endured. Now, she spends her time creating stories of unique men and women who experience the dizzying heights of passion and the tender heat of love.

She is wife to Superman—or his non-Kryptonian, less bullet proof equivalent—and mother to the most awesome kids ever. They all live in perfect, domestically-challenged bliss in the southern United States.



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Review of "A Vow to Secure His Legacy" by Annie West

My Review I’m a big fan of Annie West’s romances, and her latest offering doesn’t disappoint in the least. “A Vow to Secure His Legacy” has all the ingredients that – to me – make a great Annie West novel: a hero to swoon for who has the perfect mix of brain and brawn, a heroine who discovers herself and her strength, an exotic setting that is almost a character in itself, twists and turns and thought-provoking snippets, sensual scenes that made the pages melt in my hands, dialogue that seems plucked out of real life, and a happy ending to die for.
 
Imogen seems an unlikely heroine at first, unsure of herself and her place in the world despite planning everything and remaining as sane as possible. When – shortly after losing her mother and her twin sister – she is faced with her own impending death, she makes the decision to break out of the circle and for once really live. This decision sets the stone rolling. It brings her to Paris, where she meets handsome, mysterious Thierry and falls for him. I loved learning more about the protagonist alongside her, finding out what made her behave like this and who and what she could be. It was wonderful seeing her finally accept herself and be herself and love herself, partly thanks to Thierry.
 
As for Thierry, he’s just perfect. Much, much more than only handsome and charismatic and charming, he’s filled with a determined drive, with a soft heart, intelligence and true kindness. I found it very believable how meeting and falling in love with Imogen also changed him and made him realize he’s much more than he or others give him credit for.
 
I devoured this book in two days, and I will definitely read it again, for it has left a lasting impression on me. It’s about much more than just romance, although the love story is a wonderfully executed one. There’s a hidden lesson in there about self-acceptance, confidence, trust and a joy for life.
 
Rating: 5/5
​
​Find out more about the book here.

Featured - Release Day Blitz for "Schemes Gone Amiss" by Collette Cameron

Schemes Gone Amiss by Collette Cameron Series: Conundrums of the Misses Culpepper, Book 2Genre: Historical RomanceRelease Date: February 1, 2016


Intrepid and outspoken, Blythe Culpepper is dragged against her will to London for a Season. To her dismay, her guardian enlists the devilishly attractive Lord Leventhorpe, the one man she detests, to assist with her Come Out. Since their first encounter, hostile looks and cutting retorts have abounded whenever they meet, yet she cannot deny the way her body reacts when he’s near. So perhaps it’s no surprise that upon overhearing another woman scheming to entrap Tristan into marriage, Blythe risks all to warn him.

Haunted by childhood trauma, Tristan, the austere and controlled Marquis of Leventhorpe, usually avoids social gatherings. So why, against his better judgement, does he agree to aid his closet friend in presenting the Culpeppers to the ton? Might it be because one Culpepper stirs more than his interest? Blythe taxes him to his limits with her sharp wit and even sharper tongue. Yet, he cannot deny the beauty fascinates him.

However, when an old enemy comes calling, using Blythe to settle old scores, Tristan must decide if protecting his honor is more important than winning the heart of the woman he has come to love.



Schemes Gone Amiss First Kiss Scene
“You’ve a dab of dirt smearing your cheek, just there.” Lord Leventhorpe indicated her cheek with a long finger.Covered in dog hair, mud, and grass. Perfectly lovely.Blythe wiped her face. “Did I get it?”“No. You smeared the blob more.” He chuckled and moved his fingers over his cheek, in imitation of where her smudge was. “You look rather like an adorable ragamuffin who’s been making mud pies.”Blythe rubbed the spot again then examined her gloves. Earth marred the fingertips. Whether from wiping her face or from her tumbles in the park, she didn’t know. Probably ruined her gloves too. “Better?”“No. Allow me.” He swiftly removed his black leather glove. “Lean my way a mite.”Blythe complied, and he bent and brushed his thumb along her cheek a couple of times.Sensation darted outward, raising the flesh along her shoulders and arms.The shards of silver in his gaze glittered as he stared into her eyes, and his touch lingered a fraction longer than entirely necessary. “You have the loveliest eyes and the most perfect mouth I’ve ever seen.”Such was the wonder in his voice, he almost seemed to speak to himself.Blythe wet her lips, gone abruptly dry as autumn leaves.His gaze riveted upon her mouth, tension tightened his lips.He had the most beautifully sculpted mouth she’d ever noticed, and that included the Greek gods from last night’s ball. Were Lord Leventhorpe’s as warm and firm and tasty as they appeared?What the blazes did Mr. Burlington’s lips look like?Did he have lips?He must, of course.A wheel sank into a hole with bone-jarring force, abruptly interrupting Blythe’s mental rambling and pitching her and Lord Leventhorpe headfirst. His hat flew from his head as he tumbled from his seat onto his knees and reflexively wrapped his arms around her to keep her from plunging to the floor.Their faces mere inches apart, Blythe couldn’t haul her gaze from the glinting specks in Lord Leventhorpe’s eyes. His focus sank to her lips, and his enlarged pupils revealed his arousal.Would he kiss her?Did she want him to?Illogically, yes.Breath suspended, she remained perfectly motionless. Waiting.Lowering his head, he tightened his embrace an instant before his lips whispered across hers.A brilliant light burst behind her eyes, and every bone in her body turned molten. She clutched his lapels, certain if she let go, she’d slither to the floor.He ran his tongue along the seam of her lips, and, sighing, she readily capitulated and parted her mouth, eager to taste more of him.




Book One: Wagers Gone Awry


Bestselling, award-winning author, Collette Cameron, has a BS in Liberal Studies and a Master's in Teaching. Author of the  Castle Brides  Series.  Highland Heather Romancing a Scot  Series, and  Conundrums of the Misses Culpepper  Series, Collette writes Regency and Scottish historicals and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and five mini-dachshunds. Mother to three and a self-proclaimed Cadbury Chocolate chocoholic, Collette loves a good joke, inspirational quotes, flowers, trivia, and all things shabby chic and cobalt blue. You'll always find dogs, birds, quirky—sometimes naughty—humor, and a dash of inspiration in her novels.

Her motto for life? You can’t have too much chocolate, too many hugs, or too many flowers or books.

She’s thinking about adding shoes to that list.


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Featured - "A Blonde Bengali Wife" by Anne Hamilton - Review

About the BookTravel/Memoir
Release Date:       Originally released October 2010.
Reprinted 3 November 2015
 
They all said that Bangladesh would be an experience...
For Anne Hamilton, a three month winter programme of travel and ‘cultural exchange’ in a country where the English language, fair hair and a rice allergy are all rare in the extreme was always going to be interesting, challenging and frustrating.  What they didn’t tell Anne was that it would also be sunny, funny and the start of a love affair with this unexplored area of Southeast Asia.
A Blonde Bengali Wife shows the lives beyond the poverty, monsoons and diarrhoea of Bangladesh and charts a vibrant and fascinating place where one minute Anne is levelling a school playing field ‘fit for the national cricket team,’ cobbling together a sparkly outfit for a formal wedding the next.
Along with Anne are the essential ingredients for survival: a travel-savvy Australian sidekick, a heaven-sent adopted family, and a short, dark, and handsome boy-next-door.
During her adventures zipping among the dusty clamour of the capital Dhaka, the longest sea beach in the world at Cox’s Bazaar, verdant Sylhet tea gardens, and the voluntary health projects of distant villages, Anne amasses a lot of friends, stories...and even a husband?
A Blonde Bengali Wife is the ‘unexpected travelogue’ that reads like a comedy of manners to tell the other side of the story of Bangladesh.
 
BUY LINKS
AMAZON UK
AMAZON US My ReviewAs a half-German, half-Sri-Lankan who grew up in Germany and then settled in Sri Lanka with a Sri Lankan husband, “A Blonde Bengali Wife” immediately caught my attention. I’m glad I got the chance to review the book, for it was a treat.
 
Mostly written like a travelogue but also with elements of humour, romance, adventure and even a bit of mystery, this novel flowed easily and had a pace that matched its topics and the country it is set in. The whole story had an honesty and a vividness about it that drew me straight in. Sometimes I had the feeling that the protagonist Anne – none other than the author herself – was talking straight to me or that I was there with her or maybe reading her diary or watching a documentary about it all. It was fascinating to meet so many people and make so many exotic experiences alongside the protagonist. A lot of it reminded me of Sri Lanka and what I know about India from friends and books. There’s a connection I felt while reading that made things all the more real and touching, a love shining through for the country and its people.
 
If you enjoy reading about someone’s travels and travails, if you like Asian settings, authentic characters and a book that holds the right mix of entertainment, information and thought-provoking statements, then I can highly recommend “A Blonde Bengali Wife”. Another reason to pick it up: The proceeds from the sales go to the charity organization “Bhola’s Children”.
 
Rating: 4/5
​ About the AuthorAnne Hamilton wrote A Blonde Bengali Wife after she fell in love with Bangladesh on her first (of many) visits there. The travelogue inspired the charity, Bhola’s Children, and continues to support it. Before she became a full time writer, editor and tutor, Anne’s career was in social work and community health – which led to many of her earlier international travels.  Anne can never quite decide if she comes from the East of England or the West of Ireland, so she compromises by living in Scotland, with her small son; they still travel when they can. Anne has a PhD in Creative writing from the University of Glasgow, and is the editor of local online magazine, Lothian Life. She is currently revising and seeking representation for her first novel, Chasing Elena, and working on her second.

Facebook:    https://www.facebook.com/ablondebengaliwife
Twitter:        @Anne_ABBW     & @AnneHamilton7
Goodreads:   https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8860907-a-blonde-bengali-wife
http://anne-ablondebengaliwife.blogspot.co.uk/
www.annehamilton.co.uk
www.bholaschildren.org
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