Sherry Ewing's Blog, page 13
August 21, 2023
Medieval Monday with If My Heart Could See You
Another week has gone by and I thank you for stopping by my Medieval Monday blog. We’re on week six already on excerpts from my bestselling novel If My Heart Could See You. I hope these excerpts bring a smile to your face and a reminder of how much you enjoy these characters. These two are the grounding force behind the rest of my books and you’ll always see them whenever my other characters are at Berwyck Castle. Happy reading, my lovelies, and enjoy.
Excerpt:
Dristan came towards the vision afore him whilst she stood her ground this time. He was impressed how she gazed at him directly, as if she in truth feared no man as she had said. He smiled at her again, noticing the unusual color of her deep violet eyes and saw her startled expression. He hesitated, if only for a second, afore he carefully reached for her hand holding the tartan in place to cover her features. He felt it tremble as the cloth fell away, and he brought her but a step or two closer to his side.
For once in his life Dristan could form no words as he stared down at the treasure afore his eyes. She was indeed more lovely than he had first thought, upon closer examination, and he was not sure how he would be able to let her go now that she was almost within his arms.
She closed her eyes, and he felt the heat of their body’s as he moved her closer ’til they were but a heartbeat away. “Carpe Diem,” she spoke tenderly, as if she were savoring this moment, however brief it may be. She opened her eyes, noticing his further bewilderment at her words. “’Tis Latin… it means to seize the day.”
“Aye, I know its meaning. I am just surprised you do, as well.”
“My lord?” she questioned breathlessly.
Catch last week’s excerpt here: https://sherryewing.com/2023/08/14/medieval-monday-with-sherry-ewing-if-my-heart-could-see-you/
Learn more about If My Heart Could See You on the Book tab above. It’s available in eBook, paperback, and audiobook narrated by the fabulous Marian Hussey.
August 18, 2023
First Kiss Friday with Jane Charles
Welcome back to my First Kiss Friday blog. Today my guest is the fabulous Jane Charles who has an excerpt from her upcoming release, The Vanishing Viscount . We hope you enjoy this first kiss scene. Happy reading, my lovelies.
Excerpt:
Except he knew now what he had tried to shield from himself these past few years. Love could be the only reason, or he would not have been so intent on pursuing her since her first Season.
Did he know her well enough to fall in love?
How long must a person know another or did the heart already decide?
These were not thoughts or questions that he had been prepared to face when it came to Lady Clara, but he could not run from them forever either.
Chedworth had also told Pierce to kiss her.
Maybe that would be the answer. Once they kissed, he may no longer desire her and she would no longer be smitten, and then her heart would be at ease enough to return them back to Nightshade Manor. Or he would fall deeper and so would she, which might just leave them stranded. Unless, if the kissing brought calm to her and then all would be well.
Harcourt placed a hand on her cheek.
Frowning, Clara looked at him.
“Relax,” he said quietly, then brushed his lips across hers.
“Why did you do that?”
“Because I have wanted to for some time.”
“Why?”
“Because I find you charming, delightful, despite everything,” he answered honestly.
Clara leaned in. “Are you not afraid?”
Pierce pulled back and laughed. “I should be, and it is likely you will drive me to Bedlam one day, but I do not fear you, Clara.”
He also knew that one simple kiss had certainly not been enough to make a determination of where his heart may lead.
Clara could only stare back at Harcourt. He had kissed her. It was light and feathery, merely a brushing of the lips but they had been his on hers.
For a fleeting moment, Clara feared that he had only kissed her to try and put her at ease so that she would be calm enough to take them back to Nightshade Manor. Except, it had the opposite effect. Those butterflies in her stomach multiplied and her heart no longer did a little skip but pounded against her breastbone.
How could he possibly find her charming and delightful? Because of her, he had ended up falling onto a stinging nettles plant and now he was missing his mother’s ball and they were sitting in a strange place.
Harcourt was staring at her—a study, and she wasn’t certain what to do. His hand still rested on her cheek, and she could not find the will to pull away. It was almost as if she were mesmerized staring into the dark depths of his eyes.
Then he moved closer, and Clara let her eyes drift close as his lips once again touched hers. This time, however, it was not light, like before.
Goodness. They were firm and warm. She’d only been kissed once before, and that had been by Chedworth and that had been nothing like this. Harcourt’s kiss had a rather dizzying effect on her person. At his probing, she opened her mouth, and he swept in, stealing her breath. Clara returned his kiss the best that she could, learning from him, imitating his actions, afraid she was clumsy, but soon all thought left and she just enjoyed and experienced.
His hand cradled the back of her head as he broke away and trailed kisses over her cheek and down to her neck. Goodness, suddenly it was hotter here than it had been that day in July when she’d seen his bottom.
Her bodice grew tight, and she had the strangest sensations in her belly. Clara longed to remove her gown and take a dip into the clear lake so that she could cool herself, but she’d need to break from his kisses to do so, and that was the last thing that she wanted.
A moment later he broke away. “I am sorry. I simply meant to kiss you. I…I took liberties that I should not have.”
Clara blinked at him.
“Are you calmer now?” he asked with a half-smile.
“I am not certain.”
He brushed her lips again. “Take us back to Nightshade Manor and we will further discuss what happened.”
“Yes, of course.” Clara took his hand in hers, closed her eyes. “Return us to Nightshade Manor.”
When she opened her eyes, she was staring at Harcourt, and they were still sitting on the steps of this Greek temple. Tears of frustration sprang to her eyes. “Why will it not work?”
“I do not know,” he offered with disappointment.
Then she realized that he had asked if she was finally calm and her heart sank. “Did you only kiss me to distract me enough not to be nervous?”
“Only partially,” he answered.
“What was the other reason?” She was almost afraid to hear his answer.
“Because I finally gave into the desire to do what I have wanted since we found ourselves alone in the vault.”The little anxiety that had started to build subsided. It did not matter his motives so long as he had also wanted to kiss her.
The Vanishing ViscountMagic & Mystery, Book 2
Jane Charles
Release date: August 22, 2023
Lady Clara Westcott fell in love with Pierce Drakos, Viscount Harcourt, at the age of fifteen. That is also when everything went wrong- at least magically. When she encounters him again in London, Clara quickly realizes that she might very well be a danger to Harcourt and vows to keep her distance.
Pierce had considered Lady Clara sweet and pretty at fifteen but by eighteen, she had matured in a most delectable manner. However, every time he wished to draw near, she disappeared. Now that she would be visiting his family’s estate and attending his mother’s Witches’ Ball, he vowed to learn why she avoided him. What he hadn’t counted on was him being the one who now vanished.
Buy Links:
Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Vanishing-Viscount-Magic-Mystery-Book-ebook/dp/B0C71X6CCC
BN – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-vanishing-viscount-jane-charles/1143594376?ean=2940161010525
Apple Books – https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-vanishing-viscount-magic-and-mystery-book-2/id6449888309
Kobo – https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-vanishing-viscount-magic-and-mystery-book-2
Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/172467316-the-vanishing-viscount
About the Author:
USA Today Bestselling Author Jane Charles lives in the Midwest with her former marine, police officer husband. As a child she would more likely be found outside with a baseball than a book in her hand, until one day, out of boredom on a long road trip, she borrowed her sister’s romance novel and fell in love. Her life is filled with three amazing children, two dogs, two cats, community theatre, and traveling whenever possible. Jane may have begun her career writing romances set in the Regency era, but blames being a Gemini as to why she’s equally pulled toward writing Contemporary/New Adult as well as Historical romances.
https://www.janecharlesauthor.com
https://www.facebook.com/JaneCharlesAuthor
https://twitter.com/JaneAcharles
https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/jane-charles
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jane-charles
https://www.amazon.com/Jane-Charles/e/B0052V12QI
August 16, 2023
If My Heart Could See You ~ On Sale Now!
In preparation for my upcoming release in my MacLaren series, I’ve gone ahead and put my debut novel If My Heart Could See You: The MacLarens (Book One) on sale for a whopping $0.99! This is the medieval novel that began my entire series including my Knights of Berwyck time travels. You’ll even see some of the descendants (several generations removed) pop up in some of my Regency era books. Grab it at this reduced price while you can!
If My Heart Could See You – The MacLarensA Medieval Romance
When you’re enemies, does love have a fighting chance?
For Amiria of Berwyck, defeat does not come easily as she watches her home and clan being ripped asunder. When the very enemy who has laid siege to her home demands her fealty, she will do whatever it takes to protect her people including a hastily concocted ruse that quickly begins to unravel. All too soon, she starts to question whether she can forgive herself for betraying those she has sworn to protect.
Dristan of Blackmore, champion knight of King Henry II, has a reputation to uphold as the Devil’s Dragon. After his invading army conquers Berwyck castle, he sets out to manage the newly claimed estate by training its knight in the art of proper defense. At first, everything appears as it should be, or is it? Betrayed by those he believed he could trust, he must first set aside his anger before he can make room in his heart for love.
Together they are tied by an unspoken bond. As they begin to rebuild the land and unite their people, forces beyond their control attempt to tear apart their fragile truce and only time will tell if love will forever bring them together.
Buy Links – Available in eBook and paperback:
Amazon US | Barnes & Noble | Apple Books | Kobo | Smashwords
Amazon AU | Amazon BR | Amazon CA | Amazon DE | Amazon ES | Amazon FR | Amazon IN | Amazon IT | Amazon JP | Amazon MX | Amazon NL | Amazon UK
If My Heart Could See You is also now available as an Audiobook. Come listen to how Marian Hussey has made my novel come to life!
Narrated by Marian Hussey
August 14, 2023
Medieval Monday with Sherry Ewing & If My Heart Could See You
Today is week five of my excerpts from If My Heart Could See You on my Medieval Monday blog. Dristan and Amiria continue their discussion as he tries to get the woman’s name without much success. Happy reading and enjoy, my fabulous readers!
Excerpt:
He interrupted her. “Besides, ’tis not fair you should know who I am, but I am not granted the same.”
“Any and all would be a fool not to know the Devil’s Dragon of Blackmore now claims his lair in Berwyck Castle.”
“Then you have heard of me and my reputation has proceeded me,” he cajoled.
“Aye, my lord, I have indeed knowledge of you.”
“I see you do not fear me, as some do upon first encountering me. Why is that, I wonder, when you in truth do not know my nature?” he questioned honestly.
“I fear no man,” she answered, as she raised her head defiantly with a flip of her head, “or beast for that matter!”
Dristan threw his head back and laughed. It sounded pleasant to her ears. “Well said, damsel. Mayhap in you I have finally met my match! Still you have me at a loss mistress… besides not giving me your name, that is.”
She tilted her head as she pondered his question. “How so, my lord?” she whispered softly. Her breath left her in a sudden rush as he began to make his way towards her. She could not breathe, and she could not move. Her sanity left her as she waited for what was to happen next.
Catch last week’s excerpt here: https://sherryewing.com/2023/08/07/medieval-monday-with-if-my-heart-could-see-you-3/
Learn more about If My Heart Could See You on the Book tab above. It’s available in eBook, paperback, and audiobook narrated by the fabulous Marian Hussey.
August 11, 2023
First Kiss Friday with It Began With A Kiss
Hello, my lovelies, and welcome to my First Kiss Friday blog. I’m featuring my soon to be released novel It Began With A Kiss: The MacLarens, Book Four. I just know you’re going to love Aiden and Iona’s journey to finding love. Happy reading and enjoy!
Excerpt:
She turned her face upward and gave him an enchanting smile and his own face brightened that she did not protest being brought close to his side. They began to walk the battlements until they reached the part of the wall facing most of the moon lit ocean. He nodded his head toward the guards who were nearby. They took the hint and disappeared further along the walkway, leaving him and Iona in privacy.
He took Iona’s hand and brought it to his lips. “I am glad you wished to join me here this eve, Iona,” Aiden stated honestly and with an open heart. “You give me hope for a future together.”
She turned her face upward again to stare at him with those wonderous blue eyes. A man could get lost in such a look. “I am still uncertain if this will work out between us, Aiden,” she whispered.
“Do you fear me?” he asked hoping that this was not the cause of her apprehension.
“Nay, I do not, nor do I fear any man,” she replied, jutting out her chin, “even when ye tied me tae that chair.”
“’Twas a necessity, I assure you, and now highly regretted on my part. Can you forgive me?” Her bravery was to be applauded and was most likely the reason he was drawn to her. A woman who could stand up to him and share her thoughts was appealing to Aiden. He would never be able to stand a wife who cowered down to him for the rest of their lives.
“Mayhap… I suppose this is why I am here, is it not? Tae show a common accord for our people but also tae listen…” Her words faded away and she stared out into the distant horizon shining in the moonlight. Aiden could only wonder where her thoughts had wandered to.
“Listen to what, Iona?’ he finally asked. He took his hand to her chin, so she had no option but to stare back at him.
She gave a heavy sigh. “Sometimes ye need tae listen when yer heart begins tae sing elsewise ye deny a part of yerself.”
Aiden smiled as she confessed her inner most thoughts. “Your heart sings… a lovely analogy, Iona, as my heart is also singing just for you, if you care to listen hard enough.”
“Ye are not jesting with me?”
He ran his finger down her cheek. “Nay! Never.”
Her own smile crept across her face, and she placed her hand over his heart. “’Tis a bit of a predicament I am entering if I give my heart tae ye, my laird. If I trust ye with its keeping, will ye be crushing my spirits at some later point in time?”
“’Twould never be my intention to hurt you, Iona.”
“Then perchance all will work out between us,” she whispered, taking a step closer.
His arm wound itself around her waist bringing them just a breath away from being chest to chest. That she did not make any attempt to disentangle herself was another good sign, Aiden thought. He would take a leap of faith and, as he leaned forward, his lips were but inches from her own. He waited, holding his breath until Iona took that final step forward. She wound her arm around his neck and gently pushed the back of his head allowing their lips to meet in a gentle first kiss.
’Twas brief and Aiden rested his forehead upon Iona’s whilst his heart raced at this first intimate meeting between them. He wanted more but did not wish to rush her. Afraid she might bolt if given the opportunity, or come to regret their kiss, Aiden again waited to see if she, too, wished for their kiss to continue.
Iona’s breathing was as labored as his own and mayhap this was his answer. Her fingers playfully lingered in the edges of his hair until one hand came down over his shoulder to his chest to rest once more over his heart. Blue eyes met violet and, with a smile of encouragement from the lady, Aiden once more dipped his head down to kiss those waiting lips. There was nothing gentle about this encounter when Iona all but molded herself into his body. Aiden pulled the woman as close as he could whilst their kiss continued. His tongue swept over the crease of her lips and when she opened her mouth to him ’twas as though a winter rose blossomed in the spring air. A low moan escaped her, and Aiden knew she was as affected by their kiss as he was. ’Twas as though he all but claimed her… nay… they claimed each other, if he read all of Iona’s reactions correctly. His heart soared at the thought she might one day be his completely.
It Began With A Kiss: The MacLarens (Book Four)By Sherry Ewing
Release Date: September 5, 2023
Available for preorder
Sometimes you need to listen when you heart begins to sing…
In the gripping historical romance, It Began with a Kiss, author Sherry Ewing weaves a tale of passion, duty, and trust in a world torn apart by clashing loyalties.
Aiden of Clan MacLaren, a warrior seeking purpose, finds himself in the service of King Henry II. Tasked with a mission that will shape his destiny, he never expects to cross paths with Lady Iona Ferguson, a woman burdened by her duties as the wife of a powerful clan chieftain. A chieftain who died when Aiden takes over her husband’s castle.
When tragedy strikes and Iona’s castle falls into enemy hands, she must flee to the village with her young son. However, in the chaos of the turmoil, something unexpected stirs within her—a forbidden attraction to Aiden, a man torn between his loyalty to his English and Scottish heritage and his growing affection for Iona.
As Aiden takes charge of Iona’s home and seeks justice for her late husband, their lives become intertwined in ways neither could have predicted. Battling their inner demons and the opposing forces that threaten to tear them apart, they embark on a treacherous journey that forces them to question their loyalties and the true nature of their feelings.
Will their love conquer the boundaries of clan, country, and duty? Or will their differences tear them apart forever? Find out in this spellbinding tale of two souls colliding against the backdrop of war and romance. It Began with a Kiss is a mesmerizing enemies-to-lovers story that will leave readers breathless and yearning for more.
Buy Links:
Amazon US | Apple Books | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Smashwords | Books2Read
Amazon AU | Amazon BR | Amazon CA | Amazon DE | Amazon ES | Amazon FR | Amazon IN | Amazon IT | Amazon JP | Amazon MX | Amazon NL | Amazon UK
August 7, 2023
Medieval Monday with If My Heart Could See You
Welcome back to my Medieval Monday blog! I’m so happy you’ve joined me again for another excerpt from If My Heart Could See You. We left off last week with a brief conversation with Dristan trying to coax Amiria into giving him her name. I hope you enjoy this first encounter between these two head-strong characters! Happy reading.
Excerpt:
“I see a task afore me that I might coax it from your lips,” he prompted, taking a step in her direction. For each footstep he advanced, Amiria took one in the opposite direction towards the forest ’til he halted.
“Call it as you see fit, but ’twill still not gain you what you seek.” Amiria watched as he laughed out loud, but she could not find the humor of the situation from her words she had spoken.
“I do so love a challenge,” he argued humorously.
“Do you?” she asked sarcastically. “And what, pray tell, do you achieve if you should know my name, my lord?”
Dristan looked on her with a slight smile set upon his handsome face. “Why I achieve the name of a beautiful woman I would like to know better.”
She contemplated him again, wondering at his ploy. “And how know you I am beautiful with just one glimpse of my face?”
“Anyone with eyes in his head could tell, fair damsel, you are indeed a fine looking woman.”
“They say beauty is not everything, my lord Dristan. Perchance I have a shrewish nature, as I have been told such afore.”
“Somehow, I think not.”
“Do you?” she repeated the same words of but seconds ago.
Catch last week’s excerpt here: https://sherryewing.com/2023/07/31/me...
Learn more about If My Heart Could See You on the Book tab above. It’s available in eBook, paperback, and audiobook narrated by the fabulous Marian Hussey.
August 4, 2023
First Kiss Friday with Sara Adrien
Welcome to my First Kiss Friday Blog! Today’s guest is Dragonblade Publishing author Sara Adrien who has an excerpt from her story in the Lyon’s Den Connected Word, Don’t Wake A Sleeping Lyon . We hope you enjoy this first kiss scene. Isn’t the cover just fabulous? Happy reading, my lovelies!
Excerpt:
“What else did you learn besides French then?” “English.”
“English is a foreign language to you?”
She nodded.
“Where are you from, Ada?”
“Prussia. Königsberg.” She said the German umlaut without an accent. “Do you speak any other languages besides English, French, and German?”
She nodded again but didn’t answer. Her mouth was filled with the last bite of the mille-feuille.
Slightly embarrassed by his powerful physical response to an innocent pastry mishap, Alfred looked away and tried to count the swans on the pond. One, two, three, four… it was no use. His entire body hardened, and he shifted uncomfortably on the woolen blanket. This girl was different, smarter, more refined, and with a stronger personality than anyone he’d ever met. Besides Wendy maybe, but she didn’t count. She was Nick’s little sister.
Could he possibly get away with one last flirtation before Mrs. Dove- Lyon matched him with another woman?
Ada had polished off the mille-feuille and took a big bite from a Paris-Brest, a ring-shaped choux pastry filled with praline cream and topped with caramelized almond slices. She chewed and a sticky crumb of praline stuck on her lower lip.
Alfred was in outright pain now. It made no sense, but his body wanted that little crumb more than the rest of the pastries on display.
“You…” He cleared his throat and gestured to his own mouth, pretending to pick the crumb off his lips. She batted her long lashes at him and leaned in, swallowing the bite. Then, she searched the picnic spread, probably for a napkin.
Ada was so close now that Alfred’s body tingled. Almost within reach, a puff of her breath, an enchanting combination of vanilla and almond, swept into his nose. His hands were heavy but deliberate; he brought his thumb and index finger to her chin and lifted her gaze.
“Right here.” He brushed her lower lip with his thumb and leaned in. Fully expecting her to withdraw but she stilled, became rather serious, and licked her lips with the tip of her tongue. It was agony. His cock grew harder still, impossibly so. Her gaze fell to his mouth.
“Where?” she whispered and held eye contact. Boldly, he thought. Interesting. She was not new to this. Good, because Alfred wasn’t sure he could hold back much longer.
He leaned closer and when she moved into him, he touched the corner of her mouth with his lips. She sighed lightly and tilted her head. He was mesmerized as she eagerly responded with an enthusiasm he hadn’t expected.
In a moment she’d opened up her mouth and Alfred tasted her sweetness. Not the praline or vanilla, no. But something else, something unique. There was an indescribable quality about this girl that felt whole and right.
Her lips were soft and lush, her tongue delicate but forcefully dancing with his. Both tender and passionate, their kiss filled the air with its sweet longing. Her lush lips stirred feral desire deep within him. She scooted closer to him, and he wrapped his arms around her, wanting to take as much as she’d give willingly. He couldn’t help but marvel at how wonderfully she fit against him. Everything around them seemed insignificant, and all that mattered was her.
When he came up for air, her eyes fluttered open, she gave a cautious look. No matter, for his gaze fell to her swollen lips, pink from the rush of their kiss. She didn’t need to speak a word because he saw the sadness in her gaze. She blinked and then inhaled sharply. As if she’d made a decision, she grabbed the back of his head and pulled him back. She took a chance, and he allowed her to lead. Alfred gave himself over to the kiss and pulled her onto his lap. It was scandalous. Onlookers be damned. This was the best kiss of his entire life.
Don’t Wake A Sleeping LyonBy Sara Adrien
The Widow of Whitehall will get them in the game, but what are they willing to put on the line for a match?
Ada must marry soon or else she’ll lose access to the trust money her father left her. Can she gamble as Mrs. Dove-Lyon’s puffer and support herself? When she’s swept up in the arms of a charming young doctor, will she find a way to make her luck last?
Alfred dreams of having his own practice on Harley Street but he doesn’t have the money to get started. Before he finds a way to make a down payment, he loses his heart to a spirited lady gambler. Will he also lose his head, or can he reconcile love and his career?
In “Don’t Wake a Sleeping Lion,” author Sara Adrien brings her signature Jewish twist to the well-loved world of the Lyon’s Den. Watch Mrs. Dove-Lyon make ingenious matches, and characters fall in love against the backdrop of Regency London.
From scrumptious pastries to delectable gowns, this nostalgic story will bring you everything you enjoy in steamy romance.
Buy Links:
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C6FSDBWR
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/164713113-don-t-wake-a-sleeping-lyon
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/don-t-wake-a-sleeping-lyon-the-lyon-s-den-connected-world-by-sara-adrien
About the Author:
Bestselling author Sara Adrien writes hot and heart-melting regency romance with a Jewish twist. As a law professor-turned-author, she writes about clandestine identities, whims of fate, and sizzling seduction. If you like unique and intelligent characters, deliciously sexy scenes, and the nostalgia of afternoon tea, then you’ll adore Sara Adrien’s tender tear-jerkers. She is the author of the series Infiltrating the Ton, Diamond Dynasty, Check Mates (coming in 2024), and Miracles on Harley Street (coming in 2024).
Sign up for her VIP newsletter to be the first to hear about new releases, audiobooks, sales, and bonus content at https://SaraAdrien.com.
July 31, 2023
Medieval Monday with Sherry Ewing
It’s our third week for my Medieval Monday blog and another excerpt from If My Heart Could See You. I must admit, as I’m reading through these excerpts again, I’m reminded how very much I love this story. When I wrote it, I had no idea it would become the beginning of a whole world including my time travel Knights of Berwyck series. Happy reading, my dearest readers, and enjoy!
Excerpt:
Once again, her hooded head gave no answer whilst she clutched the tartan closer to her, as if it offered the security she stood in need of.
“No? Well, I cannot in all good conscience leave you here to fend for yourself. A name then,” he encouraged, “tell me your name?”
“My n-name?”
Dristan heard her whispered words softly teasing his senses. “Aye, mistress, your name. Surely you have one?”
He stood fascinated as the head of the woman swiveled quickly in his direction. For one brief moment he beheld eyes of violet, reminding him of the heather on the Scottish moors. Still he waited patiently for her answer and yet she provided nothing to give her identity away.
***
Merciful heavens, what was she to do? His words hung in the air between them, and her consciousness frantically screamed to find an answer to give him and quickly! Yet, no rebuttal came to her frozen mind as Amiria stood there in total indecisiveness. She knew she could not allow him to get too close on the off chance he might recognize her, even though her face was clean from the grime and mud usually gracing it these days. ’Twas the words he uttered, haunting her as he had spoken them to her once afore, although she was now in a different guise.
“Somehow, I do not think giving you my name would be in my best interest, my lord,” she said quietly and took but an instant more to gaze at him afore her eyes became downcast. Her mind was racing, thinking of only how to escape the predicament she now found herself in with no horse to hasten her journey.
Dristan gave a soft chuckle at her words. “Mayhap not, but ’twould please me to know it just the same.”
“It matters not to me if you are pleased, so I will keep it unto myself I think,” she retorted sharply.
Catch last week’s excerpt here: https://sherryewing.com/2023/07/24/medieval-monday-with-sherry-ewing-8/
Learn more about If My Heart Could See You on the Book tab above. It’s available in eBook, paperback, and audiobook narrated by the fabulous Marian Hussey.
July 28, 2023
First Kiss Friday with Aurrora St. James
Welcome to my First Kiss Friday blog. Please help me welcome back author Aurrora St. James who has an excerpt from her story The Lyon’s Last Chance in this Night of Lyons boxset, . Happy reading and enjoy.
Excerpt: (Grace needs a husband. She thought any man would do…)
“You can trust me, Gracie,” he murmured.
His warm breath brushed her ear, sending a delicious shiver through her body. It took great effort not to lean back into his warm, strong embrace. “No,” she whispered. “I can’t.” Why did he have to smell so divine? Like leather and musk? Warmth bloomed low in her belly and she was acutely aware of the brush of his chest to her back through the thin silk of her gown. “I want a husband who will keep his promises. Someone to care for me and any children we have. Not one who will run off with my brother at a moment’s notice to fill his belly with ale, line his pockets at the tables, and bounce a ladybird on his knee.”
She tried to pull out of his grasp but he held firm and spun her to face him. “Marry me, Gracie. I will take care of you better than any man in all of England. And should we have children, I would consider myself a blessed man.”
His words cut at her insides. She’d longed to hear them years before when he’d kissed her and promised to meet her the following day. That he spoke them now prodded at the wounds he’d left in her heart. If only he wanted her the way she once wanted him, but she knew he didn’t, and shook her head. “You’re too much like George and my father. Drinking and gambling in places like this until you forget you have others who depend upon you. Regardless, Mrs. Dove-Lyon has chosen another suitor for me and I intend to marry him.”
“Who?” Owen’s voice rumbled with a deep growl.
She tried to pull away once more but he tightened his grip until she was pressed to his chest with only her hands between them. “I will know him when I see him. Now, if you’ll excuse—”
“Tell me what the other man looks like.”
“No.”
He gave her a gentle shake. “I’m trying to protect you. Do you even know his name?”
She shook her head. “As long as he is agreeable and can show more than a brief, false interest in me, he will do. Mrs. Dove-Lyon has already chosen him and I understand she does research on each gentleman.”
Own snorted.
Grace shoved at his chest until he relented and released her. She stared at him, her heart thumping against her breast. “You confuse me. Once, you made me believe that you cared for me, only to humiliate me. Now you offer to marry me and promise your protection when you haven’t spoken to me in years? Is this another trick? Some elaborate bet meant to make a fool of me again?” It shamed her that her throat felt thick with emotion. She shouldn’t allow him to affect her after all this time.
“Is that what you believe, Grace? That my intent is only to make a mockery of you?”
She nodded, afraid that her voice would tremble if she spoke.
Owen tilted her chin up until she looked into his eyes. He traced the curve of her lower lip with his thumb. “You don’t know how often I’ve dreamed of these lips,” he murmured.
Her heart clenched. Oh heavens, he was close. The desires of her youth warred with her good sense. She should push him away. Or… or laugh at him for his silly attempt at a seduction he wouldn’t pursue. She should not be leaning toward him, wondering if his kiss would be different now that she was older.
He cupped her face with tender hands and searched her gaze. When she didn’t pull away, he lowered his head and kissed her.
Grace swayed toward him as his lips moved over hers. This was different from before. The kiss in her youth was a sweet press of his mouth. Now, Owen captured her mouth with an intensity she hadn’t expected. He urged her lips open and swept his tongue against hers. She moaned at the decadent taste of him, like champagne and the musk of his skin.
Long moments later, Owen broke the kiss, his quick breaths fanning over her wet lips. “Marry me, Gracie.”
His words broke through the haze of her desire like cold water. He appeared earnest, though she couldn’t read the expression behind his mask. Grace wanted to trust his intentions, but she couldn’t. He broke her heart once; she wouldn’t let him do it again.
Night of Lyons Anthology:
It’s the hottest ticket in town! One night a year, the infamous gaming hell The Lyon’s Den hosts a masquerade ball in honor of Mrs. Dove-Lyons’s birthday. This invitation only event is the talk of the Ton, and only a select few receive the prized golden ticket for entry. Everyone wants one… but who will receive it this year?
Contains 13 all new short stories by bestselling Regency romance authors.
The Lyon’s Last Chance
By Aurrora St. James
Choosing between love and loyalty has never been so painful…
Owen Granville has secretly been in love with his best friend’s sister, Grace, for years. A disastrous bet from his youth ended with his promise to never speak to her again, so when Owen finds himself in need of a wife, he knows he’ll have to choose another woman. An invitation to a masquerade ball hosted by a renowned matchmaker seems to offer the perfect opportunity to find a suitable wife. But fate has other plans because Grace is also at the ball in search of a husband. Suddenly Owen has a chance to win her back, but if he succeeds, it comes at a great cost—the betrayal of his best friend.
Note to readers: The Lyon’s Last Chance is a short story related to the Taken by Destiny trilogy.
Pre-Order Link: https://amzn.to/44jspWu
First Kiss Friday for related books:
Book 1, The Earl’s Timely Wallflower: https://sherryewing.com/2023/03/31/first-kiss-friday-with-aurrora-st-james/
Book 2, Tempting the Reclusive Earl: https://sherryewing.com/2023/06/09/first-kiss-friday-with-aurrora-st-james-2/
About the Author:
Aurrora St. James writes sexy historical and fantasy romances featuring tough heroes, strong women, quirky characters, and a touch of humor added in for spice. She loves coffee, making her own journals, old B, C, and D-movies, and the magic of a happily ever after.
Social Media Links:
Website: http://www.aurrorastjames.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AurroraStJamesAuthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aurrorastjames/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ladyaurrora/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/aurrora-st-james
Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1562285277340374/Twitter: https://twitter.com/AurroraStJames
July 24, 2023
Medieval Monday with Sherry Ewing
Welcome to my Medieval Monday blog and the continuation of another excerpt from my bestselling novel If My Heart Could See You. Dristan is on the beach and has just encounter a woman who is alone. He can appreciate a beautiful lady and can in no way leave her without offering his protection… Happy reading, my lovelies, and enjoy!
Excerpt:
His hands would no doubt be able to span her small waistline; her breasts were not overly large but he knew they, too, would fit well within the palm of his hands and then some. Her hair was the color of flames or the sky just as the sun was about to set as a few loose tendrils blew in the ocean’s breeze.
She shifted her feet in the sand in indecision, and he noticed no shoes covered her feet, which even appeared perfect to his eyes. Surely there must be some flaw with the girl, Dristan thought to himself but he could find none. First the lady in the mist had consumed his thoughts, and now this woodland nymph had come to confuse him even more. Mayhap he could hope the damsel was not wed or spoken for.
“A good morn to you, mademoiselle,” Dristan said, with a slight bow. “You are far from the village so early. Mayhap I can offer my assistance and see you back to your dwelling?”
A negative shake of her head was all Dristan was awarded, and he watched as she took several steps backwards towards the haven of the trees behind her.
“Come now… I mean you no harm, mistress, as I am lord of yon keep,” he declared with a wave of his hand towards the castle. “As a knight of King Henry’s realm, I fear you must humor me as ’twould be most unchivalrous to leave one so lovely unprotected to the elements of both man and beast alike. May I escort you to the village perchance?”
Catch last week’s excerpt here: https://sherryewing.com/2023/07/17/medieval-monday-with-if-my-heart-could-see-you-2/
