Sherry Ewing's Blog, page 14
July 21, 2023
First Kiss Friday with Jude Knight
Welcome, my fabulous readers! I’m so happy you can join me this week on my First Kiss Friday blog. My guest today is my dear friend Jude Knight who has an excerpt from her newest release Grasp the Thorn. Can we take just a few second to stare at this beautiful cover? It has that old school vibe from romance covers from days long past. I just love it! Happy reading, my lovelies, and take it away, Jude!
This excerpt is from Grasp the Thorn. Circumstances have meant my hero and heroine have been sharing the same house for the past few weeks, and the village has noticed! Bear has asked Rosa to marry him. She asked for time to think it over.
Excerpt:
In the early dawn, when she served him coffee and a plate loaded with food to fuel his morning’s work, he did not pester her for a decision, but he returned early for lunch, driven home by a heavy shower.
“Have you had enough time to think, Miss Neatham?” he asked, as he entered the kitchen door and interrupted her bread making.
“Yes, Mr Gavenor.”
He stripped off his rainwear and advanced on her with hands outstretched. “Yes, you have had time to think? Or yes, you will marry me?”
Rosa blushed, and allowed him to capture her hands.
“Yes, I will marry you, Mr Gavenor.”
He bent from his great height and brushed her lips with his. “Then you had better call me Bear, as my friends do. Or Hugh, if you prefer. My great aunt used to call me Hugh.”
“Hugh, then. Thank you, Hugh. I shall try to be a good wife.”
He kissed her again, another butterfly touch of the lips, then put his hands on her waist and lifted her to sit on the dresser. Now her face was level with his.
“That is better,” he murmured against her mouth. Then his lips met hers again, not a mere brush this time, but a gentle and inexorable advance, setting her lips tingling and taking her breath. His hands slid behind her, pulling her against his chest, so he stood between her open knees, his body pressed tightly to hers.
No, just one hand hugged her, for the other came up behind her head, and tipped it slightly, holding it in place as his lips moved against hers and his tongue swept the seam of her shut mouth once, twice, and again. He hummed with satisfaction when she parted her lips a little, letting his tongue dart inside, and her whole body hummed with pleasure.
Pelman had subjected her to a kiss once; an awkward, embarrassing thing, with her twisting to escape and him boxing her into a corner and pawing her body while he slobbered on her face. The new Lord Hurley, who had also propositioned her when he first arrived at the Hall, had respected her refusal. In fact, he had rather avoided her, and had left again not long after the will was read.
Pelman laughed when she said ‘no’ and waylaid her when she was alone. It had, until now, been her only experience of the pastime, and she had not seen the appeal.
It was very different being the focus of Bear’s undivided attention, the recipient of his tender passion.
She lost herself in the new feelings, grasping his shoulders to bring herself closer to his body, trying her best to imitate the movements of his mouth and tongue.
He pulled away, and rested his forehead on hers, still holding her close. “We had best stop, Rosabel. You are to be my wife, and worthy of all respect, and I have no intention of tupping you on the kitchen dresser. At least, not until we are wed.”
Rosa reluctantly let him go, and he stepped back a little so he could lift her down to the floor. She was pleased to see he looked almost as dazed as she felt. “Would you call me Rosa?” she asked.
“If you wish, though Rosabel suits you. Beautiful rose. My beautiful Rosa. Much better than the ones growing outside, for your thorns do not draw blood.” He still held her waist, and he leaned forwards to drop a kiss on her hair. “I will move to the village this afternoon, Rosa, and will ask the rector to post the banns tomorrow.”
Grasp the ThornBook 2 of Lion’s Zoo
An accident brings them together. Will a scandal tear them apart?
Bear Gavenor has retired from war and built a business restoring abandoned country manors to sell to the newly rich. He’d like to settle in one himself and raise a family, but the marriage mart is full of harpies like his mother.
Rosa Neatham’s war is just starting. Penniless and evicted from her home, she despairs of being able to care for her invalid father. When she returns to her former home to pick his favourite flower, she is injured in a fall.
Bear, the new occupant of the cottage, offers shelter to her and her father. When scandal erupts, he offers more. He wants a family. She needs a protector. A marriage of convenience will suit them both, and perhaps grow to be more.
When secrets, self-doubts, and old feuds threaten to destroy their budding relationship, can they grasp the thorn of scandal to gather the rose of love?
Buy linksBooks2Read: https://books2read.com/LZGtT
Meet JudeJude always wanted to be a novelist. She started in her teens, but life kept getting in the way. Years passed, and with them dozens of unfinished manuscripts. The fear grew. What if she tried, failed, and lost the dream forever? The years since 2014 have brought 17 novels, 16 novella, 6 volumes of short stories, a number of awards, and hundreds of positive reviews. The dream is alive.
Website and blog: http://judeknightauthor.com/
Subscribe to newsletter: http://judeknightauthor.com/newsletter/
Jude’s bookstore: https://judeknight.selz.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JudeKnightAuthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JudeKnightBooks
July 17, 2023
Medieval Monday with If My Heart Could See You
Hello, lovely readers. Welcome to my Medieval Monday blog. I’m bringing back Medieval Monday for the next several weeks in preparation of my next release in the MacLaren series, It Began With A Kiss. So let’s go back to where this all started… If My Heart Could See You has been one of my best sellers with over 920 ratings on Amazon and Goodreads. I hope you’ll enjoy this blast from the past and Dristan and Amiria’s first encounter.
Excerpt:
Sitting there, he fully surveyed his surroundings for the first time. The castle was well in the distance now, but still appeared impressive situated on a high cliff. If it had been anyone other than him and his army, they would have been hard put to penetrate its defenses. He planned to reinforce the walls where he had found weaknesses so no other would ever take by force what now belonged to him.
Thor stamped his hooves in the sand impatient to be on the run again, but Dristan only gave him a pat on the neck and continued holding the reins loosely in his gloved hands. The sun chose that moment to peek from beneath the clouds and the sand came alive as if ’twere covered in sparkling diamonds as far as the eye could see. The water shimmered whilst the waves crashed into the shore and even the trees of the nearby forest looked as if they, too, were shining a little brighter from the dew drops caressing each leaf.
Dristan was about to let Thor have his way and let the beast fly his way back to the security of the castle, when a slight movement by the edge of the forest caught his eye. He blinked once and tried to refocus his vision ’til he noticed a person lying wrapped securely in a MacLaren clan’s tartan. He watched in fascination as the person stretched and unfolded and the unmistakable form of a woman became abundantly clear.
Apparently, the woman had not realized she was no longer alone. She rose from her bed on the sand and began to shake the tiny granules from her clothing and hair. Finally, in frustration, she grabbed both ends of her tartan, which she had used as a cape of sorts, and raised it above her head, shaking out the contents that had found every fold to hide in. ’Twas only as she settled the garment around her head and fastened a broach to keep everything in place that she chose to at last look up, and a startled expression crossed her face.
Dristan gave a brief smile as he took off his gloves, dismounted, and made his way towards the woman, knowing Thor would remain where he was left. The closer he came, the more pleasantly he was surprised, ’til she pulled the tartan close about her features. Although only allowed the slightest glimpse of her face, this woman appeared as an angel with porcelain skin, a neck as graceful as a swan’s, and high cheekbones. A small pert nose and lips begging to be kissed were now hidden by the plaid she used to conceal her appearance.
Learn more about this exciting medieval romance on my Book tab above. See you next week!
July 14, 2023
First Kiss Friday with Alanna Lucas
Welcome to my First Kiss Friday blog! Today’s guest is Alanna Lucas who has an excerpt from her novel When we Dance . This cover is just lovely, isn’t it? We hope you enjoy this scene. Happy reading, my lovelies!
Excerpt:
At ten minutes of eight, Nigel was still wandering through the halls, looking for the Yellow Dining Room, when he spotted Artemisia exiting the Green Parlor. She wore a simple gown of pale yellow that accentuated her olive skin. Long auburn tendrils caressed her neck. She was breathtaking.
“May I escort you to dinner?” Nigel extended his arm, waiting for her to accept.
“Why are you here?” Her tone matched her eyes, uncaring and harsh. It was not the manner he had hoped for, but more like the one he knew he deserved.
“I’ve come to make amends.”
She eyed him with contempt. “I don’t want apologies. I just want you to leave me alone.”
“That is the furthest thing from my mind.” It was a bold statement, but he wanted to make his intentions at least somewhat known.
Artemisia started to slide away from him, but Nigel grabbed her arm and pulled her into his embrace. He held her there, felt her breathing increase against his chest. She was close, close enough to kiss. He felt a subtle stirring deep in his groin. Damn. He had to refrain. Well, at least for the time being.
He took in a slow breath to steady his thoughts, then leaned in and whispered into her ear, “Truce.”
She gave him a wary look. The distrust in her eyes unsettled his nerves.
“I did not come here to cause you grief.” He waited for some response or retort. When none came, he added, “Can we at least pretend to be civil for your aunt’s sake?”
Her features softened. He’d known that she would not want to do anything that would upset her aunt. Releasing her, but still blocking her passage, he offered his arm once again, giving her little opportunity to reject him.
She took his arm with caution. “Truce.”
She was like a skittish puppy, and he was going to have to earn her trust. The problem was, he didn’t quite know where to begin. Confess all his past sins? No, that would only serve to push her away. He wanted to win her over, show her that he had changed and was not the rake the world thought him to be.
He led her down the hall, glancing into each room they passed. Unfortunately, none were lit. Where the bloody hell was the dining room?
“You don’t know where the Yellow Dining Room is, do you?”
Laughing at her frankness, he confessed, “I’ve been roaming these halls for almost half an hour and have yet to discover where the elusive, newly renovated, Yellow Dining Room might be.”
Artemisia joined in his laughter. It was not the delicate, prissy laugh that all the young ladies of the ton affected, and that he detested. It was rich and hearty and came from deep within.
“And what do you find so amusing?”
“You obviously have forgotten my aunt’s quirks. You could roam this house for days and never find a dining room with a décor that is yellow.”
“You’re right, I did forget.” When he laughed again, he felt her fingers stroke across his sleeve. Desire shot through him. Stamping down the urge to pull her back into his embrace and kiss her senseless, he tried to focus on the conversation. “So, what color is the Yellow Dining Room?”
When she glanced up at him, he was struck by how alike her crystal blue eyes were to her father’s. He had never noticed the similarity before. But where Lord Germayne’s gaze was unsettling, set against her enticing olive skin, Artemisia’s was seductive and mystical.
She must have sensed the direction in which his mind was traveling. In the next moment, she tried to withdraw her hand, but he placed his on top of it. Caressing with a gentle stroke, he leaned in and murmured into her ear, “Truce, remember?”
When she finally answered his question, her response was short and curt. “Blue.”
When We DanceBy Alanna Lucas
Shall we dance?
Left at the altar, Artemisia Germayne’s humiliation is made twice as worse by the presence in the congregation of the man who’s the bane of her existence. Why does Nigel Rochefort take such pleasure in mocking her? As rumors of Artemisia’s abandonment—and also the sudden disappearance of Philippa, her younger sister—swirl about the ton, she flees to her elderly aunt’s home in the countryside.
Nigel has always taken his good fortune for granted, so when the woman for whom he has a secret tendre is about to marry his friend, the only logical thing to do is break up the wedding. But his reputation as a rake, together with his well-intentioned giving of solace to Philippa Germayne in a London park, have started yet more scandal brewing. Nigel must first clear his name to assure Artemisia’s affections.
This is no simple country dance or game of seduction, but an unstoppable waltz of desire—and true love.
*Reissued in a new series with a beautiful new cover!
Buy Links:
https://www.amazon.com/When-We-Dance-Waltz-Destiny-ebook/dp/B09XKSW21Q
https://books2read.com/u/4jgwx2
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/when-we-dance-2
https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1618814293
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/when-we-dance-alanna-lucas/1120440793
About the Author:
Bestselling, award-winning author, Alanna Lucas pens Regency-set historicals filled with romance, adventure, and of course, happily ever afters. When she is not daydreaming of her next travel destination, Alanna can be found researching, spending time with family, tending to her garden, or going for long walks. She makes her home in California with her husband and children, and too many books to count.
Just for the record, you can never have too many handbags or books. And travel is a must.
Links for website and social media:
Website: www.alannalucas.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAlannaLucas/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/alannalucas27
July 7, 2023
First Kiss Friday with Sara Adrien
Welcome to my First Kiss Friday blog. I’d like to welcome Sara Adrien as my guest author who has an excerpt from her novel Instead of Harmony . We hope you enjoy this first kiss scene. Happy reading, my lovelies.
Excerpt:
Raphi chuckled. The baker’s daughter from next door has blossomed into a can-do, take-charge woman. She really was the material to spend a lifetime with. Loving.
Laila found a selection of pots, pans, and various cast iron bowls in unusual shapes that made her oddly happy. So weird, so sweet. Raphi’s stomach did that uncomfortable flip again that only happened when Laila was near. It only ever happened around her, never with other women, not even the gorgeous sirens he’d bedded in Italy. Her closeness and smiles triggered his insides to twirl every time. He needed to touch her. Or smell her.
“What’s this?” Laila had found the vial in the bag from the apothecary and pulled the tiny cork open before Raphi could answer.
Raphi deflated; she’d found her gift. He’d forgotten to hide it because she was so distractingly beautiful.
Holding a vial with a clear liquid, she tilted her head and took a shallow sniff then closed her eyes. Raphi’s mouth grew dry watching her. Holding the vial further from her nose, she waved the air toward herself. Her smile widened as she took in the flowery scent of rose oil.
“I thought you might like something special,” Raphi rasped as the rich aroma reached him.
Laila waved the air from the vial to him now, enveloping him in a heady cloud of allure. “It’s Damask rose,” she marveled at the luxurious perfume. “Edible!”
Startled, Raphi took the vial from her. “It’s perfume. The lady at the shop said it is nice for baths or powders—”
“But you can eat the essential oil.” She smiled and tried to take the vial back.
He didn’t let go. Instead, he wrapped his hands around hers, the vial with the precious oil in the middle of their grasp. The air grew thin and Raphi waited as if on the prowl.
* * *
“D-damask rose oil is distilled from the petals.” She locked her gaze on their joined hands. “Did you know it takes about two tons of rose petals to produce just one liter of rose oil?”
He shook his head. His gaze lingered dangerously on her mouth.
“It ahem … it’s the most expensive and precious essential oil in the world.” She gulped.
“You are the most precious—”
She gasped when their eyes met, and he froze.
Laila’s pulse raced, but her mind blanked. A tingle shot through her body from his gorgeous eyes, black with longing. They were rich, full of body and temperament, shimmering in the colors of finely milled black pepper. And that’s how hot and spicy his breath felt just before his lips touched hers. She dropped her hands, and he clutched the vial in his large hands as he pulled her body onto his. Desire rushed through her insides as her lips swelled against his.
Laila gasped and inadvertently opened her mouth. She’d forgotten how to kiss. The last time she had a real kiss was the all-consuming tear-drenched goodbye when they were torn apart just after they’d been one. That one time. All those years ago.
The contact of his mouth on hers made her bones simmer. His embrace was strong, tender, and oh, so masculine. For the first time in her life, Laila was being kissed by a man. Not Raphi, the boy, but Raphael. She nestled into his body while her lips clung to his.
He’d opened his mouth, and she could feel his power and heat. He swept his tongue into her mouth just as he tilted his head. The effect reverberated through her belly, and she lost her footing.
“I have you,” he whispered as he clutched her waist and lifted her onto the countertop.
Her arms wrapped around his neck. This time, she was higher than him, and her head leaned down to him. He received her kiss open-mouthed, as if he were sucking her back into his soul. He probed so expertly that Laila forgot to breathe. Her mouth was all sensation, and he stimulated her in a way that sent an echo of tenderness from her lips to her cheeks until the hairs on her neck pricked up in delight.
When she had to come up for air, he stepped back and reached out to help her hop off the countertop.
“R-Raphi—”
“Shh, not now.” Suddenly sad. “Not yet.” And he disappeared through the door.
It took Laila several minutes to regain her senses. Her stomach had flipped and felt as if it had jumped out of her entirely when Raphi had … oh my! Raphi had kissed her. Raphi. Raphi. Her mind was a whirlwind. She felt she should control herself, hold back, but she just couldn’t think why. The self-reproach had become second nature to her, and she couldn’t let go and just enjoy herself. For that was what one ought to do after such a kiss. Enjoy the aftertaste and tingle with the possibility of repetition.
Laila surveyed the antiquated kitchen. The old castle didn’t have a proper stove and oven. But she could make do. She had to bake something with all the ingredients they’d brought from the market. A few old copper ladles hung on hooks over the fireplace, which Raphi had stoked and was already burning hot. Beside them, was a large pot.
She filled the large pot with water and let it come to a boil.
Meanwhile, she measured about a pound of flour and spooned it onto the wooden counter. Then she cracked five eggs, saving the yolks in a teacup. She could make do with very little and was rather pleased that the ingredients were fresh and of good quality. Better to knead by hand than to use all sorts of fancy tools with low-quality ingredients. The butter was cold and hard, so she scraped bits of it into the flour. Flakes of cool butter made for extra scrumptious crusts.
After she filled a small cast-iron vessel with the dough, she hung it over the steaming cauldron. Steam baking was a delicate process and she walked around the room, pulling the sack of flour against a crack in the window to minimize the air current. She didn’t want her cake to collapse when she took it off the heat.
Brushing a few hairs out of her face, Laila cracked a few walnuts. They were bright and smelled sweet. Fresh. She didn’t have time to roast them in such an antiquated kitchen, so she put them into the mortar and poured in some honey. With the pestle, she ground them into a fine paste. Finally, she dripped a tiny bit of the rose oil into the smooth paste. But she caught the drop from the mouth of the vial just before it was wasted on the ground and she rubbed it … hmm, there was probably some flour in her face. Her decolletage.
Instead of HarmonyBy Sara Adrien
Sweethearts trapped in a childhood love triangle. He’s empty without his muse. She’s caught up in her parent’s missteps. Will their wounded souls find healing in each other’s arms?
London, 1814. Raphael Klonimus can fix anything but his broken heart. The son of a prominent Jewish family of jewelers, the talented pianist hasn’t felt whole since he lost the girl he loved to an arranged marriage. So he’s shocked when he discovers a letter on his bed leading to an old hiding spot where a surprise visitor waits in the cold.
Delilah “Laila” Mandel’s grief is mixed with desperate hope to reunite with the boy next door. Marrying a fatally ill friend to clear her mother’s debts, the new widow yearns for the embrace of the man who might have already moved on after she was forced to leave him behind. So when her deceased husband’s scheming cousin attempts to blackmail her to wed again, she flees to the capital city hoping her childhood sweetheart will help.
Considering himself a coward for once letting her go, Raphael sweeps the beautiful woman off to a secret castle despite seeing himself as unworthy of her affections. But after a bone-melting kiss that starts to mend their hurts, Laila fears others’ greed and desires could crush their second chance at happiness.
Will they break free of the chains that bind them and grab hold of a rapturous forever?
Instead of Harmony is the swoon-worthy first book in the Diamond Dynasty historical romance series. If you like smart and loyal heroines, stately prose, and steamy but elegant scenes, then you’ll adore Sara Adrien’s rich adventure.
Buy Instead of Harmony to reclaim the past for a better future today!
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BM6PX525
Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/rxBxzcNgILY
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/63339827
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/instead-of-harmony-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 newsletter at SaraAdrien.com to stay up-to-date with new releases, audiobooks, translations, and more!
Find Sara at https://SaraAdrien.com
Follow Sara on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/jewishregencyromance
June 30, 2023
First Kiss Friday with E.L. Johnson
Welcome to my First Kiss Friday blog. Today I’d like to welcome Dragonblade Publishing author E.L. Johnson who has a first kiss scene from her story The Poisoned Clergyman. Happy reading and enjoy, my lovelies!
Excerpt:
Poppy, Aunt Rachel and Mr. Ingleby returned home that evening much contented. Mr. Ingleby had already made subtle suggestions on how the remaining funds could be used to benefit the parish, and Aunt Rachel was yawning when there was a knock at the door.
“I’ll answer it,” Poppy said, rising.
“Very well,” Aunt Rachel said, halfway up the stairs. “But if it is a caller for Mr. Ingleby, tell them to call back tomorrow. He’s already gone to bed.”
Poppy smiled as her aunt disappeared inside her room. She set a candle down on a nearby side table and opened the front door.
There in the darkness stood Constable Dyngley. “Miss Morton.” He bowed, stiff and formal.
“Constable,” she began, “Is there something the matter? Why are you here so late?”
“I must speak with you.” He stepped inside and shut the door behind him.
“Is everything all right?” she asked.
“No, it is bloody well not all right.” He glared at her, his dark eyes boring into hers. “I will not move until you say why you have been avoiding me all this time. For days, I have felt like a leper. What have I done to offend you?”
Poppy stepped back and let out a breath. She could bear it no longer. She had to tell him.
“Miss Everly forbade me to talk to you. It was the only way she would agree to tell me about my mother. She wanted me to break off our connection entirely, and threatened to spread the news about my mother if I didn’t agree.”
“What news?” he asked.
“My mother is…” She looked at the floor. “She is a kept woman. She lives in London, unmarried, as a—”
“She is a mistress,” he said bluntly.
“Yes.” Poppy blushed in the candlelight. “I would understand if you no longer wished to speak to me—”
His brows knit into a frown. “Surely you would allow me to make up my own mind about whom I wish to talk to?”
“Yes, of course. I did not mean to offend,” she said.
“You did not offend. It is I who have been in the wrong. For too long, I chose to believe Caroline’s rude words because I didn’t want to believe the alternative. I’ve been such a fool. I didn’t want to think that maybe… I came to you that afternoon to talk to you about it, you see… And then tonight at dinner, I couldn’t think of how to broach the subject.” He stepped toward her.
“You’re the son of a baronet,” she said, “Miss Everly alluded to it.”
“And you’re the daughter of a mistress,” he said, confused. “What of it?”
“You never told me,” she accused.
“Does it matter?”
“No.”
“Then that makes two of us. Dash it, Poppy, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. Poppy. I must know. Did you mean it? What you said?” He asked, “When you said that you…?” He stepped forward with purpose, pulled her close about the waist, and kissed her.
Poppy felt on fire. Her entire body felt alive as if she had been doused in flames and now came out drinking fresh water. If she had been stumbling through the desert, Dyngley was her oasis. His hands caressed her hair as he pulled her toward him tighter, and a note of longing came from her throat. The kiss melted into one, then another, until…
“Ahem.” A young man cleared his throat.
Poppy sprang away from the constable like he was a hot coal. Blushing to the tips of her ears, she looked at the floor in embarrassment. Dyngley grunted in annoyance and released Poppy’s hand.
Mr. Ingleby faced them, looking tired on the stairs in his long nightgown and sleeping cap. “Forgive me for interrupting, I just wanted a glass of milk. Excuse me.”
Poppy waited as Mr. Ingleby left for the kitchen, and she met Dyngley’s gaze, her cheeks aflame. She shivered beneath his gaze.
Even in the dim candlelight, his expression was intense, and his dark brown eyes smoldered. “Forgive me. I’ve wanted to do that for quite some time.” He swallowed, bowed courteously, and left, not offering her a second glance or goodbye.Poppy stood there, her heart beating madly.
The Poisoned Clergyman (The Perfect Poison Murders Book 2)By E.L. Johnson
Poppy adores Constable Dyngley, but he is engaged. When his fiancée hires Poppy to clear her name, can Poppy put her jealousy aside?
Welcome to book two in the exciting new series The Perfect Poison Murders from bestselling author E.L. Johnson!
When Poppy’s uncle is called away, in his place arrives Mr. Ingleby, a pretentious clergyman with a passion for pies, a penchant for puddings, and a distaste for poor and sick parishioners. It’s not long before Poppy wishes he was gone, especially when she learns he has been gossiping to the neighborhood about the humble fare served by her and her aunt.
But when the tart-loving clergyman dies at a local baking competition, it is clear that Mr. Ingleby has been poisoned by one of the bakers present. But who?
Poppy and her favorite constable, Henry Dyngley, must work together to find the poisoner among the bakers. But her romantic hopes for their future are dashed when he introduces her to his fiancee, who begs for Poppy’s help to clear her name as a murder suspect.
Can Poppy and Dyngley find the true poisoner, or will the murderous baker pull off a sweet crime? Can Poppy overlook her jealousy to save Dyngley’s fiancée, at the risk of losing the man she adores? It is a bittersweet feeling to know you may do the right thing, only for someone else to reap the benefit.
Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B1NZ97DX?ref_=dbs_m_mng_rwt_calw_tkin_1&storeType=ebooks
About the Author:
E.L. Johnson writes historical mysteries for Dragonblade Publishing, the #1 ebook publisher of Historical Romance on Amazon. A Boston native, she gave up clam chowder and lobster rolls for tea and scones when she moved across the pond to London, where she studied medieval magic at UCL and medieval remedies at Birkbeck College. Now based in Hertfordshire, she is a member of the Hertford Writers’ Circle and the founder of the London Seasonal Book Club.
Follow ELJohnson on twitter at @ELJohnson888 or catch the latest updates on her
website: https://eljohnsonstories.weebly.com/
Find E.L. Johnson at these Social Media Links:
Website: https://eljohnsonstories.weebly.com/
Twitter: @ELJohnson888
Insta: eljohnson_writes
Facebook page: @theELJohnson
Tiktok: @alecto99
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18090432.E_L_Johnson
June 23, 2023
First Kiss Friday with Aviva Orr
Welcome to my First Kiss Friday blog. Today’s guest is Aviva Orr who has an excerpt from her Dragonblade Publishing book Love and Literature. We hope you enjoy this first kiss scene. Happy reading, my lovelies!
Excerpt:
He pulled her towards him, and she folded against his chest. He caught his breath. How was it that she was able to stir his passions so violently? One minute he felt enraged by her, and the next, he wanted nothing more than to hold her in his arms. He knew that he should push her from him, but he could not make himself do it. Instead, he moved both of them farther under the dense cluster of trees so they would be better concealed.
She looked up at him and started to speak, but he placed his finger on her mouth.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered, “I tried to be your schoolmaster, but I failed.”
“Do not say such things. You have taught me more and better than anyone else.”
Her face expressed such intense earnestness that tenderness for her overwhelmed him. He lost all sense of decorum, drew her closer to him, and pressed his lips to hers.
She did not resist.
***
Although she yearned for it, Violet had never imagined that she would allow a man to kiss her unless he’d already proposed marriage. But she was unprepared for the sensation of Byron’s lips against hers. The kiss heightened her senses and made her tingle with pleasure as though his lips breathed life into her body that had heretofore been asleep.
Decorum dictated that she push him away; after all, how could a man respect a woman who would allow him such free access to her lips? She knew this all too well, yet both her mind and her body betrayed her. And when he slipped his tongue through her parted lips, she met it willingly—even eagerly—and her brain erased all notions of decorum. She gave herself to him, mind and body, with no regard to their positions as pupil and schoolmaster. It felt natural and right.
But when he pulled his lips gently from hers, and the mist of pleasure gradually faded from Violet’s eyes, she came speeding back to earth.
Suddenly, she stood face to face with her classics master—whom she’d just kissed. His tongue had been in her mouth, and she had enjoyed it. Her breath caught in her throat, and all she could do to hide her shame was avert her face from his. Her legs trembled, and she covered her hand with her mouth in disbelief.
“Violet,” Byron whispered and tugged gently at her arm, “look at me.”
Her body stiffened. She could not turn to face him. In fact, she might never be able to look him in the eyes again.
Love and LiteratureBy Aviva Orr
The only adventure Violet Greyson has ever known has come from books, but that all changes when her father dies, and she moves from remote Dartmoor to London. There, she finds her purpose amongst the pioneers of women’s education and begins a new life as a teacher’s assistant at one of England’s first academic ladies’ colleges. Love is the last thing on Violet’s mind as she embarks on her new venture, but the harder she works to prove her worth to her capricious classics master, the more attached she becomes to him.
Byron Thomas, schoolmaster at the prestigious St. James’s Independent School for Boys, set out in life determined to be different from his brutish father but became disillusioned and bitter after typhus took his beloved wife and infant daughter. Beset with pain, he sets his sights on a marriage of convenience to the headmaster’s stepdaughter. But his plans become muddled when he agrees to teach a course in the classics at a new ladies’ college. Drawn to his intelligent and fiery assistant, Byron struggles to maintain a proper master-student relationship as she begins to chip away at the shield that guards his heart.
Will love derail Violet’s and Byron’s plans for their futures, or will it bring them the happiness they thought out of reach?
Love and Literature series
Book 1: Love and Literature
Book 2: Love and Vengeance
Book 3: Love and Liberty
Buy Links:
Amazon/KU https://amzn.to/3EPNqh7
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-and-literature-aviva-orr/1143303004
About the Author:
Born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, Aviva lives in Southern California with her husband, two daughters, and rambunctious Yorkshire terrier Branwell. She holds a master’s degree in literature, loves to travel, and has long been a Brontë enthusiast. A visit to the Brontë parsonage in Haworth started her writing journey and resulted in her first novel, The Mist on Brontë Moor.
Website: https://www.avivaorrauthor.com
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Aviva-Orr/author/B0090VTGZU
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/aviva-orr
Twitter: https://twitter.com/aviva_orr
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAvivaOrr
Goodreads; https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6464067.Aviva_Orr
June 21, 2023
New Release ~ To Claim A Lyon’s Heart!
It’s always a fabulous day when you can release a new book baby out into the world. This one is extra special because this marks my 20th published book. Thank you to Dragonblade Publishing for inviting me to write in your Lyon’s Den Connected World. I just know our readers are going to love Vincent and Moriah’s journey to finding their happily-ever-after in To Claim a Lyon’s Heart!
To Claim A Lyon’s Heart
By Sherry Ewing
A gambler’s bet. A widow’s burden. Will one game of chance change their lives?
Vincent St. John, Marquis of Saxton, knows full well his duties to the duchy. His responsibilities have been drilled into him since his birth. He has no chance of finding a bride who will see him for who he truly is; they only see the title, not the man. A bet with Mrs. Dove-Lyon, the Black Widow of Whitehall, is just a diversion. Losing may win him everything.
Mrs. Moriah Henshaw has known her fair share of despair. The death of her parents and later her husband left her destitute with no option but to become a man’s mistress. Years later, her tarnished reputation outweighs her excellent birth, and keeps her from being accepted back into society. When her friend pays an outrageous sum to Mrs. Dove-Lyon to find Moriah a husband, Moriah cannot believe she will win anything.
When Vincent meets Moriah, he becomes determined to return her to her rightful place in society. But one accident after another threatens Moriah’s life, and neither of them will win in the game of love unless he can find out who is out to harm her.
Buy Links or read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited:
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3LCaEKl
June 16, 2023
First Kiss Friday with Belle Ami
Welcome to my First Kiss Friday blog. I’m so glad you could join us. My guest today is Belle Ami who has an excerpt from her novel London Time. We hope you enjoy this first kiss scene. Happy reading, my lovelies.
Excerpt: (Colin has been waiting all night to dance with Emily at Countess Brisbane’s ball.)
The vision of her stimulated every cell in his body and he could not wait to take her in his arms. He bowed to her and held her gaze. The smile she gave him made his heart leap. He hoped it was the only smile she’d given this night that meant something to her, for it meant everything to him.
Colin led Emily to the dance floor. With one hand on her waist, he took her other hand and held it in his. The orchestra struck up the introduction to Johanne Strauss’ The Blue Danube waltz, and Colin spun Emily around the room to the rhythmic three-four tempo. He longed to hold her close against him while they danced, but etiquette forbade the touching of bodies. Of course, it was sometimes unavoidable on a crowded dance floor. But expert dancers like him managed to brush up against a willing partner all the same, which was incredibly satisfying and provocative. He was titillated by her nearness and a yearning to possess her took hold.
Emily’s warmth radiated against him. She had danced without stopping most of the night and her cheeks were pink from her exertion. A lovely blonde curl had escaped her updo and he wondered if anyone would notice if he ran his fingers over the glossy lock of hair. Her beauty was mesmerizing, and Colin couldn’t take his eyes off her glowing face and her winsome smile.
“Are you enjoying yourself, Emily?” His voice sounded raspy to his own ears, from the passion she evoked. He cleared his throat and smiled.
“I am, Colin. Are you?” A pool of warmth settled inside of him that she’d chosen to address him with the same familiarity as he had her. “It was just another ball, until now.”
“Are you saying you are a lover of the waltz?”
He knew she was teasing him, but he would have felt the same way even if they were dancing an infernal polka. Holding her in his arms felt like a necessity akin to breathing. A part of him wanted to do something impossibly daring. It isn’t the waltz, I’m in love with, it’s you… He caught himself before he stumbled. My God, where did that thought come from? He’d just vowed to himself that it was too soon. Stop fooling yourself! You were a goner from the moment you met her. The thought made him dizzy since it was something he hadn’t admitted even to himself until now. He cleared his throat again. “I believe I am saying that I’ve been waiting all evening for this dance with you, and now that I’m holding you in my arms, whatever came before doesn’t matter. Only this moment with you matters.” It was as close to speaking aloud what he felt in his heart, and he hoped it would be enough for now.
Her fair complexion flushed pink, registering his compliment. “All evening, I have listened to one man after another express their admiration and intentions, but if I am honest, hearing my greatest critic rhapsodize over me takes me by surprise.”
“Come, Emily, I am not your greatest critic. Are we not good friends?” He almost kicked himself. Can’t you do better than that, you idiot? She looked away for a half-second, but he caught the hurt in her eyes, and he felt even more of a heel. She turned back to him with a small smile.
“I know you value our friendship, but you are not exactly one to give out compliments like a kindly grandfather who hands out candy to his grandchildren.”
The last strain of the violins rose in a crescendo and Colin, not wanting the dance to end, contemplated doing something daring, something he would never have done before Emily had come into his life. He wanted to show her just how much she meant to him.
He danced her outside to the balcony. Danced her down the steps to a lower terrace until he found a spot of seclusion. He wanted nothing more than to continue holding her, but he released her, and they stood facing each other, trying to catch their breaths. If she chose to leave him and return inside, it would pain him, but he would not hinder her.
A refreshing breeze caught the errant curl that had escaped earlier and, without thinking, he lifted it and gently ran his fingers through it. He easily imagined that silky hair spread across his pillow. Instead of protesting his boldness, her hand cupped his and her warm touch on his skin set his heart racing. The fragrance of her perfume intoxicated him, and he inhaled deeply, filling his senses with her. In the same manner that heavenly bodies exert gravitational pull, Colin and Emily’s bodies swayed toward each other and in a slow-motion dance of desire, their lips met, and his overwhelming need directed his arms about her. He crushed her against his length, enveloping her until her body arched against him with glorious submission.
There was no space between them, and their lips met in a searing kiss. She opened like a flower to him, and his tongue probed the delicious taste of her. In an instant, he was lost in the heart-palpitating sensuality of the moment. It was so much more than he imagined it would be.
He shouldn’t be comparing kisses, but the heat that settled in his groin signaled that kissing her was better than anything he’d ever experienced before. It wasn’t the kiss of a naïve girl, but the kiss of a fiery woman who wanted more, and that made her more bewitching. And more mysterious…he released her, his heart pounding against his ribcage, his breathing coming in gasps. Their foreheads rested against each other. It is not often that your dreams are surpassed.
London Time (Lost in Time series book 1)By Belle Ami
Can a cynical fashion editor in modern-day Manhattan find true love in Victorian-era London?
Emily Christie, a British ex-pat fashion editor in NYC, yearns for the kind of love depicted in literature and art. When Emily and her two “besties”, Jenee and Gabriella, attend an exhibition of Renaissance artist Marco Allegretto at the Met, Emily can’t help but be drawn into the ethereal beauty of his trio of paintings, The Three Stages of Love. Each painting features Allegretto with his muse and lover, a beautiful and mysterious woman with long red hair. Although her identity was lost to the winds of time, she was the inspiration for the heroine in The Time Traveler’s Lover.
The bestselling novel devoured by Emily and her friends in their book club tells the heartrending story of Iris Bellerose, a young woman in World War II Paris who is flung back in time to Renaissance Florence where she meets and falls in love with Allegretto.
If only the novel were true!
When Allegretto suddenly comes to life in the first painting and takes Emily’s hand, she’s stunned right down to her Manolos. But Emily is shocked beyond imagination when Allegretto flings her back in time to Victorian-era London, where she quite literally lands at the feet of Colin Remington, the heir to the Marquess of Danbury.
Colin is investigating a series of grisly murders of young women, one of whom was his fiancée, Daphne Carmichael. Emily, who bears a striking resemblance to Daphne, is shaken by this strange coincidence. Desperate to unravel her predicament and desperate to stop the murders, she and Colin join forces.
But how will Emily manage her growing feelings for the impossibly attractive Lord Remington, and how in blazes will she ever get home?
Buy Links:
London Time: https://www.amazon.com/London-Time-Lost-Book-ebook/dp/B0B44W537B
Paris Time: https://www.amazon.com/Paris-Time-Lost-Book-ebook/dp/B0BKTWDL1L
Tuscan Time: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BWSLXS2M
Author Bio:
Belle Ami writes breathtaking international thrillers, compelling historical fiction, time travel, mystery, and sexy historical romance. The satisfaction of combining multiple genres into a cohesive story sets Belle’s pulse racing. It’s what she loves to read and what she loves to write. Her innovative storylines weave together history, world issues, fast-paced action, and unforgettable characters. Top it off with a spoonful of sensuality and characters who breathe with passion and life, and you know you’re reading a Belle Ami book. Whether you drink coffee or tea or pour a glass of wine, kick off your shoes and settle in for a great read with unforgettable characters and a guaranteed happily ever after.
Social Media Links:
Website: https://www.belleamiauthor.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/belle.ami.96
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amiauthor/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/belle-ami
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BelleAmi5
June 9, 2023
First Kiss Friday with Aurrora St. James
Welcome to a new week and my First Kiss Friday Blog. Today’s guest is Dragonablade Publishing author Aurrora St. James who has an excerpt from her story Tempting the Reclusive Earl. Isn’t this cover beautiful? We hope you enjoy this first kiss scene. Happy reading, my lovelies!
Excerpt: (Bellamy finds Christian on the balcony at a ball after he confronts an informant.)
Christian took hold of her upper arm and steered her into the shadows. “Bellamy, why are you out here? Your reputation could be ruined.” He crossed his arms over that wide chest and glared down at her.
She lifted her chin. “I’m helping you find Dale.”
“I don’t need help.”
She waved at where Waler had been. “He planned to share the information with you?”
He pressed his lips into a thin line.
“I heard the terrible things he said to you,” she added softly.
Christian looked away.
She laid her hand on his arm. “I don’t understand their cruelty.”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“It does if it hurts you.” She cupped his cheek and made him look at her.
He sucked in a sharp breath at her touch. Whatever else she meant to say disappeared beneath his intense gaze.
The air changed between them. Grew charged in a way she couldn’t describe. Every sensation magnified. The coolness of his cheek from being out in the chilly air, beneath her gloved hand. The solid muscle she felt beneath her palm when she laid her other hand on his chest. She heard him swallow and watched his sensuous lips part.
Heat curled in her belly and her nipples pebbled. She inched closer.
Christian move his hands to cup her waist. The warmth of his palms seared through her thin gown, warming her even more. His gaze dropped to her lips.
She pressed closer until their chests brushed.
“Bellamy.” Her name was a soft sigh on his lips. It washed over her like a caress.
She wanted to kiss him, she realized. He was frustrating and shy, and at times achingly vulnerable, and she wanted to kiss him more than anyone she’d ever been with.
“Christian,” she whispered as she slid her hands up to wrap behind his neck.
He startled at her touch, and she saw the desire-filled haze begin to clear from his eyes.
No. She wasn’t letting this moment pass. She threaded her fingers into his hair, angled his head down, and kissed him.
He froze. Several seconds ticked by.
Did she read this wrong? Did he not want this? She pulled back, cheeks going hot as embarrassment swamped her. “I’m sor—”
Christian slanted his mouth over hers and kissed her back, hard. He let out a soft growl before maneuvering her farther into the shadows until she felt the cold stone wall against her back.
Yes. She licked his lower lip and clung tighter to him.
His mouth parted on a small gasp.
She gripped his hair and pulled him closer, opening her mouth to his.
He didn’t immediately deepen the kiss.
Was this more shyness or was he unsure of what to do? Either way, she wasn’t going to allow him to back away from this moment. Bellamy swept her tongue against his. Once. Twice. In response, Christian tentatively brushed his tongue over hers, the motions slow and hesitant. Had he never kissed anyone like this?
Somehow that made this interlude even more sexy. She pressed closer and took his lips with hers again.
Christian followed every swipe of her tongue until he grew more confident in his kiss. He wrapped his arms tightly around her, molding her to his body as their mouths fused together.
Heat shot straight to her core. She slid her hands down his chest and under the bottom of his tailcoat, wrapping around his back, and when his hard thickness pressed into her belly, she moaned and pressed into it.
Christian pulled his mouth away. He panted against her lips.
Her body thrummed with delicious desire. Heat shot through her from every place his hands touched. She leaned forward for another kiss.
He jerked his head away, avoiding contact. “I… I’m sorry,” he rasped, before he released her and quickly stepped back. Cold air rushed between them, chilling her heated skin.
She stumbled a step toward him, brain still addled and her blood still pounding from the kiss. What was he sorry for?
“I sh-shouldn’t have…” He took another step back and ran a shaking hand through his hair. “Forgive me, Miss Bennett.”
Miss Bennett? The formality shocked her back to her senses. “Christian wait. I kissed… you.”
He spun around and was gone before the last word was out.
Tempting the Reclusive EarlBook 2 in the Taken by Destiny series- Tempting the Reclusive Earl
By Aurrora St. James
Destiny brought her. He’ll fight to keep her.
Christian Albury, the Earl of Huntington, prefers his inventions to people. When he discovers that someone is stealing from him, he is forced to leave the comfort of his workshop to investigate the matter. Being highly intelligent has its advantages, but not in the shark-infested waters of a London Season where his social awkwardness makes him an outcast. When he meets a beautiful woman who claims that one of his inventions brought her from the future, Christian does what any self-respecting recluse would—he ignores her request for help and avoids her. A decision he fears left a bad impression on her.
Bellamy Bennett just became the new face for a famous perfume company’s ad campaigns. Even though modeling isn’t as fulfilling as it once was, she’s hoping the work will provide the means for the next chapter of her life. But when her sister goes missing, Bellamy rushes to find her, only to end up two hundred years in the past—and in the arms of a handsome but exasperating Earl. He may be the only person who can help her get home. He’s also avoiding her. But Bellamy is persistent and the more time she spends with Christian, the deeper her feelings grow for the brilliant but shy man.
When Christian’s time travel clock is stolen, he discovers a depth to the theft that threatens his entire estate and could keep Bellamy in the nineteenth century forever. And when an old enemy resurfaces to threaten all he holds dear, Christian will discover how much Bellamy means to him and just how far he will go to protect her.
Note to readers: This book is a sexy, time travel Regency romance featuring a heroine who goes after what she wants, a shy earl looking for the man who stole from him (while trying to figure out what to do with a confident, sexy woman), funny side characters, and a guaranteed happily ever after. It is the second book in the Taken by Destiny trilogy. Book 3 to be released in this fall.
Pre-Order Link: https://amzn.to/3OHaEf2
First Kiss Friday for Book 1, The Earl’s Timely Wallflower: https://sherryewing.com/2023/03/31/first-kiss-friday-with-aurrora-st-james/
Author Bio:
Aurrora St. James writes sexy historical and paranormal 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
June 2, 2023
First Kiss Friday with To Claim A Lyon’s Heart
Hello, dearest readers and welcome to another First Kiss Friday. Today I’m featuring myself and my story To Claim A Lyon’s Heart. Part of the Lyon’s Den Connected World, this story features a brand new character Vincent St. John, Marquis of Saxton and a returning character as my heroine, Mrs. Moriah Henshaw. I had a lot of fun with this story that releases on June 21st. I hope you enjoy this first kiss scene. Happy reading!
Excerpt:
“Would you care to come in for a night cap?” Moriah asked while she ran her fingers over the sleeve of his coat.
Vincent took her hand, bringing it up to his lips. He was afraid to answer yes, knowing where the night might end up. They were only just now beginning to right the wrong that had been done to Moriah’s reputation. He would hate for all that they had accomplished to unravel because he couldn’t keep his hands to himself.
“I’m not certain that is wise, my dear,” he whispered, but when she bent forward and placed her lips upon his own, a part of him sprang to life and he could do little to calm the beast within him.
“It’s just one drink,” she murmured while reaching for the handle of the door. “You wouldn’t want to disappoint a lady now, would you?”
A chuckle left Vincent as though his mind had been made up for him. “Never!”
“Then please come in, my lord. I promise I won’t bite,” she said, laughing.
Challenge accepted, considering he never saw this playful side of Moriah, and Vincent followed her into her townhouse. She dismissed her butler Barlowe after bidding him a good night. Her swaying hips caused Vincent to follow Moriah’s every move as she made her way into her library. A fire in the hearth warmed the room lined with bookshelves, and a writing desk stood off to one side. Near the fire was a comfortable-looking settee, but Moriah made her way to a sideboard where several crystal decanters awaited her pleasure…and his.
“Brandy? Port? Or maybe whiskey? What is your preference, Vincent?” she asked as she picked up one the bottles and waved it in the air.
You, he thought, but for the life of him he couldn’t voice the word aloud. One would think the way his heart was beating a rapid staccato in his chest that this was the first time he had been alone with a beautiful woman. He was hardly fresh out of the schoolroom and his friends would laugh if they knew one of London’s renowned rakes was having a hard time remembering to be a gentleman.
“Whatever you are having is fine, Moriah,” he said, taking a seat near the fire.
“Brandy it is,” she said, pouring two draughts into glasses.
She gracefully slid onto the seat next to him and handed him his glass. “Cheers,” she said, clinking her glass with his before taking a sip. She set the glass down and took his hands. “I wanted some privacy between us so I could express my thanks for all you have done on my behalf. Without your help, I’d still be sitting here alone in this house with a tarnished reputation instead of being on the brink of being accepted again. How can I ever thank you?”
“There is nothing to thank me for, Moriah. I would do it all over again to ensure your happiness. But we are not done until we have your grandfather’s blessing. I must admit he will be hard to convince, but I am determined it shall be done.”
“You’ve done more for me than any other I have known,” she stated, once more running her fingers up the lapel of his jacket, “and you’ve asked nothing in return. Are you certain you are real and not just a figment of my imagination?”
“Your companionship has been more than I could hope for. Certainly, you must know I have come to care for you, Moriah.” Tears glistened in her eyes and Vincent brushed her cheek to wipe one that fell.
“Vincent…I care for you, too.”
The words rushing from her lips were like the sweetest sonnet and, before he could rethink his actions, Vincent bent over to claim her mouth in a searing kiss. Her arms wrapped around his neck and his mouth took possession of hers. The kiss was as if they had been starved for one another their entire lives and perhaps, in Vincent’s case, this was true. He had never wanted a woman in his life as much as he wanted Moriah. Not for just a night of pleasure but as his wife for all time.
A moan left her lips and Vincent continued his exploration of this beautiful lady. Their tongues danced together in a common accord and he had to wonder how Moriah suddenly ended up in his lap. That she would feel comfortable with him to stay there told him much, but reason took over before they went too far. He took hold of her hands when she began tugging at his cravat.
To Claim A Lyon’s HeartLyon’s Den Connected World
By Sherry Ewing
A gambler’s bet. A widow’s burden. Will one game of chance change their lives?
Vincent St. John, Marquis of Saxton, knows full well his duties to the duchy. His responsibilities have been drilled into him since his birth. He has no chance of finding a bride who will see him for who he truly is; they only see the title, not the man. A bet with Mrs. Dove-Lyon, the Black Widow of Whitehall, is just a diversion. Losing may win him everything.
Mrs. Moriah Henshaw has known her fair share of despair. The death of her parents and later her husband left her destitute with no option but to become a man’s mistress. Years later, her tarnished reputation outweighs her excellent birth, and keeps her from being accepted back into society. When her friend pays an outrageous sum to Mrs. Dove-Lyon to find Moriah a husband, Moriah cannot believe she will win anything.
When Vincent meets Moriah, he becomes determined to return her to her rightful place in society. But one accident after another threatens Moriah’s life, and neither of them will win in the game of love unless he can find out who is out to harm her.
Release Date: June 21, 2023
Preorder for $0.99
Buy Links:
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3LCaEKl
AU: https://amzn.to/3BbkWw3
BR: https://amzn.to/44JgpOO
CA: https://amzn.to/3M9odkL
DE: https://amzn.to/42iRgJe
ES: https://amzn.to/42CRx9I
FR: https://amzn.to/42ELD7V
IN: https://amzn.to/3O3fSkO
IT: https://amzn.to/3puOySj
JP: https://amzn.to/3M88J1n
MX: https://amzn.to/41iJ36x
NL: https://amzn.to/3M9GS0S
UK: https://amzn.to/44NinO8
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