Sherry Ewing's Blog, page 18

And the winner is…

Thanks to everyone who participated in my Rafflecopter giveaway when I came back from the Historical Romance Retreat with extra books and swag!

Congratulations goes out to Nancy K who’s name was randomly generated as the winner. I’ve emailed Nancy to get her address so I can send her a goodie box! Thanks again to everyone for their continued support and congrats, Nancy!

#HRR22 Recap and a Giveaway!

It’s been a week since I’ve been home now from the Historical Romance Retreat and I must admit I’m having major withdrawals. After having to wait for the last two years for a reunion, it was wonderful to finally get back together, dress up in lovely gowns, and just spend time with some incredible authors and readers.

My daughter has been planning better than I ever did and added to her collection of historical clothing. Honestly, I didn’t think the packages would ever stop arriving! She really brought her A-game to #HRR22!

From the first night get together:

To a Regency Fair workshop I was asked to help out with… I had a game called Down the. Clown or as I would like to say Down the Regency Rake:

To afternoon tea that is always a lovely affair:

Thursday evening’s event was Revolutionary and my daughter won one of the raffle baskets! I even had to pay a tax to take a picture of the king and queen. lol

Friday began with Tiara Friday, a pool party and on to a Scottish Ceilidh.

And finally on Saturday was the Book Fair and the final Ball:

A special word of thanks and lots of love to VJ and Rosa with Period Finery. The gowns I rented were spectacular. I may have to deplete my savings account to buy a few more. Honestly… you two were a wonder!

And after multiple wardrobe changes and a farewell breakfast, we were on our way home. Somewhere in all this luggage and boxes I was sitting here in the backseat. We made a stop in Solvang which is a cute little Danish town. I even got to feed an ostrich… the greedy fellows. I know my daughter and her boyfriend were certainly glad they didn’t have to load and unload the car anymore with each trip to a new hotel

Which more or less brings me to the end of my recap of the fabulous retreat. If you’ve never been, you don’t want to miss out on HRR23 that will bring up back to the Westgate Hotel in San Diego!

Giveaway Opportunity!

I’ve come back from #HRR22 with a few extra books so I’m running a Rafflecopter giveaway through October 23rd. For a chance to win, here’s the link and good luck! http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/bdaa8f0812/?

Until the next time, I’m certain I’ll see you on our mutual social media links!

Always a fun time with my daughter and the shenanigans we get into!

$2.99 Sale, Sale, Sale!

Everyone loves a sale, right? As I sit in the middle of my apartment at the moment contemplating how in the world we’re going to get all this luggage and boxes into my daughters car, I know that the end result will be a vacation that has been long awaited.

Where am I going, you may ask… Well… I’ll be spending the next week at the lovely Westgate Hotel in San Diego attending the Historical Romance Retreat. In honor of the readers who will be attending, I’ve got all of my eBooks on sale right now for only $2.99! You read that right, my lovelies! Only $2.99 and that’s a deal for some of my longer novels. Grab yours now while my sale lasts. And if you’ll be attending HRR22, I look forward to hanging out with you. See you there!

In the Name of Love Giveaway!

In The Name Of Love Giveaway
Runs: 09/15-10/15
$150 Amazon GC Prize
Enter Here:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/77deea09154/

I do so love a giveaway, don’t you? This one is super easy. Follow the authors listed on BookBub and you’ll be in the running for an Amazon Gift card of $150. Super simple so don’t wait. Best of luck, my lovelies!

Medieval Tuesday with If My Heart Could See You

Welcome to my blog… since my days got away from me, instead of a Medieval Monday post, you’re getting a blast from the past on a Tuesday. I’m sure you don’t mind. Today I thought I’d take you back to the beginning with an excerpt from my first published book If My Heart Could See You. It’s the novel that began everything for my medieval and time travel series. I hope you enjoy this excerpt. Happy reading, my lovelies!

Excerpt:

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.

“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.

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.”

If My Heart Could See You – The MacLarens
A Medieval Romance
By Sherry Ewing

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

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If My Heart Could See You is also available as an Audiobook. Come listen to how Marian Hussey has made my novel come to life!

Audiobook Buy Links:
Amazon  |  Audible  |  iTunes

A little bit about me:

Sherry Ewing picked up her first historical romance when she was a teenager and has been hooked ever since. A bestselling author, she writes historical and time travel romances to awaken the soul one heart at a time. When not writing, she can be found in the San Francisco area at her day job as an Information Technology Specialist. You can learn more about Sherry and her books on any of the tabs above where a new adventure awaits you on every page.

Be sure to follow me here:

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First Kiss Friday with Cerise DeLand

Welcome to my First Kiss Friday blog. Today’s guest is my dear friend (and fellow Bluestocking Belle) Cerise DeLand who has an excerpt from her latest release in the Lyon’s Den Connect World entitled: A Lyon’s Share. Just look at that cover. I wonder if he needs any assistance with his bath? Happy reading and enjoy, my lovelies!

Except:

The quietude of friendship was a quality Adriana had hoped for in her second marriage. That it arrived so quickly and effortlessly surprised and pleased her.

“You’re smiling,” Sidney remarked from his seat across from her in his town coach. He appeared at his ease, his regard of her casual. Yet his dark eyes continuously roved over every inch of her.

His regard sent gushes of wet heat through her.  The physical desire she felt startled her. Suppressing the tempting sensation and pushing the memory away, she tipped her head and offered him an eager nod. “Thank you for all you have done. I am happy.” 

“Ever my goal.” He ran long fingers through his black curls. That silver streak would never stay put above his forehead. 

She longed to thread her fingers through it and push it back. Yet even when young, he had been composed. Controlled. Never disconcerted. The only sign of his disorder had always been that errant shock of hair.

“When we arrive home, I have a few questions for you.”

What did he plan? If he wished to discuss their sleeping arrangements, she had forgotten her anxiety of them in the rush of the ceremony and the joys of well wishes from her family. But his sentiment drained away her peace and filled her with doubts. “Why not ask them now?”

His eyes grew hard, and she could not tell if he was insulted or angry. “Don’t trust me, do you?”

She was ashamed to respond.

“You have evidence to the contrary, Adriana. Years of it.”

“I do. And I apologize. I shall reform.”

He crossed one leg over the other, long muscles rippling in his sleek-fitting breeches. The fawn wool accentuated his roaring good health. So did the superfine emerald of his morning frock coat and the complementary azure and green satin of his waistcoat. His crisp cravat, tied to an extravagant bow, was certainly all the crack. 

That wash of desire flooded through her again. Odd. She’d not desired any man in so very long. Fruitless, too, to nurture aspirations of affection for him. He didn’t want her. Not as anything more than a friend. His proof was that he had agreed to her conditions. Her unusual conditions…

She pasted on a grin. “I must admit that I do adore what your tailor has done for you.”

“Like a well-dressed man, do you?” He arched a curious brow. 

“Always. Rarely do I see one. Many men have little sense of cut or color. You do, I see.”

“Does this mean you will be proud to be seen with me?”

She caught the more important meaning in his question. “With the Hound of the Guards? Even without those accolades, Sidney, I have always been proud to be your friend. And now, in addition, I am pleased to be your wife.”

Throughout her response, he had trained his gaze—umber and mysterious—on her mouth. The even breaths he took had grown deeper and his mood more somber. “I will take that as a compliment, Adriana.”

“Do,” she said and meant it without qualification.

The coach slowed.

“I believe we are home,” he said with more gusto than necessity. Then he reached for his hat and got out as soon as the footman had the door open and the step down to the ground. 

She followed and took his proffered hand.

But at once, he swept her up into his arms. His gaze straight beyond at the entrance to his townhome, she wound her arm around his shoulders. 

“You needn’t do this,” she said in a low voice, though she loved the chivalry of him. To touch his power, to feel his strength, stimulated her blood better than good red wine. A man could enchant a woman with his prowess. That she had forgotten. 

“Custom,” he told her on a laugh. “I wish to. I’ll not have anyone talk.”

That shook her. Staring at him, she noted his superbly Roman profile. The intensity of his solemn deep brown gaze upon the house, their future…and their reputation.

“Good. Thank you for that,” she told him, for she would not wish to have others think less of him. He was a man with need for respect. To let it be known that he had agreed to a loveless and merely friendly marriage would make him a laughing stock. He deserved more than she had offered him, and it stung her that she deprived so worthy a person of his dignity—and his due.

Thus, in a sign of her gratitude—and yes, for the show of it—she kissed his cheek in public.

He shot her a look that spoke of his surprise and pleasure. 

She chuckled and hugged his shoulders as he continued up the steps into their new home.

The Lyon’s Share 
By Cerise DeLand

She ’ d spend every last penny to marry again for security, comfort—or even friendship.

He ’ d win her wager, possess her, keep her for himself—even if he ’ d never win her love.

Adriana, Lady Benton, has many regrets—and one hope. To wed a good man to gain a life to which she is entitled. One free of sorrow, penury and ridicule. Appealing to Mrs. Dove-Lyon, Adriana hopes to attract one man who may appreciate her assets. But never need her love.

Colonel Sidney Wolf, once hailed as the ruthless ‘Hound of the Horse Guards’, vows to end Adriana’s hardships. He’s home from the wars and faces the daunting task of filling his father’s role as the Earl of Middlethorpe. Believing only Adriana will do as his helpmate, he strikes a deal with Dove-Lyon that brings him the one woman he admires. The one woman he tells himself he can live with—and never touch.

But the nearness of his funny, charming, beautiful bride drives him mad. Knowing she will never love other than her first husband, can he keep his hands—and his heart to himself?

And if he doesn’t, can she ever forgive him?

Buy Link:    https://amzn.to/3bc6ri3

About the Author:

Cerise DeLand loves to write about dashing heroes and the sassy women they adore. 

But I bet you knew that! 

Did you know that she’s known for her poetic elegance and accuracy of detail? 

That she’s an award-winning author of more than 40 novels and was first published in 1991 by Kensington, then Pocket Books, later by St. Martin’s Press and independent presses? 

That her books have been monthly selections of the Doubleday Book Club and the Mystery Guild? Right. And she’s won awards. Lots of them. Need details? Write to her. She’ll send you the list!

To research, she’s dived into the oldest texts and dustiest library shelves. She also travels abroad taking good walking shoes, trusty notebooks and pens, plus camera! She visits chateaux and country homes she loves to people with her own imaginary characters. 

And at home every day? She cooks. Never dusts. (That can be a problem.) She goes swimming or pumps iron once a week and tries (desperately) to grow vegetables in her arid backyard in south Texas!

Find Cerise:

Cerise DeLand’s Website: www.cerisedeland.com
Cerise DeLand’s Delicious Doings Blog: http://cerisedeland.blogspot.com
Cerise DeLand’s Amazon Author Page:
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B0089DS2N2
Like her on Facebook: CeriseDeLandAuthor
Follow her on Twitter: @cerisedeland
Goodreads: Cerise DeLand
BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cerise-deland
Cerise’s Treasures on Pinterest!
Cerise DeLand’s Delicious Newsletter! http://www.cerisedeland.com

First Kiss Friday with Sherry Ewing

Happy First Kiss Friday and welcome to my blog. I know this is a bit late but its never too late for a first kiss scene! Since I’m celebrating this week my release of Promises Made at Midnight, it seem only right to show you the first kiss scene. Happy reading, my lovelies, and enjoy!

Excerpt:

“You came,” she whispered in a breathy tone and she at once realized how fast her heart was hammering away inside her chest. She was excited and scared all at the same time while she tilted her head back to see his face. She felt so tiny next to this giant of a man, who must be well over six feet tall.

“Aye.”

Bridgette searched his face, waiting for more of a reply but he appeared unsure of himself and that was entirely out of character of the man she had come to know.

“You didn’t want to?” she couldn’t help herself from asking.

“I am uncertain if this is wise, Lady Bridgette. Lord Dristan…”

She placed her fingertips on his mouth. “Let me worry about Lord Dristan,” she replied, stepping closer.

His brow rose at her statement. “You have no idea what you are asking of me when I defy my liege lord by being alone here with you.”

“I just wanted some time with just the two of us, Ulrick. Is that too much to ask?” She took hold of his arms, and he placed his hands gently on her waist. “I promise I won’t bite… much.”

She gave him what she hoped was a wicked wink. A deep chuckle erupted from him, and his smile brightened her whole mood.

“I hardly know what to reply after such a comment. You are a feisty one, to be sure, Lady Bridgette.”

“I just know what I want,” she replied with a sincere heart.

“And what is that exactly?” he asked pulling her fully into his body.

“You have to ask?” She moved her palms to rest on his chest. One hand continued upward until she fingers brushed over the back of his head feeling the softness of his hair before settling on his neck. She began a gentle message with small circular motions and heard a soft moan escape him.

“Aye,” came a strained reply.

“You are a man of little words sometimes. Do you know that?”

“If I am going to be damned for my actions, then I must needs know your mind. What do you want, Bridgette?” He asked, again ignoring her comment, but she could tell that whatever control he was briefly holding onto where she was concerned, it was about to break.

“What do I want? You… I want you, Ulrick” She let her answer linger in the space between them, but she didn’t have to wait long for his nonverbal reply.

His arms tighten around her waist, lifting her up and bringing them chest to chest. And in that one brief moment, their heartbeats fused as one. As she stared up into those mesmerizing blue-grey eyes, the reflection from the stars above were twinkling in their depths. Her gaze was drawn to the sensual chiseled lines of his mouth. His lips turned up with a slow roguish grin before swooping down to take full possession of her. A gasp of surprise gave him what he wanted when his tongue dipped inside her mouth to dance with her own while their bodies all but melted together as one. She lost all thought of anything else but this man who claimed her. Bridgette had released Ulrick from whatever restraints he had been holding onto and she was delighted he was equally moved to finally share their first kiss.

A hushed moan escaped her when his lips moved from her mouth to place a trail of soft kisses as he went from her cheek to her neck. His teeth nibbled at the lobe of her ear and the warmth of his breath was almost her undoing.

Taking hold of his cheeks, she all but demanded another kiss in her attempts to take back control of their moment together. But who was she kidding? She lost any attempt of self-control the moment Ulrick stepped through the turret portal.

Their kiss continued for several more minutes—an exploration of two missing souls who had finally found one another. It was as binding as if they had already promised themselves an eternity together… at least in Bridgette’s mind.

Promises Made At Midnight:
The Knights of Berwyck, A Quest Through Time (Book 6)

Sometimes all it takes to find your heart’s desire is to make a wish…

After a series of failed relationships, Bridgette Harris would like a fresh start. If only she could escape her ex-boyfriend since they participate in the same renaissance fairs. While gazing at a granite statue of a handsome knight—her dream man—at one such fair, a mysterious elderly Scottish woman offers her a coin to toss into the fountain and make a wish. Bridgette can’t resist, but nothing prepares her to suddenly slip through time.

Sir Ulrick de Mohan does not have time for love. He is charged with training possible recruits to become worthy guardsmen for the Devil’s Dragon. The woman who magically appears out of thin air and falls into his arms must be one of those future ladies who continue to show up at Berwyck’s gate. But she can’t be for him.

Fate has brought two people together despite the centuries that should be keeping them apart. Will the growing love between them be enough to keep Bridgette in the past or will Time return her to where she should belong?

Buy Links:

Amazon US | Apple Books | Kobo | Nook | 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 | Angus & Robertson | Thalia | Vivlio

Happy Release Day: Promises Made At Midnight

It’s a happy day when an author can release another book baby into the world! If you’ve been reading my Knights of Berwyck series, you won’t want to miss out on book six, Promises Made at Midnight! I know you’re going to fall in love with Ulrick and Bridgette along with reading about some other familiar faces! A special thanks to all my ARC readers from my review group or who grabbed a copy on BookSprout. I appreciated everyone’s continued support. Read on to learn more about my latest medieval/time travel!

Promises Made At Midnight:
The Knights of Berwyck, A Quest Through Time (Book 6)

Sometimes all it takes to find your heart’s desire is to make a wish…

After a series of failed relationships, Bridgette Harris would like a fresh start. If only she could escape her ex-boyfriend since they participate in the same renaissance fairs. While gazing at a granite statue of a handsome knight—her dream man—at one such fair, a mysterious elderly Scottish woman offers her a coin to toss into the fountain and make a wish. Bridgette can’t resist, but nothing prepares her to suddenly slip through time.

Sir Ulrick de Mohan does not have time for love. He is charged with training possible recruits to become worthy guardsmen for the Devil’s Dragon. The woman who magically appears out of thin air and falls into his arms must be one of those future ladies who continue to show up at Berwyck’s gate. But she can’t be for him.

Fate has brought two people together despite the centuries that should be keeping them apart. Will the growing love between them be enough to keep Bridgette in the past or will Time return her to where she should belong?

Buy Links:

Amazon US | Apple Books | Kobo | Nook | 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 | Angus & Robertson | Thalia | Vivlio

First Kiss Friday with Jude Knight

Welcome to another First Kiss Friday! Today’s guest is my dear friend Jude Knight. This excerpt is from Farewell to Kindness, the first novel in the series The Golden Redepennings. Farewell to Kindness is on special until the end of June, price reduced to 99c. In the excerpt, Rede, the Earl of Chirbury, has taken Anne and her family into his house after the roof of her cottage collapsed. They have encountered one another late at night, and he is showing Anne how to drink brandy. Happy reading and enjoy!

Excerpt:

“No. Wait,” Rede said. “Swirl, sniff, and then sip. Here, let me show you.” He leaned forward and cupped his hand around the glass over hers.

“Swirl.” He moved her hand gently in a small, tight circle.

“Sniff.” He held the glass several inches from her nose and again swirled it slightly, then shifted it closer.

“Now sip. Just a small amount, slowly. Let it slide over your tongue.”

Anne followed his directions, not taking her eyes off Rede. This time, the brandy seemed a lot smoother. The flavour filled her mouth, the fiery liquid warmed her throat.

Rede had not removed his hands, and now he leaned forward still further, his eyes holding her motionless.

He came closer and closer, slowly. He would stop if she protested. She should protest. She would not.

The first brush of his lips on hers was brief, and light as a feather. He drew back enough to look into her eyes, then leaned in again. This time, his lips landed and stayed, moulding to the shape of her mouth. After a moment, he began to move, cruising along her upper lip with tiny pecks and then along the lower. He settled again, this time his mouth slightly open. Was that his tongue, sliding along her lips? How odd. How… pleasant.

She opened her own lips, and was rewarded with a hum of approval before he dipped his tongue into her mouth. Tentatively she touched his tongue with her own, which sent a tingle down through her breasts to her belly.

He hummed again, this time almost a moan.

So he liked that, did he? She began to copy, doing to him what he was doing to her. At some level, she was conscious that he had removed the brandy glass from her hands and set it to one side. With that out of the way, he came to his knees before her chair, and she found herself widening her legs so that he could press up against her. 

She was aflame with sensation, barely aware of all the ways he was touching her; his hand on the curve of her waist, pulling her into his body; his lips, teeth and tongue teasing and tasting. His other hand had somehow found its way inside her robe, and was lightly stroking its way up her breast, ever closer and closer to the nipple, which had pebbled so hard it was almost painful.

She moaned, asking for something, but what she did not know.

Rede seemed to understand. His lips left her mouth, and skimmed their way down her throat, pausing for a moment to nibble and lick at the nape of her neck, then continuing downwards. He must have nudged the robe and her nightgown aside, because all of a sudden his tongue was laving one nipple while his clever fingers gently rolled and squeezed the other.

Then he began to suck.

“Rede!” She pressed closer, desperate for the feelings to stop, to continue, to go away, to go further. She didn’t know, but Rede did. “Rede?” she said again, a question this time.

“I have you, Anne,” he soothed, and bent back to his task, changing to give his intimate attentions to her other breast.

Meanwhile, his hands slipped lower, one now cupping her buttocks and the other—surely he didn’t mean to touch her there? 

He did. His fingers stroked her most private place through the fine lawn of the nightgown, sending the biggest shockwave of sensation yet cascading through her body. 

“Ah, Anne,” he whispered, his voice husky, “you are wet for me.” His voice was warm with approval. He bent to lave her nipple once more, before straightening, grasping her buttocks in both hands and pulling her hard up against him. 

The length of the male part Hannah had described now rubbed where his fingers had been a moment before. It was bigger than she expected. 

“See how hard you make me?” he murmured. He kissed her again. She squirmed, unable to resist rubbing against him. The same amazing shock drowned her still deeper in sensation, and she moaned again.

“I have dreamed of this,” Rede said. “I’ve dreamed of holding you like this, kissing you like this. Of spreading you beneath me and bringing you to pleasure such as you’ve never known. Oh, Anne,” he groaned as he kissed her again, and that same questing hand began to inch her nightgown up her thigh.

At that moment, a door opened at the far end of the gallery. Anne looked around Rede’s shoulder. Susan was there, holding a candle.

“Oh!” Susan said. “I beg your pardon. I heard a noise. Please, just carry on. I am going back to bed now.” The last said as she shut the door.

Rede sat back on his heels, his expression wry. “I suppose you do not wish to take her advice?” 

Anne, recalled to herself, was blushing furiously again. Honestly, she blushed more in Rede’s presence than she could remember doing for years.

“I think I had better go to bed now,” she told him. “Alone,” she added, so that there should be no doubt, and blushed even deeper.

Silent, he stood and offered her a hand to her feet, then gave her the candleholder. He followed her out into the hall, but said nothing till they turned the corner after Ruth’s room.

“I am sorry, Anne,” he told her. “When I kissed you… I stopped thinking. I should not have kissed you in a place we could be interrupted. I would not embarrass you for the world. I won’t say I am sorry I kissed you, though. It was everything I dreamed and more.”

“What Susan must think!” Anne said.

“Do not worry about Susan. She will not betray us. Next time…”

She spun back to face him. “There will be no next time, Rede. I have to think of Kitty, and Ruth and Daisy too. It would take very little to make a scandal, and a scandal could destroy them. I cannot do this.”

He nodded. “I know, I know. I do not mean to threaten your reputation or endanger your family. I promise.”

“How can you understand? You are a man. And a peer.”

“I am. But nonetheless, I understand. I will not harm you, Anne. Tonight… I have thought of you for so long. When I kissed you, I lost control. I will not steal another kiss, I promise. Not until I can find a way for us to safely be together without risk to your reputation.”

“There is no way.”

He denied that with a shake of his head. “I will find a way. What we have together, it is extraordinary, Anne.”

It was her turn to shake her head. “It does not matter. Kitty matters. Daisy matters.”

She turned back to finish the walk to her room, and he continued to follow her.

She refused to look at him until they reached her door, then he caught her hand and held it for a moment to his heart. “See how it beats? It beats for you. Go to bed now, and know that I am three rooms away, lying in my bed, remembering how you taste, dreaming of tasting you again.”

“I cannot do this.” She could. She could take his hand and pull him into her room, and no-one would be the wiser. 

What nonsense. She shook her head again. Early in the morning as it was, the servants would soon be up and about. Or one of the other members of the house party might wander the halls as she had herself. She had to think of her family. 

“You mustn’t be afraid, Anne.”

How could she tell him that it was not him that she feared? It was herself. 

As if he could hear her most wanton thoughts, he took her hand again; but then he pressed her glass into it. “Here. Finish your brandy. It will help you sleep. Goodnight, Anne. Lock your door.”

He waited until she was inside and closing the door, watching him through the diminishing opening. He was turning away when she spoke, in barely a whisper. “Rede. I am not sorry, either.”

She closed the door before he could reply, and went to bed. She should be horrified at what had happened, at what had nearly happened. But she found herself smiling. At least she had the answer to whether or not this inconvenient desire was one-sided.

He thought he had buried his heart with his children. He was wrong.

Hidden from the earl who hunts them, Anne and her sisters have been accepted into the heart of a tiny rural village. Until another earl comes visiting.

Rede lives to avenge the deaths of his wife and children. After three long years of searching, he is closing in on the ruthless villains who gave the orders, and he does not hope to survive the final encounter. Until he meets Anne. 

As their inconvenient attraction grows, a series of near fatal attacks draws them together and drives them apart. When their desperate enemies combine forces, Anne and Rede must trust one another to survive.

Farewell to Kindness is Book 1 in the series The Golden Redepennings. Read more about the series at: http://judeknightauthor.com/the-golden-redepennings/

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/farewell-to-kindness

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/farewell-to-kindness/id974225678

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1121346576

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/522691

Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Farewell-Kindness-Golden-Redepennings-Book-ebook/dp/B00TXRW4KA/

About Jude Knight

Jude Knight’s writing goal is to transport readers to another time, another place, where they can enjoy adventure and romance, thrill to trials and challenges, uncover secrets and solve mysteries, delight in a happy ending, and return from their virtual holiday refreshed and ready for anything.

Website and blog: http://judeknightauthor.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JudeKnightAuthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JudeKnightBooks

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Email: jude@judeknightauthor.com

Come celebrate my newest release!

On Sunday, June 26th in my public Facebook Group, The Historical & Time Travel World of Sherry Ewing, my guest authors and I will be celebrating my latest release Promises Made at Midnight. I’d love for you to join me for fun and games along with my Rafflecopter giveaway! Party times are from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 pm EDT (10am to 5pm PDT). Keep reading to learn more about Promises Made at Midnight and how to join my group and giveaway!

Join my group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/356905935241836/

Enter my giveaway here: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ce7bfc2a36/?

About the book:

Promises Made At Midnight:
The Knights of Berwyck, A Quest Through Time (Book 6)
On Sale for only $0.99!
Release Date: June 28, 2022

Sometimes all it takes to find your heart’s desire is to make a wish…

After a series of failed relationships, Bridgette Harris would like a fresh start. If only she could escape her ex-boyfriend since they participate in the same renaissance fairs. While gazing at a granite statue of a handsome knight—her dream man—at one such fair, a mysterious elderly Scottish woman offers her a coin to toss into the fountain and make a wish. Bridgette can’t resist, but nothing prepares her to suddenly slip through time.

Sir Ulrick de Mohan does not have time for love. He is charged with training possible recruits to become worthy guardsmen for the Devil’s Dragon. The woman who magically appears out of thin air and falls into his arms must be one of those future ladies who continue to show up at Berwyck’s gate. But she can’t be for him.

Fate has brought two people together despite the centuries that should be keeping them apart. Will the growing love between them be enough to keep Bridgette in the past or will Time return her to where she should belong?

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