Sherry Ewing's Blog, page 49

First Kiss Friday with author Amy Quinton

Welcome to another First Kiss Friday! Any day I can have one of my fellow Bluestocking Belles as my guest is a good day. Today’s author is my friend, Amy Quinton. You best get out your fans for this excerpt, my lovelies. It’s hot, hot, hot! Happy reading and enjoy. Take it away, Amy!

What the Marquess Sees is an ‘enemies to lovers’ story. The heroine is the villain in my first novel, What the Duke Wants. In this scene, our hero and heroine are on the run from dangerous men, traveling in disguise as a married couple of middling class. They still dislike each other, but their attraction is undeniable. Read on:

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As soon as they reached the door to their room, Beatryce whirled on him. She looked angry, but only for an instant. Then, her look turned sultry and heavy-lidded; seduction emanating out of every pore. He was a little worried by that second look; it spelled trouble in absolute terms. She stepped closer.

He took it back. He was a lot worried, actually.

With another step, she moved into his personal space and looked up, her heated eyes capturing his undivided attention. And in that moment, he had no further thought but for her. In the here and now. No history, no future. He and she and no one else. His senses flew south for the summer, an evacuation that had started with her pretend seduction downstairs, leaving only a glimmer of awareness of their mutual dislike.

Her voice was low, an alto, and slow, sultry. “You are rude and always act as if you hate me…” She placed her hand against his aching, turgid cock and pressed in. Firm and tight. Just like he liked. “…but this says differently.”

He hissed in a breath, and somehow managed to strangle the moan that threatened to give voice to the full depth of his desire.

He covered her hand with his, forcing her to press harder against him. He grunted and couldn’t stop the shift of his hips as they surged forward, deeper into her cupped hand. She squeezed him in response. God, she squeezed him hard. And he closed his eyes as she began to rub her hand up and down his swollen length. Oh, it felt good. Mind-numbingly-forget-your-name-fuck-me-now good.

“And if you’re not careful…” She gripped him even tighter and pressed that much harder “…you’ll blow our damn cover, Dansbury.” She all but hissed those last few words, snapping him back to reality.

She tried to pull away, but he held her in place. He searched deep, ignoring her warning. What did she expect? He’d hated her for too long to be able to easily act as if he adored her. But she had his attention now. Or at least his cock’s devotion at any rate.

Right. Time to take control of the situation. He gripped the back of her neck and pulled her closer, cutting off her attempt to escape.

He leaned in close to her ear and whispered, “You are a beautiful, sensual woman…” He nuzzled her neck, then pulled back and glided his cheek against hers, caressing her with his opened lips, employing the barest touch, a whisper of feeling. “…and I would have to be dead not to notice.”

He reached her lips and hesitated. He breathed in, a slow and steady breath, absorbing her scent—all woman and earthy. He touched his forehead to hers and took a moment to pull together the threads of his crumbling senses. He felt her trembling and it nearly undid him.

He opened his eyes and warned her with a hard look before he grabbed her with both hands and kissed her. Hard and fast and rough and inflexible. And on fire like he’d never been before. A one hundred and eighty degree contradiction to his soft caresses.

But this time he held on to his senses. Just. And in a flash, he pulled back the tiniest bit; though his lips remained close to hers, hovering and reluctant to leave.

“But you’re still a bitch.” Hard words spoken in a whisper with lust underlining the point. A contradiction all around.

He bent to kiss her again, but stopped short when she slapped him. Hard. His head jerked, and the sound shouted its anger as it echoed loudly in the vacant hall.

Ouch.

His cheek was on fire and stinging like nettles. He blinked in astonishment, surprised she had cuffed him so solidly. But she just smiled, wrapped her arms around his neck, and pulled him in for her own fiery kiss. Another fast and furious and passionate kiss, but one that this time, she had initiated. He could not suppress his moan of delight at her boldness. He discovered he liked bold. He liked bold quite a lot.

He was lost to her passion and he no longer cared. He forgot he hated her. He forgot his mission. But he didn’t forget it was her. And all too soon it was over.

Beatryce pulled away this time. It was her kiss to end. She watched her hands as she drew them down his chest. She brushed away the wrinkles in his shirt. A domestic act. And he just watched her in return, slightly stunned. When she reached his waist, his abs clenched at her touch. This time, he held himself in check.

She tilted her head and looked him in the eye. She smiled, a knowing, confident smile, and said, “Yes. I am. And don’t you forget it.”

Then, she turned on her heel and slammed the door in his face.

Blurb

England 1814: He is a marquess with a woman to protect and an assassin to thwart. She is…not nice.

The Marquess of Dansbury is a strong, charismatic man living a charmed life as an agent for the crown. His past isn’t without tragedy, but he is too amiable to allow misfortune to mar his positive outlook on life. Until now…when he finds himself tasked with protecting the one woman in the world he actively disdains, Lady Beatryce Beckett.

Lady Beatryce Beckett is mean. She ruins other women on purpose. She lies. She cheats. She even steals. And she takes particular pleasure in provoking a certain marquess. In short, she’ll do anything to get what she wants: freedom from her abusive father. But she is strong (she’s had to be), worthy (who’d have thought it), and in love… Wait, what?

It will take a special man to see the true woman beneath the surface…and a strong woman to allow him that glimpse. Is the Marquess of Dansbury up to the task?

Buy Links

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/What-Marquess-Sees-Agents-Change-ebook/dp/B0181BVAM6

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/what-the-marquess-sees-amy-quinton/1123024873?ean=9781622102815

KOBO: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/what-the-marquess-sees

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Amy_Quinton_What_the_Marquess_Sees?id=5YABCwAAQBAJ

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/what-the-marquess-sees/id1061802779?mt=11

[image error] Author Bio

Purveyor of Humorous Historicals. Offering Indecent Aspirations and Ribald Indiscretions with a Blend of Suspenseful Angst. Part Magic—All Romance. Rated MA.

Amy Quinton is an author and full-time mom living in Summerville, SC. She enjoys writing (and reading!) sexy, historical romances. She lives with her husband, two boys, three cats, and one dog. In her spare time, she likes to go camping, hiking, and canoeing/kayaking… And did she mention reading? When she’s not reading or traveling, she likes to make jewelry, sew, knit, and crochet (Yay for Ravelry!).

Author Links

Email:  AmyQuintonAuthor@gmail.com

Newsletter: https://app.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/u4s4j6

Web site:  http://amyquinton.net

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

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/AmyQuinton

Google+:  https://plus.google.com/u/0/108235160756248116825/posts

Pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/amyqu11/amy-quinton-author/

Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/amyquinton

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00RUHIXZ0

Goodreads Author Page: https:/www.goodreads.com/author/show/10912294

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/amy-quinton

 

 

First Kiss Friday with Mary Morgan & a giveaway!

It’s First Kiss Friday and always a pleasure when I can bring back my friend Mary Morgan to share an excerpt from her work. Read on and enjoy this first kiss scene from DRAGON KNIGHT’S RING!

Giveaway: Leave a comment for Mary for a chance to win a free audio code for DRAGON KNIGHT’S RING.

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Excerpt:

“The first time I saw ye was in the hills near Urquhart. I was attempting to calm said beast.” He pointed to Ciar. “He was fierce in the beginning. Yet, ye ambled over to him singing a tune. Ye have always had a way with the animals. Your voice soothes them.”

“And that’s how we met, right? Ye did share this, but was there more?” She handed him another spoonful of the meat mixture.

“Aye. Ye followed me down to the loch, and we talked for many hours. It was the start of our kinship.”

Meggie rested her chin on her knees. “For how long, Adam?”

“Several summers.” He watched her closely, trying to gage her thoughts.

“Hmm…we were in a relationship.”

Baffled by her word, he shrugged. “I dinnae ken your meaning.”

“Were we a couple? Was I your girlfriend? Sweetheart?”

Adam took his thumb and captured a lone bit of food near her lip. Popping the tasty piece into his mouth, he heard her indrawn breath. “Ye were mine, Meggie. Stubborn, defiant, strong, and ye embraced each day with love for all.”

“What happened?” she asked.

“Ye left.” Standing, Adam moved away. Never a patient man, he wanted to blurt out everything, shake her into remembering. Frustration slithered inside of him. Walking over to an old oak, he braced his hands against its rough bark. He heard her approach, but kept his back to her.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered, and then surprised Adam by placing her arms around him.

Her touch seared straight to his soul, fracturing a place within his heart that had been sealed since her death. He broke free from her embrace and turned around. Grasping her face with his hands, his eyes roamed over her features. Seeing her lips part, he could no longer control the man that longed to taste what had been stolen from him. His entire being seemed to be filled with waiting, and he grew weary of the fight.

Lowering his head, his tongue traced the soft fullness of her lips. Then he brushed a feather light kiss on her mouth. It was divine bliss when their lips touched. “Do ye want me to stop?” he asked, breathing the words against her cheek.

“Nae.”

Reclaiming her mouth, Adam crushed her to him. This time, he devoured her soft lips and drank in their sweetness, slipping his tongue inside her mouth. Her moan slid deep within him, and he trembled. His emotions whirled and skidded. Unable to stop, he turned her against the tree, cupped her breast with one hand, and deepened the kiss. His cock throbbed to be inside her—to be one with her again.

She grasped his head and leaned more into him. Her mouth demanded more of his, and he plundered deeply. When her hands slipped under his shirt, he growled in pleasure. Breaking free from the kiss, he lifted her and carried her to the blanket. She sprawled back onto the blanket, and his hand caressed her curves. As he gazed at her flushed face, he saw neither fear nor hesitation in her eyes. “Tell me what ye want, Meggie? For if I continue, I fear I will nae be able to hold back.”

DRAGON KNIGHT’S RING, Order of the Dragon Knights, Book 5

By Mary Morgan

Blurb ~

Death destroyed their love. Yet, can a trio of Fenian warriors roll back time to reunite two lost souls?

Crusader, Adam MacFhearguis is on one last quest to the standing stones in Scotland where he seeks to bury the past. However, a silent prayer sends him to an unknown future and to his beloved Meggie. When he uncovers a shocking revelation, Adam questions everything about the woman he thought he knew and loved. He may have traveled the veil of ages, but time is now his enemy.

Margaret MacKay lives a life in the future without the memories of her past—her death. When Adam arrives at her door confessing he knows her, she is confused and wary. With each passing day, she yearns to learn more from this stranger. Yet, when a truth is revealed, can she trust the man to unlock the chains from her mind and heart?

Will love free the bonds to unite the two lovers who were doomed centuries ago? Or will evil finally claim victory over the Dragon Knights?

Buy Links ~

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Knights-Ring-Order-Book-ebook/dp/B01HDWY8S2/

BN: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dragon-knights-ring-mary-morgan/1123986946?ean=2940158146312

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/dragon-knight-s-ring

Apple iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/dragon-knights-ring/id1133781893?mt=11

Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/Dragon-Knights-Ring-Audiobook/B07FKX59C6/

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Author Bio ~

Award-winning Celtic paranormal romance author, Mary Morgan, resides in Northern California, with her own knight in shining armor. However, during her travels to Scotland, England, and Ireland, she left a part of her soul in one of these countries and vows to return.

Mary’s passion for books started at an early age along with an overactive imagination. She spent far too much time daydreaming and was told quite often to remove her head from the clouds. It wasn’t until the closure of Borders Books where Mary worked that she found her true calling–writing romance. Now, the worlds she created in her mind are coming to life within her stories.

If you enjoy history, tortured heroes, and a wee bit of magic, then time-travel within

the pages of her books.

Social Media Links:

 WEBSITE:  http://www.marymorganauthor.com

BLOG:  http://www.marymorganauthor.com/blog

TWITTER:  http://twitter.com/m_morganauthor

FACEBOOK AUTHOR PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/MaryMorganAuthor/

FACEBOOK:  http://www.facebook.com/mary.morgan.564

GOODREADS:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8271002.Mary_Morgan

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE:  http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Morgan/e/B00KPE3NWI/

PINTEREST:  www.pinterest.com/marymorgan50/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/marymorgan2/the pages of her books.

First Kiss Friday with Sherry Ewing

Today on First Kiss Friday, I’d like to bring you back to my hero, Lord Nicholas Lacy, and heroine, Grace, Lady de Courtenay in A Kiss For Charity. In this scene, we find my couple meeting at a masquerade ball at Vauxhall Gardens. Please enjoy this excerpt of their first kiss! Happy Reading.

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Excerpt:

“May I have the pleasure of this dance?” he inquired politely, already knowing her answer.

Her gloved hand slipped into his and he felt as though he had waited his entire life for her to say yes. Yes to the dance. Yes to anything else he might propose, be it for one night or something they might both wish to be a longer commitment.

She was an accomplished dancer. He had already witnessed her talent, yet it was far more pleasurable to watch her when she was now his partner instead of another. He wished to know who she was, but the fast paced dance was hardly a place to carry on a meaningful conversation about getting to know one another.

Was it two dances later or maybe three? Nicholas lost track of time but finally, he placed his hand about the lady’s waist to expertly guide her out into the garden. It had been some time since he had allowed himself the pleasure of enjoying a woman’s company, especially in the moonlight.

The evening was cool, and when he saw her shiver, he shrugged out of his jacket since he had left his cape behind in the supper box. He placed the garment about her shoulders. She took ahold of the lapels and brought it closer. He swore he could hear her sniff the edges as if she were going to commit to her memory the smell of his cologne once he was gone.

Nicholas reached out to remove her mask so he could finally see all of her features.

“No.” She held out her hand to stop his efforts. “The domino stays in place if you wish me to remain here with you.”

“If that is your wish, so be it.”

“It is,” she answered quietly.

Nicholas did not remember it being this difficult to kiss a lady in the moonlight, but she must desire to be with him, too, else she would not be standing outside with him now. He could no longer stand the distance between them. Surely some form of spell had been cast upon him to be acting so rashly.

“Who are you?” he asked, taking ahold of both her arms and bringing her closer.

“Does it matter?”

“How else am I to call upon you tomorrow if I know not your name tonight, my lady?”

This unknown woman who teased his senses gave a careless shrug but took a step closer. She placed her hand upon his chest. “Let it be enough that for tonight I am free to do as I please.”

He grinned at her response. One moment Nicholas was staring into her mask and brown eyes, and the next he was lowering his mouth to meet her lips.

Grace was unsure if it was the moonlight that drove her to such reckless behavior or the thought of having just one moment in time to treasure with a man who wanted to be with a mysterious, and perhaps, desirable woman. In either case, nothing prepared her for the instant their lips met. She supposed that since she did not protest going down the garden path with him that this would be the natural course of what would happen next. But still… surely she was slipping at the very brink of tasting heaven itself from their first kiss.

Such a kiss was at first like an introduction when his mouth slowly slid over hers as though he were searching for some hidden meaning to their attraction to one another. There was nothing demanding or urgent in seeing the matter over and done with. No, the kiss was a mingling of breaths. It was two souls connecting in the night. A simple kiss, yet there was nothing simple about it. He stopped as quickly as he started then stared into her eyes, yet she knew the domino hid her features well enough that he would be unable to identify her in the light of day.

Adrian would be mortified if he had any idea what she was up to with a complete stranger. Thinking of her brother conjured an image of her deceased husband. Although his kisses had been pleasurable, they could not compare to what this stranger made her feel.

“Tell me who you are,” he urged again. He tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear that had fallen from her coiffure and then cupped her cheek. “You must tell me.”

She leaned into his palm. The sensation of his thumb tracing her skin had her resolve weakening but not enough to reveal her identity. “I cannot, for I will not have you think less of me from my actions here this night. I am not what I seem.”

“I see a desirable woman I wish to get to know better,” he declared with a grin and an appreciative glance at her heaving bosom. There was no way she could mistake his meaning given the proximity of their bodies and the bold glare he gave her down the length of her body.

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A Kiss For Charity

Love heals all wounds but will their pride keep them apart?

Young widow, Grace, Lady de Courtenay, is more concerned with improving her mind than finding another husband. But how was she to know that a close encounter with a rake at a masquerade ball would spark her interest and make her yearn for love again?

Lord Nicholas Lacey has been on his own for far too long after losing his wife in a tragic accident. After a rare trip to a masquerade, his attention is captivated by a lovely young woman. Considering the dubious company she keeps, perhaps she might be interested in becoming his mistress.

From the darkened paths of Vauxhall Gardens to a countryside estate called Hollystone Hall, Nicholas and Grace must set aside their differences in order to let love into their hearts. It will take more than a dose of holiday cheer to see these two on the road to finding their happily-ever-after and a kiss for charity may just be what they both need.

Buy Links

Amazon US  | Barnes & Noble  |  iBooks  |  Kobo

24 Symbols  |  Playster

Amazon AU  |  Amazon BR | Amazon CA | Amazon DE  |Amazon ES   |

Amazon FR  | Amazon IN  | Amazon IT  | Amazon JP | Amazon MX |

Amazon NL  |  Amazon UK

First Kiss Friday with Kathryn LeVeque & a Giveaway!

Hello, my lovelies, and welcome to another First Kiss Friday. It’s always a pleasure when I’m able to host Kathryn Le Veque on my blog and it get’s even better when she has a new release and offer’s a giveaway. Help us celebrate Kathryn’s latest book baby, Dark Moon, by leaving her a comment for a chance at her giveaway. One lucky comment will be randomly chosen to receive a signed copy and other swag! Happy reading and good luck!

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Excerpt:

She was right, but he wasn’t going to admit it. He wasn’t going to give up. With a faint sigh, he closed the gap between them, watching her recoil from him slightly, wary of his very close proximity. Reaching out, he gently took her hand and lifted it to his lips, kissing it tenderly.

“I understand your fears,” he murmured. “I have no right to press my attentions. I know that. But know that I would never do anything to bring you shame or harm you, at least not maliciously. All I ask is that you let me show you how a man can be kind to you. Nothing more, nothing less. I promise I shall be discreet in every way, but you deserve to be showered with affection and kindness, Lysabel. Please do not deny me that great honor. Please let me show my affection for you.”

Lysabel was swept away by his words and by his touch. When he kissed her hand again, she could feel the earth move beneath her feet. Everything felt as if it was rocking around, but it was the most wonderful feeling in the world. Trenton de Russe, that enormous and frightening knight, the one who had saved her from a fate worse than death, wanted to help her heal. He wanted to show her what it meant for a man to be kind to a woman.

God… how could she resist?

She couldn’t. It was against her better judgment, but there was a huge part of her that wanted his kindness. Perhaps even needed it. In any case, she couldn’t resist him. Already, she was swept up with the feelings he was creating within her and they were more powerful than she was.

“How can I deny a man who bought my children ponies?” she breathed.

He grinned. “You cannot,” he said. “It was all part of my master plan.”

“Was it really.”

“Nay.”

She believed him. Lysabel smiled at him, and he smiled in return. And suddenly, his lips were slanting over hers and his arms were going around her body. It was a kiss of enormous proportions, a kiss that was heated and sensual, delicious and naughty. It was all those things and as Lysabel fell against his warm, powerful body, all she could feel was utter surrender.

There was no resisting the man.

She didn’t want to.

Any romantic kiss she’d ever been given had come from Benoit, who had no sense of gentleness. He would kiss her so hard that there had been times he’d driven her teeth into her cheek, drawing blood. She would avoid his kisses as much as he could, but with Trenton, it was as if an entirely new world had opened up. No pain, no roughness – simply warm and sensual. Very quickly, Lysabel realized that she liked it very much.

She wanted more.

She must have given Trenton a sign of her eagerness, a wordless invitation to ravage her, because his tongue licked at her, prying her lips open and invading her mouth. His hands were in her hair, holding her head steadfast as if fearful she’d pull away. Somehow, he backed her against the garden wall and that was where things grew heated.

Now, she was a captive audience.

Normally, being unable to move would have sent Lysabel into a panic, but with Trenton, she was a willing victim. His mouth moved over her chin, her neck, suckling her gently and sending bolts of excitement through her. Being that she wasn’t a virgin, she knew what it meant to have a man touch her intimately, and when his big hand moved to her breasts, she didn’t flinch away from him. She welcomed it.

Dear God… is this what it means to be touched by a man? Is this how it is supposed to be?

Medieval England comes alive in Book one of the exciting new sub-series, THE DARK SONS (part of the de Russe Legacy).

1518 A.D – As the eldest son of the knight who betrayed Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth (Gaston de Russe of THE DARK ONE: DARK KNIGHT), Trenton de Russe bears the dark legacy of men who changed the course of history. The name de Russe is both hated and revered in England, and is well-known to the kings of England who have depended upon the family for their strongest, most noble, and sometimes most controversial knights.

Trenton is a man with great burdens to bear.

As a special ops knight for Henry VIII, it is Trenton’s duty to carry out the king’s command and he has been known to have accomplished some questionable as well as dirty tasks. With Trenton as Henry’s attack dog, enemies fear de Russe more than the king himself.

Trenton suffers a dysfunctional relationship with his father because of it. Gaston never wanted his son to follow in his footsteps, but Trenton has become so deeply entrenched in Henry’s dirty dealings that is it all he knows. In a desperate move to lure his son away from Henry once and for all, Gaston calls his son home under false pretenses. Begrudgingly, Trenton heads for Deverill Castle, seat of his father’s dukedom.

Enter Lysabel Wellesbourne le Mon. Daughter of Gaston’s best friend, Matthew Wellesbourne (THE WHITE LORD OF WELLESBOURNE), Lysabel is a widow with two young children. In a chance meeting with Trenton, whom she has known since birth but has not seen in several years, an unexpected spark ignites between them.

Unfortunately, it is a spark that can burn down the strong relations between the House of Wellesbourne and the House of de Russe. Matthew doesn’t want the dark and fearsome Trenton for his daughter, but the fire that burns between the pair is stronger than Matthew can control. No amount of water will douse it and Matthew turns to Gaston for help.

Will Gaston side against his estranged son? Or will the relationship between two old and dear friends be destroyed by a love that cannot be denied?

Welcome back to de Russe’s Medieval England in this spectacular tale of adventure and romance. This is a full-length novel over 100,000 words

Buy Links for Dark Moon:

Amazon https://goo.gl/dRqtRCOr read for free in Kindle Unlimited[image error]

  Bio:

KATHRYN LE VEQUE is a critically acclaimed USA TODAY Bestselling author, a charter Amazon All-Star author, and a #1 bestselling, award-winning, multi-published author in Medieval Historical Romance and Contemporary Romance.

Kathryn is a multiple award nominee and winner, including the winner of Uncaged Book Reviews Magazine “Raven Award” for Favorite Medieval Romance (Vestiges of Valor) and Favorite Cover, all Genres (Queen of Lost Stars). Kathryn is also a multiple RONE nominee, holding the record for the number of nominations. In 2018, her novel WARWOLFE was the winner in the Romance category of the Book Excellence Award. Kathryn is considered one of the top Indie authors in the world with over a million copies in circulation, and her novels have been translated into several languages.

Social Media Links:

www.kathrynleveque.com (blog)

Facebook: https://business.facebook.com/kathrynlevequenovels

Twitter: @kathrynleveque

First Kiss Friday with guest Caroline Warfield

Welcome to another First Kiss Friday. It’s always a pleasure when I can help any of the Bluestocking Belles celebrate their latest release. Today, I the fabulous Caroline Warfield and the first kiss scene from The Unexpected Wife. Happy reading and enjoy!

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Sometimes a kiss is long in coming. It arrives only after false starts, tentative approaches, and fraught moments. This is one of those moments.

Excerpt: At the mention of Jarratt, her stomach clenched, and a vile taste crept into her mouth. “What else?” she rasped.

Charles looked down. His sigh sounded deep and weary. “Elliot fears the Chinese response will eventually ensnare an English user or dealer. If they arrest someone or threaten violence, he may be forced to act.”

If Thorn is as closely allied to the opium dens as Jarratt implied—and out of his senses from the narcotic—he could be—cow turds!

“Charles, I have to get to my brother. I can’t leave him in Jarratt’s circle.”

The duke’s eyes held hers until she felt him boring into her soul. He put out a comforting hand, and she gripped it to steady herself. “How exactly do you propose to do that, Zambak?” he asked.

“Jarratt said to come back. I’ll go tomorrow. He implied Thorn might be well, might be willing to come with me.”

“We’ll go tomorrow,” he corrected.

She stiffened in outrage for a moment before Jarratt’s face leered at her in memory, and she sagged toward Charles. When he cupped her cheek with one hand and searched her face, she thought for a moment he meant to kiss her. Absurd. Charles is a married man, and we’re friends. Only friends.

“We’ll go together, Zambak. We will get Thorn help together.”

Together. Relief flooded her. She had thought that accepting help made her weak, but the tenderness in the duke’s eyes gave her strength.

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About the Book: The Unexpected Wife

Children of Empire Book 3

Crushed with grief after the death of his son, Charles Wheatly, Duke of Murnane, throws himself into the new Queen’s service in 1838. When the government sends him on an unofficial fact finding mission to the East India Company’s enclave in Canton, China, he anticipates intrigue, international tensions, and an outlet for his frustration. He isn’t entirely surprised when he also encounters a pair of troublesome young people that need his help. However, the appearance of his estranged wife throws the entire enterprise into conflict. He didn’t expect to face his troubled marriage in such an exotic locale, much less to encounter profound love at last in the person of a determined young woman. Tensions boil over, and his wife’s scheming—and the beginnings of the First Opium War—force him to act to rescue the one he loves and perhaps save himself in the process.

Zambak Hayden seethes with frustration. A woman her age has occupied the throne for over a year, yet the Duke of Sudbury’s line of succession still passes over her—his eldest—to land on a son with neither spine nor character. She follows her brother, the East India Company’s newest and least competent clerk, to protect him and to safeguard the family honor. If she also escapes the gossip and intrigues of London and the marriage mart, so much the better. She has no intention of being forced into some sort of dynastic marriage. She may just refuse to marry at all. When an old family friend arrives she assumes her father sent him. She isn’t about to bend to his dictates nor give up her quest. Her traitorous heart, however, can’t stop yearning for a man she can’t have.

Neither expects the epic historical drama that unfolds around them.

Buy Link:

The Unexpected Wife, is now available for kindle only on Amazon. Print release is coming shortly.

https://www.amazon.com/Unexpected-Wife-Children-Empire-Book-ebook/dp/B07FGGC918/

Here’s a short video about it:

https://www.facebook.com/carolinewarfield7/videos/924791187669849/

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About the Author

Traveler, would-be adventurer, former tech writer and library technology professional, Caroline Warfield has now retired to the urban wilds of Eastern Pennsylvania, and divides her time between writing and seeking adventures with her grandbuddy. In her newest series, Children of Empire, three cousins torn apart by lies find their way home from the far corners of the British Empire, finding love along the way.

She has works published by Soul Mate Publishing and also independently published works. In addition she has participated in five group anthologies, one not yet published.

For more about the series and all of Caroline’s books, look here:

https://www.carolinewarfield.com/bookshelf/

First Kiss Friday with guest Judith Sterling

It’s another First Kiss Friday and my guest today is Judith Sterling who has an excerpt from Shadow of the Swan. It’s always a pleasure to have Judith and her marvelous characters on my blog. We hope you enjoy this excerpt. Happy reading!

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Excerpt :

Robert wanted to sweep Constance up in his arms and carry her to the bed, but caution was key.  “Are you sure about this?”

Her plump lower lip trembled.  “I-I’m a little scared.”

“Don’t be.  You can stop me at any time, and I’ll keep you apprised of my every move.”

She nodded.  “All right.  I trust you.”

Never had a woman tugged so at his heart.  Leaning forward, he kissed her forehead.  “Just a kiss,” he said against her skin.  “The same as any other night, but this time, we’ll add more.”  He kissed her right cheek, then her left.  “And now your mouth.”

Her lips were soft as rose petals.  He brushed them with his so lightly she’d feel only a whisper of flesh.  “I’m going to pull you closer, and I want you to open your mouth.”

“Why?”

“I would taste you.”

Her bare back was smooth and cool beneath his palms.  She opened her mouth, and he slipped his tongue inside.

Spiced wine.  Sweet breath.  A timid tongue, which grew bolder by the second as his tongue schooled it.

The give and take of their kiss was everything he’d imagined.  For his mind had conjured this moment hundreds of times before.

He withdrew his tongue, and she murmured in protest.  He chuckled.  “Hold on, my sweet.  I would kiss more of you.”

Shadow of the Swan by Judith Sterling

Blurb:

Lady Constance de Bret was determined to be a nun, until shadows from the past eclipsed her present.  Marriage is the safest option, but she insists on a spiritual union, in which physical intimacy is forbidden.  Not so easy with a bridegroom who wields unparalleled charm!  But a long-buried secret could taint his affection and cloak her in shadow forever.

Back from the Crusades, Sir Robert le Donjon craves a home of his own and children to inherit it.  From the moment he meets Constance, he feels a mysterious bond between them.  When she’s threatened, he vows to protect her and agrees to the spiritual marriage, with the hope of one day persuading her to enjoy a “real” one.  She captivates him but opens old wounds and challenges everything he thought he believed.

Two souls in need of healing.  Two hearts destined to beat as one.

Buy Links:

Amazon https://amzn.com/B078JYQDTX

Barnes & Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shadow-of-the-swan-judith-sterling/1127751024?ean=2940158925597

The Wild Rose Press https://catalog.thewildrosepress.com/all-titles/5561-shadow-of-the-swan.html

iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/shadow-of-the-swan/id1332023091

Amazon Audio https://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Swan-Novels-Ravenwood-Book/dp/B07CMKMMWN

Audible https://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/Shadow-of-the-Swan-Audiobook/B07CMDCL7D

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Author Bio:

Judith Sterling’s love of history and passion for the paranormal infuse everything she writes. Flight of the Raven, Soul of the Wolf, and Shadow of the Swan are part of her medieval romance series, The Novels of Ravenwood. The Cauldron Stirred is the first book in her young adult paranormal series, Guardians of Erin.  Written under Judith Marshall, her nonfiction books—My Conversations with Angels and Past Lives, Present Stories—have been translated into multiple languages. She has an MA in linguistics and a BA in history, with a minor in British Studies. Born in that sauna called Florida, she craved cooler climes, and once the travel bug bit, she lived in England, Scotland, Sweden, Wisconsin, Virginia, and on the island of Nantucket. She currently lives in Salem, Massachusetts with her husband and their identical twin sons.

Social Media:

Website – https://judithmarshallauthor.com/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/judithsterlingfiction/

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16291161.Judith_Sterling

Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01MT3KB7L

The Wild Rose Press – https://catalog.thewildrosepress.com/2212_judith-sterling

First Kiss Friday with guest Elizabeth Ellen Carter

It’s always a pleasure when I can welcome back one of the Bluestocking Belles to my First Kiss Friday blog. Today I have Elizabeth Ellen Carter as my guest who will be sharing an excerpt from her novel Shadow of the Corsairs. Happy reading, my lovelies! Take it away, Elizabeth…

Thank you very much Sherry for inviting me to take part in First Kiss Friday.

This is from my latest release Shadow of the Corsairs, the third and final installment in the Heart of the Corsairs series.

The hero, Jonathan Afua is the son of an Ethiopia Ras – the equivalent of a Duke. He has power, wealth, and status taken from him as well as his freedom. In the slave raid on his camp, Jonathan’s wife and children were killed.

He is coming to terms with his grief and rebuilding his life far from home.

Morwena is a straight talking Sicilian woman, she looking after her father who is suffering what we would recognise as dementia, her brothers are estranged from the family so it is up to her to run the family business.

With Jonathan and Morwena it is truly a case of opposites attract, but is there too much that stands between them?

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Excerpt:

The trio made their way through the quiet streets of Palermo in silence and not once did Morwena’s hand leave his.

He liked it, this trust. He was honored by it. In this way, Morwena reminded him of Mellesse. When both women made up their minds, it was final. He smiled to himself. They would have liked one another, he was sure of it.

Mellesse, there wasn’t a day in prison I didn’t think of you and our girls…

It was an excuse, an apology for thinking about Morwena in the same mental breath as his wife. He was well aware there was still much unfinished, he didn’t need his conscience plaguing him. What kind of weak character was he that found another woman attractive when his wife had been dead for little more than a year? And still, he could not bring himself to relinquish Morwena’s hand.

Was it his drive for justice for his wife and daughters that gave him pause? Perhaps, it was only his fear. Perhaps, that was no longer a good enough reason.

The night air grew colder still. It had to be early morning. He breathed it in and forced it deep into his lungs to wake himself as Morwena unlocked the back door of the shop.

“Papa isn’t expected back until noon, you can sleep in your old room,” she told Nico.

The young man still looked pale. He nodded listlessly and shuffled his way up the stairs.

“Is he going to be all right?” Jonathan asked.

“Eventually. Nico idolized Pietro. It has been a shock to him.”

Jonathan perceived an edge in Morwena’s voice. In the newly-lit lamplight he looked at her, and noted dark shadows under her eyes. Her skin revealed so much to him without words.

“But it was not a shock to you.”

Morwena shook her head and headed up the stairs also. She looked back at him which he took as an invitation to follow.

“I love my brothers, but I was always closer to Nico. I suppose it was because we were nearly the same age. Pietro was much older,” she said.

They ended up in the kitchen. Morwena restoked the fire in the stove and set a pan of water on it to boil. Jonathan himself did not want for anything, but he suspected Morwena needed to do this to keep busy.

“He was always a bully, but he became worse after mother died,” she continued. Before Jonathan knew it, he found himself seated at the dining table.

“Perhaps that was his way of coping with grief. Anyway, he and Father would argue bitterly. One day, Papa learned that Pietro had been taking money from the till and threw him out.”

“Morwena…”

“… I still remember Pietro standing outside the shop screaming curses on us all. That was six years ago.”

She hiccoughed another sob

“Morwena…” Jonathan stood up and approached her. His first instinct was to pull her into his arms once more, but he held back. “Sometimes in life there are things we can’t control. All we can do is wait out the darkness and pray for the dawn to arrive soon. And it will arrive.”

Silence fell between them for a moment and Jonathan wondered whether he’d revealed too much or too little of himself in his attempt to comfort her.

She set the boiling water aside.

He wished he hadn’t turned around at that moment. If he couldn’t see her eyes, he could deny the truth, even to himself, but now she was here before him, so much color – black hair, beautiful, large, brown eyes, soft, creamy skin, and lips, now red from biting them.

It was as though he was looking at the sun – so beautiful, but it hurt his eyes

“Was it like that when you lost your wife?”

The sun was extinguished, plunging him into blackness.

“She was murdered and I could do nothing. My daughters were killed and I could do nothing!”

Morwena was in his arms once more. He could not be sure who comforted who. It felt good to hold a woman in his arms again and feel the soft curves pressed against him. Her hair smelled of lemons and felt like the softest silk as he ran his hands over her hair, stroking her cheek. Black eyelashes stood out starkly against her skin.

He wanted to kiss those lips. But the only woman he had ever kissed was Mellesse. It was Morwena who bridged the distance. Lips as soft and plump as their promise touched his. Arousal shot through his core, an aliveness like the shift of light heralding an upcoming dawn.

He deepened their kiss and she responded, opening her mouth to him.

The Past Casts a Shadow Over a Second Chance For Love….

Palermo, 1810

Morwena Gambino is struggling to keep her family’s business going against mounting troubles. Her widowed father, once shrewd, is now increasingly forgetful, letting debts mount and disavowing his sons. Morwena runs the shop behind his back, forced to hide her enterprise not only from her father but also her bitter older brother.

In Tunisia, Tewodros “Jonathan” Afua is struggling to stay alive. Once an Ethiopian prince, he is a captive of the corsairs who slaughtered his wife and children. When a US naval bombardment provides an opening for escape, Jonathan falls in with a seemingly deranged English pirate. Aboard Kit Hardacre’s rundown ship with its ragtag crew, Jonathan learns the real reason he was taken by slavers.

Reluctantly joining Hardacre’s crew, he meets Morwena in Palermo. The fiery young Sicilian woman is the opposite of his quiet reserve, but he is attracted to her despite mourning for his late wife. As he and Morwena grow closer, it emerges that they have something in common – secret betrayal by those close to them – and they must count what they’re willing to risk for a future together.

Shadow of the Corsairs is available on Kindle Unlimited and is available to purchase here: https://www.amazon.com./Shadow-Corsairs-Heart-Book-ebook/dp/B07DM9VJ5Z

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Elizabeth Ellen Carter writes richly detailed historical romantic adventures. Her full length 3 book Regency era series Heart Of The Corsairs is released in 2017 and 2018 – Captive Of The Corsairs, Revenge Of The Corsairs and Shadow Of The Corsairs. She is starting work on a new 4 book historical romantic suspense series, The King’s Rogues for release during late 2018 and into 2019.

Her other full length titles include the Roman era thriller Dark Heart, the medieval romantic adventure Warrior’s Surrender, and the Regency titles Moonstone Obsession and Moonstone Conspiracy. Also available are the novellas Nocturne and The Thief of Hearts.

A former newspaper journalist, Elizabeth ran an award-winning PR agency for 12 years. She lives in Queensland, Australia with her amazing husband and two adorable and mischievous cats. In addition writing books, Elizabeth produces a online reader magazine called Love’s Great Adventure.

Follow Elizabeth on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and her web site – http://www.eecarter.com

First Kiss Friday with Tess Thompson & a Giveaway!

Hello from the San Francisco Bay Area. Today on First Kiss Friday it’s my pleasure to welcome author Tess Thompson who will be sharing an excerpt from her novel Jaded. Plus, Tess is offering an eBook giveaway of Jaded to two lucky people who leave her a comment below! Happy reading and enjoy, my lovelies!

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Zane and Honor’s first kiss excerpt:

“I’m not oblivious to you now,” he said. “I can’t do anything but notice you these days.”

“Really?” She looked down, pretending to examine her fingernails as warmth flushed her cheeks.

“Really.” He scooted closer. “Can I kiss you now?”

“I suppose.”

He grinned as he took her wine and set it next to his on the table. “Now I feel awkward. Maybe I should’ve just gone in without permission.”

“If you knew how much I wanted you to kiss me, you wouldn’t feel awkward.”

“You’re so pretty it hurts,” he said.

She couldn’t move as he drew closer, inhaling his scent. What should she do with her hands now that he no longer held them? They were lumps in her lap. Should she put her hands in his hair? The last time they’d kissed, she’d been tipsy and caught up in the moment. They’d attacked each other, ripping clothes off as they made their way to his bedroom. Tonight was different. They were too cautious, unwilling to startle the other with the wrong move. When he leaned down to kiss her, all thoughts of what to do about her hands vanished. He parted her mouth and kissed her gently, like an explorer with a rare and fragile find. She kissed him back and spread her fingers into the softness of his hair.

When they parted, he twirled a lock of her hair around his finger. “Maggie says you look like a hair commercial.”

“I pay a lot for it to look this way,” she said.

“It’s worth every penny.” He cocked his head to the side. “Maggie says I should ask you to go steady.”

She almost laughed, caught up in the joy of it all, but then she remembered. The point of asking him back to her home was to tell him the truth.

“What happened?” he asked. “I lost you.”

“I have something I need to tell you. I’ve not told anyone this. Most days I try not to think about it. I’m damaged goods. In more ways than one.”

Jaded by Tess Thompson

Zane Shaw isn’t the type to cower in a corner, until he meets Honor Sullivan. She’s the most phenomenal woman he’s ever met, but he’s been burned before and so he’s doomed to fall for her from a distance. If only his past hadn’t left him so weary, perhaps he could be the man he was raised to be.

Honor Sullivan has too much at stake to get distracted by a man. But Zane Shaw isn’t just any man. He’s smart, gorgeous, and a survivor like her. Which is why she knows, deep down, that he deserves someone better than her. Someone whole and undamaged. Yet she can’t seem to contain the way he makes her feel.

These two jaded souls with an instant connection just might find that true love is a joy best savored in the aftermath of life’s hardships and pain.

The third installment of The Cliffside Bay Series by bestselling author Tess Thompson follows the interwoven stories of five best friends, the beach community they love, and the women who captivate them. Prepare to get lost in a wave of small town charm, men you would love to take home to your mother, and smart, resilient heroines you wished lived next door.

Buy links:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2u3PnBa

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2tXALnU

iBooks: https://apple.co/2lU9z4V

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2IWSqRauy

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Bio:

Tess Thompson writes small-town romances and historical fiction. Her female protagonists face challenges with courage and dignity. Her heroes are loyal, smart and funny, even if a bit misguided at times. While her stories are character driven, she weaves suspenseful plots that keep readers turning pages long into the night.

Her deepest wish is to entertain with her stories, but also to inspire hope in this sometimes difficult journey called life. Her stories celebrate friendships, community, motherhood, family, as well as a belief that love can change the world. If you like happy endings that leave you with the glow of possibility, her books are for you.

Like her characters in the River Valley Collection, Tess Thompson hails from a small town in southern Oregon, and will always feel like a small town girl, despite the fact she’s lived in Seattle for over twenty-five years. She loves music and dancing, books and bubble baths, cooking and wine, movies and snuggling. She cries at sappy commercials and thinks kissing in the rain should be done whenever possible. Although she tries to act like a lady, there may or may not have been a few times in the last several years when she’s gotten slightly carried away watching the Seattle Seahawks play, but that could also just be a nasty rumor.

Her historical fiction novel, “Duet for Three Hands” won the first runner-up in the 2016 RONE awards. “Miller’s Secret”, her second historical, was released in 2017, as were the fourth and fifth River Valley Series books: Riversnow and Riverstorm. The sixth River Valley book will (hopefully) release in the early part of 2019.

“Traded: Brody and Kara”, the first in her new contemporary, small town romance series, Cliffside Bay, released on February 15th, 2018. The second in the series, “Deleted: Jackson and Maggie” released May 7th. “Jaded: Zane and Honor” will be released on July 9, 2018. The subsequent Cliffside Bay books will release every several months throughout 2018.

She currently lives in a suburb of Seattle, Washington with her recent groom, the hero of her own love story, and their Brady Bunch clan of two sons, two daughters and five cats, all of whom keep her busy, often confused, but always amazed. Yes, that’s four kids, three of whom are teenagers, and five cats. Pray for her.

Tess loves to hear from you. Drop her a line at tessthompsonwrites@gmail.com. ​​

Social Media Links

FB: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTessThompson/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tesswrites

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tesswrites/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tessielou44/

Book+Main: https://bookandmainbites.com/tesswrites

Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/user/tesswrites

First Kiss Friday with guest Tricia Linden

Welcome to another First Kiss Friday. It’s always a pleasure to welcome back my dear friend, Tricia Linden. Today, Tricia will be sharing an excerpt from Until She Says Yes. Happy reading and enjoy!

 

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Excerpt:

“Signore Kingsley. Is everything alright?” she asked, setting aside her book.

“I had to see you. I’ve come to say goodbye. I’m being sent to San Francisco, for my project. I’ll be leaving for New York soon to make the necessary arrangements.”

“Oh! So, I guess we won’t be meeting this afternoon for our time together.”

He liked that she didn’t call it a lesson, or even a session. She called it their time together. “I didn’t want to leave without saying goodbye.” He took a step forward and she stood to meet him.

“That’s very, umm . . . considerate of you.” She looked up at him with her soft, doe-like eyes and his heart melted like a piece of chocolate held too tightly in one’s fist.

An awkward moment of silence passed, and Kingsley suddenly blurted out, “I was hoping I could get a kiss goodbye.” When her expression turned to one of shock, he added, “For good luck, of course.” He couldn’t believe he had said that out loud. Holding his breath, her waited for her to answer.

“It hardly seems proper,” she countered.

Kingsley let out his breath. She hadn’t exactly said no, and she hadn’t slapped his face, or walked away. All good signs he hadn’t completely destroyed the moment, and there was still a chance he could get the kiss he wanted. “Even in the interest of good luck?” he asked taking a step closer.

Anna Maria looked slightly confused, as if considering her options. “It seems wrong to deny you good luck.”

Taking another step closer, Kingsley asked, “Have you any idea how many times I’ve imagined kissing you?”

Her eyes grew wide, and her sweet, sensual mouth formed a round little O, making her even more tempting, more desirable. Her natural innocence was both beguiling and challenging. Without even trying, she set his heart racing. His breath caught in his chest. Everything deep inside him went tight and hard with desire. Control yourself, he thought. She’s a governess, for Christ’s sake, translating Italian with me, not some courtesan in need of seducing.

Ignoring his own internal warning system, he leaned in and whispered in her ear. “I’ve often imagined kissing you here, on your swan like neck.” His hand came up to brush the slender curve of her neck. Moving his hand, his thumb padded across her cheek, “Or here.” And then, touching a finger to her sweetly curved lips, he added, “or here?”

Anna Maria’s eyes locked onto his, and as if by the sheer power of his will, she seemed frozen in place. Lowering her lashes, she leaned in, narrowing the gap between them. All he needed to do was pull her into his arms. Going slow to test her resistance, he tilted his head and reached for her, covering her luscious lips with his mouth. Oh, the sweet taste of her: spicy and exotic, and slightly forbidden. Warm and inviting, her lips parted ever so slightly and he felt the tip of her tongue brush lightly against his mouth. Encouraged, he pressed harder, with greater passion. Melting against him, her hands came up and cupped his head, grabbing tufts of his hair.

A second later, she pushed him away, and took a quick step back, breaking the spell. “I thought it was only a kiss for luck you wanted. This leads me to think you want something more.”

Until She Says Yes

The socially awkward eldest son of a prominent New York family must defy his family to secure the love of the Italian governess rejected by his mother.

When Anna Maria Lucci leaves her home and family in Italy to work as a governess in the prosperous city of New York, she soon finds herself carelessly shuffled from one wealthy family to the next. She resents their control over her life, but what can she do?  After being banished from her father’s house, she needs the job.

When Kingsley Goddard needs help translating an old Italian text book, he naturally turns to Miss Lucci, the new governess his mother has hired for his younger siblings. It soon becomes clear that spending time with his attractive tutor is much more appealing than the text book she’s helping him translate.

But when Mrs. Goddard learns the governess is flirting with her eldest son she sends Anna Maria packing. She’ll not allow a servant to sit at her table, much less marry her son.

Willing to defy his family, Kingsley must find Anna Maria and hopefully convince her he’ll do whatever it takes until she says yes.

Read it for Free in Kindle Unlimited!

Available at Amazon [image error]

Bio:

Tricia Linden ~  Author of Timeless Romance

with a Touch of Magic.

An International Banker by trade, and a romance writer by desire.

In this lifetime, I’ve lived in five states, on two islands, and on a farm, and am now living in Northern California. My travels have taken me to Guam, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Hong Kong, England, Scotland, several countries in Europe, and several states in the US.  Besides my love of reading and writing romance, I have a great fondness for zydeco dancing, classic rock and best of all, Pink Flamingos. Over the years, I’ve gathered a rather large collection of the fun pink birds.

I believe in life, love and the pursuit of romance and am living happily ever after with my soul-mate in Northern California. “My life is magical, I am truly blessed.”

Visit Tricia at:

Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  | Email

Medieval Monday with If My Heart Could See You

Hello, my lovelies. Today is Medieval Monday and I’d like to go back to the beginning with an excerpt from my medieval novel, If My Heart Could See You. It’s hard to believe that this month will mark the fourth year that I’ve been a published author. I’m pretty proud of the work I’ve done and I think you’ve been enjoying my books, too. I hope you enjoy this look back to the chapter when Dristan is riding out along the strand and he espies a lady waking up from her slumbers. Happy reading and enjoy!

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Excerpt:

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.

His hands would no doubt be able to span her small waistline; her breasts were not overly large but he knew they, too, would fit well within the palm of his hands and then some. Her hair was the color of flames or the sky just as the sun was about to set as a few loose tendrils blew in the ocean’s breeze.

She shifted her feet in the sand in indecision, and he noticed no shoes covered her feet, which even appeared perfect to his eyes. Surely there must be some flaw with the girl, Dristan thought to himself but he could find none. First the lady in the mist had consumed his thoughts, and now this woodland nymph had come to confuse him even more. Mayhap he could hope the damsel was not wed or spoken for.

“A good morn to you, mademoiselle,” Dristan said, with a slight bow. “You are far from the village so early. Mayhap I can offer my assistance and see you back to your dwelling?”

A negative shake of her head was all Dristan was awarded, and he watched as she took several steps backwards towards the haven of the trees behind her.

“Come now… I mean you no harm, mistress, as I am lord of yon keep,” he declared with a wave of his hand towards the castle. “As a knight of King Henry’s realm, I fear you must humor me as ’twould be most unchivalrous to leave one so lovely unprotected to the elements of both man and beast alike. May I escort you to the village perchance?”

Once again, her hooded head gave no answer whilst she clutched the tartan closer to her, as if it offered the security she stood in need of.

“No? Well, I cannot in all good conscience leave you here to fend for yourself. A name then,” he encouraged, “tell me your name?”

“My n-name?”

Dristan heard her whispered words softly teasing his senses. “Aye, mistress, your name. Surely you have one?”

He stood fascinated as the head of the woman swiveled quickly in his direction. For one brief moment he beheld eyes of violet, reminding him of the heather on the Scottish moors. Still he waited patiently for her answer and yet she provided nothing to give her identity away.

Merciful heavens, what was she to do? His words hung in the air between them, and her consciousness frantically screamed to find an answer to give him and quickly! Yet, no rebuttal came to her frozen mind as Amiria stood there in total indecisiveness. She knew she could not allow him to get too close on the off chance he might recognize her, even though her face was clean from the grime and mud usually gracing it these days. ’Twas the words he uttered, haunting her as he had spoken them to her once afore, although she was now in a different guise.

“Somehow, I do not think giving you my name would be in my best interest, my lord,” she said quietly and took but an instant more to gaze at him afore her eyes became downcast. Her mind was racing, thinking of only how to escape the predicament she now found herself in with no horse to hasten her journey.

Dristan gave a soft chuckle at her words. “Mayhap not, but ’twould please me to know it just the same.”

“It matters not to me if you are pleased, so I will keep it unto myself I think,” she retorted sharply.

“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!”

If My Heart Could See You ~ The MacLarens, A Medieval Romance

 

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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.

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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!

Narrated by Marian Hussey

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