Sherry Ewing's Blog, page 5

Happy release day for Knight of Mayhem!

The day any author has a new book baby being launched out into the world is always a great day! This one in particular is a little bittersweet as the final installment of my Knights of the Anarchy series is finally here with Knight of Mayhem. I hope you’ll enjoy reading Richard Grancourt’s story as much as I had writing it and, in the end, enjoyed how I once again connected this series with my self-published work: The MacLarens. As always, thank you, dearest Readers, for all your continued support and lovely reviews. Happy reading!

Knight of Mayhem:
The Knights of the Anarchy (Book Four)
By Sherry Ewing

Torn between duty and love, can the knight and the woman warrior forget they are enemies and let love into their hearts?

As one of Empress Matilda’s most trusted knights, Lord Richard Grancourt helps plan his monarch’s escape when Oxford Castle is held under siege by King Stephen’s army. When a woman in Stephen’s forces discovers their plan, Richard is tasked with remaining behind and keeping her silent.

Lady Annora de Maris will do anything to save her son, who has been King Stephen’s hostage since his men killed her husband and took her home. Though she’s forced to raise her sword against King Stephen’s enemies, her loyalties are secretly with the Empress she’s compelled to fight against.

Richard takes Annora captive, but his tactics challenge his beliefs about honor and justice, and his feelings for Annora conflict with his duty.

As the mayhem of war pulls Richard and Annora apart, can love overcome the barriers that separate them?

Purchase a copy or read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Buy Links:

Amazon US | 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 Jude Knight

Welcome to my First Kiss Friday blog. Today’s guest is Jude Knight who has an excerpt from the Bluestocking Belles’ next boxset A Christmas Quintet. I just adore this cover by the incredible Dar Albert. Jude’s contribution to the set is entitled Maryanne and the Twelfth Knight. Happy reading and enjoy, my lovelies. Take it away, Jude!

This excerpt is from Maryanne and the Twelfth Knight. This story appears in A Christmas Quintet, the newest collection from the Bluestocking Belles, which is on preorder for 1st December. Just before this excerpt, Dell has told Maryanne he wants her to be his duchess, and she has asked him why.

Excerpt:

The look she gave him said, as clearly as words, that he was evading the question. Which he was. His heart pounding, he told her the truth. “I want you for my wife, my dove, because I have become convinced that I cannot live without you.” He could barely bring himself to look at her. He had known she had the power to destroy him, and now she knew it too.

But she was gazing back at him with soft melting eyes, all the rigidity gone from her body. “Your grace,” she said, on a sigh.

“Call me Dell,” he instructed.

“There he goes again,” Maryanne observed, her eyes dancing. “The arrogant duke. The thing is, I don’t want to marry Dellborough, or Dell for that matter. I would very much like to marry the man who happens to be the duke, but I don’t have a name for him. What name were you given at your baptism?”

His heart was singing. How peculiar. Dell had been convinced that was just poetic nonsense. “You will marry me?”

“You will tell me your name?”

If that was her condition, he would meet it gladly. “Bedivere. But I was the Marquess of Thornstead from my cradle, and always called Thorn until I became duke when I was eighteen.”

“No wonder you are rude and arrogant,” she observed. “But I suppose I must marry you, nonetheless. For I love you, Bedivere.”

Love! That was unexpected, yet he could feel it growing inside him, warming him as he had not been warm for a long time. He took her hands and was about to lean in for a kiss, when she added, “That is, if you truly want me.”

“Oh, I want you,” he told her. Then, after a kiss that threatened to become much more than he thought appropriate for the maiden who would be his bride, particularly since he had not had the foresight to lock the door, he distracted himself by picking the discarded book from her lap.

“Tales of knights and maidens?” he asked. “I enjoyed those when I was a boy.” He settled at her feet, resting one shoulder against the front of her chair arm. “I cannot stop being a duke, my dove, even for love of you, and that, I fear, means you must be a duchess. Yet when we are private together, consider me your knight, and you shall be my lady.”

A Christmas Quintet

By Alina K. Field, Sherry Ewing, Susana Ellis, Jude Knight, Rue Allyn

Five charming stories for your holiday season:

Friends to Lovers—The farmer’s daughter, the viscount’s son, and the estate manager reunite as adults. Della is starry-eyed for the viscount’s son, but is he really the one for her? (Regency, Christmas)Fake Relationship—When the pressure to marry is overwhelming, can a plan put in place at a Christmas house party turn into a love that will last forever? (Regency, Christmas)Second-Chance Love—An accident leaves the modiste burned, blinded and in despair until the physician offers hope and stirs memories. (Regency, Christmas)Country Mouse and Marriage-Shy Duke—Invited at the last minute to make up the numbers, she expects to be an interested observer. The duke has other ideas. (Georgian, Twelfth Night)Two Spies, One Secret—Trapped in a deserted wilderness, will they set aside secrets and past betrayals to rekindle their love and ring in the New Year together? (Medieval, Hogmanay)

Preorder for 1st December:

KDP: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D49S4YQN/d

Other retailers: https://books2read.com/u/m0ND5A

Maryanne and the Twelfth Knight
By Jude Knight

Maryanne is only at the house party as chaperone for her half-sister. She is far too old and insignificant to attract the attention of a duke. Or, at least, if he is pursuing her it cannot be for honorable purposes. Can it? 

Dell knows it is time to take a wife, but the offerings of the marriage mart bore him to tears. The only lady of interest at his sister’s house party is the spinster chaperone. But she isn’t eligible, is she?

Meet Jude

Jude always wanted to be a novelist. She started in her teens, but life kept getting in the way. Years passed, and with them dozens of unfinished manuscripts. The fear grew. What if she tried, failed, and lost the dream forever? The years since 2014 have brought 17 novels, 16 novella, 6 volumes of short stories, a number of awards, and hundreds of positive reviews. The dream is alive.

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

Subscribe to newsletter: http://judeknightauthor.com/newsletter/

Jude’s bookstore: https://judeknight.selz.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JudeKnightBooks

Pinterest: https://nz.pinterest.com/jknight1033/

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jude-knight

First Kiss Friday with Ruth A. Casie

Thank you for stopping by my First Kiss Friday blog. I’m so happy to have you here with me again. Today’s returning guest is my friend Ruth A. Casie who has an excerpt from her new release in the Lyon’s Den Connected World, The Lyon’s Alliance! I just love writing in this world and all the stories connected to it. We hope you enjoy this first kiss excerpt. Happy reading, my lovelies!

The Set Up:

As part of his wager with Mrs. Dove-Lyon, Lord Wolfton, Wolf to his friends escorted Christina to a charity concert. Unbeknownst to him, he was to receive a service recognition award something he had successfully avoided for a long time. This time would be no different. He excused himself before the concert began and didn’t return.

Richard found a very distraught Christina waiting for Wolf in the concert foyer. He rescued her but the damage had already been done. The morning paper was full of gossip.

“Adding fuel for the wagging tongues, observant patrons noted the unexpected sight of Miss Hartfield in a lovely shimmering silk gown accompanied by another gentleman, who was spotted in the viscount’s private box. Was this a mere coincidence or a hint at deeper entanglements? Was Lord Wolfton simply a casualty of unforeseen circumstances, or was the ‘other gentleman’s’ presence the cause of his sudden disappearance?”

Richard arrived early at Christina’s home to make sure she was all right. Wolf arrived shortly after to make his apologies.

The Excerpt:

“I thank you and your mother for your time this morning. I must be going,” Richard said.

“Are you certain? You’re welcome to stay.” Christina twisted the edge of her serviette.

Wolf sensed an underlying unease in her voice. She almost sounded afraid to be alone with him, which made him more anxious about Richard leaving. He forced himself not to fidget.

“That is kind of you. We can discuss the astronomy program later. You provided enough information for me to bring it to the committee later today. Thank you again.” Turning to Wolf, Richard gave a nod. “Wolf.” Richard made his way into the hall and out the front door.

Wolf placed his serviette on the table and turned in his seat to face Christina. Prepared to express himself as succinctly as possible and leave, he hesitated. After much deliberation, he decided to invent a simple explanation—that he and his friend were in a conversation and were unaware of how long he’d been away.

Now, as he looked at her, he knew she would see his deception.

“Would you like to join me in the drawing room? It’s more conducive to a conversation.” Christina rose from her seat.

He stood, walked over to her, and extended his hand. All the anger seemed to dissolve as he peered into her eyes. “I’d be happy to join you.”

She gathered her shawl and the London Chronicle, accepted his hand, and they both made their way into the drawing room. She put what she had in her hands on the table and then led Wolf to the high-backed chairs. The setting afforded them privacy as they faced each other.

“I came here for several reasons.” He leaned forward and took her hands. “To return your shawl.”

“Yes, thank you.” Her terse response made him uncomfortable.

“I found it on the bench when I returned to the concert hall.” Wolf paused. He wished he had brandy rather than coffee. This was more difficult than he thought. “I also found you gone—”

“Wolf, there is no need—” She attempted to pull her hands away, but he held her firmly. She looked at him, surprised.

“Yes, there is. Thomas and I had grown up together and attended Eton together. We were brothers in every way but blood.” He took a breath to calm his racing heart. “We looked after each other. He was the daring one, while I was more conservative. Isn’t that funny? Me, the conservative one.” His forehead was damp, and he knew he had to get the words out. “I couldn’t save him.”

Wolf stared at their hands, but his mind was somewhere else. “We were outnumbered, facing a superior force. Yet, he ran out before anyone could stop him. The men held me back from going after him. I knew what he was doing.”

A hushed gasp escaped her. “The garden game you played as children?”

He glanced at her with a soft smile. “Yes.”

“He was certain a lone Frenchman was firing on us and planned to go behind him. We kept the attention on us. One by one, the French picked us off. That was when we knew more than one Frenchman was hiding. But we kept firing. When Tommy attempted the ambush, the French were prepared.”

He dropped her hands and covered his face. “Bloody hell, why didn’t I go after him?”

Christina rose and went to the cellarette. When she returned, he was standing. She handed him a glass of brandy.

Wolf gazed at her, smiled weakly, and accepted the drink.

“When the battle was over, I was the one left. I made my way to Tommy. He was still alive. I did what I could, hoping reinforcements would arrive. I held him like a baby, rocked, and talked to him to keep him awake. That’s when Barrington arrived. He brought Tommy and me to the field hospital.”

“Terrible things happen in war, but you know that better than I.” Christina nodded toward the glass in his hand. “Come, drink up.”

“Who do you think is the mystery author?” she asked. He drank the brandy and was glad she shifted the conversation away from the current topic.

“I have another confession. I wanted to accompany Mrs. Dove-Lyon to these Society events. Wherever I go, there is gossip. I thought Mrs. Dove-Lyon was accustomed to people’s chatter, and I certainly pay no heed to it. When she had to step away from attending the events and suggested I accompany you as her replacement, I thought there would be no gossip.”

“I didn’t anticipate the uproar either.” Christina hadn’t moved away from him. “I suppose we will laugh at the fuss when we reflect on the events. I do wish I knew who was orchestrating this.”

“I spoke with Lady Grace.” Wolf hesitated briefly. “She is well-connected, and I thought she might know who was giving the London Chronicle information. However, she wasn’t aware of the culprit but assured me she would make it her business to find out. It is just a matter of time.” He paused. “The final event, the gala, is a fitting end to this charade.”

Christina nodded. She removed the empty glass from his hands and placed it on the table next to her. “Yes. Perhaps by then, the gossip will tire of us. Move on to fresher scandals.”

Wolf’s gaze lingered on her. “And if it doesn’t?”

She met his eyes and smiled. “Then we face it.”

“At the moment, it is crucial that you forgive me,” he added.

Her open expression faded into one of surprise. Christina opened her mouth but hesitated.

He allowed himself a small smile, feeling a rare surge of mischief. As he did, he felt his usual guardedness ease, replaced by a sense of openness he seldom showed, a playful and vulnerable side that he rarely let others see.

Gently gathering her in his arms. Wolf lifted her face. An expectant hush fell over the room. The warmth of her skin against his palms was intoxicating, but his mind was on the wager with Mrs. Dove-Lyon. He couldn’t afford to lose it.

A breath apart, he studied her eyes. They held anger and distrust, but he had to change her mind. He lowered his lips onto hers, not out of love but out of necessity.

Her lips were soft, softer than he’d imagined. He tasted the hint of tea along with the sweetness of vulnerability. The kiss was a calculated move and not a promise whispered in the quiet of a shared breath.  Wolf was on a precipice where desire met strategy, where longing collided with his need to win.

He stepped back, breaking the spell, and Christina’s eyes fluttered open. His gaze lingered on her, not because her kiss was sweet or because she was exquisite, but because he needed to gauge her reaction. She was a means to an end, a vision that defied reason only in how she could help him get what he wanted. He stepped back even farther, aware of the raw emotion that must have shown in his eyes. He didn’t mean to reveal so much, yet he couldn’t help but wonder if she could ever understand the depth of his determination to keep his biggest secret from Mrs. Dove-Lyon, even if it meant breaking her heart.

The Lyon’s Alliance
By Ruth A. Casie

In a world where alliances are everything, love becomes the most daring and unpredictable alliance of all.

In Regency London, a mystery threatens high society. Christina Hartfield, facing financial woes, assists Mrs. Dove-Lyon with charity work. She is caught between Viscount Wolfton, who is hiding a wager that could ruin them both, and Richard St. John, who strives to protect her from the rake. Encouraged by Richard, Christina undertakes a project for impoverished children. It gains momentum, but whispers of embezzlement and scandal threaten her efforts. With reputations, fortunes, and hearts on the line, Christina must determine who to trust. Will the truth come to light before it’s too late? Can love triumph over deceit, or will shadows destroy her chance at happiness?

Buy link or read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited: Amazon

About the Author:

RUTH A. CASIE is a USA Today bestselling author. She writes historical adventures from the shores of medieval Scotland to the cobblestone streets of Regency London. Within the pages, you’ll discover ‘edge-of-your-seat’ suspense, mind-boggling drama, and heart-melting emotions featuring strong women and the men who deserve them. She currently has four historical series: The Druid Knight, The Stelton Legacy, and The Ladies of Sommer-by-the-Sea, and sheparticipates in The Connected World of The Pirates of Britannia as well as The Lyon’s Den Connected World. My fifth series, Barrington’s Brigade launches in January 2025 with Book One – A Marriage for the Marquess.

Ruth lives in New Jersey with her hero, three empty bedrooms, and a growing number of incomplete counted cross-stitch projects. Before she found her voice, she was a speech therapist (pun intended), client liaison for a corrugated manufacturer, and vice president at a major international bank where she was a product/marketing manager, but her favorite job is the one she’s doing now—writing romance. Grab your favorite cup of tea, or an ale if you prefer, and join her heroes and heroines as they race across the pages to find their happily ever after.  Ruth hopes her stories are your next favorite adventures!

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First Kiss Friday with Sherry Ewing & a Giveaway!

Hello, my dearest Readers, and thank you for dropping by my blog for a First Kiss Friday excerpt. Today I have an excerpt from my upcoming release, Knight of Mayhem: The Knights of the Anarchy (Book Four). I’m hoping you’ll enjoy this enemies to lover’s medieval romance. I’ll also be doing a giveaway so be sure to read all the way through to be in the draw. Now sit back, grab your favorite beverage, and enjoy this sneak peek of my next release that hits your eReaders on November 23rd!

Excerpt:

Annora expected to leave the hall alone with whatever remained of her dignity. But apparently, she had thought wrong. When she entered the turret and looked behind her, she saw Richard close behind. Damn him! She wanted to take the curved stairs two at a time in order to escape him, but while that might have been possible if she were dressed in her usual hose and tunic, there was too much fabric to this dress to move quickly. It caught between her legs until she finally lifted the gown up above her knees and hastened her steps.

Richard did the same. “Annora!”

Her name called out in that deep baritone caused her body to shiver in unexpected delight. Nay! She would not give in to any feelings of attraction toward the beast who held her against her will. Instead, she would separate herself from his company completely. When she reached the floor to the bedchamber they shared, she sprinted down the passageway toward the open door that was like a beacon offering her safety, if only she could reach it in time.

She darted inside the room and went to slam the wooden portal shut as quickly as she could. She had been so close to ensuring her privacy for the day but clearly Richard was just as fast as he, too, pushed against the portal preventing her from sealing it shut. She was no match for his strength, and she finally gave up struggling against him. Letting go of the door, the wood slammed against the wall whilst Richard filled the room. He was like a dark lion on the prowl as he quickly closed the distance between them. But she had no mind to be caught in his grasp as she put first the table between them and then a chair as he followed her around the room that felt as if ’twas getting smaller by the second. The chair soon bounced to the floor when he easily knocked it out of his way and closed in on her, grabbing hold of her shoulders.

She was pulled against that firm chest of muscles. Rock hard like a marble statue, she could even feel the ripples of his stomach and she knew his body, if fully revealed, would show him to be every inch the warrior.

“You will be the death of me, woman,” he scolded. But despite the aggravation in his tone, she thought she heard a hint of unspoken desire as well. Surely, she must be imaging such a happening.

“I could not be that lucky,” she hotly retorted.

“Do you never have anything kind to say?” he asked pulling her closer causing her to lift her hands to push against his solid chest. He did not budge even an inch.

A short laugh escaped her lips. “To you? The man who is holding me against my will? I think not.”

“Perchance I can change your mind so we can find a common accord between us.” God help her, but his tone was like that of a lover. Had it really been so long since she had a man in her bed that the first one to come along who held her this close had only to murmur a few suggestive words in order to wreak havoc with her heart?

“I will never be amicable to anything you might offer,” she declared instead of giving voice to this sudden, forbidden attraction. ’Twas clear that her heart would betray her, but her mind remained her own, and she would not allow herself to be swayed into giving any quarter to this man.

“I have heard that one should never say never, dearest Annora,” he said in another purely sinful tone. When he reached up to brush a lock of her hair back, she swore her heart flipped end over end.

“I am not your dearest,” she snarled trying to catch her breath, “and you are not man enough to convince me to change my mind about the conclusions I have drawn as to your character.”

His smile broadened across his handsome features. “From the look of you, I believe you speak a falsehood, my lady. Why, if I did not know better, I would say from your heaving bosom and your attempts to breathe normally that you might even desire me just a little.”

“Desire you? You must be mad,” she lied trying to push against his chest again to no avail. “I can barely stand being in your presence, Grancourt.”

“You will be hard pressed to keep your distance given the proximity we will be forced into due to the size of this bedchamber. And while I may guard the door, a man can only stand the floor for so long before he longs for his own bed.”

“Then let me go and you may return to sleeping in your bed very much alone.”

A chuckle rumbled in his chest. “By Saint Michael’s wings, I somehow think I like the banter between us.”

“Banter? Do you find my captivity to be an appropriate matter to jest about? I would hate you for that alone, even if I did not hate you already.”

“There is a fine line between hate and love… or so I have heard since the emotion of loving someone has never consumed me. But let us prove this theory you have put forward that you are indifferent to me,” he said with a roguish grin.

“Do not dare―”

“Oh, but I think I must. You are too tempting not to taste those lips that are ripe for kissing.”

“Do not think I will permit you to kiss me,” she growled, but he seemed anything but deterred by her warning.

“I do so enjoy a challenge,” he said cutting off her words before she could make any reply as he leaned forward to slide his mouth slowly over the seam of her lips.

This simple act was so sensual that her knees immediately buckled beneath her, and Richard tightened his grip around her waist to keep her from falling. His mouth teased hers, waiting for her to open up to the possibilities he was offering, tempting her to give in to his exploring. She kept her lips tightly pressed together until she felt a gentle nibble of his teeth on her lower lip. ’Twas playful in a way that she had never experienced before, and she found herself unable to suppress her response. Her gasp gave him the freedom to plunge forward as his mouth took full possession of hers.

And possess her he did whilst every fiber of her being melted as though all the blood rushing through her veins were on fire. A moan escaped her caused the man holding her to clutch her even more tightly in his arms, pressing his body fully into hers whilst his tongue danced a rhythm with hers known to lovers throughout all time. His fingers tangled in her hair and the bun that Beatrix had coiffed came undone. The tawny length flowed down her back and was gripped in fists that tugged deliciously, even as Richard continued to assault her very senses. Annora was lost and she cared not that any words she had flung in Richard’s direction were now proven to be a complete lie. What was the point of spouting such falsehoods when he would know the truth of the matter the moment his lips left hers?

’Twas as though he read her thoughts for those startling blue eyes opened to stare upon her with what she thought was fascination. He appeared as though he was just as surprised as she was by her reaction to his kiss. His mouth lingered next to her own… their breaths mingling together on a heartbeat. She could have sworn her very soul called out to his as if she had finally found her match for the passion she had always carried in her heart. This sensation was what she had once hoped to find with her husband—a feeling she had given up on finding at all. And yet here it was, with this man she had been determined to despise forever.

Knight of Mayhem:
The Knights of the Anarchy (Book Four)
By Sherry Ewing
Releases November 23rd
Preorder for $0.99 or read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited

Torn between duty and love, can the knight and the woman warrior forget they are enemies and let love into their hearts?

As one of Empress Matilda’s most trusted knights, Lord Richard Grancourt helps plan his monarch’s escape when Oxford Castle is held under siege by King Stephen’s army. When a woman in Stephen’s forces discovers their plan, Richard is tasked with remaining behind and keeping her silent.

Lady Annora de Maris will do anything to save her son, who has been King Stephen’s hostage since his men killed her husband and took her home. Though she’s forced to raise her sword against King Stephen’s enemies, her loyalties are secretly with the Empress she’s compelled to fight against.

Richard takes Annora captive, but his tactics challenge his beliefs about honor and justice, and his feelings for Annora conflict with his duty.

As the mayhem of war pulls Richard and Annora apart, can love overcome the barriers that separate them?

Purchase a copy or read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Buy Links:

Amazon US | Amazon AU | Amazon BR | Amazon CA | Amazon DE | Amazon ES | Amazon FR | Amazon IN | Amazon IT | Amazon JP | Amazon MX | Amazon NL |
Amazon UK

Giveaway Opportunity!

I’ll be giving away an eCopy of one of my previously published Kingsburg Press stories to one lucky winner that will be chosen randomly. To be in the running and with Thanksgiving right around the corner, comment below and tell me something you’re grateful for.

I’ll generate a random comment as the winner by Monday so good luck and thanks again for dropping by my blog. I appreciate all your support.

First Kiss Friday with C.H. Admirand!

Welcome to my First Kiss Friday blog. I’m so happy to have my friend C.H. Admirand returning to give you an excerpt from her novel Rescuing the Lady of Sedgeworth. You can preorder it now for $0.99 or read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited. Releases on November 9th. Happy reading, my lovelies. We hope you enjoy this first kiss scene!

Excerpt:

Without a word, Winslow picked up a spoonful of stew, blew on it, and held it before her lips. She shook her head and pointed to the bowl of broth and bread.

“’Tis sorry I am, lass. I shouldha’ realized yer throat pained yet to eat as well as speak.” He dunked the bread in the bowl and mashed it with the spoon until it would be easier to swallow. She let him feed her, his large hands surprisingly gentle.

The tension eased out of her shoulders as he held the spoon and continued to feed her. In between bites, he ate, until at last their hunger had been satisfied.

Genvieve wanted to thank him, the need to speak aloud overwhelming her. But Winslow was looking away from her, and did not see her lips moving. She grabbed his arm with her good hand.

Their eyes met, and a powerful current arced between them. Desire flared again and entwined with the need sweeping through her, robbing her of her breath. When his hand lightly cupped her chin, pinpricks of awareness tingled where he touched her.

His sharply indrawn breath seemed overly loud in the stillness of the chamber. His head lowered until his lips brushed hers in a tentative kiss. He paused, pinning her with the intensity of his gaze, before capturing her lips in a searing kiss.

She felt a moan of pleasure rise up within her, but the sound could not be heard over his low growl of approval.

She felt dizzy, dazed when he lifted his lips from hers breaking the connection.

His dropped his forehead until it rested against hers. “I dinna mean to startle ye, lass,” he rasped.

She wanted to tell him that he had not and gently cupped his cheek. Hoping her smile of encouragement would speak for her, she waited, watching him.

“Och, dinna tell me ye crave another?” he teased, obviously understanding her look.

She tilted her head back, preparing for his kiss.

This time the bone-melting kiss nearly shattered her composure. He ended the kiss, stepped back from her and stared at her as if he were seeing her for the very first time.

They were both breathing heavily when the chamber door swung open and a deep voice boomed. “My wife wanted me to bring these linen strips to you,” Garrick said to Winslow.

When neither one of them moved, he stared from one to the other. Finally he shrugged. “Do you need help wrapping her hand?” he asked, handing the linen to Winslow.

Genvieve’s heart skipped a beat watching Winslow’s hands fumble with the strips of cloth Garrick handed to him, before deftly wrapping her wrist. Would either man sense the jolt of awareness that rocked her every time Winslow touched her? Mon Dieu, she hoped they could not. “Jillian will send Simone to sit with you tonight, Genvieve.” Garrick walked to the door. “She’ll be up shortly.” Looking from Genvieve to Winslow and back, he shook his head and left.

Genvieve’s gaze drifted to where Winslow stood awkwardly beside the bed. He almost seemed reluctant to leave. She gave him a small smile of understanding and mouthed the word, Merci.

With a brief nod, he turned and was gone.

Lying back against the feather-soft mattress, Genvieve let her eyes drift closed. In her mind’s eye she recaptured the rough image of the Scots barbarian who was rapidly becoming her sole communicative link with the rest of the world. The potent sensuality behind his kiss reverberated through her, and she realized that he was already so much more.

Sleep beckoned, but it was the promise of dreams filled with more of Winslow’s kisses that lulled her under.

Rescuing the Lady of Sedgeworth
The Ladies of the Keep (Book 3)
By C.H. Admirand

Rescuing the Lady of Sedgeworth (The Ladies of the Keep, Book Three) is connected to The Lords of Vice series and The Duke’s Guard series, through MacInness and his Irish mercenaries—the O’Malleys, brothers Patrick and Sean and their cousins, Kelly and Eamon—ancestors of the O’Malleys who appear in these two Regencies series.

The heroine in Rescuing the Lady of Sedgeworth, Genvieve de Chauret, is cousin to Augustin de Chauret, both are ancestors of Mignonette de Chauret who marries Sean O’Malley in The Duke’s Protector (The Duke’s Guard, Book 2.)

The Ladies of the Keep must decide to place their trust in an unlikely ally–or lose everything they hold dear!

Kidnapped Norman beauty Lady Genvieve is on her way to her cousin’s new holding Merewood Keep, when her escort is overpowered. Struggling to flee from her captors she is brutally beaten, suffers a blow to the throat, and is knocked unconscious.

On his return to Merewood Keep, MacInness, vassal to Garrick of Merewood, sees a midnight-haired angel being attacked. He interferes, and the enemy’s arrow hits its mark, shooting his warhorse out from beneath him. Nothing will stop him from rescuing the woman, but her throat is injured, and she cannot speak. He brings her to his overlord’s home, unaware of who she is or the changes that have taken place while he was in Scotland. Waiting for her to recover he discovers a woman he can love. One who will finally replace the one he can never have, his overlord’s wife.

Genvieve de Chauret is drawn to the handsome Highlander who risked his life to save hers, and falls in love with him. Someone wants her dead, and when MacInness marries Genvieve, his life is now in danger as well. When MacInness is attacked, rumors abound that it is his wife who wants him dead. When Genvieve’s life is threatened, they have to look into their hearts, and that of their keep’s people to find the traitor threatening their newfound happiness.

It takes a strong warrior to realize that in order to win the heart of his lady, he must not force her to become what he has been taught to anticipate, but to accept her for who she is.

Preorder for $0.99 or read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited!
Releases November 9th.

Buy Links:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJ9Y6RRG
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DJ9Y6RRG
https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0DJ9Y6RRG
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0DJ9Y6RRG

About the Author:

If we have not met yet, I’m delighted to meet you! Here’s a little bit about me…

I have been writing romance novels for almost half my life, well at least for the last 30 years. I’m a diehard romantic and have to confess the broad shoulders and wicked glint in the brilliant green eyes of a stranger had my breath snagging in my breast, my heart beating madly, and my future flashing before my eyes. At the age of seventeen, I’d met the man I knew I was going to spend the rest of my life with.

I write Historical & Contemporary Romance featuring characters that I know so well: hardheaded heroes and feisty heroines! They rarely listen to me and in fact, I think they enjoy messing with my plans for them. Over the years I have learned to listen to them! I have always used family names in my books and love adding bits and pieces of my ancestors and ancestry in them, too!

C.H.’s Social Media Links:

Website: https://www.chadmirand.com

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/C.-H.-Admirand/author/B001JPBUMC

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/c-h-admirand

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/CHAdmirandAuthor

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/212657.C_H_Admirand

Dragonblade Publishing: https://www.dragonbladepublishing.com/team/c-h-admirand/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/c.h.admirand

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRSXBeqEY52VV3mHdtg5fXw

New Releases from Jude Knight and a takeover party!

Welcome to my blog, lovely readers. Any day an author has a new book baby coming out into the world is a great day. My dearest friend, Jude Knight has a new release today, Thrown to the Lyon, and another next week, The Trials of Alaric. She’s been one busy lady writing for Dragonblade Publishing and I’m looking forward to reading both her stories.

Jude will also be doing a takeover party in my public group The Historical & Time Travel World of Sherry Ewing today from 4-6 pm EDT on Facebook to celebrate both releases. You can join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/356905935241836

Congratulations to Jude on her new releases. Let’s learn about these two fabulous books that I’ve got on my TBR list!

Thrown to the Lyon: Lyon’s Den Connected World

Anything can happen when a lady is thrown to a Lyon.

When Dorcas Anderson saves Mrs. Dove-Lyon from being crushed by a passing dray it sets up a chain a series of events she could not have imagined. The grateful lady insists on presenting to her rescuer a tinder box containing three tokens. Each can be exchanged for a favor from The Black Widow of Whitehall herself.

She needs the first sooner than she expected, when her dead husband’s twin, brother to a powerful duke, has her and her four-year-old son arrested for theft.

When Mrs. Dove-Lyon asks him to help rescue a wrongfully arrested widow, Ben, the Earl of Somerford, is glad to aid Mrs. Anderson, whom he knew and respected when he was with the army in the Peninsula.

Dorcas uses the second token to enlist Mrs. Dove-Lyon in catching Ben’s attention, little knowing that Ben is already wondering if Dorcas is just the wife he needs.

Ben is too slow to declare his interest. Dorcas’s brothers-in-law threaten, and Mrs. Dove-Lyon may have the answer: Another marriage, this time to a man powerful enough to stand against a possibly malevolent duke.

The plan is set. A game of cards will decide the groom. Can Dorcas use the third token to change the odds? Anything can happen when a lady is thrown to a Lyon.

Buy link or read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited: https://www.amazon.com/Thrown-Lyon-Lyons-Connected-World-ebook/dp/B0DGMYS3W9/

The Trials of Alaric: A Twist Upon a Regency Tale
Releases November 7th
Preorder for $0.99

To wed her, he’d do anything. Even lose his heart!

When Alaric Redhaven is shipwrecked on the Isle of Claddach in the Irish Sea, he finds himself attending a most unusual house party. The Earl of Claddach is holding a set of trials to discover a worthy man to marry his daughter.

Lady Beatrice Collister, only child of the Earl of Claddach, is committed to choosing a husband who will be her consort when she is the island’s countess. But not one of the eligible gentlemen selected to enter the trials makes her heart race.

As Alaric strives to win the trials, and with them, everything he has ever wanted, he also faces a brother bent on revenge, a drunken villager, and a cousin with a mountain-sized sense of entitlement.

But only the man who uncovers the Heart of Claddach can win Bea as his bride.

Buy link or read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJ9WB9WQ

A Twist Upon a Regency Tale

The concept of this series was to take elements from traditional fairy tales and reinterpret them as Regency Romances, but with no magic, the fairy tale elements reinterpreted into natural happenstance, and the roles of hero and heroine reversed. As the series name says, A Twist Upon a Regency Tale. (Thank you to Caroline Warfield for suggesting the name.)

So far, the following are published or on preorder (story title then the folk tale that inspired the story):

Lady Beast’s Bridegroom – Beauty and the BeastOne Perfect Dance – CinderellaSnowy and the Seven Doves – Snow White and the Seven DwarvesPerchance to Dream – Sleeping BeautyWeave Me a Rope – RapunzelThe Sincerest Flattery – The Goose GirlInviting the Wild – Little Red Riding HoodThe Worth of an Earl (in Hot Duke Summer) – AladdinHold Me Fast – The Ballad of Tam LinThe Trials of Alaric – The Princess and the Pea

Also, in the Lyon’s Den Collected World, I’ve got:

The Talons of a Lyon – The Frog PrinceCrossing the Lyon (in Night of Lyons) – Rose Red and Snow WhiteHook, Lyon and Sinker – The Little MermaidThrown to the Lyon – The Tinder Box

And I’ve signed a contract for four more, to be published in 2025.

First Kiss Friday with Alina K. Field

Welcome to my First Kiss Friday blog. Today’s guest is my dear friend and fellow Bluestocking Belle Alina K. Field! Alina has an excerpt today from her novel Haunting Miss Fenwick which is current on sale for only $0.99. Read on, my lovelies, and enjoy!

Excerpt:

“I would never hurt you or Sir Newton.” He reached for her hand and squeezed it.

Her answering tremble passed through her arm and into him.

Outside, the lightning and thunder had died, but the rain slapped the window sharply. Like as not it had had turned to sleet.

He slipped the edge of the blanket over her shoulder and pulled her closer. “You’re cold as well.”

She angled her head and studied him. “Is there truly treasure here?”

“I don’t know.”

“Is that why you’re here?”

Never confess. Money would be sweet, but it wasn’t what he was looking for.

“You would steal it from us?”

It wasn’t stealing. If he found money, he would merely be taking back from Sir Richard what was owed, what was needed to save his brother’s life.

Digging deep, steeling himself, he gave her the look he’d honed as a young officer, a look he’d used on his most ill-disciplined men, the one he could hold observing a lashing…and for the worst cases, a hanging.

She glared back at him, as fiercely defiant as the worst denizens of the rookeries.

He shook his head and sighed.

“Does anything frighten you?” His hand slipped lower, down her arm and under it, over a slim waist to a generous curve that made his breath—and other parts of him—stir.

“Mr. Greggson’s attempt on my person was alarming. I thank you for saving me.” A shudder went through her. “Would he have attempted more than a kiss, do you think?”

His fingers moved of their own will, softly stroking. “He’s not a man you should be alone with.”

“Yes, I do know that. You and my father have both said so. But what about you, Freddy? Ought I to be alone with you?”

He’d never forced a woman, not ever. Not even after the madness of battle had he succumbed to that primitive drive. He’d done his duty to restore order within his men as well.

He’d understood their mad impulses though.

“I am a gentleman, Tilly.”

She stirred. “Papa…has not been feeling well, I think. I was ever so happy to see him out in the fresh air, but I’ve worried so about him. Mr. Greggson doesn’t know that, but he does know I’m my father’s only child. He seeks to coerce me into marriage because he’s after the estate and its income, and whatever valuables may be found here, which when Papa dies, he believes will be mine.” She let out a minty breath. “But you, Captain Sanderford, you I believe would prefer just money and not my person along with it.”

“Tilly—”

“And so, it would probably be wise for you to unhand me.”

His hand tightened, bunching the cloth of her robe. “Unhand you?”

She tilted her head and gazed at him, almost an equal in height now that they were sitting. Her lips had parted a fraction and locks of hair draped the deep blue of eyes that glistened in the light from the candles.

“Oh, Tilly.” He dipped his head and touched his lips to hers.

Softness. The scents of mint and soap and lilac.

His chest pounded and every nerve in his body roared. She hadn’t pulled away, hadn’t pushed, hadn’t slapped him.

Proceed with caution, he reminded himself. He pressed closer and slanted his lips, coaxing until her mouth opened.

His hand strayed up, under her breast, and he drew her against him.

What, besides parchment, was under the high-necked gowns and the heavy robe?

Haunting Miss Fenwick
By Alina K. Field

While he’s haunting Miss Fenwick, Miss Fenwick haunts him

Thrilled to finally have a permanent home, a Squire’s daughter won’t let a supernatural creature scare her away. While hunting the ghost she doesn’t believe in, she stumbles upon a mysterious flesh and blood man who might be the key to all of her problems.

When the new Squire moves into Fenwick Manor, an ex-army officer secretly searching the sprawling medieval wreck devises a plan. First, the manor’s legendary ghost will chase servants away. Then, he’ll convince the new residents to leave.

But the Squire’s spirited daughter soon has him wondering if he might have found a perfect comrade in arms to help battle old enemies and find the proof that will clear his family name.

Buy Links:

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W7VV5MN

Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/haunting-miss-fenwick

Nook  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/haunting-miss-fenwick-alina-k-field/1132856997?ean=2940161216842

Apple Books https://books.apple.com/us/book/haunting-miss-fenwick/id1475837095?ls=1

Google Play:     https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Alina_K_Field_Haunting_Miss_Fenwick?id=Vpy7DwAAQBAJ

Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/bzvOa9

About the Author:

Award winning and USA Today bestselling author Alina K. Field earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and German literature but prefers the much happier world of romance. Though her roots are in the Midwestern U.S., after six very, very, very cold years in Chicago, she moved to Southern California where she shares a midcentury home with her two rescue dogs, a spunky, blonde, terrier, and a super-friendly chihuahua.

She is the author of several Regency romances, including the 2014 Book Buyer’s Best winner, Rosalyn’s Ring. She is hard at work on her next series of Regency romances, but loves to hear from readers!

Visit her at:

Website: https://alinakfield.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alinakfield
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlinaKField
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/alinakf/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alinak.field/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alina-k-field

Newsletter signup:  https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z6q6e3

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Alina-K.-Field/e/B00DZHWOKY

Available for Preorder ~ Knight of Mayhem!

I’m so excited to announce that the last book in my Knights of the Anarchy series is available for preorder. Knight of Mayhem is an enemies to lover’s medieval romance and I just know you’ll fall in love with Richard and Annora’s story. And this cover… I think this one is my favorite! Read on to learn more about the conclusion to a series I hate to see coming to an end!

Knight of Mayhem
The Knights of the Anarchy (Book Four)
Releases November 23, 2024

Torn between duty and love, can the knight and the woman warrior forget they are enemies and let love into their hearts?

As one of Empress Matilda’s most trusted knights, Lord Richard Grancourt helps plan his monarch’s escape when Oxford Castle is held under siege by King Stephen’s army. When a woman in Stephen’s forces discovers their plan, Richard is tasked with remaining behind and keeping her silent.

Lady Annora de Maris will do anything to save her son, who has been King Stephen’s hostage since his men killed her husband and took her home. Though she’s forced to raise her sword against King Stephen’s enemies, her loyalties are secretly with the Empress she’s compelled to fight against.

Richard takes Annora captive, but his tactics challenge his beliefs about honor and justice, and his feelings for Annora conflict with his duty.

As the mayhem of war pulls Richard and Annora apart, can love overcome the barriers that separate them?

Preorder for $0.99 or read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Buy Links:

Amazon US | 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 C.H. Admirand & a Giveaway!

Welcome back to my First Kiss Friday blog. Please help me welcome back my friend C.H. Admirand who will not only share a first kiss scene with you today from her upcoming release Bargaining With the Lady of Merewood, but she’s also offering a giveaway. More about that later. So sit back, grab a cup of tea and enjoy her first kiss scene. Happy reading and good luck on the giveaway, my lovelies!

The Ladies of the Keep must decide to place their trust in an unlikely ally–or lose everything they hold dear!

Widowed Viking Lady Eyreka barters with William the Conqueror offering marriage to one of his knights in order to save her husband’s birthright.

Lady Eyreka bargains with the king to save her Saxon husband’s keep and her sons’ birthright. When she learns that the king plans to gift it to one of his Norman warriors, widower, Augustin de Chauret, she offers marriage and the continued stewardship of the profitable keep, if her eldest son, Garrick, remains on as seneschal.

Excerpt:

“Come, lady wife, ’tis past time for you to retire.”

Eyreka’s heart fluttered at the thought of spending the night in the same chamber as her husband. She had not thought far enough ahead to discuss their sleeping arrangements once they reached Merewood. She was no newly married maid, unaware of what transpired between man and wife—but he was not Addison—he was Augustin, her husband in name only. It would not do to forget their bargain, no matter how her traitorous body reacted to his voice or his solicitous touch.

“I am tired,” she whispered, as they reached her chamber.

“Leave us.”

The young servant waiting in their chamber hesitated. “But milady—”

“I will see to my wife.”

The maidservant made a hasty retreat.

Her gaze darted from the closing door to her husband’s impassive face. He seemed too relaxed to her, belying the banked embers flaring to life in his dark gray eyes. She was trapped by her unwanted reaction to the man she had pledged her life to. But she had no intention of sealing that pledge. At least not yet.

“My every need?” she asked, before she was able to stop herself.

“All that is in my power to fulfill.” His gray eyes betrayed his desire-laced frustration.

“Do you go back on your word, husband?”

“Why do you ask?”

“You sent my maid away,” she replied, “and I will require assistance in undressing.”

“I am here to serve.” Augustin set her down on the edge of the bed.

Eyreka could not help but notice that the hunger was gone, buried once again beneath the icy gray of his gaze. She knew he had himself back under control by the way he stood, stiffly at attention.

Greatly relieved, she nodded. “My thanks.” She turned her back to him, ignoring the nagging question hammering in the back of her mind. Why did she trust him?

He bent down and untied the belted girdle she wore. As he peeled the first layer of clothing from her, the air between them crackled with tension.

When he reached for her chainse, she stayed his hands. “I think I will sleep in this tonight.” Her voice sounded breathless, and she chastised herself for not being able to resist the powerful form of her new husband. She sought his gaze, hoping to see whether or not he too was unsettled by their closeness, or if she alone suffered.

The heat in his gaze scorched her. Pinpricks of awareness heightened her reaction to him. He drew her into his embrace and paused a heartbeat before brushing his lips across hers—gently, softly, coaxing her to kiss him back.

When she leaned into him, he braced a hand to the small of her back and kissed her with a devastating intensity that awakened the passions she had buried alongside her husband—Addison—by the breath of Odin. How could she forget the love of her life? Her ardor cooled instantly, and she pushed away from Augustin.

His bewilderment was replaced by irritation. Before she could speak, an invisible wall was erected between them. His reaction unnerved her and was as if he were two men: the hot-blooded man, and the icy cold warrior.

“I leave you to your sleep.” Turning on his heel, he strode to the door, anger punctuating his footsteps.

Eyreka wished she knew what he was thinking. Before he had turned away, she’d caught a glimpse of his eyes. They had been the same color as the mid-winter ice that formed on the pond near the south meadow. Unable to trust herself to speak, she nodded. When he slammed the door shut, she knew the approachable man was gone, replaced by the formidable warrior.

Alone, she lay back against the cool linens and closed her eyes. She was a mature woman with grown sons. She would not be controlled by the passion she felt for the fierce Norman knight who stalked from her chamber moments ago. A faint memory of a Viking prophecy swirled through her exhausted brain as a wisp of lavender greeted her, relaxing her as she drifted off to sleep. She dreamt of ice storms and a warrior carved of stone.

Bargaining With the Lady of Merewood (The Ladies of the Keep, Book 2)
By C.H. Admirand
Preorder for $0.99
Release Date: October 12, 2024

Widowed Viking beauty Lady Eyreka learns that the king plans to gift Merewood Keep to one of his Norman warriors…

Merewood Keep is just beginning to earn revenues with Garrick as its overlord. When the king decides to gift the keep to one of his favored knights, Garrick’s mother is devastated until she hears rumors that the Norman is widowed.

Lady Eyreka seeks an audience with the king without her sons’ knowledge. She offers marriage, and the continued stewardship of the profitable keep if Garrick remains on as seneschal. She never intends to fall in love again.

Norman Warrior Augustin de Chauret cannot refuse the king…

De Chauret has no desire to marry or live in England. But cannot refuse his liege lord. They marry and Lady Eyreka retains her family’s holding, but she must convince her sons and the keeps’ people to accept de Chauret.

De Chauret knew he would battle to win his wife’s loyalty and that of her keeps’ people. He never expected to have to battle to convince his men or his young daughter to accept his wife.

Though the Saxons were defeated in the Uprisings, small militant groups remain, striking out at the new Norman lord by capturing his daughter and wife.

Norman and Saxon must work together to rescue them. De Chauret will move Heaven and earth to save his daughter and the woman he has fallen in love with.

In this novel enjoy Medieval Romance, Older Hero & Heroine, Hardheaded Heroes, Feisty Heroines, Second Chances, Marriage of Convenience, Viking vs Norman and Saxon, 11th Century.

The Ladies of the KeepBook 1 – Liberating the Lady of Loughmoe
Book 2 – Bargaining with the Lady of Merewood
Book 3 – Rescuing the Lady of Sedgeworth

NOTE: This story was previously published under the title The Saxon Bride. It now has newly added content for you to enjoy.

Buy links:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9723L1B
https://www.amazon.com/Bargaining-Lady-Merewood-Ladies-Keep/dp/196553922X

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D9723L1B
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bargaining-Lady-Merewood-Ladies-Keep/dp/196553922X

https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0D9723L1B
https://www.amazon.com.au/Bargaining-Lady-Merewood-C-H-Admirand/dp/196553922X

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0D9723L1B
https://www.amazon.ca/Bargaining-Lady-Merewood-C-Admirand/dp/196553922X

About the Author:

If we have not met yet, I’m delighted to meet you. Here’s a little bit about me…

I have been writing romance novels for almost half my life, well at least for the last 30 years. I’m a diehard romantic and have to confess the broad shoulders and wicked glint in the brilliant green eyes of a stranger had my breath snagging in my breast, my heart beating madly, and my future flashing before my eyes. At the age of seventeen, I’d met the man I knew I was going to spend the rest of my life with.

I write Historical & Contemporary Romance featuring characters that I know so well: hardheaded heroes and feisty heroines! They rarely listen to me and in fact, I think they enjoy messing with my plans for them. Over the years I have learned to listen to them. I have always used family names in my books and love adding bits and pieces of my ancestors and ancestry in them, too! Visit my website to learn more about my books.

C.H.’s Social Media Links:

Website:
https://www.chadmirand.com
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/C.-H.-Admirand/author/B001JPBUMC
BookBub:
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/c-h-admirand
Facebook Author Page:
https://www.facebook.com/CHAdmirandAuthor
GoodReads:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/212657.C_H_Admirand
Dragonblade Publishing:
https://www.dragonbladepublishing.com/team/c-h-admirand/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/c.h.admirand/
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRSXBeqEY52VV3mHdtg5fXw

Giveaway Opportunity!

To be in the running for C.H.’s giveaway of an e-book of the winner’s choice from her website at https://www.chadmirand.com, tell us what you love about the Fall Season. She’ll generate a comment as the winner by Monday. Good luck!

First Kiss Friday with Cerise DeLand!

Welcome to my First Kiss Friday blog. I’m excited for you to read this incredible first kiss scene from my friend Cerise DeLand and her latest novel LORD RAMSEY’S RED HEADED RUIN! We hope you enjoy this excerpt. Happy reading, my lovelies!

Excerpt:

Amber walked right up to him, her breasts spilling from that blue silk, heaving and gilded by the moonlight. “Edouard’s young friend says the new muskets are going to Sedan.”

His face fell. “Good to know.” After a moment’s consideration, he marched on.

“Wait! Ram! Stop. We must go to Sedan!”

He scowled, then walked around her.

She ran in front of him again.

He stepped to one side.

“Sedan, Ram. I will go to Sedan. You too.”

“Really? How wonderful. But in reality, my darling, it changes nothing.”

“Because I won’t go to London? Or…or all those other places?”

He whirled on her, an arm out, anger in every growl. “Oui, madame! Because I can’t leave. Because you won’t go. Because the night is long and my temper short. Because I am a man who needs to go swimming in the river, and you”—he poked a finger at her—“cannot follow.”

She looked as if he’d struck her. “I… But… It’s night. Not safe.”

He spun away and back again, so quickly that she teetered on her feet.

He caught her arms and held her against him. Every sensuous muscle in her supple body rubbed against his. Damn his chivalry!

“This is not safe. This!” He crushed her against him. “And this!” He jammed one hand up into the thick curls of her hair and, with the other hand, found her arse, plump and hard. “And this,” he whispered against her lush lips, brushing them with the most innocent kiss and prying them open to explore all of her with his tongue.

***

She melted into his embrace as his tongue seized every bit of her mouth.

He lifted away. She hung there in his arms while he squinted at her in the moonlight as if she were a stranger who had shocked him with her presence.

That was exactly what he had been to her. A stranger become friend. A friend who was now dearer. Necessary to her.

Fighting for logic as he took her lips again, she went, lost in the music of sweet security he alone brought her. The rhapsody he created played in her head like a score of violins leading to freedom. Cares gone, love embraced, she drew him closer. Why could he not be her lover? She could not remember, did not want to. She only knew that to clutch him close and sink her fingers in his long, silken hair was assurance of ecstasy. And she had not had that in so very long.

He gave it freely. Always had.

“There is no rule,” she murmured to him when he raised his face. “No reason to this.”

“True.” He let her go so quickly, she struggled to find her balance again, waving her arms in the air.

He steadied her…and left her.

She would not let him go angry and without resolution.

Amber ran and caught him, seized him by his frock coat, and rose on her toes. Her arms around his shoulders, she looped a leg around one of his thighs and nearly climbed him like a cat. He was hers. She was his and she’d have him. His anguish, his need, matched her own.

And oh. Ohh. He felt like every lovely sentiment he’d ever spoken to her. Allow me to protect you, defend you, guard you from all harm.

She stared up at him. “Let me,” she begged him. “Please let me kiss you. I yearn…”

His face went lax with want, his eyes shimmering with hunger in the translucent light of the moon.

“I want you, Ram. I do.”

He did not budge, but waited as she smiled at him, two tears running down her cheeks, and stretched up to claim him once more.

His lips were sublimely warm and firm, his mouth as wide and as generous as she’d imagined. He tasted of red wine and smelled of citrus and sweat. He held her with urgent passion, and shook with a raw hunger that shocked her. This was real, right—Ram was hers.

LORD RAMSEY’S RED HEADED RUIN
By Cerise DeLand

It’s dangerous to be an honest woman—and torture for the man who loves her.

It’s dangerous to be an honest woman.

Amber St. Antoine flees Paris—and her role to spy on Bonaparte. The deputy chief of police, a venal man, craves Amber as his mistress. He’ll do anything to seduce her, even imprisoning her friends and charging them with crimes.

Amber, rescued from neglectful parents as a child by her influential aunt, grew up in the shadow of the Terror and went to prison with her aunt and Josephine

Beauharnais. Despising the tyranny of a few corrupt men, Amber learned to value freedom.

As a result, when she was approached to serve in an espionage network, she accepted—and excelled. Now in fear of Vaillancourt, she flees Paris, her home—her friends.

It’s torture for the man who loves her.

Godfrey duClare, Lord Ramsey, comes to Paris, part of the British diplomatic mission now that peace exists between his county and France. His first assignment by his superior, Kane, Lord Ashley, is to find the illusive agent Amber St. Antoine and keep her safe.

Following gossip and logic, Ram finds the stunningly beautiful woman deep into the French countryside. He declares she needs his protection, especially since she refuses to leave France. Defiant, Amber agrees to his company, even if they must petend they are married.

The two travel France, discovering in each other each day, a delight that leads to a passion neither can deny.

But when they also find new evidence of Bonaparte’s warlike plans, they must change their own. Suddenly, Vaillancourt surprises them with a ploy neither Amber nor Ram considered.

But Amber decides to outwit him.

Ramsey is furious—and wild to save her from herself. What’s a man to do if he seems foiled at every turn?

Is he a fool to believe that love conquers all?

Buy link ore read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited: https://amzn.to/4d5xZzY

About the Author:

Cerise DeLand is the USA TODAY Bestselling Author who believes love brings rich rewards from a life lived with honesty, valor—and a functioning funnybone.

Known for her poetic elegance and accuracy of detail, she’s won awards for many of the more than 70 novels she’s written.

Her work has been nearly life-long! First published in 1991 by Kensington, then Pocket Books, St. Martin’s Press and independent presses, she is now published by DRAGONBLADE PUBLISHING. Plus her books have been monthly selections of the Doubleday Book Club and the Mystery Guild.

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

And at home every day? She cooks. (Every night.) 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!

Website: https://www.cerisedeland.com

AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/Cerise-DeLand/e/B0089DS2N2/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cerise.deland

Blog:  https://cerisedeland.blogspot.com/

BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cerise-deland

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCba82P_Q1kUrJUVVW0CwJmw

Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com.au/frenchcherryred/