Sherry Ewing's Blog, page 53

First Kiss Friday with Kate Moore & a Giveaway!

Today on First Kiss Friday, I’m welcoming another author friend of mine from my local chapter of Romance Writers of America. Please help me welcome Kate Moore who will be sharing an excerpt from her novel The Husband Hunter’s Guide to London. Kate is also offering a giveaway of an eBook! Leave her a comment and she’ll choose a random comment as the winner. Happy reading and enjoy!

[image error]

Excerpt:

Contrary to what the Husband Hunter might expect this guide to suggest, she must not fall in love. It is no more advantageous to “fall” in love, than to fall from a horse or a bridge or down a flight of steps. The uncontrolled path of a falling object and the inevitable end of a fall in a broken head or broken limbs is no apt metaphor for the onset of deep and lasting affection. Love does not happen to us as a result of chance or a misstep. It is not induced by Cupid’s arrows, nor by the juices of rare flowers applied to one’s eyelids. We may discover that love has begun, or that we are in the midst of love with another person, but not because we have fallen but because, in a fertile garden carefully planted and tended, love has bloomed in its season and place when perhaps we were not looking.

                                                            ——The Husband Hunter’s Guide to London

Chapter Fourteen

Hazelwood handed Jane into the carriage and climbed in after her without speaking. He settled a rug over their legs and feet. The carriage lamps cast a faint light into the cold interior.

“Are you sure you want to leave? We could make a push to get your uncle’s painting. Cut it out of the frame, roll it up.”

“You already created a sufficient stir this evening, you know.”

“Did I?” He knocked against the forward panel for the coachman to start the horses and leaned back against the leather upholstery. The dim light revealed his profile, the straight line of his brow above the deep-set eyes, the plain thrust of his nose, and the faint pull of a smile on his lips. In profile he looked almost ordinary, almost like the sort of man her guide would recommend, a sensible man of good character and respectable reputation. She reminded herself that he was no such thing. . . .

“Must you play the hero all on your own?”

“The situation called for action. That’s what I do. I act. Are you going to tell me what you discovered about the painting?” There was a touch of irritation in his tone.

“After you have confessed to a habit of independent action more likely to harm you than anyone else?”

“. . . No damage done. You can see for yourself.” He took her gloved hand in his, slipped it inside his greatcoat, and pressed it against his chest, his warm, hard chest. Through soft wool and silk and linen she could feel the strong beat of his heart. The sudden intimacy altered the smooth rhythm of her pulse.

The carriage rattled along over the stones, and under the rug her knee bumped against his thigh. Hazelwood’s other hand slid around the back of her neck and pulled her closer. The wool scarf over her head slipped back.

“We didn’t finish our conversation about how to behave alone with a gentleman in the dark.”

She swallowed. “I decided never to be alone with a gentleman in the dark.”

“Yet here you are.” His low voice had that break in it that turned her insides to jelly and made the inches apart seem like too much. His mouth was near but not near enough. It was like the end of a desert journey, when the donkeys stumbled on their feet, and it was dangerous to even think of water.

He took her other hand in his and lifted it to his face. “Eversley’s not the man for you, you know.”

“He is exactly the sort of man my guide recommends.”

He shook his head. “Let me show you why your guide is wrong.”

“You mean tell me.”

“Eversley’s touch doesn’t move you, and what’s more, you know it.”

She could not deny the truth of it. Though she had no experience by which to judge, some instinct of which she had been previously unaware told her as much. She had barely tolerated Clive’s patting her hand, yet Hazelwood’s tying her bonnet or tugging at her ribbons drew her whole person to him, like a wave sucked back to the sea.

She should lean away from him, but her body refused to move. “You know, I have had suitors before.” She was not as green as he supposed.

“Have you?” He pulled the wool garment from around her throat.

“Once, the woodcutter’s son asked my father what price he would accept for me. And another time the neighborhood widower who raised pigeons on his roof told my father that the sight of me in our courtyard had inspired him to think of marriage again.”

“How is a fellow to impress a woman of such vast experience, I wonder?” She could hear the laughter in his voice. And felt the change in him when the laughter died.

He lowered his head and leaned forward across the narrow space where their breath already mingled in the frigid air. Then he kissed her.

At first it was a lazy, teasing kiss, lips meeting in a touch as light and airy as words and wit. It coaxed her along, floating lightly on the tide of their wordless exchange, until she was far out from shore, not anchored any more to the bench of a rocking carriage rolling through London. A deeper current of feeling welled up and knocked her off balance. She clung to him more. He was solid and real.

His mouth took firm and unyielding possession of hers. The kiss became a question about who she truly was, the husband hunter she claimed to be, or a daring woman who would put her trust in a stranger who was still a mystery to her yet who seemed to understand her as no one ever had. The dark, rocking coach seemed made for their encounter. He slid so that his body angled down and made a hard slope against which she lay, held in place by his arm around the small of her back and his mouth on hers.

As long as she kept the little book secure, and as long as no one else discovered the map, her actions would not endanger her father. As soon as the thought occurred, she broke away, her breath warm and ragged, her body vibrating with sensation. “Thank you for the lesson. It was most instructive. I will know how to avoid being alone with any government protocol officer trying to persuade me to steal a painting from one of his majesty’s subjects.”

Their carriage halted. They had reached the hotel. She scrambled back on to the seat, rearranging her disordered skirts. It was time to break free of the hold he had on her, to remember that she had only one purpose in London, and it was not to find a husband but a father.

Blurb

In this new Regency charmer from the beloved, award-winning author Kate Moore, the clues to solving one of life’s greatest mysteries may be found in a slim blue volume of advice for husband-seeking debutantes. But two people engaged in a clever game of cat and mouse just might rewrite the book . . .

 

The daughter of a British intelligence agent, Jane Fawkener has spent most of her life in exotic lands abroad, not flirting her way to matrimony among the ton. So when her father disappears and is presumed dead, she’s perplexed as to why he’s arranged for her to receive a copy of The Husband Hunter’s Guide to London. Convinced he has hidden a covert message for her within its pages, Jane embarks on a “husband hunt” with an altogether different aim. But can she fool the government escort who’s following her every move—a dangerously seductive man for whom rules are clearly meant to be broken . . .

Buy Link

Amazon

Kensington Books – http://www.kensingtonbooks.com/book.aspx/35723

 

[image error]

Author Bio:

A native Californian, Kate studied English Lit and taught generations of high school students, who are now her Facebook friends, while she not-so-secretly penned Romances. In Kate’s stories honorable, edgy loners meet warm, practical women who draw them into a circle of love whether in Regency London or contemporary California. A Golden Heart, Golden Crown, Book Buyer’s Best winner and three-time RITA finalist, Kate lives north of San Francisco with her surfer husband, their yellow Lab, a Pack ‘n Play for visiting grandbabies, and miles of crowded bookshelves.

Social Media:

www.katemoore.com

www.facebook.com/KateMooreAuthor

www.twitter.com/MooreKate0

Medieval Monday with Lane McFarland

On today’s Medieval Monday, I’d like to welcome back my guest Lane McFarland who has a snippet from her novel A King’s Enemies. Don’t you love this cover? Be sure to leave Lane a comment below and happy reading, my lovelies!

[image error]

Excerpt:

King Edward opened his arms to the crowd. “Eat and celebrate!”

The king sat in the center of the royal dais that dominated the front of the room. Several minstrels blew into flutes while another musician plucked a harp’s strings, competing with the roars of conversation and laughter echoing throughout the great hall.

Someone touched Katherine’s arm. She jumped.

“Oh, dear, I didn’t mean to startle you.” Hildred, Queen Margaret’s elderly companion, patted Katherine’s back.

“You caught me daydreaming.”

Hildred’s cloudy gray eyes shone in the twinkling lights of candelabra set about the stately room. “I understand. It wasn’t so long ago when I was a young lady, eyeing the brawny men in court.”

Blurb

Tormented by King Edward’s brutality against Scottish sympathizers, Drake Fletcher vows revenge, but only a madman single-handedly attacks the Crown. Instead, he enters the royal court as a spy to aid Robert the Bruce’s rise to power and place a formidable leader on Scotland’s throne.

Scottish lass Katherine Mackenzie Armstrong targets three of King Edward’s officers who brutally raped and murdered her mother. Disguised as one of Queen Margaret’s attendants, she sets a course to destroy the men.

The acts of treason both Drake and Katherine commit are punishable by death in The Tower of London but their determination pushes dangerous limits. Considered enemies, they use each other to gain vital information. Neither expect their overwhelming attraction to one another, the staggering emotions stirred. But the closer they become, the more they jeopardize their pledges of vengeance.

Will the weight of retaliation crush them, see them beheaded? Or will Katherine and Drake form an alliance and learn to live and love again?

Buy Link

Amazon

Follow along next week on Elisabeth Hobbes’ blog at  http://www.elisabethhobbes.co.uk

First Kiss Friday with guest Jude Knight

I always enjoy having Jude Knight and her characters on my First Kiss Friday blog. Today, Jude’s excerpt is from Farewell to Kindness. Rede, the Earl of Chirbury, is showing Anne how to drink brandy. Happy reading and enjoy!

[image error]

Excerpt:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He hummed again, this time almost a moan.

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

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

[image error]
He thought he had buried his heart with his children. He was wrong.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[image error] About Jude Knight

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

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JudeKnightBooks

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

Email: jude@judeknightauthor.com

Medieval Monday with guest Bambi Lynn

I’d like to welcome Bambi Lynn as my guest today for Medieval Monday. Read on for a snippet from her book Mask of the Highlander and don’t forget to leave her a comment! Happy reading and enjoy!

[image error]

Excerpt:

When that did not happen, she gave in to her debilitating fear and gave up trying to remain calm. She shook so hard, she worried her knees would give way. Just a few hours ago, she had been at peace, content in the belief that her husband would never return, and they could live out their days in peace. Oh, the difference in such a short time.

For more information on Bambi and her books, click here.

 

 

BLURB:

Once she was afraid to touch him. Now she’s afraid to let go.

Forced to marry to avoid war between clans, Kenna Cleary endured three days of her new husband’s painful brutality before he rode off to battle the English. In the five years of his absence, she bore him a daughter, increased his holdings, and gained the love and respect of his people. Now he’s home. Must she and the clan learn to endure his cruelty once more?

The Laird of Domhnul has returned from war a changed man—moreso than his wife or clan can possibly know. Now the warrior faces a new battle, one for his wife’s heart, and his peoples’ trust. He must walk the knife’s edge of deception and danger, while proving he is no longer the cruel tyrant they came to know all too well.

But when his father embroils both them in a deadly plot, can the couple find a way to prevent war between the clans?

BUY LINK

Amazon

 

 

First Kiss Friday with guest Jasmine Haynes

It’s First Kiss Friday and it’s a pleasure to welcome back my guest Jasmine Haynes who is a NY Times & USA Today bestselling author. Today Jasmine will share an excerpt from Fair Game. Take it away Jasmine!

Thanks so much, Sherry, for having me on your First Kiss Friday blog! You always give us such great excerpts, whether they’re yours or from other fabulous authors. And it’s an honor to be here today.

So I have to tell you about Josie and Kyle’s first kiss in Fair Game. This couple are a little different, some might even call them kinky. And they actually get veeeery intimate before they ever kiss. I know, they do it all backwards! But that’s one of the reasons I love them, because they’re sexy and fun-loving…and they aren’t looking for love. But just maybe love is looking for the two of them. And they can’t get away from fate!

So here is Josie and Kyle’s first kiss…after they’ve had a little fun in the dressing room!

[image error]

Fair Game ( Castle Inc, Book 3) Excerpt:

Bastard. He’d made her lose control again, and it was too damn good. He stood in front of the dressing room mirror knotting his tie while she struggled to get all her clothes back on. Her legs felt weak, her head light, and she wobbled as she stepped into her shoes.

That’s exactly how he made her feel, off balance, all wobbly. She was supposed to have come out of this the victor over him. Instead, he’d given her a cataclysmic climax to which her body still thrummed.

He gave the tie a last pat into place and pulled on his suit jacket. “Which one do you want?” He held up the silver bustier, then the red one.

Josie flipped the price tag. “Two hundred dollars?” She puffed a breath out and looked up at him. “Forget it.”

“I liked you in the silver. With the stockings.”

“I do not have two hundred bucks to spend on something like that.” She yanked her jacket up her arms.

“I’m not asking you to pay for it. It’s a present.”

“I don’t accept presents that expensive.” Which her mother thought totally appalling. After all, a woman was worth as much as a man was willing to spend on her. And usually more. Josie had never liked the obligation. A man could think he owned you if he gave you lots of pretty things. That made it too easy for him to take something away, like your sense of self-worth. You were special only if he thought you were special. She wouldn’t depend on a man, and she wouldn’t owe him anything either.

Kyle tipped his head to one side. His eyes seemed bluer, maybe picking up the blue stripe of his tie. Dark-haired guys weren’t usually blue-eyed, they were either brown or hazel, and certainly not that deep shade.

Then he sighed. “Fair enough. How about the stockings?” He flipped over the package she’d stuck the fishnets back into. Reading the price, he held it up for her to see. “This okay?”

She felt kind of stupid, making a fuss about it, since it didn’t seem like a big deal to him. “Yeah. That’s fine.” Jeez, twenty bucks for a pair of nylons with holes in them. “Thank you,” she added, then started gathering all the hangers off the hooks.

“I do think the saleslady will clear those up for you.”

She considered, then put them all back except for one pair of frilly, excessively girly panties. She was just full of ideas these days, and she was having a brilliant one right now.

Outside in the main shop, the saleslady beamed, even if they weren’t carrying the expensive corset. “Oh, you’ve found what you wanted,” she said, the smile in her voice, too.

Okay, so she probably hadn’t heard what was going on in the dressing room for—Josie glanced at her watch—good God, half an hour.

“The stockings were amazing,” Kyle said. If Josie could see his eyes, she knew they’d be sparkling. He handed the package to the woman who headed back behind the glass-topped sales counter.

“And don’t forget this one, honey.” Josie held up the frilly underwear, then batted her eyelashes at him as she laid the hanger on the counter beside the stockings. “They looked perfect on you.” Then she winked at the saleswoman. “They were a tad small, but then he’s such a big man, I don’t think they make them large enough.”

Kyle started coughing, covering his mouth, and dammit, his eyes were still sparkling. Oddly enough, the clerk didn’t lose one centimeter of her smile as she rang everything up.

Outside, Kyle grabbed her hand and pulled her around a corner. “Naughty little bitch,” he said, just before his mouth came down on hers.

Oh my Lord. His mouth. Heaven. She’d never been a smoocher. But God, she could make out with this man for hours. He tasted of breath mints, his lips were warm, his tongue expert. The kiss lasted fifteen seconds, but it left her dizzy. And wanting more.

He shoved the bag of lingerie into her hands. “Payback is coming,” he whispered.

Fair Game Blurb

Between them, everything is fair game…

Josie Tybrook is obsessed with her career and proving herself in the family business. Late for a meeting on the latest project she’s in charge of, she pushes her way onto a packed elevator car. When the elevator lurches slightly, jostling her into the very sexy man standing behind her, Josie can’t resist one single naughty act. And nothing will ever be the same.

After that risqué encounter in a crowded elevator, Kyle Perry wants way more out of Josie than simply having her run his refurbishment project. When she’s determined to keep everything business, Kyle has no choice but to issue a sizzling erotic challenge Josie can’t resist. They embark on a passionate secret affair that quickly escalates to a battle of wills, the sexual challenges heating to the boiling point.

But when Josie is faced with losing everything she’s worked so hard for, will the final battle be for her heart?

Learn all about the Castle Inc series on my website! And read more excerpts!

The Fortune Hunter, Book 1, Faith & Connor

Show & Tell, Book 2, Trinity & Scott

Fair Game, Book 3, Josie & Kyle

[image error]

Bio

NY Times and USA Today Bestselling author Jasmine Haynes loves giving readers sexy, classy stories about real issues like growing older, facing divorce, starting over. Her books have passion, heart, humor, and happy endings, even if they aren’t always traditional. She also writes gritty, paranormal mysteries in the Max Starr series. As Jennifer Skully, she writes laugh-out-loud romantic comedies laced with a heavy dose of mystery. Look for Jennifer’s new series written with Bella Andre, starting with Breathless in Love, The Maverick Billionaires Book 1. Having penned stories since the moment she learned to write, Jasmine now lives in the Redwoods of Northern California with her husband and their adorable nuisance of a cat who totally runs the household. Join her newsletter for updates on contests, new releases, and freebies by going to www.jasminehaynes.com.

Contact:

Newsletter signup: http://bit.ly/SkullyNews

Website  Blog  Facebook  Twitter  Amazon  Goodreads  Bookbub

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Happy Valentine’s Day to all my lovely readers!

As a romance writer, today is a day I celebrate the happily ever after’s I’ve created for my characters. This day is all about love and happy couples.

[image error]

Picou,_Henri_Pierre_Romeo_and_Juliet

If you’ve read my work, you know I’m all about pulling my characters apart before I bring them together. Sometimes it’s the villain, whether male or jealous female, or Time itself that creates the obstacle.

But no matter what is driving my plots forward, you can be sure that by the time you reach the last page of my books, you’ll have a big sigh moment and maybe even shed a tear or two that love has won the day.

[image error]

Watts-Paolo_and_Francesca

Lovers throughout time have had their images painted to reflect the mood of the romance they hold dear to their hearts. As an author, I’ve had my own ups and downs when it comes to cupid’s arrow. Until that next knight in shining armor finds me, I continue to have hope that his armor hasn’t turned to rust and he’ll turn up when I least expect him.

So until we meet again between the covers of my books, my Knights of Berwyck and I wish you and yours a very Happy Valentine’s day.

[image error]

You can find all my books on the tab above. Read them all for #FREE in #KindleUnlimited!

Medieval Monday with guest Ruth A Casie

On today’s Medieval Monday, I’d like to welcome my guest Ruth A Casie who is sharing her snippet from The Guardian’s Witch. Isn’t her cover just stunning? Be sure to show Ruth some love by leaving her a comment and happy reading!

[image error]

Excerpt from The Guardian’s Witch:

She exploded out of the forest and stood on the riverbank as the bridge gave way, sending the horse and rider plunging into the angry current. Swiftly the horse surfaced and headed for shore with an empty saddle. She stood on the bank, still mumbling as she scanned the river until she glimpsed a clear red aura shining deep in its middle. Her relief was momentary when the blackness began to creep in. There wasn’t much time.

Back Cover Copy of The Guardian’s Witch

England, 1290

Lord Alex Stelton can’t resist a challenge, especially one with a prize like this: protect a castle on the Scottish border for a year, and it’s his. Desperate for land of his own, he’ll do anything to win the estate—even enter a proxy marriage to Lady Lisbeth Reynolds, the rumored witch who lives there.

Feared and scorned for her second sight, Lisbeth swore she’d never marry, but she is drawn to the handsome, confident Alex. She sees great love with him but fears what he would think of her gift and her visions of a traitor in their midst.

Despite his own vow never to fall in love, Alex can’t get the alluring Lisbeth out of his mind and is driven to protect her when attacks begin on the border. But as her visions of danger intensify, Lisbeth knows it is she who must protect him. Realizing they’ll secure their future only by facing the threat together, she must choose between keeping her magic a secret and losing the man she loves.

Buy Links

Amazon: http://amzn.to/ZgvmDw

BN: http://bit.ly/ZQkCuY

KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-guardian-s-witch

iBook:   http://bit.ly/TGWiBook

Follow along next week on Elisabeth Hobbes’ website at http://www.elisabethhobbes.co.uk

First Kiss Friday with Pamela Gibson

Welcome to another First Kiss Friday. Today’s guest is Pamela Gibson, who is a author of our local Romance Writers of America Chapter. We hope you’ll enjoy this excerpt. Take it away Pamela!

Hi Sherry. Thanks for letting me share an excerpt from my favorite book in my Love in Wine Country series, Sauvignon Blanc to Sigh For.

Sam and Sarah have been best friends since the sixth grade. Sam is tall, gorgeous and macho. Sarah’s petite, cute, and organized. Both have had relationships, but nothing has ever quite jelled.

When Sam gets an opportunity to showcase his amateur winemaking skills and maybe win a hefty prize—enough to open his own tasting room—he cons Sarah into giving up a week of her vacation to help him. Sarah plots a bit of revenge, but nothing to jeopardize Sam’s chances. The competition is in Lake Tahoe, one of her favorite places.

Sarah is a city planner, but she’s also a gourmet cook. The competition Sam has entered pairs wine with food, with competitors being eliminated each day, until only one is left. They aren’t told which of five wine varietals they’ll have to pour each day and have brought food to pair with each one.

Sarah has sent Sam into their cabin’s kitchen to fix hot chocolate while she looks over his scoresheets from the day past. Then something unexpected happens.

[image error] Excerpt:

He checked the cupboard, taking out the plastic box. The one next to it was larger. It contained flat, almost paper-thin vanilla cookies. He put a handful on a plate and shoved a few into his mouth. They melted on his tongue.

“What are these little cookies? They’re terrific.”

“Don’t you dare eat those. They’re to be crumbled into a pie plate as a crust for a dessert I’m considering if we draw cabernet sauvignon.”

“Too late,” he mumbled as he chewed.

“Sam.” She jumped up and put the computer in the chair, rushing into the kitchen. Snatching the container from his hands, she put it back in the cupboard, checking the milk heating on the stove.

“Sorry.”

“How many did you eat?” She put her hands on her hips and glared.

He tried to grin, but his mouth was stuffed with cookies. He held up both hands, folding down a thumb and one finger.

“Eight? What if we don’t have enough for the dessert? What do we do when we draw cabernet?”

He swallowed, trying not to laugh. She looked like a little street fighter, ready to take on the world over vanilla cookies. Her face was scrunched up, and she glared at him, standing her ground. She looked formidable. No, she looked adorable.

“Hey, it’s not the end of the world.” He finally got words out.

“There’s a crumb on your chin.”

“Yeah? Want to lick it off?”

“You’d like that, wouldn’t you, Mr. Macho Ladykiller?”

“Yeah, I would.”

That brought their playful banter to a screeching halt, and they stood there looking at each other. Her mouth softened, and her breathing seemed to still. A soft curl hung next to her face, and her eyes were half closed behind her glasses.

He reached out and pulled the glasses off, setting them carefully on the counter behind him.

“What are you doing?” Her whispered words belied the look on her face. He was sure she knew exactly what he was doing.

He didn’t speak. He reached out and put the errant wisp of hair behind her ear. Leaning down, he brushed his lips against her cheek. Her eyes fluttered and closed, her hands clenched at her sides. His lips moved slowly over to her closed mouth, pressing softly, until it opened for him.

Neither of them breathed.

The smell and sizzle of burning milk filled the air. Sarah took a step back, grabbed her glasses and turned off the stove.

“Here, I’ll make the hot chocolate. Go sit down and start reading the reports.”

He stood in place for a minute longer, watching her deal efficiently with the mess on the stove.

Why did I do that?

Taking a deep breath, he went back to the chair and picked up his score sheets, staring at them blindly. Ears registered sounds. The refrigerator door opened, a spoon clattered in a ceramic cup, water ran in the sink.

“Here.” She handed him a cup and set a muffin down beside him. “If you’re hungry, you can eat one of the cranberry muffins I brought for breakfast.” She sat down and picked up the laptop. “Now, where were we?”

Somewhere I never expected us to be.

Blurb:

Is it friendship or is it love?

Sarah James has always wanted to be part of a family. Her divorced parents are estranged and she has no siblings. But she does have friends, especially Sam, who’s always underfoot…eating her food, fixing stuff in her house, and seeking advice about his love life.

Aspiring winemaker Sam Reynoso has taken care of Sarah since the sixth grade. She’s smart, comfortable, and indulgent. They’re best friends until a wine and food pairing competition throws them together in an intimate, tension-filled setting.

As feelings neither of them expected start to emerge, each will have to decide if their  relationship will evolve, or if their newfound love will be nipped in the bud by a crushing secret.

Buy Links:

Kindle:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ND40WPB

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/sauvignon-blanc-to-sigh-for/id1203890767?ls=1&mt=11

Kobo:  https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/sauvignon-blanc-to-sigh-for

Nook:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sauvignon-blanc-to-sigh-for-pamela-gibson/1125781643

[image error]

About the Author

Author of nine novels and eight history books, Pamela Gibson is a former City Manager who lives part time in Northern California’s wine country and part time in the Nevada desert. Having spent the last three years messing about in boats, a hobby that included a five-thousand-mile trip in a 32-foot Nordic Tug with her patient spouse, she now spends most of her time indoors happily reading, writing, cooking and keeping up with the antics of her gran-cats, gran-dog, and gran-fish. Sadly, the gran-lizard went to his final reward. If you want to learn more about her activities go to https://www.pamelagibsonwrites.com and sign up for her quarterly newsletter. Or stalk her in these places:

Bookbub: www.bookbub.com/profile/pamela-gibson 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Pamela-Gibson/1557080444511057 

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/pamgibsonwrites 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/pamgibsonwrites

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Pamela-Gibson/e/B00MKVB4XE

Medieval Monday with guest Jenna Jaxon

Today’s guest for Medieval Monday is Jenna Jaxon who has an excerpt from her novel Betrayal. Be sure to show Jenna some love by leaving her a comment and happy reading!

[image error]

Excerpt:

Beg pardon, Ysabel.

Their dalliance had lasted longer than expected, though the passion had burned bright throughout. Even so, they were done. She had to find another lover or return to her husband. If he chose to stray now, he would be more discreet about it, for Alyse’s sake.

Alyse, who most likely cursed him for a liar. He could calm her fears when they were abed, but for now he had to play his part eagerly. Thank God the sight of her in that wisp of a garment had inflamed him mightily. Most of these people would believe he would be inside her the moment the curtains were drawn. So much the better. No doubt Alyse thought the same.

BLURB:

The worst betrayals come from within.

After a night of passion with her betrothed, Sir Geoffrey Longford, Lady Alyse de Courcy is eagerly looking forward to her wedding. But when Geoffrey is forced to marry another, a heartbroken and possibly pregnant Alyse finds herself in her own private hell. She must either gamble with her reputation or marry someone she does not love.

A reputed connoisseur of women, Thomas, Lord Braeton, has dallied with many ladies of King Edward’s court, although he has favored none. However, as Geoffrey’s best friend, Thomas has sworn to serve and protect Alyse, an oath now sorely tested when he agrees to marry her—in name only—to guard her reputation. Yet, as they grow closer, and Thomas discovers Alyse’s sweet but spirited nature, he comes to desire a marriage in truth.

Can he overcome her memory of Geoffrey, or is Thomas doomed to burn with passion for a woman he can never possess?

Buy Links:

Amazon  |  B & N  |  Smashwords

First Kiss Friday with guest R.L. Merrill

Today on First Kiss Friday I’d like to welcome my guest, R.L. Merrill, who will be sharing an excerpt from her M/M novel Hurricane Reese. Take it away, Ro!

 

Thank you so much Sherry for having me on First Kiss Friday!

Today I’m sharing with you the first kiss of my two guys thrown together while caring for one ornery octogenarian. Reese Matheson is a newly minted Tony winner for his first musical and he’s decided to come home and take care of his grandfather who suffers from Alzheimer’s. He’d hired live-in caregiver Jude De La Torre while he was on the road and figures the guy can just go stay with family or something when circumstances necessitate Reese moving in. That, however is not the case. Jude is a proud young man who is determined to take care of himself and not put his family out; family who is already caring for his younger siblings while his parents are in the Philippines caring for his grandparents. So he’s been living in his truck for about two weeks at this point when Reese discovers the results of his actions.

[image error]

Excerpt:

The sound of someone pounding on the car woke Jude the next morning, and the first thing he saw was Reese’s handsome face, which looked furious.

“Open up this door right now.”

The humiliation overwhelmed Jude. He turned away from Reese’s angry face at the window of his Pathfinder and wondered if he could disappear if he just closed his eyes tightly enough. It could happen. He used to play that game with his father when he was a boy. He’d close his eyes, and his father would pretend he’d become invisible. Jude would laugh and laugh while his father looked all over for him.

“Jude, I swear if you don’t open this door, I’ll break the window.”

Jude climbed over the backseat and opened the door, but he refused to speak. He kept his arms wrapped around himself to hide the fact that he was shaking uncontrollably.

“You mind telling me what you’re doing sleeping in your car outside my house? Are you crazy?”

Jude tried to keep the tremor from his voice. “I’m perfectly sane. One could ask you what you’re doing outside before dawn shouting at me.”

Reese blanched, leaned closer, and rested his arm on the roof of the car. “Please don’t tell me you’ve been doing this since I came home.”

“Okay.”

“Okay what?” Reese asked, his voice growing more tense by the second.

“Okay, I won’t tell you that,” Jude replied and bit his lip to keep the nervous laughter at bay. He might have lied when he said he was perfectly sane.

“Why are you smiling? You have been, haven’t you? Dammit, Jude. Why didn’t you tell me?”

Any trace of humor evaporated. Jude raised his eyebrow at Reese.

“What would it have mattered to you? You’d already made up your mind to move in. I was in the process of finding a place when you asked me to come back,” he lied.

“But your family—”

“My family has their hands full. They’re already caring for my brother and sister.”

“You have siblings? Where are your parents?”

“In the Philippines. Reese, what are you even doing out here this early?”

“I was just going to run to the store and grab some coffee. We’re out. And I knew you’d be here soon. I just didn’t know you were already here.”

Reese peered around the inside of the car, furthering Jude’s embarrassment. He looked in the back where Jude had been sleeping and noticed all the neat piles of clothes and books.

“You know, most people who live in their cars are like trolls. Even your piles of clothes are color coded. Hey, you own jeans. I was beginning to think you only wore scrubs.” He chuckled, and Jude’s embarrassment turned to anger. He reached over to pull the door closed, but Reese blocked him.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Reese asked, the humor fading from his voice.

“I’m leaving. What does it look like?” Jude tried to tug the door shut, not even concerned about smashing Reese’s perfect hands. It would serve him right.

“The only place you’re going is in the house. No wonder you’ve been so exhausted. You’re going to come in, shower, and get in my bed.”

Jude’s eyes flared, and he started to argue, but Reese held a finger up to his lips.

“As much as I’d love to join you there, now’s not the time. We’ll just take turns. Now grab what you need. You’re moving back in.”

Jude pulled away. “You can’t just order me around. You—”

Reese snaked an arm around Jude’s back and pulled him in for a kiss so quickly that a very stunned Jude could only open his mouth to object before Reese’s tongue filled it. Shocked, Jude tried to push him away, but Reese scooped his other hand under Jude’s ass and pulled him forward to bring their bodies flush against each other, Jude’s legs spread against Reese’s hips. When Jude would have fought harder, Reese bit down on his lower lip and growled low in his chest.

Kissing Reese was everything Jude feared it could be—overwhelming, intoxicating, and probably addicting. Jude forgot about all the reasons he shouldn’t be kissing Reese, slid a hand around his back, and pressed their chests impossibly close together. Jude couldn’t help smiling when Reese moaned his appreciation. Reese may have started the kiss, but Jude met his enthusiasm, stroke for stroke. A sort of quiet chaos built between them as they each finally gave into a chemistry that Jude didn’t quite understand. How could Reese make him so angry, turned on, grounded, and upheaved all at the same time?

Blurb

Tony award-winning musician Reese Matheson’s life resembles a natural disaster, and caregiver Jude De La Torre is caught in the eye of the storm. Can the love these two opposites find together survive caring for an ornery octogenarian with wayward balls and a meddling family insistent upon tradition?

A public break-up is not what Reese expects upon returning from the successful run of his musical in London. All he wants to do is spend time with his beloved grandfather and musical mentor, who suffers from Alzheimer’s. Reese knows he doesn’t have much time left before the elder Matheson doesn’t remember him. In classic “Hurricane Reese” form, he moves into the cottage by the sea, displacing Jude, the intriguing caregiver he’d hired two years before. When Grandpa proves too much for Reese to handle on his own, Jude comes to his rescue, taming Grandpa… and the Hurricane as well. Soon all Reese can think about is how to get Jude out of his scrubs and into his bed. Permanently. Will Hurricane Reese destroy everything in its wake, or will this gay odd couple learn to harmonize together?

Buy LInks

eBook: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/hurricane-reese-9305-b

Paperback: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/hurricane-reese-9304-b

Amazon: https://goo.gl/3FTGYR

Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2001762376761722/

Spotify Playlist Link: https://open.spotify.com/user/rlmerrillauthor/playlist/79BaPjDRZXUwVr5tPI9FNC

[image error]

 

BIO

Once upon a time… a teacher, tattoo collector, mom, and rock ’n’ roll kinda gal opened up a doc and started purging her demons. Several self-published books and a debut gay romance with Dreamspinner Press later, R.L. Merrill is still striving to find that perfect balance between real life and happily ever after. She writes stories set in the places she loves most, such as Hollywood, New Orleans, Las Vegas, Northern California—and Iowa. Ro also loves connecting with other authors online, at the annual Romantic Times Booklovers Convention, and chapter meetings for the Romance Writers of America, of which she’s been a member since 2014.

A sucker for underdogs, Ro has adopted a wide variety of pets including cats, dogs, rats, a snake and fish. Her love of horror is evident the moment you walk in her door and find yourself surrounded by decorative skulls and quirky artwork from around the world. You can find her lurking on social media where she loves connecting with readers, educating America’s youth, being a mom taxi to two busy kids, in the tattoo chair trying desperately to get that back piece finished, or head banging at a rock show near her home in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Connect with Ro:

Website: www.rlmerrillauthor.com

Twitter: @rlmerrillauthor

Facebook: www.facebook.com/rowritesrocknromance

And stay Tuned for more Rock ’n’ Romance.