First Kiss Friday with Ruth A. Casie.
Hello and welcome to another First Kiss Friday. I’m so happy you could be here with us today. Today’s guest author is my friend Ruth A. Casie who has a special treat for you from her recently released novel The Lyon’s Alliance. I’ll let Ruth give you the set up for the story so enjoy, lovely Readers! Take it away, Ruth!
The Set Up
You may remember that last month, I introduced you to Christina and Wolf’s first kiss. Ah, but my dear reader, Christina is being pursued by two men. It wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t tell you about Richard St. John.
Richard met Christina at her sister Louise’s wedding. He was taken aback when he found out she was a proficient astronomer. Fascinated, he came across an opportunity where her ‘hobby’ could be put to good use, teaching children how to navigate by the stars. He brings her news that the board of The Society for the Relief of Indigent Widows and Orphans has voted to underwrite the project as well as an astronomy map. She is excited about his gift and eager to hang it on the wall.
The Excerpt
“The tacks, please.” His fingers brushed hers as he took the small metal pins. “You hold your end. That’s right. A little higher. Perfect. Now hold it steady.” His nearness was intoxicating, their breaths mingling in the confined space.
Once he had completed his side with the same care, he leaned back to assess their joint effort.
“A celestial tapestry waiting to be explored,” she murmured.
“A celestial tapestry?” He gazed at her.
“In the quiet of the night, when the world holds its breath, the celestial tapestry unfurls. It is woven from stardust and moonbeams, a cosmic quilt stitched by the hands of ancient gods.” Christina chuckled. “The headmistress of my school asked me for a poetic explanation of the night sky. That was my answer.”
As they stood side by side, admiring their handiwork, a surge of gratitude washed over her. She turned to Richard and found herself speechless with emotion, unable to contain the overwhelming sense of appreciation she felt for him.
“Thank you, Richard. You’ve made this course even more incredible than I imagined,” she said, her voice filled with genuine warmth.
He returned her grateful smile, his eyes holding hers. “I am glad to know that I played a part in bringing this program and your vision to life.”
And then, Christina threw her arms around him. The warmth of his body enveloped her, and she pulled him into a tight embrace. Richard’s arms enfolded her, solid and steady. The outside world faded, leaving only the two of them—partners, collaborators, and more.
As Richard’s chest rose and fell against hers, Christina felt a rush of warmth flood her senses. With a soft sigh, she nestled closer to him, her cheek against his shoulder. There was something undeniably secure in his embrace, a feeling she belonged there, with him and among the stars they had just pinned to the board.
And in that quiet moment, as their breaths aligned, the universe seemed to conspire. The map on the wall faded into insignificance, replaced by the uncharted territory of their hearts. Christina tilted her head, her lips brushing his collarbone, and for the first time, the boundaries blurred. The kiss was inevitable—a celestial collision, a fusion of longing and possibility.
Richard’s lips met hers, and the world shifted. The constellations spun, and the room dissolved. In that stolen breath, they tasted the promise of discovery—the wonders of the universe and the mysteries of love.
As they pulled back slightly, Christina couldn’t help but detect the way Richard’s eyes sparkled as his gaze met hers. It was as though they shared an unspoken understanding, a connection that bound them together in ways words could not express.
But all too soon, reality intruded upon their moment.
“Christina.” His chest rumbled. She didn’t want to move. She snuggled closer. He laughed, and she nearly swooned because she could hear and feel it. Contentment.
Reality intruded again. With a pang of regret, Christina nodded. “Your meeting,” she murmured, though she was disappointed.
“Please, don’t look so distraught.” He pressed a final kiss on the top of her head.
Christina wanted nothing more than to stay wrapped up in his embrace, to forget about the outside world, and to simply be with him.
“I would much prefer to stay here. I have left the best for last. The board has invited you to attend tomorrow’s luncheon. We can see when the board would like to start the sessions. I know you would like to move the program forward. I’ll gather you tomorrow at 11:00 A.M.”
His words held a promise—a bridge between their stolen moment and the practical world.
She nodded. Reluctantly, she watched as Richard made his way to the door.
“Until tomorrow then,” she called after him.
With a reassuring smile, Richard nodded as he glanced back at her one last time before disappearing into the bookshop and out the shop door.
The Lyon’s Alliance: Lyon’s Den Connected WorldBy 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?
5 Star Review – Twist and Turns ~ “This was a very different tale to many in the series. The initial protagonist slithers in and out of the plot. In the meantime, another hero enters the fray. Finally, all is revealed. Well woven tale.” ~ Amazon Review
Purchase a copy or read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJ5P61FK
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!
Social Media Links:
Website: https://ruthacasie.com/
Ruth’s Newsletter Signup: http://ruthacasie.com/contact.html#newsletter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthacasie/
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/RuthACasie/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RuthACasie
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ruth-a-casie
Amazon: https://amazon.com/author/ruthacasie
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4792909.Ruth_A_Casie
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Ruth-A-Casie
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ruthacasie
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ruthacasie
Mastodon: https://romancelandia.club/@RuthACasie
