First Kiss Friday with Ruth A. Casie

Hello and welcome back to my First Kiss Friday blog! I’m always thrilled to share a new release from my friend Ruth A. Casie who is here to share an excerpt from her book A Marriage for the Marquess. We hope you enjoy this first kiss scene. Happy reading, my lovelies!

Excerpt:

What began as a practical arrangement soon became something far more dangerous. His inheritance would be secure, and her family would be free of debt—but neither had anticipated how admiration would turn to longing. Near kisses burned with unspoken desire, each moment drawing them closer. Love was never part of the bargain until…

Miss Hayward,

Consider this a friendly warning. The debts of the past have a way of reaching into the present. It would be a shame if the beauty of Fairmont were marred by misfortune. The consequences unbearable if actions are not taken. I trust you’ll find a way to settle accounts before matters take an unfortunate turn.

A Concerned Observer

“No one threatens you without facing my retribution.” Ewan’s firm determination was evident in the set of his jaw, a silent pledge of his protection.

Juliet’s breath caught as the air between them became charged with a tension that was both thrilling and terrifying. She heard his declaration spoken with purpose and sincerity.

“I cannot let you be drawn into my family problems.” She shook her head and took a step back. But he took her by the shoulders. She could not turn away.

“You have no say in what I allow myself to be drawn into,” Ewan said, his voice low and unwavering. “I refuse to stand idly by when I can help.”

He drew her in closer, close enough for her to feel the warmth radiating from him. Juliet’s earlier decision melted under the intensity of his gaze. She knew she should maintain a distance and protect both their hearts from the potential pain of a future denied. Yet, as she looked up at him, all thoughts of caution vanished.

“Ewan,” she whispered. “You mustn’t—”

But her protest was silenced as he leaned down. His lips captured hers in a gentle kiss. The kiss spoke of support, shared burdens, and a growing affection that refused to be ignored.

Juliet’s hands found their way to his chest, clutching at the fabric of his coat as she returned his kiss, her mind a frenzy of emotion. She felt a surge of hope, a daring belief that perhaps they could face the future together, no matter the obstacles.

Their kiss deepened, and little by little, the excuses Juliet used to protect her heart began to crumble. Ewan’s touch was tender, his kiss a comfort to the silent fears that had haunted her. In his embrace, she found strength and a sense of safety she hadn’t known she craved. The world outside, with its expectations and judgments, faded into insignificance. In this moment, there was only Ewan, his kiss, and the promise of a love that might conquer all.

As the intensity of their embrace waned, Ewan became acutely aware of the propriety they challenged. With great reluctance, he eased back, his hands sliding from her back to grasp her hands gently. “I should leave,” he whispered, his words heavy with unspoken longing.

He led her by the hand to the drawing room door. When they finally parted, breathless and wanting more, Juliet looked up into Ewan’s eyes, seeing not just the marquess but the man who was kind and brave.

His gaze held a silent vow that this was only the beginning. He released her hands as if letting go of a treasured possession and stepped back toward the threshold. “I must go. ‘Till it be morrow,” he murmured, a tender echo of their farewell at Covent Garden.

And with that, he turned and stepped through the doorway, leaving her with a heart full of hope and a drawing room full of flowers.

A Marriage for the Marquess – Book One of Barrington’s Brigade
By Ruth A. Casie

In a world of secrets, love, and ticking clocks, 
their alliance of convenience may just become a marriage of the heart.

Marquess Ewan Glenraven has five weeks to marry or lose everything. Summoned by his former commanding officer, Lord Barrington, he’s tasked with dismantling a deadly gambling scheme and uncovering the truth behind mysterious deaths, all linked to the clandestine Order of Shadows.

In Cavendish Square, Lady Juliet Hayward teeters on the brink of destitution, burdened by her late brother Bradley’s crushing debts. Determined to confront the man holding her brother’s vowels, she crosses paths with Ewan, each unaware that they share a common enemy.

Their solution: a marriage of convenience to meet their urgent needs. But as they delve deeper into London’s underworld, they unearth a conspiracy orchestrated by the elusive Order of Shadows, manipulating events from behind the scenes. A single kiss ignites unexpected emotions, threatening to unravel their carefully laid plans.

Time is running out. Can they trust each other with their secrets, and their hearts, while battling a hidden enemy?

5 Star Review – “A fun, fast-paced romance with quick and clever characters, a circuitous plot, and a delightful love story that keeps you entertained from start to finish.” ~ Amazon Review

Read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DR3C66BP

About the Author:

Ruth A Casie writes historical adventures from the shores of medieval Scotland to the cobblestone streets of Regency London. Her stories embrace strong woman and the men who deserve them. Within the pages you’ll discover ‘edge-of-your-seat suspense, mind boggling drama, and heart melting emotions. 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!

Send Ruth a note at Ruth@RuthACasie.com