Category Archives: First Kiss Friday

First Kiss Friday with Beth Barany & a giveaway!

16 Friday Nov 2018

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It’s First Kiss Friday, my lovelies! Please welcome my friend and fellow San Francisco Area of Romance Writers of America chapter member Beth Barany. Beth is sharing an excerpt from A Cupcake Christmas. Be sure to read all the way to the end about her giveaway. Happy reading and enjoy!


Excerpt:

“Kate took his hand and let Florian bring her to standing. She wasn’t surprised by the sparks that flowed from him into her, she welcomed them, in fact. He still hadn’t answered her question.

“Shall we stroll?” He tucked her hand into the crook of his arm, in an old-fashioned charming way. They were shoulder to shoulder.

“To the van?” She shivered at their closeness.

“If you like.” He gazed into her eyes.

“I like.” If her voice sounded husky, she didn’t mind.

Florian grinned. She could swear his eyes twinkled but maybe it was the light of the restaurant or of the sky. Dusk was falling. Low sunlight reflected off the fog hovering above them. Kate walked back with him, arm in arm, to her van parked behind the kitchen a block away. There they stood in the cold foggy night.

He smiled down at her. “Still want me to come by to practice the magic show?”

She never really paid attention to their height difference. Maybe because she was a few inches taller in her work shoes and hadn’t noticed. Now, she was in her flats and the top of her head came to just above his nose, which had a light dusting of freckles to go with his shock of red, wavy hair.

“Yes, I’d feel better about Saturday.” She stared at his lips.

“Did you want to go over the schedule too?”

She nodded and leaned closer to him. “I should.”

“But what do you want to do?” he said softly and stepped closer to her.

Somewhere a horn honked. She blinked and gazed into his sparkling green eyes. “I want—” You, I want you to stay, she wanted to say.

He searched her eyes, waiting.

“To have a—” She shook her head. No, she didn’t want a fling. But she wanted him, something more meaningful.

He leaned a little closer. “A cupcake nightcap? I know, a wine cupcake.”

“I like how you think.” She laughed and kissed him on the lips. Just a brief kiss. He was delicious—sweet and alluring.

He leaned in to deepen the kiss, but she pulled away. “Come on. Let’s walk to my place. It’s not far.” She stepped toward the street.

But Florian didn’t follow. He chuckled. “You’re a bit of a tease.”

“I don’t mean to be,” she said quietly, turned toward him, and held out her hand.

He took her hand. “I know.” He cleared his throat. “You keep the van here overnight?”

“It’s safe. There are cameras in the lot.”

“Will they catch us doing this?” Florian leaned in to land a kiss on her lips. Her insides warmed. She kissed him back. He tasted sweeter than the chocolate shake they’d shared for desert.

She laughed. “I think the cameras have had enough of a show. Let’s go.”

It took twice as long to walk the fifteen minutes to her apartment. They had to stop every few minutes for more kisses. She felt warm all over, as if she were enveloped in the softest comforter.

They made it up the two flights of stairs without stopping too many times. When she opened the door to her apartment, she felt breathless with the kissing and how he made her laugh with his suggestions for ridiculous cupcake recipes, each one more silly than the next, and jokes about putting on a show for the whole neighborhood.

They stumbled into her front hallway of her one-bedroom apartment. She shut the door behind them and then pulled Florian toward her. “I want to kiss you without walking,” she said into his neck. She inhaled his wonderful scent of man and cinnamon. She was burning up and couldn’t wriggle out of her coat fast enough. He helped her, and then leaned in for a long, deep kiss that had her sighing and reaching to slip off his coat. She caressed his strong back muscles under his shirt and sighed some more.

When they finally came up for air, he asked, “Don’t you want to practice for the party?”

“I want to practice a much more ancient art.” She nuzzled his neck and smoothed her hands on his chest, his strong chest, and over his strong muscular arms. He kept himself in good shape. Must be all that lifting and stirring. Too bad he still had his shirt on.

“You sure, Kate?”

“I want you, Florian. I want to be with you.” She pulled back to look in his eyes. “I trust you. I know you’re ready for the kid’s party. I was just stressing out.”

He gazed into her eyes. She thought she saw a flicker of doubt or worry, but she couldn’t be sure, because then she saw nothing but adoration. He smiled. “I want you, too, Kate. Very much.”

She kissed him and pulled him toward her bedroom. “Let’s get practicing.” She hadn’t asked him to stay and he hadn’t reminded her he was leaving. At least they had now.

ABOUT A CUPCAKE CHRISTMAS (A CHRISTMAS ELF STORY) (TOUCHSTONE SERIES #5)

What if you risked losing your baking legacy by cooking up a love truly special?

Florian MacMillian needs a final job to complete his baking resume—preferably a job where he’s unlikely to blow things up with his unruly magic—before returning to the North Pole and taking his rightful place as Master Baker to all the elves.

Kate Delore desperately needs help in her fast-growing cupcake business. Florian is a perfect fit, so she brings him on as baker. For a short time, Florian is happily up to his elbows in batter, and Kate’s business is booming.

But when things heat up between them, Florian wonders if he should risk his legacy to cook up something truly special.

MORE ABOUT A CUPCAKE CHRISTMAS

For a longer excerpt, go here: http://author.bethbarany.com/books/a-cupcake-christmas-a-christmas-elf-story-romance/excerpt-a-cupcake-christmas/

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1ReDzDj (ebook) http://amzn.to/1kDKb07 (print)

Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-cupcake-christmas-beth-barany/1123174352?ean=2940157906924

iBook: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/a-cupcake-christmas/id1036098226?mt=11&uo=8

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/a-cupcake-christmas

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/603017

ABOUT BETH BARANY

Award winning author, Beth Barany writes in several genres including young adult adventure fantasy, paranormal romance, and soon science fiction mysteries. Inspired by living abroad in France and Quebec, she loves creating magical tales of romance, mystery, and adventure that empower women and girls to be the heroes of their own lives.

For fun, Beth enjoys walking her neighborhood, gardening on her patio, and watching movies and traveling with her husband, author Ezra Barany. They live in Oakland, California with a piano and over 1,000 books.

More about Beth’s fiction and to get a free time travel romance, go here: http://author.bethbarany.com/free-romance-story/.

CONNECT WITH BETH BARANY

Twitter: https://twitter.com/beth_barany

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

Instagram: https://instagram.com/bethbarany/

GIVEAWAY

Post your favorite silly cupcake recipe in the comments and Beth will pick one lucky winner at random to win an e-book edition of A Cupcake Christmas.

First Kiss Friday with Sherry Ewing

09 Friday Nov 2018

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Today on First Kiss Friday, I’d like to give you an excerpt from my medieval/time travel, One Last Kiss: The Knights of Berwyck, A Quest Through Time Novella which is my contribution to Follow Your Star Home: A Bluestocking Belles Collection. When I had the opportunity to write a time travel for this year’s Belles anthology, I jumped at the chance because… you know… I love a good time travel, don’t you? Enjoy this first kiss scene with Jade, a modern day woman, and Thomas, one of my Knights of Berwyck. Happy reading!

Excerpt:

Jade was unsure what madness had overcome her to be kissing a man she barely knew, but, in many ways, she felt as though Thomas had always been a part of her. Crazy as it may seem to even have such thoughts, she gave in to the invisible energy surrounding and pulling them together.

The moment their lips touched, everything changed. Where before she felt as though she were being forced into something she didn’t want, now, it was as if this was where she was always meant to be. With Thomas… in his arms… kissing him with all the love she could muster up for another human being.

Their kiss ended just as quickly as it had started. Their breaths ragged, they could only stare into each other eyes. Thomas reached down to caress her cheek, and a sense of wonderment filled her, knowing she had truly crossed time. He gave her a half smile as though he had heard her thoughts before he leaned down to taste what she now freely offered. It was as though they were now in control of their destiny.

Thomas deepened their kiss, and she heard his moan of pleasure even as she held back one of her own. It wasn’t as if she hadn’t been kissed before, but there was a reason she had remained single for so long and not married right out of high school like so many had done. No man had ever stepped into her life that seemed to be the other half of herself or just the piece of her that had been missing. She had sworn to herself she would never settle, but with Thomas, she had an instant connection she knew she would never find again in any other man. In an instant, the universe tilted as though they became as one, almost as though Zoe’s words pulled them together from across the centuries.

As though she watched the scene in a movie theater, his arm wrapped around her waist, and he held her even tighter, bending her over. He made her swoon as no other man had ever done before. Her hand reached up and took ahold of his hair. Gosh, she never wanted to let him go. Emptiness surrounded her when he abruptly tore his lips from hers and pushed away from her. The cooler air of the room coming into contact with her flushed skin caused her to shiver.

He muttered something, possibly in Gaelic, giving Jade the impression he was of Scottish descent. But whatever his words meant, Jade couldn’t understand any of them. He began to pace the room, much like she had done but moments before. She went to him and gently laid her hand upon his arm.

“What’s the matter?” she asked, almost afraid to hear his answer.

He stared at her hand for several minutes until his words exploded from his lips. “St. Michael’s wings! Where did you come by this?” he growled out before taking her hand and inspecting the ring she couldn’t seem to get off her finger. He began to pull at the shiny gold band, but it wouldn’t budge for him any more than it had moved for her.

Roughly, she tore her hand from his. “Stop that. You’re hurting me,” she shouted.

“I did not mean to cause you harm, but how came you by this ring?” he questioned again, his frown deepening.

Gazing down at the object of his concern, she held the ring close to her chest, hugging her hand as though it was wounded. If anything, the jewelry was her one way to return home, or so she guessed. She could not let him have it. Not at any cost, no matter the thoughts that had just gone through her head about the two of them belonging together.

His angry stance told her much, causing her thoughts to jumble around inside her head. She almost laughed out loud at the absurdity of her whole situation if it were to be believed. Time travel? Please… Yet how could she possibly wrap her head around the fact she appeared to be in some bedchamber in a medieval castle, let alone come to care for a complete stranger with just one kiss?

Follow Your Star Home:
A Bluestocking Belles Collection

Divided sweethearts seek love and forgiveness in this collection of seasonal novellas.

Forged for lovers, the Viking star ring is said to bring lovers together, no matter how far, no matter how hard.

In eight stories covering more than a thousand years, our heroes and heroines put this legend to the test. Watch the star work its magic as prodigals return home in the season of goodwill, uncertain of their welcome.

Blurb for One Last Kiss:

Sometimes it takes a miracle to find your heart’s desire…

Banished from his homeland, Thomas of Clan Kincaid lives among distant relatives, reluctantly accepting he may never return home… Until an encounter with the castle’s healer tells him of a woman travelling across time—for him.

Dare he believe the impossible?

Jade Calloway is used to being alone, and as Christmas approaches, she’s skeptical when told she’ll embark on an extraordinary journey. How could a trip to San Francisco be anything but ordinary? But when a ring magically appears, and she sees a ghostly man in her dreams…

Dare she believe in the possible?

Thrust back in time, Jade encounters Thomas—her fantasy ghost. Talk about extraordinary. But as time works against them, they must learn to trust in miracles.

Can they accept impossible love before time interferes?

Follow Your Star Home is available now. 25% of the proceeds benefit the Belles’ mutual charity the Malala Fund.

Buy Links:

Amazon US  |  iBooks |  Kobo |  Nook | Smashwords | 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 guest Jude Knight

02 Friday Nov 2018

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It’s always a pleasure to have my dear friend Jude Knight as a guest author for First Kiss Friday. It’s even better when we get to help her celebrate a brand new release! Don’t you just love everything about this cover? This excerpt is from House of Thorns. Bear has asked Rosa to marry him, and she has requested time to consider. Happy reading!

Excerpt:

In the early dawn, when she served him coffee and a plate loaded with food to fuel his morning’s work, he did not pester her for a decision, but he returned early for lunch, driven home by a heavy shower.

“Have you had enough time to think, Miss Neatham?” he asked, as he entered the kitchen door and interrupted her bread making.

“Yes, Mr. Gavenor.”

He stripped off his rainwear and advanced on her with hands outstretched. “Yes, you have had time to think? Or yes, you will marry me?”

Rosa blushed, and allowed him to capture her hands.

“Yes, I will marry you, Mr. Gavenor.”

He bent from his great height and brushed her lips with his. “Then you had better call me Bear, as my friends do. Or Hugh, if you prefer. My great aunt used to call me Hugh.”

“Hugh, then. Thank you, Hugh. I shall try to be a good wife.”

He kissed her again, another butterfly touch of the lips, then put his hands on her waist and lifted her to sit on the dresser. Now her face was level with his.

“That is better,” he murmured against her mouth. Then his lips met hers again, not a mere brush this time, but a gentle and inexorable advance, setting her lips tingling and taking her breath. His hands slid behind her, pulling her against his chest, so he stood between her open knees, his body pressed tightly to hers.

No, just one hand hugged her, for the other came up behind her head, and tipped it slightly, holding it in place as his lips moved against hers and his tongue swept the seam of her shut mouth once, twice, and again. He hummed with satisfaction when she parted her lips a little, letting his tongue dart inside, and her whole body hummed with pleasure.

Pelman had subjected her to a kiss once; an awkward, embarrassing thing, with her twisting to escape and him boxing her into a corner and pawing her body while he slobbered on her face. The new Lord Hurley, who had also propositioned her when he first arrived at the Hall, had respected her refusal. In fact, he had rather avoided her, and had left again not long after the will was read.

Pelman laughed when she said ‘no’ and waylaid her when she was alone. It had, until now, been her only experience of the pastime, and she had not seen the appeal.

It was very different being the focus of Bear’s undivided attention, the recipient of his tender passion.

She lost herself in the new feelings, grasping his shoulders to bring herself closer to his body, trying her best to imitate the movements of his mouth and tongue.

He pulled away, and rested his forehead on hers, still holding her close. “We had best stop, Rosabel. You are to be my wife, and worthy of all respect, and I have no intention of tupping you on the kitchen dresser. At least, not until we are wed.”

Rosa reluctantly let him go, and he stepped back a little so he could lift her down to the floor. She was pleased to see he looked almost as dazed as she felt. “Would you call me Rosa?” she asked.

“If you wish, though Rosabel suits you. Beautiful rose. My beautiful Rosa.” He still held her waist, and he leaned forward to drop a kiss on her hair. “I will move to the village this afternoon, Rosa, and will ask the rector to post the banns tomorrow.”

His rose thief comes with a scandal that threatens to tear them apart.

Retired exploring officer Bear Gavenor has fled the marriage mart for the familiarity of his work; restoring abandoned country manors to sell to the newly rich. He doesn’t expect to find a potential wife stealing his roses.

Lying gossip has driven Rosa Neatham from respectable employment, and now she has been turned out of her home to make way for the new owner. But a fleeting return to collect some roses for her ailing father changes her fortunes.

In a marriage that offers more inconvenience than convenience, can this unlikely couple beat gossip, misunderstandings, and their own self doubts to find happiness?

Buy links

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JWCZW55/

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

 

First Kiss Friday with yours truly, Sherry Ewing

26 Friday Oct 2018

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Hello, my lovelies, and welcome to another First Kiss Friday. Shhhh… I’m going to cheat a little here since I just shared the actual first kiss scene with Roselyn & Edmond a few weeks ago. So here’s the second kiss scene from One Moment In Time that releases on Sunday, October 28, 2018. I’m so excited to finally get this novel out into the world. In this scene, Roselyn & Edmond have been to the theater. Happy reading and enjoy!

Excerpt:

Edmond had been true to his word. The evening was magnificent and one Roselyn would remember for years to come. The play was spectacular, mesmerizing her from the moment the actors took the stage. At the intermission, she and Edmond mingled with other couples and drank champagne. The bubbles tickled her nose and Edmond laughed at her expression. The only down side to the evening was when Brandon told them Calliope was feeling ill and he would hire a hack to see her home. By the time the play ended, Roselyn was beginning to tire and she asked Edmond if he would be terribly disappointed if they skipped the ball they planned to attend. He was sympathetic to her plight and redirected his driver to take them to the Winslow townhouse.

The brisk cool air of the night came through the carriage and Roselyn shivered as it touched her skin. Noticing her discomfort, Edmond closed the heavy curtains in the conveyance. Reaching across to the opposite seat, he lifted the lid and brought out a blanket to warm her, placing it over her legs. She scooted closer to him to share what warmth could be found. He welcomed her advance, given the grin he gave her, and he reached for her cold hands.

He brought them to his lips, blowing warm air onto them. Roselyn held her breath and felt her heartbeat quicken as she watched him perform this small act of kindness. Breathe; she thought to herself… remember to breathe, Rose. Until this very moment, she had not thought of the consequences of being alone with Edmond while his brother attended to Lady Calliope.

When her hands began to warm, he finally let go and Roselyn immediately felt the loss. Of a sudden, she felt a boldness she had never known before. Her hands made their way to the sides of his face as if to memorize every feature. Slowly she stroked each attribute that made him the most incredibly handsome man she had ever met. But it was not enough. She longed to feel his hair beneath her fingertips. No longer could she resist the urge and, with a small smile, she boldly reached up and touched the curling edges. She watched as he closed his eyes and tried to control his breathing much as she was attempting to do.

Edmond suddenly opened his eyes and gently reached for her hands. “Roselyn, you know not what you do to me,” he huskily stated. “If you continue, I may not be able to keep my promise to you and you shall find yourself thoroughly kissed, my lady.”

Roselyn blushed at the thought, thankful that the dim interior light hid how flustered she was. She took a deep breath before reaching to touch the nape of his neck. “Then I hope you shall not think too unkindly of me if I boldly say that would certainly be one way we shall remain warm,” she whispered softly.

A groan escaped him while she continued to watch him intently. Clearly the man was at war with himself if his clenched fist was an indication. She ran her tongue across her lips to moisten them and apparently the gesture was Edmond’s undoing, for he bent his head to place his lips upon her own.

A spark lit in the pit of Roselyn’s stomach at the first touch, and turned into a full-blown flame when he began giving small nips to her lower lip before tentatively touching his tongue to her mouth as well. He began trailing slow kisses up and down her neck, tracing her ear with his tongue. She could feel his warm breath as he continued to play with her ear and then make his way back to her mouth. A small gasp escaped her but could not be repeated as his tongue entered her mouth and did a dance with her own. Sheer pleasure coursed through Roselyn’s body, but still it strained for something more—what, she had no idea.

As Edmond deepened his kiss, she wished this night would never end. Kiss after kiss followed and at some point Edmond pulled her into his lap. She knew such a position was unseemly but she did not care. She was running her hands over his chest and anywhere else she could touch. Never before had she acted so brazenly but she found she could not stop touching this man whom she had loved for years. Yes, love him she did and she only hoped he felt the same, or she would come to regret her actions this night.

The slight lurching as the carriage began to slow brought the occupants of the carriage down to reality. Roselyn scurried off Edmond’s lap and hurried to rearrange her hair and skirts before the door would burst open.

One Moment In Time: A Family of Worth, Book Two

Release Date: October 28, 2018

One moment in time may be enough, if it lasts forever…

When the man Lady Roselyn Anne Winslow has loved since she was a young girl begins to court her, Roselyn thinks all her dreams have come true… until the dream turns into a nightmare.

Lady Roselyn is everything Edmond Worthington, 9th Duke of Hartford, could ask for in a wife and he is delighted to find she returns his love… until he loses her, not once but twice.

From England’s ballrooms, to Berwyck Castle and a tropical island that is anything but paradise, Edmond and Roselyn face ruthless enemies who will do anything to tear them apart. Can they recover their one moment in time?

Be sure to join me and my guest this Sunday, October 28th from 2:00-9:00 EST for my Facebook party here. And a party wouldn’t be a party without some great prized. There’s still time to enter my rafflecopter here.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo

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 guest Jude Knight

19 Friday Oct 2018

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Today on First Kiss Friday, I’d like to introduce fellow Bluestocking Belle Jude Knight and her characters from our joint box set, FOLLOW YOUR STAR HOME. We just know you’re going to love getting to know James and his wife Mahzad! Happy reading and take it away, Jude!

This excerpt is the first kiss for James and Mahzad in Paradise Regained, my contribution to the Bluestocking Belles’ 2018 holiday box set, Follow Your Star Home. My hero and heroine have been married for more than a decade, and have eight children, but they’ve been separated for months, and distant with one another for longer still.

James has arrived home to find a small army camped outside their gates demanding the heads of his in-laws, and Mahzad is horrified when a woman claiming to be his mistress turns up shortly afterwards. Their confrontation turns into something else in the following excerpt.

Excerpt:

“What?” He ignored the provocation of her description of Cecily. She was offended that he held the meeting without her? “I thought to take a burden off you when your father was so ill. I meant no insult, Mahzad. You should know that.”

“How?” she demanded. “By mindreading? I have lost my magic abilities, oh inscrutable one. My genie is in retirement.” She turned away, her voice dropping. “I have no idea why you do the things you do, except that I know I am a burden to you. I am sorry to inconvenience you and your father by continuing to exist.”

Exasperating female. Would she stick to the point?

“What the devil do you mean now? What has my father got to do with it?”

“He wants you to come back to England,” Mahzad accused. “Your ‘oh so dear’ Cecily told me, and Peter and Yousef confirmed it.” She sniffed and tossed her head. “You will not go because I am an embarrassment to you.”

“Like hell you are,” James snapped. “Neither of them said that, and if they did, it isn’t true.”

She was avoiding his eyes, bending over her weapons, putting the arrows neatly away into the quiver and unstringing the bow. “They said you refused to go and that you told your father’s men that you would not leave your wife.” She whirled back to face him, snarling in her turn. “I say little difference if you did, since you are never here anyway and spend no time with me when you are.”

James was reeling from her dozen blows, some of which had got completely under his guard, but this last remark matched so closely to his own feelings about Mahzad that he struck back.

“You’re the one who is always busy and who never has time for me. You are too busy being katan and mother and friend to everyone in the valley. You’ve made it more than clear you don’t need me, and you don’t want me around.” He took a step closer toward her, crowding her against the table. “But this is my valley. They are my children. You are my wife. It’s about time you remembered that.”

He seized her and forced his mouth down on hers, intending a punishing kiss that overwhelmed her defenses and reminded her he was master in this area as in others, but she met his force with her own passion, softening under his invasion, molding her body to his as she clutched his head to pull him closer. His original intent forgotten, he poured all his longing into the kiss, trying to communicate his love and his frustration, losing himself in the touch and smell and sound of this one woman who was to him above all others.

Until she broke the kiss and shoved him away. “I cannot believe you blame me for all this,” she said. “Just like a man.”

And she stalked away, leaving him alone.

 

Jude’s novella, Paradise Regained, is set in the Kopet Dag mountains north of Iran. Silk Road routes skirted the mountains on both sides and snaked through them. The year is 1794, and though the Silk Roads had long been closed to Europe, trade and travel between the Middle East and the Far East was far from over. Jude’s hero and heroine have established a kingdom in the mountains and a business protecting caravans from bandits and marauding tribes.

Paradise Regained will be published in Follow Your Star Home [https://bluestockingbelles.net/belles-joint-projects/follow-your-star-home/], the Bluestocking Belles’ holiday collection for 2019.

Paradise Regained

James Winderfield yearns to end a long journey in the arms of his loving family. But his father’s agents offer the exiled prodigal forgiveness and a place in Society — if he abandons his foreign-born wife and children to return to England.

With her husband away, Mahzad faces revolt, invasion and betrayal in the mountain kingdom they built together. A queen without her king, she will not allow their dream and their family to be destroyed.

But the greatest threats to their marriage and their lives together is the widening distance between them. To win Paradise, they must face the truths in their hearts.

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.

Jude writes everything from Hallmark to Regency Noir, in different eras and diverse places, short, medium and extra long. Expect decent men with wounded hearts, women who are stronger than they think, and villains you’ll want to smack or worse.and all with a leavening of humour.

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

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First Kiss Friday with guest Caroline Warfield

05 Friday Oct 2018

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Welcome to another, First Kiss Friday! Today it’s my pleasure to welcome Caroline Warfield who will be sharing the first kiss scene in her novella, The Last Post, which is in the Bluestocking Belles’ 2018 box set, Follow Your Star Home. I just know you’re going to love this story. Happy reading and enjoy!

From “The Last Post,” one of the stories in Follow Your Star Home

Harry has come to search for her among the floating islands of Amiens with little hope. He is stunned to find her after days of searching.

Excerpt:

He stood bathed in the light of sunset, his eyes full of joy. “Rosemarie! Thank God. I was afraid some stranger—”

She cut off Harry’s words when she threw herself into his arms, stood on tiptoe, and covered his mouth with hers. His arms clamped around her, one hand slipped under her bottom, and he lifted her off the ground to deepen the kiss. When she pulled back to take a breath he let her slide to her feet but kept her in his arms. Still unable to speak, she ran her fingers over his face as if to verify he was her Harry. He kissed her fingers when they touched his lips.

“You’re here,” she breathed at last. “How?”

“I didn’t think you’d be here,” he said at the same time.

She pulled him in and shut the door, both of them talking at once. He hugged her again and kissed her thoroughly while her heart sang. Thank God, thank God, thank God.

When they moved to the rocker and he pulled her into his lap, they began to tell their separate stories of travel, confusion, and longing, with frequent interruptions for questions and repetition punctuated by kisses. Words gave way eventually, and kisses took their place.

 

 


Follow Your Star Home: A Bluestocking Belles Collection

Forged for lovers, the Viking star ring is said to bring lovers together, no matter how far, no matter how hard.

In nine stories, covering more than half the world and a thousand years, our heroes and heroines put the legend to the test. Watch the star work its magic, as prodigals return home in the season of good will, uncertain of their welcome.

About The Last Post

France 1919

The Great War is over, but how can they marry if he can’t find her?

Love for Rosemarie Legrand gave Harry the will to go on during the horror of trench warfare. Now, army orders trap him in a camp awaiting repatriation. A bout of the Spanish flu lays him even lower, but he is determined not to leave without her. He’ll desert if he has to.

Rosemarie waits for word on her cousin’s farm where she took refuge when war reached the outskirts of Amiens. She wrote to tell him. Has he forgotten her? When the slimmest of information arrives, she sets out to find him.

Can these two lovers unite before it is too late?

Buy Links – Special pre-order price of $2.99:

Amazon US  |  iBooks |  Kobo |  Nook | Smashwords | Amazon AU | Amazon CA | Amazon UK

About the Author

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

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

For more about Follow Your Star Home, look here:

https://bluestockingbelles.net/belles-joint-projects/follow-your-star-home/

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

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

 

First Kiss Friday with Jennifer Skully & a giveaway!

28 Friday Sep 2018

Posted by in 2018, First Kiss Friday

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It’s First Kiss Friday and a pleasure to welcome my friend Jennifer Skully to my blog. Read on and be sure to find out how to enter her giveaway. Take it away, Jennifer!

Thanks so much, Sherry, for having me on First Kiss Friday! It’s an honor to be here today. And I always love reading all those fabulous first kisses your author friends share!

Today I’m going to give you a little taste of one of my Jennifer Skully books. I also write very sexy romance as Jasmine Haynes, but Jennifer is funnier and a little more lighthearted. Although I do love writing a good funny mystery, too! And It Must Be Magic is one of them, Book 3 in the Mystery of Love series.

Lili Goodweather is one of my favorite characters. She makes me laugh. Because she’s a bit of a crazy cat lady. And she talks to animals (like a cat whisperer). And she has a snarky cat named Einstein who takes after my very own cat Wrigley. And because of the town she lives in, Hideaway Creek (which is a mixture of the 3 little mountain towns that I live near) where she frequents her favorite coffee house, The Coffee Stain, along with all the funny characters living in Hideaway Creek. But when she talks with Erika, the little girl who lives next door, and Erika’s cat Fluffy just happens to tell Lili he witnessed a murder, everything goes haywire. Especially since she has to confront Erika’s dad, Tanner Rutland, who, of course, won’t even consider the possibility that Lili can talk to animals and that there might be a body out in the woods because a cat said there was…

Maybe now you get the picture about why Lili makes me laugh. And the ways in which she’ll turn Tanner’s life upside down.

So let me give you their first kiss! And if you read all the way to the bottom, you’ll find out how to enter my giveaway!

It Must Be Magic (Mystery of Love, Book 3)

By Jennifer Skully

Lili hugged the porch column tighter, as if she were dying to say something else, but couldn’t get the words out. Tanner wouldn’t have believed it if he wasn’t witnessing it. Even she claimed she spoke before she thought.

“Spit it out, Lili.”

She sighed. “Has Erika ever talked about having a new mom?”

He took a step backward and almost lost his footing down the first stair. “No.”

“Oh. Well. Okay.”

That definitely wasn’t all Lili wanted to say on the subject. He just as definitely didn’t want to hear it. Yet he felt compelled to go on. “We’re fine the way we are.”

“I’m sure you are.” Oh no she wasn’t sure because she whispered, “It’s that word.”

“What word?”

“Fine. It’s…” She let go of the column to swirl her hand in the air. “So average. Like when someone you’ve met once and haven’t seen in a year politely asks how you’ve been and you say, ‘Fine, thanks.’ It’s totally meaningless.”

“It’s a perfectly fine word.”

She cocked her head at his sharp tone. “I’m not trying to offend you.”

“I’m not offended.” Actually, Lili made him feel a pang of guilt. He was fine, but had he ever stopped to ask Erika? Not that he’d marry just to provide her with a new mother, but he had assumed she was as fine with their family situation as he was. “I’ve never thought about it before.” Hell if that didn’t stink of being a bad father.

“I’m sorry. I won’t say another word about it.” Lili zipped her lip. “It’s none of my business anyway. It’s not like I have kids or know the least little thing about how to raise them. Feel free to tell me to stop babbling. I told you I did that when I get nervous.”

Actually, she babbled most of the time, but that wasn’t what had Tanner’s gaze riveted to her pretty face. “I’m making you nervous right now?” He took back that step he’d put between them.

“Yes.”

A one-word answer wasn’t like the Lili he’d come to know. And semi-appreciate. “Why?”

She had wide, beautiful eyes even in the dim porch lighting.

“Because…” She bit her lip, something that at this moment he found extremely enticing.

He took one more step, closer, very close. “Spit it out, Lili,” he whispered. “I won’t bite.” Well, only under certain circumstances. And he’d make sure she liked it.

“Okay, here’s the thing.”

He had a feeling he wasn’t going to like what she had to say. Having known her all of twenty-four hours, he’d already learned she prefaced an unpalatable notion with those same words.

“I know you told me I couldn’t tell Erika or Roscoe about Fluffy seeing the murder—” She held up her palm as if she had her other hand on a bible. “—and I swear I didn’t. But I did go over to visit.” She took a deep breath, then rushed on. “To see how Fluffy was doing, but I didn’t talk to him. I was hoping he’d be better, but he wasn’t.”

Did she think he was such an ogre that he’d get angry because she’d gone to his house for a visit? Tanner mentally shrugged. Hell, he had issued a lot of edicts, so no wonder she thought he was the ogre.

“It’s fine, Lili—” Then he stopped himself. She didn’t like that word. “It doesn’t bother me that you went over to my house and I appreciate your concern for Fluffy and thank you for not saying anything about a murder to Erika.”

“I asked Einstein to talk to him. You didn’t specifically say Einstein couldn’t talk to Fluffy, only that I couldn’t.”

He almost put his face in his hands to stifle the laughter, but Lili seemed so concerned. As if she thought she’d committed some cardinal sin. “What did Fluffy and Einstein talk about?”

She huffed out a great puff of air and turned to look at the lump lying by the bike tires. Tanner had thought it was a pillow, but now he noticed the green stare trained right on him.

“Not a thing. Einstein doesn’t make friends well.”

“Then how does Einstein get along with Wanetta’s cats?”

“They let her be the leader.”

A womanly attribute. Tanner had the sense not to say that.

Lili peeled herself away from the porch pillar, leaned close enough for him to smell something sweet and heady, something all woman, something he wanted, and put her hand on his upper arm.

“I need to help Fluffy.” She looked up at him with an earnest gaze, her lips parted, her eyes deep in shadow.

On someone else, it might have been beguiling, manipulative even, but with Lili, it was simply sincere.

“You want me to help you find that body,” he said for her.

“Yes.” She highlighted the word with a nod, her dark hair falling like a curtain over one shoulder.

What did she get out of claiming Fluffy saw a murder? What emotional need did it fill for her? Despite his speech about not being 100 percent sure she couldn’t talk to animals, he hung onto that 99 percent certainty. That meant she had to get some emotional charge out of the claim.

What the hell did it matter? If he gave in and went with her, they wouldn’t find a body. Then she would have to give up this nonsense. “I’ll take you.”

She simply stared at him. Her breath puffed in the open collar of his shirt and right down beneath his belt buckle.

Lili could never remain speechless for long. “You’re kidding, right? I mean, you’ll pack up and move away during the night, or you’ll call the men in white with the straitjacket.”

“I won’t move away. And I don’t think they use straitjackets anymore. When I say I’m going to do something, I do it.”

She smiled. It almost stopped his heart. Then she threw her arms around his neck, stepping on his shoe as she went up on her tiptoes to hug him. Her hair caressed his face. Her small, firm breasts pressed to his chest. She was plastered against him yet he wanted her closer. Slipping his arms around her waist, he made sure she couldn’t let go.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you.” She kissed his ear, his cheek, warm moist kisses that weakened his knees.

His brain short-circuited, and his body went into overdrive. He pulled back, grabbed her face in his hands, and took her lips openmouthed. She responded with a low sound, a moan not much louder than a hitch of breath, but it was enough to make him want to push her down on the wooden porch. She let him take her with hungry kisses, her tongue in his mouth, his in hers, a tender nip of her lip, then a soul-deep mating. Over and over until she was once again plastered to him, and the hard ridge of his erection burned against her belly. She tasted of cherry soda and sizzled like champagne. She melted into him and turned him inside out.

He had never tasted anything like her, never touched anything as soft, never wanted anything as badly.

He was on her front porch. Next door to his front porch. With gaps between the hedge that anyone—his daughter—could see through.

As much as he wanted to take more, Tanner pulled back.

His lips clamored for another taste. Hell, he simply vibrated all over with want of her.

She slid down his body until her feet were back on the porch and opened her eyes. “Wow.”

That was putting it mildly. He’d have repeated the word, if he were capable of speech. She kept her arms looped around his neck, supporting herself against him as if her legs wouldn’t hold her. He wasn’t sure his could hold him for much longer.

“That was a very fine kiss,” she murmured.

He laughed, though it came out sounding a bit strangled. It was a damn sight more than fine, and he was truly beginning to understand her earlier analogy.

“I think I might dream about it, tonight,” she said with a little smile and her eyelids at half-mast.

He would be dreaming about far more than just that kiss.

Sliding her arms down his chest, she put her hands flat against him and pushed away until she touched him with nothing but the tips of her fingers.

“Cat got your tongue?” she said.

No. Lili did.

It Must Be Magic (Mystery of Love, Book 3)

Everyone believes in carpe diem… don’t they?

For flower shop clerk Lili Goodweather, that’s what life is all about–savoring the precious moments and all the beauty the world has to offer. So it breaks her heart when 12-year-old Erika Rutland can no longer see the magic in everyday moments.

No, not everyone believes in carpe diem… or telepathic communication with animals.

A firm believer in all things practical, widower Tanner Rutland doesn’t want his daughter’s mind filled with Lili’s fanciful tales—especially her claims that she can communicate with cats. And worse, that his daughter’s cat Fluffy has witnessed a murder. When Lili asks him to help search for the dead body that just absolutely has to be out in the redwoods—she claims—he’s forced to confront whether Lili is just plain crazy or her gift with animals is real.

But after that first delicious kiss, he starts to think he’s the one who’s gone completely crazy. Because suddenly there’s something about Lili that Tanner just can’t resist.

Can this single-minded career man give up everything he believes for a little touch of magic?

Here’s where you can find It Must Be Magic

Kindle:  https://amzn.to/2NvpItk

iBooks:  https://apple.co/2JJCYbz

Kobo:  http://bit.ly/2JKFJJB

Nook:  http://bit.ly/2mxPxNZ

Google Play:  http://bit.ly/2LE2CAj

Leave a comment on the blog to enter into my giveaway for an ebook version of the first two books in the Mystery of Love series, Drop Dead Gorgeous and Sheer Dynamite!

Bio

NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Skully is a lover of contemporary romance, bringing you poignant tales peopled with hilarious characters that will make you laugh and make you cry. Look for Jennifer’s series written with Bella Andre, starting with Breathless in Love, The Maverick Billionaires Book 1. Writing as Jasmine Haynes, Jennifer authors classy, sensual romance tales about real issues such as growing older, facing divorce, starting over. Her books have passion and heart and humor and happy endings, even if they aren’t always traditional. She also writes gritty, paranormal mysteries in the Max Starr series. Having penned stories since the moment she learned to write, Jennifer 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.

Contact

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

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon | Goodreads | Bookbub

First Kiss Friday with Lea Kirk & a giveaway!

21 Friday Sep 2018

Posted by in 2018, First Kiss Friday

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Welcome to another First Kiss Friday, my lovelies. Today’s guest is my friend Lea Kirk who is offering one person who leaves her a comment an eBook of Prophecy. Take it away, Lea!

Hi Sherry! Thank you for having me on First Kiss Friday. I’m thrilled to be here to discuss…well…first kisses. The first first-kiss I ever wrote was between Alex, a young nurse from Earth, and Gryf, a blue-skinned alien captain from the planet Matir. The two are destined to fulfill an ancient prophecy of his people, but everyone deserves a chance to get to know each other before jumping in to save the galaxy, right? Alex and Gryf have a slow burn relationship, but something changes the day after he pulls her back from a near death experience. Gryf is pleasantly surprised to discover Alex is ready to take the next step in their relationship, which is an important event when you’re from a planet where the women call the shots.

EXCERPT:

Gryf turned to Alexandra. What a difference from yesterday. Instead of the waxy pallor of death, her skin seemed to glow in the defused light coming through the cave opening.

Her fingers fluttered around her neck as though attempting to discern how to unfasten the Matiran uniform. The high neck and long sleeves were the style worn by engineering maintenance crewmembers. Which of his crew no longer had use for that uniform? Whose parents would grieve for their lost daughter?

Gryf pushed the somber thought to the back of his mind. “Allow me to show you, compa.”

She nodded, her tongue darting out to wet her lips. Then she lifted her chin, exposing the overlapping material at the juncture of her neck and shoulder. Applying gentle pressure, he ran his fingers along the smooth line of the uniform’s seal, and it parted in response until she could peel it back from her shoulder.

The soft swell of her left breast was exposed, smooth and unblemished. Gryf’s heart stuttered and he clamped his teeth together. With supreme effort, he lifted his gaze to study her forehead as if it were a rare treasure from which he could not look away. It was a good thing too because she raised her head almost immediately. Lucky for him he still had his mouth curved in a smile. She could not be aware how difficult this was for him.

“It’s gone,” she whispered.

Now he did look down. Her fingertips moved over the pale, delicate skin of her breast. The brutal slices of Kotas’s initials were indeed gone, as they had both hoped. Awe filled Alexandra’s eyes. However small, this was her victory, and for her sake he would banish all thoughts of Kotas and Haesi to the darkest recesses of his mind. It was enough to know that the atrocities committed against her had not included rape, a grievous sin that carried the sentence of death for the perpetrator—as did the use of ithemba. A sentence Gryf was more than prepared to carry out when the time came.

He met her gaze again. She grinned and this time his heart turned over in his chest. “Not very long ago I feared I would never see your smile again, Alexandra.”

A faint tinge of pink highlighted her cheeks. “Thank you for saving my life.”

She averted her gaze and her fingers resealed the uniform. When she looked up again, there was uncertainty in her eyes, and something else. Longing? In that moment, it seemed their breathing synchronized. Alexandra pressed her palms against his chest and nothing in the universe mattered, or even existed, except the two of them. She raised her perfect, pink mouth toward him, and he met her half way. The softness of her lips against his sent his thoughts spinning. There was nowhere else he belonged than here, with Alexandra.

Her lips parted and he deepened the kiss, exploring her mouth and caressing her tongue with his own. Wrapping his arms around her, he drew her close. Sweet, so sweet.

All too soon, the kiss ended by unspoken mutual consent. Alexandra smiled at him, her mouth a little pinker and fuller than before. “I think I’d like to keep doing that in the future.”

The corners of his mouth pulled upward. “Nothing would please me more.”

Prophecy

A nightmare of galactic proportions…
One normal day turns into horror when Earth is attacked. Now ER nurse Alexandra Bock is imprisoned aboard an alien slave ship with no way out. She deems all aliens untrustworthy, including the handsome blue-skinned Matiran captain who shares her cell.

A betrayal from within…
One night of treachery leaves Senior Captain Gryf Helyg a prisoner of his enemies. Because of him, Earth’s inhabitants face extinction and his home world is threatened. But his plans for escape are complicated by his inexplicable draw to the Earth woman imprisoned with him.
​
A chance to save both their peoples…
One ancient prophecy holds the key to free Alexandra and Gryf’s war-ravaged worlds. Can two wounded souls who have lost everything learn to trust and forgive in order to fulfill the prophecy, and find a love that will last for eternity?

BUY LINKS FOR PROPHECY

Amazon (universal link)

B&N

iTunes

Kobo

AUTHOR BIO

USA Today Bestselling Author Lea Kirk loves to transport her readers to other worlds with her science fiction romance Prophecy series (Prophecy, All of Me, Salvation, and Collision). She’s made one foray into paranormal with her Kindle World vampire novella, Made for Her.

When she not busy writing, she’s hanging out with her wonderful hubby of twenty-eight years, their five kids (aka, the nerd herd), and a spoiled Dobie mix pup.

WEBSITE

NEWSLETTER (free download of my Prophecy series short story, All of Me)

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

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AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

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First Kiss Friday with Sherry Ewing

14 Friday Sep 2018

Posted by in 2018, First Kiss Friday

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This novel has been a long time coming and for today’s First Kiss Friday scene, I’m happy to give you an excerpt from my next release that is available for pre-order, One Moment In Time:A Family of Worth, Book Two. In this scene, Lady Roselyn Anne Winslow has been ill and Edmond Worthington, 9th Duke of Hartford has just woken up after falling asleep in Lady Roselyn’s home.  Happy reading and enjoy!

Excerpt:

Edmond opened his eyes and found himself gazing into the face of an angel. Emerald pools, green as the Scottish moors, stared back at him with an expression of wonder. He reached out to lightly caress her cheek just to ensure she was real. She trembled beneath his touch and he thanked God Roselyn had awoken once more.

Swinging his legs down to the floor, he stood and reached for her hands to help her to rise. Her beautiful face wore a confused frown, and without thought he acted on the urge to assure himself she was real and on the mend, bringing her into his embrace. He knew in his heart his gesture was inappropriate; he should not be so bold, especially considering all that she had been through, but he could not resist.

Stepping back as he should became impossible when she returned his affection by placing her arms around his waist. As if they had a will of their own, his hands made their way up her arms and into her glorious curling hair that cascaded down the length of her back. It felt like the softest silk to his touch and a lock coiled around his fingers taking possession of him.

He took her chin in his fingers and tilted it up so he could see the face she had been hiding in his chest. Once more staring into her eyes, he saw her lips tremble and wondered how sweet they would taste. Leaning forward, he came to within a breath and hesitated. But only for one second. At last, he brought his mouth down to hers in a gentle first kiss.

There could be no mistaking her hesitation nor that she was inexperienced in her technique. Edmond retained enough control to remember she was a young innocent and he did not wish to scare her away. His heart rejoiced when he felt her arms creep up his back and he tightened his hold upon her. One taste would in no way satisfy the sudden desire he had for her and her encouragement gave him the permission he needed to deepen the kiss all the more.

His sanity finally reined in his desire, and he broke the spell by ending their kiss abruptly. Alarm briefly shook him when Roselyn took several steps backwards to put some distance between them. In the silence of the room, the only sound was the two of them attempting to catch their breaths after the heat of the moment.

“Edmond, please…we must… not—” Her voice trailed off in a breathless whisper. “You must forgive me. I do not know what came over me.”

“It is I who should be begging your forgiveness for taking such a liberty.” Edmond was struggling to put his emotions back under control. “I was just so overjoyed to see you that I forgot myself.”

“I thought you were my father and was going to ask him to join me in the kitchen for something to eat. If I had known you were sleeping here as a guest, I would not have disturbed your slumber, Your Grace.”

“No reverting to titles, Roselyn. I have given you permission to use my given name remember?”

He watched her clutch the edges of her robe. She was standing in the middle of her father’s study wearing only her night clothes, and must be embarrassed. He would help her to retain a sense of modesty by pretending not to notice. “Yes, of course, Edmond. I just cannot seem to remember things too clearly at the moment.”

“That is understandable after all you have been through. I believe Mrs. Brimble has been keeping some broth warmed up for when you awoke. Would you like me to assist you into the kitchen?”

At her nod of consent, Edmond took her elbow and walked her the remaining way towards the rear of the house. Once they reached the kitchen, he pulled out a chair for her and filled a bowl of steaming soup. Finding some bread and cheese, he cut her a few pieces and placed it before her in case she wanted something a little more filling. From the seat he took next to her, he watched as she sipped at the soup, ignoring the rest. He was curious what she remembered of the events that led to her current situation.

“You look at me most curiously, Edmond,” she commented in between tastes of her midnight repast. “What is it you wish to ask of me and why are you here at such a late hour?”

Edmond took a moment to collect his thoughts before answering. “I came by this evening to enquire about your health as I have been doing for the past few days since your confinement. We have all been concerned for your health, my lady. Since the hour had grown late, your parents offered me one of the guest rooms so I could stay close but I fell asleep in your father’s study instead. To see you as I awoke from my dreams made me think that perhaps I was still sleeping… I am glad to see that I was not.”

“I do feel quite rested,” she murmured. “Wait one moment. Did you say the past few days?”

“Why yes, Roselyn. You awoke for a brief time and spoke with your friend Lady Abigail, but then you drifted back to sleep after your parents and William came to see you. You have been sleeping off and on ever since.”

Her distress flashed in her eyes before Roselyn raised her hands to cover her face. Edmond wrapped an arm around her shoulders as she wept, and felt the cad for being the cause of her anguish.

“Hush now, little one.” The endearment slipped easily from his lips. “Perhaps this excursion downstairs was too much too soon. Let me help you back to your room and all will look brighter in the morning.”

“Oh, Edmond,” she sobbed, “I cannot fathom I have been unconscious for so long. Everyone must have been so worried. What if I go to sleep again and do not wake for another long period of time?”

Edmond took a moment to stroke her hair and offer what comfort he could. “You must not think of such things, Roselyn. Tell me, can you remember everything from the time of the ball?”

He watched her brows furrow as she concentrated on the past events. When her face flushed red, he assumed she remembered everything, including her trip through the forest.

“Yes, I remember,” she said quietly as she lowered her head.

The evident shame she felt over her actions required no further censorship from him. After all, who was he to remind her of her foolishness? Had he not been rash himself in his younger days?

“There, you see?” he brightly declared. “All will be well with just a little more rest. You shall be back into Society attending all the parties in no time.”

“I have already missed so many,” she said with a small pout.

Edmond chuckled. The look of childlike disappointment on her beautiful young face seemed incongruous, but one of her characteristics he admired was that her one person encompassed both youthful enthusiasm and lovely young woman.

Yes, she would be back to her old self in no time. Still, he could not resist placing a quick kiss on those pouting lips. Her shock was once more visible as she reached up to touch her lips. He was immensely pleased at her innocent gesture.

“Believe me, Roselyn, after a while all these parties become one in the same, especially when it feels as if you have attended hundreds in one season,” he said with another chuckle. She reminded him that he was still young, even if he was eight years her senior.

He took her elbow once more and helped her to rise, then started guiding her back up the stairs. It was slow going, as Roselyn needed to rest several times during the climb. Keeping his voice to a whisper, he asked, “Roselyn, I would like to see again when you are feeling up to it that is. Would this please you as well?”

Roselyn stopped in mid-stride on one of the stairs to search his face. “Yes, Edmond. This would please me very well indeed.”

“Then I shall look forward to when I may call so we can attend an event or two,” he said, with a slight nod of his head.

They reached the top of the stairs and Edmond continued escorting Roselyn the rest of the way to her room. He opened the door for her and watched as she turned to face him once more. Detaining him but a moment, she rested her small hand on his forearm and, as he leaned down, she reached up on her toes and placed a small kiss on his cheek.

Roselyn shyly chanced one brief glance at him before quietly closing the door with a captivating smile. He paused briefly and placed the palm of his hand upon her door, knowing she rested just on the other side. Shaking his head, he made his way to his appointed room for what remained of the night.

One Moment In Time
A Family of Worth, Book Two
Special pre-order price of $2.99

 

Sherry Ewing is pleased to announce that One Moment In Time: A Family of Worth, Book Two is now available for pre-order. Get your copy at the special pre-order price of only $2.99!

One moment in time may be enough, if it lasts forever…

When the man Lady Roselyn Anne Winslow has loved since she was a young girl begins to court her, Roselyn thinks all her dreams have come true… until the dream turns into a nightmare.

Lady Roselyn is everything Edmond Worthington, 9th Duke of Hartford, could ask for in a wife and he is delighted to find she returns his love… until he loses her, not once but twice.

From England’s ballrooms, to Berwyck Castle and a tropical island that is anything but paradise, Edmond and Roselyn face ruthless enemies who will do anything to tear them apart. Can they recover their one moment in time?

Buy links:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Qfcy5O
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2MalqGJ
iBooks: https://apple.co/2wXI68p
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2QduJsJ

AU: https://amzn.to/2CxuwxE
BR: https://amzn.to/2M5yVaN
CA: https://amzn.to/2oSad4E
DE: https://amzn.to/2Mbu5bP
ES: https://amzn.to/2NZNv5r
FR: https://amzn.to/2wXGs6J
IN: https://amzn.to/2CxGmrx
IT: https://amzn.to/2Nr140x
JP: https://amzn.to/2CzHFGz
MX: https://amzn.to/2NuxXJM
NL: https://amzn.to/2wXXXTy
UK: https://amzn.to/2NrVwTK

Bio:

Sherry Ewing picked up her first historical romance when she was a teenager and has been hooked ever since. A bestselling author, she writes historical and time travel romances to awaken the soul one heart at a time at night. You can learn more about Sherry and her published work at the links below or on any of the tabs above.

Find Sherry Ewing at:

Website & Books: www.SherryEwing.com
Bluestocking Belles: http://bluestockingbelles.net/
Hearts Through Time: http://heartsthroughtime.com
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1TrWtoy
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sherry-ewing
Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/SherryEwingAuthor
Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/goodreadscomsherry_ewing
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sherry.ewing
Pinterest: http://www.Pinterest.com/SherryLEwing
Tumblr: https://sherryewing.tumblr.com/
Twitter: https://www.Twitter.com/Sherry_Ewing

First Kiss Friday with author Jennae Vale

07 Friday Sep 2018

Posted by in 2018, First Kiss Friday

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It’s First Kiss Friday and today’s guest is the fabulous Jennae Vale who is giving us a scene from her latest release, Her Mysterious Highlander. Happy reading and enjoy!

Excerpt:

She couldn’t believe it.  The thing Merry had wished for and hoped for was actually happening and was better than she had ever imagined it could be. And she had imagined it many times.  Taegen’s kisses were sweet and gentle. She rested her palms on his chest, feeling the strength there. His arms wrapped around her, holding her close in an embrace that encircled her in a cocoon of tenderness. Eyes closed, she let herself go, allowing the feelings of love she had for Taegen to explode inside of her.  Every inch of her, every nerve ending was in a heightened state.  She couldn’t get close enough to him.  He broke away from her mouth and moved his kisses down her neck, carefully moving her hair aside.  She shivered at his touch, not from the cold, but from the heat he was imparting and the response she was giving. Time slipped past. Who knew how long they’d been there, but she knew he didn’t want to stop and neither did she.

“Ahem.”  Eliriad stood watching them from the corner of the tent. “Ye should be careful.  The beast searches for ye.”

The beast?” Merry asked.

“Aye.  The beast.  The one who follows ye around like a lovesick pup.  He’d be quite angry to ken what ye’ve been doing.”

“Oh…” Merry straightened her dress and her hair.

“Ye’d best hurry.  He was coming this way.”

“Taegen, I…”

“Eliriad is right.  Ye should go.  I’m sorry.  I shouldn’t have taken advantage of ye.”

“Dinnae be sorry.”  She quickly peeked out around the tent and could see Brodie’s back as he wandered through camp.  She hurriedly made her way out into the central area and called to him.  “Brodie.”

He turned and when he saw her an enormous grin spread across his face.  “Merry, there ye be.  I’ve been searching for ye.”

“I’m here.  I was fascinated by what Anania had done and without thinking I guess I wandered behind the tents to see it up close.”

His face became gravely serious as his thumb brushed her lips, reminding her of Taegen’s much gentler touch.

“The wind has irritated my lips.  Do they look red?”

He relaxed a bit.  “Aye.  Quite. I’m relieved yer alright.  I was worried for ye.” He glanced around.  “Where is Taegen?”

“I havenae seen him,” she shrugged, hoping she sounded convincing.  She wasn’t used to lying and it didn’t feel right, but if he knew what had just happened, all hell would break loose. She was doing her best to alleviate the suspicions she could tell were going through his head.  Merry wished he would stop staring at her.  “Let’s walk a little.”

“As ye wish,” he said, offering her his arm.

At least when they were walking he was beside her and because she could not see his face she felt a little less guilty about deceiving him.  She gazed at her feet as they walked and thought about Taegen.  She felt her face warm and her body respond to the mere thought of his lips on hers, but for her own sake as well as Taegen’s, she must put it out of her head for now.

Her Mysterious Highlander,

An outsider in two worlds, Taegen Boideach has learned to navigate through life by hiding his true identity.  Although his mother is queen of the elves, he is also half human and as such has been banished from their world to live a solitary life among people who would reject him if they knew his true identity.

Merry has lived a privileged life as a Mackall, where she’s been protected and sheltered from the outside world.  She’s beginning to feel the need to spread her wings.  Her attraction to the mysterious Taegen is the first step in Merry’s determining her own path, but he’s resistant and she doesn’t understand why. New to love and its complications, Merry refuses to give up on him even as they approach imminent danger.

On a quest to save Scotland, Merry and Taegen are in the eye of the storm as they work together to destroy the Twin Sword and its maker, an evil sorcerer. Will they be successful in their quest? With the help of their elf and human companions it’s possible only if they can all learn to trust and accept each other, but old prejudices and preconceived notions may stand in the way of their success.

Buy Links:  

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G133LN3

iBooks:   https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/her-mysterious-highlander/id1406264855?mt=11

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/her-mysterious-highlander-jennae-vale/1128988640?ean=2940155319252

Kobo:  https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/her-mysterious-highlander

Jennae Vale Bio:

Jennae Vale is a best selling author of romance with a touch of magic.  As a history buff from an early age, Jennae often found herself day-dreaming in history class and wondering what it would be like to live in the places and time periods she was learning about.  Writing time travel romance has given her an opportunity to take those daydreams and turn them into stories to share with readers everywhere.

Originally from the Boston area, Jennae now lives in the San Francisco Bay area, where some of her characters also reside.  When Jennae isn’t writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and her pets, and daydreaming, of course.

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Website:  www.jennaevaleauthor.com

Email: jennaevaleauthor@gmail.com

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