Category Archives: First Kiss Friday

First Kiss Friday with Lea Kirk & a giveaway!

21 Friday Sep 2018

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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

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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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First Kiss Friday with Sherry Ewing

14 Friday Sep 2018

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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 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 Ann 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
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IT: https://amzn.to/2Nr140x
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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
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Pinterest: http://www.Pinterest.com/SherryLEwing
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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.

Social Media:

Website:  www.jennaevaleauthor.com

Email: jennaevaleauthor@gmail.com

Twitter: @jennaevale

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jennaevaleauthor

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BookBub:  www.bookbub.com/jennae-vale

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First Kiss Friday with author Amy Quinton

31 Friday Aug 2018

Posted by in 2018, First Kiss Friday

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Welcome to another First Kiss Friday! Any day I can have one of my fellow Bluestocking Belles as my guest is a good day. Today’s author is my friend, Amy Quinton. You best get out your fans for this excerpt, my lovelies. It’s hot, hot, hot! Happy reading and enjoy. Take it away, Amy!

What the Marquess Sees is an ‘enemies to lovers’ story. The heroine is the villain in my first novel, What the Duke Wants. In this scene, our hero and heroine are on the run from dangerous men, traveling in disguise as a married couple of middling class. They still dislike each other, but their attraction is undeniable. Read on:

Excerpt:

As soon as they reached the door to their room, Beatryce whirled on him. She looked angry, but only for an instant. Then, her look turned sultry and heavy-lidded; seduction emanating out of every pore. He was a little worried by that second look; it spelled trouble in absolute terms. She stepped closer.

He took it back. He was a lot worried, actually.

With another step, she moved into his personal space and looked up, her heated eyes capturing his undivided attention. And in that moment, he had no further thought but for her. In the here and now. No history, no future. He and she and no one else. His senses flew south for the summer, an evacuation that had started with her pretend seduction downstairs, leaving only a glimmer of awareness of their mutual dislike.

Her voice was low, an alto, and slow, sultry. “You are rude and always act as if you hate me…” She placed her hand against his aching, turgid cock and pressed in. Firm and tight. Just like he liked. “…but this says differently.”

He hissed in a breath, and somehow managed to strangle the moan that threatened to give voice to the full depth of his desire.

He covered her hand with his, forcing her to press harder against him. He grunted and couldn’t stop the shift of his hips as they surged forward, deeper into her cupped hand. She squeezed him in response. God, she squeezed him hard. And he closed his eyes as she began to rub her hand up and down his swollen length. Oh, it felt good. Mind-numbingly-forget-your-name-fuck-me-now good.

“And if you’re not careful…” She gripped him even tighter and pressed that much harder “…you’ll blow our damn cover, Dansbury.” She all but hissed those last few words, snapping him back to reality.

She tried to pull away, but he held her in place. He searched deep, ignoring her warning. What did she expect? He’d hated her for too long to be able to easily act as if he adored her. But she had his attention now. Or at least his cock’s devotion at any rate.

Right. Time to take control of the situation. He gripped the back of her neck and pulled her closer, cutting off her attempt to escape.

He leaned in close to her ear and whispered, “You are a beautiful, sensual woman…” He nuzzled her neck, then pulled back and glided his cheek against hers, caressing her with his opened lips, employing the barest touch, a whisper of feeling. “…and I would have to be dead not to notice.”

He reached her lips and hesitated. He breathed in, a slow and steady breath, absorbing her scent—all woman and earthy. He touched his forehead to hers and took a moment to pull together the threads of his crumbling senses. He felt her trembling and it nearly undid him.

He opened his eyes and warned her with a hard look before he grabbed her with both hands and kissed her. Hard and fast and rough and inflexible. And on fire like he’d never been before. A one hundred and eighty degree contradiction to his soft caresses.

But this time he held on to his senses. Just. And in a flash, he pulled back the tiniest bit; though his lips remained close to hers, hovering and reluctant to leave.

“But you’re still a bitch.” Hard words spoken in a whisper with lust underlining the point. A contradiction all around.

He bent to kiss her again, but stopped short when she slapped him. Hard. His head jerked, and the sound shouted its anger as it echoed loudly in the vacant hall.

Ouch.

His cheek was on fire and stinging like nettles. He blinked in astonishment, surprised she had cuffed him so solidly. But she just smiled, wrapped her arms around his neck, and pulled him in for her own fiery kiss. Another fast and furious and passionate kiss, but one that this time, she had initiated. He could not suppress his moan of delight at her boldness. He discovered he liked bold. He liked bold quite a lot.

He was lost to her passion and he no longer cared. He forgot he hated her. He forgot his mission. But he didn’t forget it was her. And all too soon it was over.

Beatryce pulled away this time. It was her kiss to end. She watched her hands as she drew them down his chest. She brushed away the wrinkles in his shirt. A domestic act. And he just watched her in return, slightly stunned. When she reached his waist, his abs clenched at her touch. This time, he held himself in check.

She tilted her head and looked him in the eye. She smiled, a knowing, confident smile, and said, “Yes. I am. And don’t you forget it.”

Then, she turned on her heel and slammed the door in his face.

Blurb

England 1814: He is a marquess with a woman to protect and an assassin to thwart. She is…not nice.

The Marquess of Dansbury is a strong, charismatic man living a charmed life as an agent for the crown. His past isn’t without tragedy, but he is too amiable to allow misfortune to mar his positive outlook on life. Until now…when he finds himself tasked with protecting the one woman in the world he actively disdains, Lady Beatryce Beckett.

Lady Beatryce Beckett is mean. She ruins other women on purpose. She lies. She cheats. She even steals. And she takes particular pleasure in provoking a certain marquess. In short, she’ll do anything to get what she wants: freedom from her abusive father. But she is strong (she’s had to be), worthy (who’d have thought it), and in love… Wait, what?

It will take a special man to see the true woman beneath the surface…and a strong woman to allow him that glimpse. Is the Marquess of Dansbury up to the task?

Buy Links

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/What-Marquess-Sees-Agents-Change-ebook/dp/B0181BVAM6

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/what-the-marquess-sees-amy-quinton/1123024873?ean=9781622102815

KOBO: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/what-the-marquess-sees

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Amy_Quinton_What_the_Marquess_Sees?id=5YABCwAAQBAJ

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/what-the-marquess-sees/id1061802779?mt=11

Author Bio

Purveyor of Humorous Historicals. Offering Indecent Aspirations and Ribald Indiscretions with a Blend of Suspenseful Angst. Part Magic—All Romance. Rated MA.

Amy Quinton is an author and full-time mom living in Summerville, SC. She enjoys writing (and reading!) sexy, historical romances. She lives with her husband, two boys, three cats, and one dog. In her spare time, she likes to go camping, hiking, and canoeing/kayaking… And did she mention reading? When she’s not reading or traveling, she likes to make jewelry, sew, knit, and crochet (Yay for Ravelry!).

Author Links

Email:  AmyQuintonAuthor@gmail.com

Newsletter: https://app.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/u4s4j6

Web site:  http://amyquinton.net

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

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/AmyQuinton

Google+:  https://plus.google.com/u/0/108235160756248116825/posts

Pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/amyqu11/amy-quinton-author/

Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/amyquinton

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00RUHIXZ0

Goodreads Author Page: https:/www.goodreads.com/author/show/10912294

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/amy-quinton

 

 

First Kiss Friday with Mary Morgan & a giveaway!

24 Friday Aug 2018

Posted by in 2018, First Kiss Friday

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It’s First Kiss Friday and always a pleasure when I can bring back my friend Mary Morgan to share an excerpt from her work. Read on and enjoy this first kiss scene from DRAGON KNIGHT’S RING!

Giveaway: Leave a comment for Mary for a chance to win a free audio code for DRAGON KNIGHT’S RING.

Excerpt:

“The first time I saw ye was in the hills near Urquhart. I was attempting to calm said beast.” He pointed to Ciar. “He was fierce in the beginning. Yet, ye ambled over to him singing a tune. Ye have always had a way with the animals. Your voice soothes them.”

“And that’s how we met, right? Ye did share this, but was there more?” She handed him another spoonful of the meat mixture.

“Aye. Ye followed me down to the loch, and we talked for many hours. It was the start of our kinship.”

Meggie rested her chin on her knees. “For how long, Adam?”

“Several summers.” He watched her closely, trying to gage her thoughts.

“Hmm…we were in a relationship.”

Baffled by her word, he shrugged. “I dinnae ken your meaning.”

“Were we a couple? Was I your girlfriend? Sweetheart?”

Adam took his thumb and captured a lone bit of food near her lip. Popping the tasty piece into his mouth, he heard her indrawn breath. “Ye were mine, Meggie. Stubborn, defiant, strong, and ye embraced each day with love for all.”

“What happened?” she asked.

“Ye left.” Standing, Adam moved away. Never a patient man, he wanted to blurt out everything, shake her into remembering. Frustration slithered inside of him. Walking over to an old oak, he braced his hands against its rough bark. He heard her approach, but kept his back to her.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered, and then surprised Adam by placing her arms around him.

Her touch seared straight to his soul, fracturing a place within his heart that had been sealed since her death. He broke free from her embrace and turned around. Grasping her face with his hands, his eyes roamed over her features. Seeing her lips part, he could no longer control the man that longed to taste what had been stolen from him. His entire being seemed to be filled with waiting, and he grew weary of the fight.

Lowering his head, his tongue traced the soft fullness of her lips. Then he brushed a feather light kiss on her mouth. It was divine bliss when their lips touched. “Do ye want me to stop?” he asked, breathing the words against her cheek.

“Nae.”

Reclaiming her mouth, Adam crushed her to him. This time, he devoured her soft lips and drank in their sweetness, slipping his tongue inside her mouth. Her moan slid deep within him, and he trembled. His emotions whirled and skidded. Unable to stop, he turned her against the tree, cupped her breast with one hand, and deepened the kiss. His cock throbbed to be inside her—to be one with her again.

She grasped his head and leaned more into him. Her mouth demanded more of his, and he plundered deeply. When her hands slipped under his shirt, he growled in pleasure. Breaking free from the kiss, he lifted her and carried her to the blanket. She sprawled back onto the blanket, and his hand caressed her curves. As he gazed at her flushed face, he saw neither fear nor hesitation in her eyes. “Tell me what ye want, Meggie? For if I continue, I fear I will nae be able to hold back.”

DRAGON KNIGHT’S RING, Order of the Dragon Knights, Book 5
By Mary Morgan

Blurb ~

Death destroyed their love. Yet, can a trio of Fenian warriors roll back time to reunite two lost souls?

Crusader, Adam MacFhearguis is on one last quest to the standing stones in Scotland where he seeks to bury the past. However, a silent prayer sends him to an unknown future and to his beloved Meggie. When he uncovers a shocking revelation, Adam questions everything about the woman he thought he knew and loved. He may have traveled the veil of ages, but time is now his enemy.

Margaret MacKay lives a life in the future without the memories of her past—her death. When Adam arrives at her door confessing he knows her, she is confused and wary. With each passing day, she yearns to learn more from this stranger. Yet, when a truth is revealed, can she trust the man to unlock the chains from her mind and heart?

Will love free the bonds to unite the two lovers who were doomed centuries ago? Or will evil finally claim victory over the Dragon Knights?

Buy Links ~

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Knights-Ring-Order-Book-ebook/dp/B01HDWY8S2/

BN: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dragon-knights-ring-mary-morgan/1123986946?ean=2940158146312

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/dragon-knight-s-ring

Apple iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/dragon-knights-ring/id1133781893?mt=11

Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/Dragon-Knights-Ring-Audiobook/B07FKX59C6/

Author Bio ~

Award-winning Celtic paranormal romance author, Mary Morgan, resides in Northern California, with her own knight in shining armor. However, during her travels to Scotland, England, and Ireland, she left a part of her soul in one of these countries and vows to return.

Mary’s passion for books started at an early age along with an overactive imagination. She spent far too much time daydreaming and was told quite often to remove her head from the clouds. It wasn’t until the closure of Borders Books where Mary worked that she found her true calling–writing romance. Now, the worlds she created in her mind are coming to life within her stories.

If you enjoy history, tortured heroes, and a wee bit of magic, then time-travel within
the pages of her books.

Social Media Links:

 WEBSITE:  http://www.marymorganauthor.com

BLOG:  http://www.marymorganauthor.com/blog

TWITTER:  http://twitter.com/m_morganauthor

FACEBOOK AUTHOR PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/MaryMorganAuthor/

FACEBOOK:  http://www.facebook.com/mary.morgan.564

GOODREADS:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8271002.Mary_Morgan

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE:  http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Morgan/e/B00KPE3NWI/

PINTEREST:  www.pinterest.com/marymorgan50/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/marymorgan2/the pages of her books.

First Kiss Friday with Sherry Ewing

17 Friday Aug 2018

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Today on First Kiss Friday, I’d like to bring you back to my hero, Lord Nicholas Lacy, and heroine, Grace, Lady de Courtenay in A Kiss For Charity. In this scene, we find my couple meeting at a masquerade ball at Vauxhall Gardens. Please enjoy this excerpt of their first kiss! Happy Reading.

Excerpt:

“May I have the pleasure of this dance?” he inquired politely, already knowing her answer.

Her gloved hand slipped into his and he felt as though he had waited his entire life for her to say yes. Yes to the dance. Yes to anything else he might propose, be it for one night or something they might both wish to be a longer commitment.

She was an accomplished dancer. He had already witnessed her talent, yet it was far more pleasurable to watch her when she was now his partner instead of another. He wished to know who she was, but the fast paced dance was hardly a place to carry on a meaningful conversation about getting to know one another.

Was it two dances later or maybe three? Nicholas lost track of time but finally, he placed his hand about the lady’s waist to expertly guide her out into the garden. It had been some time since he had allowed himself the pleasure of enjoying a woman’s company, especially in the moonlight.

The evening was cool, and when he saw her shiver, he shrugged out of his jacket since he had left his cape behind in the supper box. He placed the garment about her shoulders. She took ahold of the lapels and brought it closer. He swore he could hear her sniff the edges as if she were going to commit to her memory the smell of his cologne once he was gone.

Nicholas reached out to remove her mask so he could finally see all of her features.

“No.” She held out her hand to stop his efforts. “The domino stays in place if you wish me to remain here with you.”

“If that is your wish, so be it.”

“It is,” she answered quietly.

Nicholas did not remember it being this difficult to kiss a lady in the moonlight, but she must desire to be with him, too, else she would not be standing outside with him now. He could no longer stand the distance between them. Surely some form of spell had been cast upon him to be acting so rashly.

“Who are you?” he asked, taking ahold of both her arms and bringing her closer.

“Does it matter?”

“How else am I to call upon you tomorrow if I know not your name tonight, my lady?”

This unknown woman who teased his senses gave a careless shrug but took a step closer. She placed her hand upon his chest. “Let it be enough that for tonight I am free to do as I please.”

He grinned at her response. One moment Nicholas was staring into her mask and brown eyes, and the next he was lowering his mouth to meet her lips.

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Grace was unsure if it was the moonlight that drove her to such reckless behavior or the thought of having just one moment in time to treasure with a man who wanted to be with a mysterious, and perhaps, desirable woman. In either case, nothing prepared her for the instant their lips met. She supposed that since she did not protest going down the garden path with him that this would be the natural course of what would happen next. But still… surely she was slipping at the very brink of tasting heaven itself from their first kiss.

Such a kiss was at first like an introduction when his mouth slowly slid over hers as though he were searching for some hidden meaning to their attraction to one another. There was nothing demanding or urgent in seeing the matter over and done with. No, the kiss was a mingling of breaths. It was two souls connecting in the night. A simple kiss, yet there was nothing simple about it. He stopped as quickly as he started then stared into her eyes, yet she knew the domino hid her features well enough that he would be unable to identify her in the light of day.

Adrian would be mortified if he had any idea what she was up to with a complete stranger. Thinking of her brother conjured an image of her deceased husband. Although his kisses had been pleasurable, they could not compare to what this stranger made her feel.

“Tell me who you are,” he urged again. He tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear that had fallen from her coiffure and then cupped her cheek. “You must tell me.”

She leaned into his palm. The sensation of his thumb tracing her skin had her resolve weakening but not enough to reveal her identity. “I cannot, for I will not have you think less of me from my actions here this night. I am not what I seem.”

“I see a desirable woman I wish to get to know better,” he declared with a grin and an appreciative glance at her heaving bosom. There was no way she could mistake his meaning given the proximity of their bodies and the bold glare he gave her down the length of her body.

A Kiss For Charity

Love heals all wounds but will their pride keep them apart?

Young widow, Grace, Lady de Courtenay, is more concerned with improving her mind than finding another husband. But how was she to know that a close encounter with a rake at a masquerade ball would spark her interest and make her yearn for love again?

Lord Nicholas Lacey has been on his own for far too long after losing his wife in a tragic accident. After a rare trip to a masquerade, his attention is captivated by a lovely young woman. Considering the dubious company she keeps, perhaps she might be interested in becoming his mistress.

From the darkened paths of Vauxhall Gardens to a countryside estate called Hollystone Hall, Nicholas and Grace must set aside their differences in order to let love into their hearts. It will take more than a dose of holiday cheer to see these two on the road to finding their happily-ever-after and a kiss for charity may just be what they both need.

Buy Links
Amazon US  | Barnes & Noble  |  iBooks  |  Kobo
24 Symbols  |  Playster

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 Kathryn LeVeque & a Giveaway!

10 Friday Aug 2018

Posted by in 2018, First Kiss Friday

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Hello, my lovelies, and welcome to another First Kiss Friday. It’s always a pleasure when I’m able to host Kathryn Le Veque on my blog and it get’s even better when she has a new release and offer’s a giveaway. Help us celebrate Kathryn’s latest book baby, Dark Moon, by leaving her a comment for a chance at her giveaway. One lucky comment will be randomly chosen to receive a signed copy and other swag! Happy reading and good luck!

Excerpt:

She was right, but he wasn’t going to admit it. He wasn’t going to give up. With a faint sigh, he closed the gap between them, watching her recoil from him slightly, wary of his very close proximity. Reaching out, he gently took her hand and lifted it to his lips, kissing it tenderly.

“I understand your fears,” he murmured. “I have no right to press my attentions. I know that. But know that I would never do anything to bring you shame or harm you, at least not maliciously. All I ask is that you let me show you how a man can be kind to you. Nothing more, nothing less. I promise I shall be discreet in every way, but you deserve to be showered with affection and kindness, Lysabel. Please do not deny me that great honor. Please let me show my affection for you.”

Lysabel was swept away by his words and by his touch. When he kissed her hand again, she could feel the earth move beneath her feet. Everything felt as if it was rocking around, but it was the most wonderful feeling in the world. Trenton de Russe, that enormous and frightening knight, the one who had saved her from a fate worse than death, wanted to help her heal. He wanted to show her what it meant for a man to be kind to a woman.

God… how could she resist?

She couldn’t. It was against her better judgment, but there was a huge part of her that wanted his kindness. Perhaps even needed it. In any case, she couldn’t resist him. Already, she was swept up with the feelings he was creating within her and they were more powerful than she was.

“How can I deny a man who bought my children ponies?” she breathed.

He grinned. “You cannot,” he said. “It was all part of my master plan.”

“Was it really.”

“Nay.”

She believed him. Lysabel smiled at him, and he smiled in return. And suddenly, his lips were slanting over hers and his arms were going around her body. It was a kiss of enormous proportions, a kiss that was heated and sensual, delicious and naughty. It was all those things and as Lysabel fell against his warm, powerful body, all she could feel was utter surrender.

There was no resisting the man.

She didn’t want to.

Any romantic kiss she’d ever been given had come from Benoit, who had no sense of gentleness. He would kiss her so hard that there had been times he’d driven her teeth into her cheek, drawing blood. She would avoid his kisses as much as he could, but with Trenton, it was as if an entirely new world had opened up. No pain, no roughness – simply warm and sensual. Very quickly, Lysabel realized that she liked it very much.

She wanted more.

She must have given Trenton a sign of her eagerness, a wordless invitation to ravage her, because his tongue licked at her, prying her lips open and invading her mouth. His hands were in her hair, holding her head steadfast as if fearful she’d pull away. Somehow, he backed her against the garden wall and that was where things grew heated.

Now, she was a captive audience.

Normally, being unable to move would have sent Lysabel into a panic, but with Trenton, she was a willing victim. His mouth moved over her chin, her neck, suckling her gently and sending bolts of excitement through her. Being that she wasn’t a virgin, she knew what it meant to have a man touch her intimately, and when his big hand moved to her breasts, she didn’t flinch away from him. She welcomed it.

Dear God… is this what it means to be touched by a man? Is this how it is supposed to be?

Medieval England comes alive in Book one of the exciting new sub-series, THE DARK SONS (part of the de Russe Legacy).

1518 A.D – As the eldest son of the knight who betrayed Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth (Gaston de Russe of THE DARK ONE: DARK KNIGHT), Trenton de Russe bears the dark legacy of men who changed the course of history. The name de Russe is both hated and revered in England, and is well-known to the kings of England who have depended upon the family for their strongest, most noble, and sometimes most controversial knights.

Trenton is a man with great burdens to bear.

As a special ops knight for Henry VIII, it is Trenton’s duty to carry out the king’s command and he has been known to have accomplished some questionable as well as dirty tasks. With Trenton as Henry’s attack dog, enemies fear de Russe more than the king himself.

Trenton suffers a dysfunctional relationship with his father because of it. Gaston never wanted his son to follow in his footsteps, but Trenton has become so deeply entrenched in Henry’s dirty dealings that is it all he knows. In a desperate move to lure his son away from Henry once and for all, Gaston calls his son home under false pretenses. Begrudgingly, Trenton heads for Deverill Castle, seat of his father’s dukedom.

Enter Lysabel Wellesbourne le Mon. Daughter of Gaston’s best friend, Matthew Wellesbourne (THE WHITE LORD OF WELLESBOURNE), Lysabel is a widow with two young children. In a chance meeting with Trenton, whom she has known since birth but has not seen in several years, an unexpected spark ignites between them.

Unfortunately, it is a spark that can burn down the strong relations between the House of Wellesbourne and the House of de Russe. Matthew doesn’t want the dark and fearsome Trenton for his daughter, but the fire that burns between the pair is stronger than Matthew can control. No amount of water will douse it and Matthew turns to Gaston for help.

Will Gaston side against his estranged son? Or will the relationship between two old and dear friends be destroyed by a love that cannot be denied?

Welcome back to de Russe’s Medieval England in this spectacular tale of adventure and romance. This is a full-length novel over 100,000 words

Buy Links for Dark Moon:

Amazon https://goo.gl/dRqtRCOr read for free in Kindle Unlimited

 Bio:

KATHRYN LE VEQUE is a critically acclaimed USA TODAY Bestselling author, a charter Amazon All-Star author, and a #1 bestselling, award-winning, multi-published author in Medieval Historical Romance and Contemporary Romance.

Kathryn is a multiple award nominee and winner, including the winner of Uncaged Book Reviews Magazine “Raven Award” for Favorite Medieval Romance (Vestiges of Valor) and Favorite Cover, all Genres (Queen of Lost Stars). Kathryn is also a multiple RONE nominee, holding the record for the number of nominations. In 2018, her novel WARWOLFE was the winner in the Romance category of the Book Excellence Award. Kathryn is considered one of the top Indie authors in the world with over a million copies in circulation, and her novels have been translated into several languages.
Social Media Links:

www.kathrynleveque.com (blog)

Facebook: https://business.facebook.com/kathrynlevequenovels

Twitter: @kathrynleveque

First Kiss Friday with guest Caroline Warfield

03 Friday Aug 2018

Posted by in 2018, First Kiss Friday

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Welcome to another First Kiss Friday. It’s always a pleasure when I can help any of the Bluestocking Belles celebrate their latest release. Today, I the fabulous Caroline Warfield and the first kiss scene from The Unexpected Wife. Happy reading and enjoy!

Sometimes a kiss is long in coming. It arrives only after false starts, tentative approaches, and fraught moments. This is one of those moments.

Excerpt: At the mention of Jarratt, her stomach clenched, and a vile taste crept into her mouth. “What else?” she rasped.

Charles looked down. His sigh sounded deep and weary. “Elliot fears the Chinese response will eventually ensnare an English user or dealer. If they arrest someone or threaten violence, he may be forced to act.”

If Thorn is as closely allied to the opium dens as Jarratt implied—and out of his senses from the narcotic—he could be—cow turds!

“Charles, I have to get to my brother. I can’t leave him in Jarratt’s circle.”

The duke’s eyes held hers until she felt him boring into her soul. He put out a comforting hand, and she gripped it to steady herself. “How exactly do you propose to do that, Zambak?” he asked.

“Jarratt said to come back. I’ll go tomorrow. He implied Thorn might be well, might be willing to come with me.”

“We’ll go tomorrow,” he corrected.

She stiffened in outrage for a moment before Jarratt’s face leered at her in memory, and she sagged toward Charles. When he cupped her cheek with one hand and searched her face, she thought for a moment he meant to kiss her. Absurd. Charles is a married man, and we’re friends. Only friends.

“We’ll go together, Zambak. We will get Thorn help together.”

Together. Relief flooded her. She had thought that accepting help made her weak, but the tenderness in the duke’s eyes gave her strength.

About the Book: The Unexpected Wife

Children of Empire Book 3

Crushed with grief after the death of his son, Charles Wheatly, Duke of Murnane, throws himself into the new Queen’s service in 1838. When the government sends him on an unofficial fact finding mission to the East India Company’s enclave in Canton, China, he anticipates intrigue, international tensions, and an outlet for his frustration. He isn’t entirely surprised when he also encounters a pair of troublesome young people that need his help. However, the appearance of his estranged wife throws the entire enterprise into conflict. He didn’t expect to face his troubled marriage in such an exotic locale, much less to encounter profound love at last in the person of a determined young woman. Tensions boil over, and his wife’s scheming—and the beginnings of the First Opium War—force him to act to rescue the one he loves and perhaps save himself in the process.

Zambak Hayden seethes with frustration. A woman her age has occupied the throne for over a year, yet the Duke of Sudbury’s line of succession still passes over her—his eldest—to land on a son with neither spine nor character. She follows her brother, the East India Company’s newest and least competent clerk, to protect him and to safeguard the family honor. If she also escapes the gossip and intrigues of London and the marriage mart, so much the better. She has no intention of being forced into some sort of dynastic marriage. She may just refuse to marry at all. When an old family friend arrives she assumes her father sent him. She isn’t about to bend to his dictates nor give up her quest. Her traitorous heart, however, can’t stop yearning for a man she can’t have.

Neither expects the epic historical drama that unfolds around them.

Buy Link:
The Unexpected Wife, is now available for kindle only on Amazon. Print release is coming shortly.

https://www.amazon.com/Unexpected-Wife-Children-Empire-Book-ebook/dp/B07FGGC918/

Here’s a short video about it:

https://www.facebook.com/carolinewarfield7/videos/924791187669849/

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 the series and all of Caroline’s books, look here:

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

First Kiss Friday with guest Judith Sterling

27 Friday Jul 2018

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It’s another First Kiss Friday and my guest today is Judith Sterling who has an excerpt from Shadow of the Swan. It’s always a pleasure to have Judith and her marvelous characters on my blog. We hope you enjoy this excerpt. Happy reading!

Excerpt :

Robert wanted to sweep Constance up in his arms and carry her to the bed, but caution was key.  “Are you sure about this?”

Her plump lower lip trembled.  “I-I’m a little scared.”

“Don’t be.  You can stop me at any time, and I’ll keep you apprised of my every move.”

She nodded.  “All right.  I trust you.”

Never had a woman tugged so at his heart.  Leaning forward, he kissed her forehead.  “Just a kiss,” he said against her skin.  “The same as any other night, but this time, we’ll add more.”  He kissed her right cheek, then her left.  “And now your mouth.”

Her lips were soft as rose petals.  He brushed them with his so lightly she’d feel only a whisper of flesh.  “I’m going to pull you closer, and I want you to open your mouth.”

“Why?”

“I would taste you.”

Her bare back was smooth and cool beneath his palms.  She opened her mouth, and he slipped his tongue inside.

Spiced wine.  Sweet breath.  A timid tongue, which grew bolder by the second as his tongue schooled it.

The give and take of their kiss was everything he’d imagined.  For his mind had conjured this moment hundreds of times before.

He withdrew his tongue, and she murmured in protest.  He chuckled.  “Hold on, my sweet.  I would kiss more of you.”

Shadow of the Swan by Judith Sterling

Blurb:

Lady Constance de Bret was determined to be a nun, until shadows from the past eclipsed her present.  Marriage is the safest option, but she insists on a spiritual union, in which physical intimacy is forbidden.  Not so easy with a bridegroom who wields unparalleled charm!  But a long-buried secret could taint his affection and cloak her in shadow forever.

Back from the Crusades, Sir Robert le Donjon craves a home of his own and children to inherit it.  From the moment he meets Constance, he feels a mysterious bond between them.  When she’s threatened, he vows to protect her and agrees to the spiritual marriage, with the hope of one day persuading her to enjoy a “real” one.  She captivates him but opens old wounds and challenges everything he thought he believed.

Two souls in need of healing.  Two hearts destined to beat as one.

Buy Links:

Amazon https://amzn.com/B078JYQDTX

Barnes & Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shadow-of-the-swan-judith-sterling/1127751024?ean=2940158925597

The Wild Rose Press https://catalog.thewildrosepress.com/all-titles/5561-shadow-of-the-swan.html

iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/shadow-of-the-swan/id1332023091

Amazon Audio https://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Swan-Novels-Ravenwood-Book/dp/B07CMKMMWN

Audible https://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/Shadow-of-the-Swan-Audiobook/B07CMDCL7D

Author Bio:

Judith Sterling’s love of history and passion for the paranormal infuse everything she writes. Flight of the Raven, Soul of the Wolf, and Shadow of the Swan are part of her medieval romance series, The Novels of Ravenwood. The Cauldron Stirred is the first book in her young adult paranormal series, Guardians of Erin.  Written under Judith Marshall, her nonfiction books—My Conversations with Angels and Past Lives, Present Stories—have been translated into multiple languages. She has an MA in linguistics and a BA in history, with a minor in British Studies. Born in that sauna called Florida, she craved cooler climes, and once the travel bug bit, she lived in England, Scotland, Sweden, Wisconsin, Virginia, and on the island of Nantucket. She currently lives in Salem, Massachusetts with her husband and their identical twin sons.

Social Media:

Website – https://judithmarshallauthor.com/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/judithsterlingfiction/

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16291161.Judith_Sterling

Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01MT3KB7L

The Wild Rose Press – https://catalog.thewildrosepress.com/2212_judith-sterling

First Kiss Friday with guest Elizabeth Ellen Carter

20 Friday Jul 2018

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It’s always a pleasure when I can welcome back one of the Bluestocking Belles to my First Kiss Friday blog. Today I have Elizabeth Ellen Carter as my guest who will be sharing an excerpt from her novel Shadow of the Corsairs. Happy reading, my lovelies! Take it away, Elizabeth…

Thank you very much Sherry for inviting me to take part in First Kiss Friday.

This is from my latest release Shadow of the Corsairs, the third and final installment in the Heart of the Corsairs series.

The hero, Jonathan Afua is the son of an Ethiopia Ras – the equivalent of a Duke. He has power, wealth, and status taken from him as well as his freedom. In the slave raid on his camp, Jonathan’s wife and children were killed.

He is coming to terms with his grief and rebuilding his life far from home.

Morwena is a straight talking Sicilian woman, she looking after her father who is suffering what we would recognise as dementia, her brothers are estranged from the family so it is up to her to run the family business.

With Jonathan and Morwena it is truly a case of opposites attract, but is there too much that stands between them?

Excerpt:

The trio made their way through the quiet streets of Palermo in silence and not once did Morwena’s hand leave his.

He liked it, this trust. He was honored by it. In this way, Morwena reminded him of Mellesse. When both women made up their minds, it was final. He smiled to himself. They would have liked one another, he was sure of it.

Mellesse, there wasn’t a day in prison I didn’t think of you and our girls…

It was an excuse, an apology for thinking about Morwena in the same mental breath as his wife. He was well aware there was still much unfinished, he didn’t need his conscience plaguing him. What kind of weak character was he that found another woman attractive when his wife had been dead for little more than a year? And still, he could not bring himself to relinquish Morwena’s hand.

Was it his drive for justice for his wife and daughters that gave him pause? Perhaps, it was only his fear. Perhaps, that was no longer a good enough reason.

The night air grew colder still. It had to be early morning. He breathed it in and forced it deep into his lungs to wake himself as Morwena unlocked the back door of the shop.

“Papa isn’t expected back until noon, you can sleep in your old room,” she told Nico.

The young man still looked pale. He nodded listlessly and shuffled his way up the stairs.

“Is he going to be all right?” Jonathan asked.

“Eventually. Nico idolized Pietro. It has been a shock to him.”

Jonathan perceived an edge in Morwena’s voice. In the newly-lit lamplight he looked at her, and noted dark shadows under her eyes. Her skin revealed so much to him without words.

“But it was not a shock to you.”

Morwena shook her head and headed up the stairs also. She looked back at him which he took as an invitation to follow.

“I love my brothers, but I was always closer to Nico. I suppose it was because we were nearly the same age. Pietro was much older,” she said.

They ended up in the kitchen. Morwena restoked the fire in the stove and set a pan of water on it to boil. Jonathan himself did not want for anything, but he suspected Morwena needed to do this to keep busy.

“He was always a bully, but he became worse after mother died,” she continued. Before Jonathan knew it, he found himself seated at the dining table.

“Perhaps that was his way of coping with grief. Anyway, he and Father would argue bitterly. One day, Papa learned that Pietro had been taking money from the till and threw him out.”

“Morwena…”

“… I still remember Pietro standing outside the shop screaming curses on us all. That was six years ago.”

She hiccoughed another sob

“Morwena…” Jonathan stood up and approached her. His first instinct was to pull her into his arms once more, but he held back. “Sometimes in life there are things we can’t control. All we can do is wait out the darkness and pray for the dawn to arrive soon. And it will arrive.”

Silence fell between them for a moment and Jonathan wondered whether he’d revealed too much or too little of himself in his attempt to comfort her.

She set the boiling water aside.

He wished he hadn’t turned around at that moment. If he couldn’t see her eyes, he could deny the truth, even to himself, but now she was here before him, so much color – black hair, beautiful, large, brown eyes, soft, creamy skin, and lips, now red from biting them.

It was as though he was looking at the sun – so beautiful, but it hurt his eyes

“Was it like that when you lost your wife?”

The sun was extinguished, plunging him into blackness.

“She was murdered and I could do nothing. My daughters were killed and I could do nothing!”

Morwena was in his arms once more. He could not be sure who comforted who. It felt good to hold a woman in his arms again and feel the soft curves pressed against him. Her hair smelled of lemons and felt like the softest silk as he ran his hands over her hair, stroking her cheek. Black eyelashes stood out starkly against her skin.

He wanted to kiss those lips. But the only woman he had ever kissed was Mellesse. It was Morwena who bridged the distance. Lips as soft and plump as their promise touched his. Arousal shot through his core, an aliveness like the shift of light heralding an upcoming dawn.

He deepened their kiss and she responded, opening her mouth to him.

The Past Casts a Shadow Over a Second Chance For Love….

Palermo, 1810

Morwena Gambino is struggling to keep her family’s business going against mounting troubles. Her widowed father, once shrewd, is now increasingly forgetful, letting debts mount and disavowing his sons. Morwena runs the shop behind his back, forced to hide her enterprise not only from her father but also her bitter older brother.

In Tunisia, Tewodros “Jonathan” Afua is struggling to stay alive. Once an Ethiopian prince, he is a captive of the corsairs who slaughtered his wife and children. When a US naval bombardment provides an opening for escape, Jonathan falls in with a seemingly deranged English pirate. Aboard Kit Hardacre’s rundown ship with its ragtag crew, Jonathan learns the real reason he was taken by slavers.

Reluctantly joining Hardacre’s crew, he meets Morwena in Palermo. The fiery young Sicilian woman is the opposite of his quiet reserve, but he is attracted to her despite mourning for his late wife. As he and Morwena grow closer, it emerges that they have something in common – secret betrayal by those close to them – and they must count what they’re willing to risk for a future together.

Shadow of the Corsairs is available on Kindle Unlimited and is available to purchase here: https://www.amazon.com./Shadow-Corsairs-Heart-Book-ebook/dp/B07DM9VJ5Z

Bio:

Elizabeth Ellen Carter writes richly detailed historical romantic adventures. Her full length 3 book Regency era series Heart Of The Corsairs is released in 2017 and 2018 – Captive Of The Corsairs, Revenge Of The Corsairs and Shadow Of The Corsairs. She is starting work on a new 4 book historical romantic suspense series, The King’s Rogues for release during late 2018 and into 2019.

Her other full length titles include the Roman era thriller Dark Heart, the medieval romantic adventure Warrior’s Surrender, and the Regency titles Moonstone Obsession and Moonstone Conspiracy. Also available are the novellas Nocturne and The Thief of Hearts.

A former newspaper journalist, Elizabeth ran an award-winning PR agency for 12 years. She lives in Queensland, Australia with her amazing husband and two adorable and mischievous cats. In addition writing books, Elizabeth produces a online reader magazine called Love’s Great Adventure.

Follow Elizabeth on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and her web site – http://www.eecarter.com