Category Archives: First Kiss Friday

First Kiss Friday with Lana Williams & a Giveaway!

17 Friday Jul 2020

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Welcome to another First Kiss Friday! My guest today is Lana Williams who is offering an eBook of her novel A Rogue No More to one lucky commenter. Isn’t this cover just beautiful and this excerpt is going to make you rush out to get yourself a copy! Be sure to read all the way to the end and comment to be in the running for Lana’s giveaway. Happy reading, my lovelies, and enjoy!

First Kiss Scene:

Annabelle looked beautiful this evening in her lilac gown. A white ribbon with tiny pearls was wound amidst her brown curls, softening her appearance. Thomas was as fascinated by her feminine beauty as he was by her ability to write clever, gritty mysteries. The woman was a conundrum, and damn if he didn’t like puzzles. That was one of the reasons he’d enjoyed her book so much.

“And?” Her lips were parted ever so slightly as she listened to him, her head tilted to the side. If he didn’t know better, he’d think she was trying to entice him into kissing her.

Need coursed through him at the thought, eliminating all others. His hand lifted as if of its own accord to touch the softness of her cheek. Had the kiss they’d shared all those months ago been as titillating as he remembered? He had to know.

“And I would like to kiss you,” he whispered in the darkness, desperately hoping she’d agree. “May I?”

Her eyes widened as if surprised he’d asked. “Yes.”

Before he could remind himself why this was a bad idea, he kissed her. Her lips were firm beneath his, and she responded with cautious enthusiasm as if she, too, were curious to see if what they’d experienced before had been an anomaly.

He deepened the kiss, using his tongue to encourage her to allow him entrance. Her mouth tasted sweet and held a hint of champagne. Their tongues swirled while they explored what pleased the other. Passion quickly rose to blot out all else. He placed his hands on her waist and drew her against him, enjoying the feel of her curves and appreciating how well she fit against him.

Before he could decide whether he was delighted or dismayed to realize the kiss was everything he’d remembered and more, she eased back.

“Mr. Raybourne.” Her breathlessness nearly made him grin. He liked the idea that she was as unnerved by the kiss as he was.

“Thomas, please.” He dearly wanted to hear his given name on her lips. He realized just how attracted he was to her when she ran a finger along his cheek where he knew his dimple appeared.

“Thomas.” She said his name slowly as if becoming accustomed to it. That only made him want to kiss her again.

“Annabelle.” He’d thought her name so often that it came naturally to him, rolling off his tongue with ease. “I should very much like to kiss you again.”

She hesitated rather than immediately saying no, much to his delight, her gaze fixed on his cravat. “I wonder if that would be wise.”

He leaned close, his lips a breath away from hers, and her dark gaze darted up to meet his. The desire that rose inside him as he looked into those eyes took him aback. Yet not even the hounds of hell could’ve pulled him away. “I think it would.”

The small gasp that escaped her convinced him she felt it too—this elemental attraction that refused to be ignored.

A Rogue No More
By Lana Williams

Thomas Raybourne is tasked by his eldest brother to set aside his roguish ways and make a profitable endeavor out of the publishing company their father, the Earl of Carlington, started prior to his death. Bleary-eyed and reluctant, he takes on the assignment, surprised to realize the company’s bestseller is a gritty mystery written by A. Golden. Now he need only convince the author to write a second bestseller so he can turn around the company and help replenish his family’s finances. But discovering the talented author’s true identity upends his world.

Annabelle Gold has carefully guarded the fact that she writes under the name of A. Golden, but when her editor doesn’t return her inquiries about publishing a second book, she is forced to visit Artemis Press. She’s stunned to discover Thomas behind the desk—the very man who tempted her to steal a kiss on a dark terrace months ago. Despite that unsettling moment, she intends to focus on her career, not marriage.

The pair strike a deal to publish Annabelle’s second book, but soon discover a murderer is copying scenes from her first book. Now, they must identify the killer before he strikes again. Thomas knows he’s out of his league, both with Annabelle and the investigation, but he finds an unexpected ally in her and can’t resist exploring the passion he finds in her arms. Her belief in him makes him think he might be more than the worthless bounder his father always called him. Annabelle wonders if Thomas is more than a rogue as his courage and cleverness—not to mention his kisses—make her reconsider her plans for the future.

Not only are their hearts in danger, but their very lives. Can they stop the killer before he strikes again with one of them as the next victim?

Buy Link:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0895HVNX3 (Read for free in Kindle Unlimited)

Author Bio:

Lana Williams is a USA Today Bestselling and Amazon All-Star Author who writes historical romance filled with mystery, adventure, and sometimes a pinch of paranormal to stir things up. Filled with a love of books, Lana put pen to paper and decided happy endings were a must in her stories.

Her latest series is The Rogue Chronicles, set in the Regency era, where rogues meet their match in the most delightful way. The Seven Curses of London series, set in Victorian London, is about men and women who attempt to battle the ills of London, and the love they find that truly gives them something worth fighting for.

Find out more about her other nearly thirty books set in the Regency, Victorian, and Medieval eras at her website.

Social Media Links:

Website https://lanawilliams.net/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LanaWilliamsBooks
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/authorlanawilliams/
Twitter https://twitter.com/LanaWilliams28
BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lana-williams

Giveaway:

For a chance to win an ebook copy of A ROGUE NO MORE, comment with your favorite summer beverage! Lana will leave this giveaway open through the weekend before selecting a winner. Good luck!

First Kiss Friday with Rue Allyn

26 Friday Jun 2020

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Welcome to my First Kiss Friday blog. Today’s guest is my dear friend Rue Allyn who has an excerpt from her upcoming novel One Day’s Loving. It’s available for pre-order now.I love this cover, don’t you? Happy reading my lovelies and enjoy!

EXCERPT:

“You do not love me, sir. What you offer is a marriage of convenience. Although what convenience such an alliance may be to you, I cannot imagine.”

His expression hardened, his jaw growing tighter by the moment.

Mae gathered her courage and continued. If she was going to reveal her feelings, she would show them all. “Grandfather did not encourage participation in the social scene. Therefore I have no social standing that can bring you any advantage. You cannot possibly want to marry a penniless woman, and I will not believe you so callous that you would propose marriage as a means to have a child simply to allow yourself access to the Alden fortune. A fortune that, I remind you, you already control as executor. Marriage to me can do nothing for any ambitions you have.”

The ice left his eyes. “You say a great deal of what I will not gain by wedding you, but nothing of what you will lose.”

Her lips trembled, and her hands fisted in her skirt. She would not expose herself further and risk derision for her fears. Instead, she fell back on pride. “As long as the Alden estate remains unsettled, my sisters and I will be objects of pity, whether we wish it or not.”

“I do not pity you, Mae. I despise your situation, and I am greatly concerned for your safety.”  He grasped her shoulders, turning her to face him.

She wished she could mistake his meaning. “Once the terms of Grandfather’s will become public, I am well aware I may be the object of undesirable and unwanted attentions from men of all sorts.”

“His will places you in danger of another abduction and worse. You need a protector.”

“You believe that protector should be you.”

“It would be one advantage of our marriage. You would also have a confidante, someone with whom to share your troubles. You might even discover unexpected pleasures.”

“Being under the legal protection of a man has brought me more sorrow than pleasure.”

“Not all men are like your grandfather. Marriage to me would be very different from his guardianship. Allow me to demonstrate.”

“How?”

He drew her close and bent his head. His eyes filled her vision, and he laid his lips over hers.

She inhaled a silent gasp of surprise. Then heat and surging pleasure overwhelmed her senses. She should not want this. She should resist. If she yielded, she would have no place to hide. Her feelings would be exposed. Did she have the courage to step from the shadows? She wasn’t in any danger now—or was she?

His lips played on hers. The kiss lingered sweet with yearning. Something—desire?—rippled through her as his arms enfolded her and his mouth coaxed hers open. Yet she still held herself back from the fascinating changes his touch wrought in her body.

Despite a burning rush of sensation, she could not throw caution to the flames. Nonetheless, she returned the kiss, desperate to know if he offered safe harbor or only deeper darkness. She wanted to cast aside fears to indulge in one bittersweet instant of madness, one day of loving when pleasure and delight held the world and worry at bay. She did not dare. She nearly wept, certain she would never again have the chance.

When James lifted his head and released her, Mae felt dazed, disoriented. Fire leapt in his hazel gaze. A tender smile tilted his mouth—that talented, hazardous mouth.

She wanted to reach for him, but she’d already risked too much. Safer to retreat, rebuild the defenses where she could hide from the emotions he stirred.

***

“Well?” His question dropped into the silence.

A becoming blush colored her face. She stepped back, looking everywhere except at him. He wished that blasted will to Hades.

She lifted her hands to cover her cheeks and cleared her throat. “I have given you my answer and do not feel obliged to explain. Once that onerous will is in the past, I may see things differently. If you still feel so inclined, you may restate your offer then.”

His mouth twitched. He was sorry to have embarrassed her, but he could not regret the kiss. “What if I don’t want to wait?”

Though strained, her voice was steady, but her hands trembled. She made a valiant attempt to maintain outward calm.

“While our acquaintance is short, you have never shown yourself to be an impatient man. A single kiss will not convince me that you have developed a sudden and demanding passion for me. Be practical, sir. Our marriage would serve neither of us well.”

One Day’s Loving
By Rue Allyn
Pre-order Now
Release Date: August 17, 2020

Persephone Mae Alden is the invisible Alden sister, quiet, industrious, generous, kind-hearted, loyal and reliable.  The words used to describe Mae remind her of a well-trained dog.  She’s not happy about it, but what can she do?  She likes her quiet life and would be seriously upset if she had to defy convention like Edith or act on instinct like Kiera. But everything changes when necessity forces her to bravery and she must choose between love and family.

A horrifying bequest convinces Boston attorney James W. Collins V that Mae Alden needs a husband, and she’s just the type of wife he wants. The two of them will be a perfect match. Refusing his offer makes no sense, so why won’t the woman accept?

Buy link: https://books2read.com/u/mqr0R2

About the Author:

About Rue Allyn:  Author of historical and contemporary romances, I fell in love with happily ever after the day I heard my first story. (Yes, I was a precocious little brat who read at the age of two, but I could hear much earlier than that.) I studied literature for far too many years before discovering that writing stories was much more fun than writing about them. Heck, as an author, I get to read the story before anyone else. I am happily married to my sweetheart of many, many years. Insatiably curious, an avid reader and traveler I love to hear from readers about your favorite books and real-life adventures. Crazy Cat stories are especially welcome. You can send me your words of wisdom . . . Don’t shake your head at me; all words are wise in one context or another. You can trust me on this; I’m an author. As I was saying, you can send your words of wisdom, humor, and friendship to me at Rue@RueAllyn.com. Can’t wait to hear from you

Keep up with Rue Allyn by subscribing to her newsletter and get a free copy of Knight Protector when you do.

Find Rue Allyn On-line:

Website — https://RueAllyn.com

Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/RueAllynAuthor

Twitter — https://twitter.com/RueAllyn

Amazon — https://www.amazon.com/Rue-Allyn/e/B00AUBF3NI/

Goodreads — https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5031290.Rue_Allyn

Pinterest — https://www.pinterest.com/RueAllyn/

 

First Kiss Friday with Becky Lower

19 Friday Jun 2020

Posted by in 2020, First Kiss Friday

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It’s another First Kiss Friday and today I have a new author as my guest. Please help me welcome Becky Lower who has an excerpt from A British Heiress in America. It’s currently up for preorder with a release date of June 25th. Be sure to show Becky some love by leaving her a comment after reading her snippet! Happy reading and enjoy, my lovelies!

Excerpt: 

He took a step further into the room. “Here I thought you had something important to discuss.” His smirk, the one that drove her crazy, appeared. She had a sudden urge to slap it from his face. To kiss it from his face. She took a step toward him but kept her hand to her side.

“This is important. To me, anyway. You’ve been privy to my full name for weeks now. It’s high time you return the favor.” She took a step closer to him and could smell the salty air that was so much a part of the man’s scent. Her nose twitched at his familiar odor, and she fought against inhaling sharply. That would only make her dizzy, and she had no wish to act like a swooning debutante in front of him. At least not until she found out who he was.

He stared at her for so long she forgot the question. Her gaze slipped from his blue eyes to his full bottom lip and back again before he answered. She took another step toward him. They were as close as they’d been the other day. This time, she wouldn’t let him off the hook. At least, not before divulging a secret or two. The man had too many of them.

She stared into those blue eyes that reminded her of the sky over the Atlantic and didn’t waver. Except for the gulp of air she had to take. She could feel his gaze scorching a path down her cheek, on her lips, her eyes. She popped open another shirt button to cool her body.

“Daniel.”

His whisper rode into her senses. What was left of them, at any rate? What had he said?

“Wha—What?”

He nodded and raised a hand to caress her cheek. “That’s my name. Daniel.”

His thumb brushed over her lips and she opened her mouth, taking his thumb between her teeth and sucking gently before she grazed her teeth over his callused digit. She nearly laughed at his audible intake of breath and the quick departure of his thumb. Yet, he held her cheek firmly in his grasp, so she leaned in and kissed that lower lip that had been driving her insane for weeks before she backed out of his grasp.

“All right, Captain Daniel. Don’t make me beg. What is your surname?”

He had a dazed expression on his face. Pippa breathed a bit easier. She hadn’t lost her touch with men. He might consider himself an American, but he really was no different from the British men of the Ton over whom she’d held sway for the past few years. Still, this particular man intrigued her in a way none of the Ton had been able to do. He was rugged rather than soft, tanned from the sun rather than pasty, muscled rather than puny. American, rather than British.

“Do I need to ask again, Daniel?”

He blinked and shook his head. “You have no need for anything more.”

She sauntered back to him and threw her arms around his neck. “I prefer to be privy to the full names of the men who kiss me.” Her lips brushed his again. Soft as a baby’s backside. Just as she thought.

She could feel his shoulders bunch under her arms as he raised his hands to grasp her. He unhooked her arms from his neck and backed off a step as he pinned her with his gaze. “Button your shirt back up, Pip. You don’t want the men to see your binding. Because the only thing worse than a storm at sea is to have a woman on board.”

He fled from the room, wide-eyed, as if she were Medusa and her hair had just transformed into snakes. She stomped her foot. When that wasn’t enough, she kicked over a chair. Damn the man anyway. Daniel-whoever-he-was.

A British Heiress in America
By Becky Lower
Available for Preorder
Release Date: June 25, 2020

Lady Philippa Worthington wants to marry young and sexy.

Her father plans for her to marry stodgy…old…and rich.

What’s a beautiful British heiress to do if she’s going to escape a life of passionless marriage? With her father planning to sell her off to the highest bidder in order to support his own lavish lifestyle, Pippa knows there’s only one thing she can do to save herself.

Lady Philippa dons boys’ clothing and stows away on a London ship destined for the American colonies and a new life. One full of hope, freedom, and the chance to finally live up to her feisty nickname among the rough sailors—‘Pip.’

But instead of finding independence on the high seas, Pippa is plunged deep into the dangerous world of espionage–and the arms of handsome Daniel Simmons, a merchant sailor for the British—who is also an American Revolutionary spy!

Torn between allegiance to her home country and the passion she’s always been searching for, Pippa now faces an unexpected threat—and it may cost Pippa and Daniel the very freedom—and love—they’ve both been searching for.

If they manage to survive the very heart of the beginnings of the Revolutionary War, can the daring spy find love in the arms of A BRITISH HEIRESS IN AMERICA?

Buy Link: Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089RNSY3P 

About the Author:

Amazon best-selling author Becky Lower has traveled the country looking for great settings for her novels. She loves to write about two people finding each other and falling in love, amid the backdrop of a great setting.  Becky has a degree in English and Journalism from Bowling Green State University, and lives in an eclectic village in the Sandhills region of North Carolina with her puppy-mill rescue dog, Mary. She loves to hear from her readers at beckylowerauthor@gmail.com. Visit her website at www.beckylowerauthor.com

Social Links:

Website: http://www.beckylowerauthor.com

Facebook: http://facebook.com/becky.lower

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BeckyLower1

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/authorbeckyl/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/becky-lower

Blog: http://beckylowerauthor.blogspot.com

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6159227.Becky_Lower

G+: https://plus.google.com/103332938863838564766

Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/Becky-Lower/e/B008DTC15C/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1480527074&sr=1-2-ent

First Kiss Friday with Eliza Knight & a Giveaway!

12 Friday Jun 2020

Posted by in 2020, First Kiss Friday

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Welcome to my blog and another First Kiss Friday! Today’s guest is Eliza Knight who is offering a giveaway along with an opportunity for a free short story. Be sure to leave her a comment to be in the running. Find out more below. In the meantime, happy reading and enjoy this First Kiss Scene from The Rebel Wears Plaid.

Excerpt from Chapter 12 – First REAL Kiss:

Toran leaned closer, their shoulders brushing and hazy predawn light filtering through the roofless castle. She stared into his eyes, allowing herself just the tiniest moment to sink into their depths and dream. The more time they spent together, the more she wanted to. There was something intoxicating about him. A sweet she wanted to devour.

Before she could decipher what was happening, his lips brushed ever so gently across hers. Jenny gasped, mesmerized at the soft warmth and the jolt of awareness that spiraled through her. Just when she had the wherewithal to press her lips back, his mouth left hers much too quickly.

“I’m sorry, lass,” he whispered, eyes on hers. “I shouldna have done that without asking.”

She flicked her gaze from his eyes to his lips. And threw caution to the wind. “Dinna be sorry.”

“I’ve been wanting to do that for far too long.”

“And I’ve been wanting ye to.” She shouldn’t. She could feel herself getting caught up in the whirlwind of things she’d forbidden herself. Clan and country first. But resisting Toran had been a test she seemed doomed to fail.

He leaned in again, and she tipped her face up, meeting him halfway as his lips connected to hers. He took her hand in his and pressed it over his heart, the thump of it beating beneath her trembling fingertips.

“Ye feel that?” he asked. “’Tis what ye do to me every time we cross paths.”

“Ye’ve a way with words. Do ye speak to all the lasses like that?” she teased, smiling and wishing he’d kiss her some more.

“Nay.”

He couldn’t know how much that single denial made her want to swoon. She let her eyes close, reliving the soft kisses, his words, and breathing him in. He smelled of adventure—horses, leather, the outdoors, a subtle spice, and a faint hint of sweat.

“Will ye let me kiss ye some more?” he asked.

This was the chance she had to deny him, to tell him again that her life’s goal was to see the prince returned to his rightful throne—and nothing else. Changing her purpose on the flap of a crow’s wings was to be untrue to herself.

And yet denying him, letting him go, seemed also to be a betrayal to herself.

How could she have both?

It was impossible.

But right now, in this ruined castle, in the dark, with their enemies at bay and no warring or planning to be done, when she should be sleeping, she could allow him to kiss her some more. To indulge in a moment she might remember when things turned bleak.

“Aye,” she said, her mouth forming the affirmation before her mind had fully comprehended or determined what she wanted.

Toran’s hand slid over her cheek and tucked behind her head, tugging her closer as his lips pressed firmly to hers. The soft, tentative kiss they’d shared a moment before was replaced by this heady melding of lips.

Jenny sighed, her hand pressed to his heart, curling her fingers in his shirt, wanting to hold on forever. Their mouths moved to better fit, his breath on her cheek, her heart pounding in her chest.

When she thought their kiss could not grow any more intense, he licked her.

Well, not a lick exactly. More like a swipe of his tongue. A flick over her lips that had her gasping. He did it again, running the hot, velvet heat of his tongue over her lower lip and then the top, curling inside her mouth before darting away. It was fascinating and intoxicating, and it sent shivers racing all over her body.

She tugged harder against his shirt, pressing her body against his, and then he was dipping his tongue inside, touching the tip to hers, and she was emboldened to do the same thing.

A hot flash of desire sparked as the tip of her tongue tentatively touched his. Shivers ran rampant over her flesh. How was it possible that kissing him could get better and better?

Her heart was pounding, her body trembling, and heat licked at places she didn’t even know could feel…let alone feel so good.

At the same time, she was very aware of where they were and the other men not too far away. Toran’s hand slid from her face, his fingertips brushing over her neck to her collarbone, his palm flattening just above her breasts. She clamped her mouth closed to stifle both her gasp and her enthusiastic surrender.

Toran stilled, feeling her body stiffen. He was pulling away then, and she wished she could pull him back, wished she could tell him to continue kissing her. But the truth was she should have been the one to pull back, to put a stop to the madness.

The Rebel Wears Plaid
by Eliza Knight

These heroines risk their lives to protect Jacobite soldiers. Hiding them, healing their wounds, and aiding in their escape from enemy forces, puts these fiery ladies in harm’s way, but their loyalty wins out over fear every time.

Toran Fraser is hell-bent on taking down the Jacobites. On a late-night mission, he’s intercepted by a woman known only as “Mistress J” who’s determined to put Prince Charlie back on the throne of Scotland. Toran can’t resist her appeal—especially with her pistol pointed at his heart—and suddenly finds himself joining the rebellion…

By day, highborn Jenny Mackintosh runs her estate in the Highlands. By night, she raises coin, delivers weapons, and recruits soldiers for the Jacobite rebellion. When she encounters a handsome Highlander who is clearly on the run, she is more than a little intrigued. She isn’t expecting to become the target of his sworn enemy…

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://bit.ly/RebelWearsPlaid

B&N: http://bit.ly/EKRebel

Apple: http://bit.ly/EKRebelWearsPlaid

Audible: http://bit.ly/ListentoRebel

Kobo: https://bit.ly/KoboRebel

Reading Links:

GoodReads: http://bit.ly/ReadRebel

BookBub: http://bit.ly/ShareRebel

BIO:

Eliza Knight is a USA Today bestselling author of many historical adventures. Escape to Scotland for irresistible heroes, courageous heroines and daring escapades. Join Eliza (sometimes as E.) on riveting journeys that cross landscapes around the world. While not reading, writing or researching for her latest book, she chases after her three children. In her spare time (if there is such a thing…) she likes daydreaming, wine-tasting, traveling, hiking, staring at the stars, watching movies, shopping and visiting with family and friends. She lives atop a small mountain with her own knight in shining armor, three princesses and two very naughty puppies.

SM Links:

Website: www.elizaknight.com

History Undressed Blog: www.historyundressed.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/elizaknightfiction

Twitter: @ElizaKnight

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/eliza-knight

Goodreads: goodreads.com/elizaknight

History Books and Wine Podcast: http://historybooksandwine.buzzsprout.com

Giveaway: One signed print copy of THE REBEL WEARS PLAID to one US winner.
Also — For anyone who pre-orders THE REBEL WEARS PLAID, fill out this form to get your free copy of PRETTY IN PLAID! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScXJudg-b9woINnZeBm1KtlrvR1zDYNZV0SZ14iZ0wMT_GF7Q/viewform

First Kiss Friday with Bob & Judy

05 Friday Jun 2020

Posted by in 2020, First Kiss Friday

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Welcome to a special First Kiss Friday with my dear friend, Jude Knight. With everything going on in the world right now, it’s nice to read a story that is so uplifting that it can only bring a smile to your face and tears in your eyes (in a very good way). Love at first sight really can happen and with that intro, I’ll let Jude take it away! Enjoy, my lovelies.

I haven’t been writing, what with packing up the house we’ve sold, Covid-19 lockdown, moving cities, buying a new house, and having a newly retired husband home the whole time.

So I thought I’d give you something different. A couple who met long ago at a prayer meeting, met again several times at youth outreach (she was secretary of her Young Anglicans group and he was president of the local Young Catholic workers), and finally went out together for a night dancing. Just dancing and talking. Two well-behaved young people in the late nineteen-sixties, and after all, they barely knew one another.

***

It was a dismal Monday morning, but the usual trip to training college had to be endured regardless. Across the harbour bridge into the city, and then a second bus out to an old made-over colonial mansion in Arney Road, where would-be kindergarten teachers learned educational theory, human development, and how to make music and movement fun and interesting for a herd of rambunctious toddlers.

Judy’s mind was on her book rather than the weather or her studies, but the greeting from further down the bus riveted her attention. Bob. She had hoped to see him again, but not so soon; not on the bus.

“I often catch this bus,” he said. “I’m surprised we haven’t seen one another before.”

They talked all the way into town, and he walked her to her next stop. He was smart, and funny, and attentive, and courteous. She didn’t miss her book at all; didn’t even pull it out of her bag until the bus turned a corner and he was out of sight.

He was there waiting to walk her to her bus that night, and on the first bus again the next morning. “Do you like the ballroom type of dancing?” he asked. “Only, I’ve got tickets for a ball this coming Friday. I could pick you up if you’d like.” As casual as him, she said she’d enjoy that.

She had university that night – she was doing two papers, and stayed late on Tuesdays and Thursdays to attend lectures. No Bob on the bus. She scolded herself over her disappointment. If he knew, he’d think she was chasing him! They were just friends, after all.

Just in case that doubt was in his mind, she deliberately caught a later bus on Wednesday. To her surprise, he was on it. She fretted all day about what he might think, and wasn’t surprised when he didn’t appear at the stop in the city to walk her home.

Thursday, she caught the earlier bus in the morning, and stayed for lectures in the evening. When she saw him on Friday morning, she wasn’t sure he’d noticed her absence the previous day. Not that they were courting, or even boyfriend and girlfriend. They were just two people who happened to like one another, and who happened to be going dancing together, because dancing was fun.

She took some money out of her bank account so she could afford to have her hair done for the ball.

It was a wonderful night. The harbourside venue was stunning, the music was glorious, Bob was a splendid dancer, his friends (it was a ball for Outward Bound Old Boys) welcomed her as if she belonged… then it got better.

They were slow waltzing, and Judy was looking up into Bob’s eyes when she saw them change. Ever after, she struggled to express what she saw: the eyes softened and grew more intent, all in one. As the warmth in his gaze wrapped her around, she fell in love, and ever after swore that he beat her to it, if only by seconds.

What happened in the remainder of the evening? Neither of them took much notice. The roof could have blown off the building, and they would still have been in one another’s arms, dancing. They couldn’t believe that five hours had passed when they were herded outside with the rest of the stragglers so the venue could be closed.

They walked back to his father’s car hand in hand, not needing words. He drove one-handed so he could continue holding hers in his clasp. And when they parked in her mother’s driveway, he cupped her chin the heel of his hand, leaned in for a kiss, and the magical night got better still.

Reader, I married him. I’m slightly stunned that that night counts as history, since on the 3rd of August this year it will have been fifty-one years since the night we talked until dawn, chose a name for our first son, and shared far too many kisses to count.

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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Books + Main Bites: https://bookandmainbites.com/JudeKnightAuthor

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Jude-Knight/e/B00RG3SG7I

 

 

First Kiss Friday with Collette Cameron

29 Friday May 2020

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Welcome to another week for my First Kiss Friday blog. Today’s guest is USA Today bestselling author Collette Cameron who has an excerpt from her latest release, Never Dance with a Duke. Isn’t this cover just gorgeous? Get your fans ready, my lovelies. Happy reading and enjoy!

Excerpt:

“Nicolette?” Mathias’s silky-smooth timber caressed her. “Darling, are you all right? You fled before I could speak with you.”

His smile was endearingly bashful. Charmingly vulnerable. And if she hadn’t already been in love with him, she’d have fallen in love at that moment.

She averted her face and shook her head. Struggling to regain her composure, she said, “I just needed a moment.”

A moment to come to grips with my love for you.

He sank onto the bench beside her, his heat enveloping her at once. Without a word, he drew her back against his chest and pressed a kiss to her crown. “Forgive me if I overstepped. I seem to forget myself when I’m with you. I’m completely under your spell, Nicolette.”

A watery chuckle escaped her. “And I with you.”

Whenever she was in his arms, the world felt right.

Relaxing into Mathias’s sturdy strength, she angled her head, looking up at the sky. Though it was a cloudless night, few stars were visible because of London’s many lights, and the new moon wasn’t noticeable at all.

With one finger, he turned her chin toward him, their eyes meeting.

Searching. Seeking. Speaking what neither had dared to voice.

And call her a fool, Nicolette closed her eyes and raised her mouth. Silently inviting him to give her what she craved, more than oxygen or food or water.

Not a heartbeat later, he settled those marvelous lips upon hers.

And he did everything he’d promised during that tantalizing dance, and more.

So much more.

She turned into Mathias, sliding her arms around his back and clutching him to her, letting sensation and desire take over.

“Nicolette, my sweet darling.” He groaned low in his throat, and a thrill shot through her that she’d brought him to this state.

He kissed the sensitive place below her ear, and she angled her head to allow him better access. Who knew a kiss in that particular spot could pebble her nipples and cause dampness to gather in the cleft between her legs?

In this blissful moment, she didn’t care that this was unwise.

Perhaps, utterly foolish.

That it might lead to heartache and regrets.

I love him. I love him. I love Mathias.

Never Dance With A Duke
By Collette Cameron

The cost of trust is more than she’s willing to pay. But he’ll do everything he can to change her mind…

A scandal ruined her future…

Nicolette Twistleton delights in thumbing her nose at Society. After all, becoming the Spiteful Spinster was what helped her through being jilted by her betrothed. Putting her faith in another man? Impossible. But there’s something about the entirely too handsome and charming Mathias Pembroke that makes her wish she was the kind of woman who could learn to trust again.

A secret can destroy his…

Mathias, Duke of Westfall, wants nothing to do with his inherited title and all the public scrutiny it brings. He has dark secrets to protect, and can’t afford to be distracted by the trappings of Society. What he apparently can be distracted by, however, is the lovely Nicolette. He understands her pain and knows he could help her heal…if only she were willing to open her heart to him.

Can love save them both?

When ghosts from the past emerge and threaten the fragile bonds they’ve begun to build, Nicolette and Mathias find themselves caught between their feelings for each other and devastating scandal. Will love be enough to protect them—or was their happily ever after doomed from the very start?

This friends-to-lovers, second chance historical romance by a USA Today bestselling author, will have you flipping the pages to find out if Mathias and Nicolette trust themselves to love again.

If you enjoy reading witty, lovable rogue and duke love stories with a pinch of mystery, a dash of humor, and soul-searing emotion, then you’ll adore Collette Cameron’s enthralling SEDUCTIVE SCOUNDRELS SERIES. Buy NEVER DANCE WITH A DUKE and settle into your favorite reading nook for a page-turning, entertaining Regency world adventure you can’t put down.

Though this book can easily be read as a stand-alone, most readers prefer to read the series in order.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0866BHZ4C?tag=collett-20

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/never-dance-with-a-duke-collette-cameron/1136700213?ean=2940162630432

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/never-dance-with-a-duke

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=vg3YDwAAQBAJ

iTunes: https://books.apple.com/us/book/never-dance-with-a-duke/id1503827728

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52583377

 BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/never-dance-with-a-duke-a-historical-regency-romance-seductive-scoundrels-book-7-by-collette-cameron

About the Author:

USA Today Bestselling, award-winning author COLLETTE CAMERON® scribbles Scottish and Regency historical romance novels featuring dashing rogues, rakes, and scoundrels and the strong heroines who reform them. Blessed with an overactive and witty muse that won’t stop whispering new romantic romps in her ear, she’s lived in Oregon her entire life. Although she dreams of living in Scotland part-time. A confessed Cadbury chocoholic, you’ll always find a dash of inspiration and a pinch of humor in her sweet-to-spicy timeless romances®.

Website: http://collettecameron.com

Facebook: http://facebook.com/collettecameronauthor

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/colletteauthor/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/Collette_Author

Amazon Author Page:  http://amazon.com/author/collettecameron.com/

Book Bub:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/collette-cameron

Collette’s Chèris VIP Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CollettesCheris/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/collettecameronauthor/

Newsletter: https://bit.ly/TheRegencyRoseGift

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

First Kiss Friday with Love Will Find You

22 Friday May 2020

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Welcome to my First Kiss Friday blog. This has been a hectic week as I continue the celebration of my newest release Love Will Find You. Although I’m supposed to be showing you the first kiss scene between Killian and Ella, I’m going to show you the second since I shared their first kiss before. You can find the link here. In this scene, Killian and Ella have fled Berwyck and are traveling south. I’m sure you’ll enjoy this excerpt from Love Will Find You. Happy reading, my lovelies!

Excerpt:

His name, whispered in his ear like a soft caress, had Killian clasping the welcoming curves of the woman whose arms were draped around his shoulders. Kisses trailed down his neck, causing parts of him to stir to life and he inhaled the fragrance of her hair smelling of sweet flowers.

“Killian…”

The seductive tone of Ella’s voice had Killian’s mind imagining a life together. His dream seemed so real, especially considering how well she fit within his embrace. The intrusion of birds calling to one another high above the treetops in the early morning hours only caused Killian to grasp this woman closer to him for surely he did not wish to rouse from his slumber. Let him dream just a bit longer…

“Killian, my love…”

My love? His eyes burst open at such an avowal while Ella dreamed on. He was startled to find the lady was truly wrapped around him like a second skin. He had not been dreaming after all, for apparently they naturally claimed one another while they had slumbered.

He began to carefully disengage himself from Ella, but once again her words halted any thoughts of moving farther from her side.

“Kiss me, Killian,” she murmured in her sleep.

He had made her a promise he would not kiss her again. He had every intention of honoring such a vow, and yet how could he deny himself the taste of her when she urged him closer with a gentle tug upon the back of his neck? He leaned forward to brush his lips against her own as if he had no choice but to honor her simple request. Yet there was nothing simple about what ignited between them. Fire erupted in his veins at the first encounter even while he heard a soft moan escaped her. ’Twas the sweetest sound he had ever heard but he also knew he would regret taking advantage of her in such a manner.

Their kiss ended sooner than he would have wished. Ella’s eyes briefly flickered open, causing Killian to hesitate with an offer of an apology. Her smile brightened her whole countenance, but such a look was fleeting and Killian knew she was still under the delusion she was dreaming. She gave a heavenly sigh, and then took up the fur pelt to return to her slumber.

Killian jerked back and slumped against the fallen log. A hundred scenarios raced across his mind while he attempted to figure out how in the hell he was ever going to turn over the woman he loved to another man. She must care for him. Why else would she whisper his name while she slept? He could not even think further upon her words when she uttered my love, let alone how she asked for his kiss. Aye, she may have been dreaming, but surely there was some truth hidden deep within her that she mayhap cared for him too.

Love Will Find You:
The Knights of Berwyck, A Quest Through Time (Book Four)
By Sherry Ewing

Sometimes a moment is all we have…

Ella Fitzpatrick is a woman with a secret. As she comes and goes from Berwyck Castle, seeking refuge within its gates, she yearns to be reunited with the one for whom she crossed time from the twenty-first century. She has lived another lifetime in the twelfth century waiting for the date of their reunion and it is almost upon her. But how could she have known the man she believes she loves is not the person she needs?

Killian of Clan MacLaren has been infatuated with Ella for many a year but has guarded his heart, knowing her affection lies with another. When Ella must flee Berwyck, Killian vows to escort her to her encounter with destiny. But passion flares between them and there is no doubt the bond they have is far greater than either of them expected.

Their time together is running out. Killian has a decision to make that might give him and Ella a future together. If you could change someone’s past, would you seize the moment?

Buy Links:

Amazon US  |  Apple Books  | Barnes & Noble |  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 Rue Allyn

15 Friday May 2020

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Welcome to First Kiss Friday. Today’s guest is my friend and fellow Bluestocking Belle, Rue Allyn. Rue has an excerpt from One Night’s Desire. You may wish to have your fan on hand. #just saying Happy Reading, my lovelies!

Excerpt:

“Please don’t.”

Kat’s whispered plea was so quiet that Ev almost didn’t hear it. He sat up rapidly checking the campsite for intruders. Then she begged again louder.

“No, please. I promise. I’ll do anything you want.”

He swiveled to look at her and was held agog by the sight.

She sat in her shirtsleeves. Sweat gleamed her face. She held the buffalo robe at arm’s length, bunched material clutched in each hand.

“This is wrong. You can’t be so cruel.” Her voice continued to rise. “Please don’t ask me to sell myself. I’m not a whore.”

Releasing her hold on the robe, she let it fall to the ground then began to wrestle the covering as if fighting for her life.

At the thud of her fists against the robe covered earth, Ev leapt from his bedroll. Coming up on Kat from behind, he knelt and secured her in a bear hug. He didn’t want to hurt her, but feared that she would harm herself. She was scorching hot to the touch. Fever-born delirium possessed her, and she shifted from fighting the buffalo robe to fighting Ev, twisting and turning to get better aim at him.

This was not good. He had to snap her out of it.

“Kat! I’m not asking you to whore.”

Her hands stilled against his chest, and she blinked at him. “Really? Oh Herbert, I knew you wouldn’t want me to do that. You really do love me.”

Who in Hades is Herbert?

That was Ev’s last thought before Kat plastered her lips to his, filling his head with sweet surprise and his body with sweeter agonies.

Momentum brought him to the ground, and her legs tangled with his.

Her mouth was soft. Her breasts pressed warm against his chest. He pulled her closer and gave himself to madness.

She twined her arms around his neck then ran her tongue along the seam of his lips.

He opened, licked, tasted, groaned. She was sweet like honeysuckle, delicate like silk, like heaven, everything he wanted.

Her fingers stroked his shoulders, his arms, his chest. Cool air and hot woman struck his skin. She’d unbuttoned his shirt.

His blood boiled with longing. His body hardened. He wanted, needed, to be inside her, love her, make her his.

Her hips moved, undulating against his erection. He had to have her.

“Please, make love with me, Herbert.”

Forever afterward, Ev would associate ice cold water with the name Herbert. Nothing could have doused his ardor more effectively.

“No. I can’t do this. We can’t do this.”

Bracing her hands against his chest, she levered herself up. Delirium still burned in her eyes “We’ve already done this. How can you refuse me?”

As gently as he could, Ev took her by the waist and lifted her from his body. “Simple. I’m saying no.”

“You think I’m good enough to whore for you, but I’m not fit to be your lover. After all your demands, you’d deny me. I won’t let you.” She clawed and scratched at Ev, twisting against him and breaking his grip.

He scrabbled to restrain her, but her flailing arms went everywhere. He managed to secure one wrist. Before he could move to grasp the other, she swung and connected with his eye.

“Stop this now!”

As if struck, she went rigid then collapsed with a moan into a shivering, still sleeping heap against Ev’s chest.

He hurried to wrap her in the buffalo robe, built up both fires, and buttoned his shirt then donned his boots and coat. He checked on Kat who, despite the heat of the fires, her own fever and the robe, continued to shiver. The chill air had him doing a bit of shivering himself. He took a minute to consider his alternatives and noticed that the sky had lightened. Dawn was breaking.

About One Night’s Desire – Wildfire Love Book 2, Kiera’s Story:

A WOMAN ON THE RUN ~ Rustlers, claim jumpers and fire, nothing will stop Kiera Alden from reuniting her family.  But an accusation of murder threatens her dreams and sets Marshall Evrett Quinn on her trail.  She may be able to escape prison bars and eventually prove her innocence, but she can’t escape Quinn’s love.

A LAWMAN IN HOT PURSUIT ~ Marshall Evrett Quinn is relentless in pursuit of law-breakers, and pretty Kiera Alden is no exception.  Clever and courageous, she evades him until chance encounter turns the tables.  Finally he has this elusive desperado under arrest, but success is bittersweet when she captures his heart.

Available for Pre-order NOW Link https://boks2read.com/u/3nvizo

Get a free copy in exchange for an honest review (only 20 spots available) link https://booksprout.co/arc/36735/one-night-s-desire

About Rue Allyn:

Award winning author, Rue Allyn, learned story telling at her grandfather’s knee. (Well it was really more like on his knee—I was two.) She’s been weaving her own tales ever since. She has worked as an instructor, mother, sailor, clerk, sales associate, and painter, along with a variety of other types of employment. She has lived and traveled in places all over the globe from Keflavik Iceland (I did not care much for the long nights of winter.) and Fairbanks Alaska to Panama City and the streets of London England to a large number of places in between. Now that her two sons have left the nest, Rue and her husband of more than four decades (Try living with the same person for more than forty years—that’s a true adventure.) have retired and moved south.

When not writing, enjoying the nearby beach or working jigsaw puzzles, Rue travels the world and surfs the internet in search of background material and inspiration for her next heart melting romance. She loves to hear from readers, and you may contact her at  contact@RueAllyn.com. She can’t wait to hear from you.

Find Rue One Line:

social media links—

FB– https://www.facebook.com/groups/RueAllynCrew/

Twitter– https://www.twitter.com/RueAllyn

Blog– https://www.rueallyn.com/blog/

Amazon– http://www.amazon.com/Rue-Allyn/e/B00AUBF3NI

Email—Rue@RueAllyn.com

Goodreads– http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5031290.Rue_Allyn

Pinterest– http://www.pinterest.com/RueAllyn/

First Kiss Friday with Ashley York & a Giveaway!

08 Friday May 2020

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Please help me give a warm welcome to my guest, Ashley York, for this week’s First Kiss Friday excerpt from Eyes of the Seer. Be sure to read to the end to learn about Ashley’s giveaway. Happy reading and enjoy, my lovelies!

Excerpt:

The wooden tub sat in the middle of the small space. Baskets and new oaken barrels were stacked alongside the walls, making it an even tighter fit for the two of them. Marcán turned toward Astrid, and she lifted his léine over his head with no hesitation. His tired imagination heard a gasp of pleasure from her.

With nerves of iron, he willed himself to remain unmoved by the gesture. His tight braies might go unnoticed if he quickly submerged himself. But the water was hotter than he’d anticipated, and he had to wait to sit all the way in the tub.

Astrid had turned away to drape the blood and mud caked garment over the barrels. When she turned back to him, he took a deep breath and sank into the water.

“Is it not overly hot?” she asked, a cloth in one hand and soap in the other.

“I am fine.” Marcán gritted his teeth, the steam rising around him, lapping against his chest. He felt like he was cooking, being prepared for a meal. With his knees bent up in front of him, he leaned forward to offer his back to her. Better to get this done quickly.

She hesitated but a moment before dipping the cloth into the water and lathering it. Surrounded by her scent, he closed his eyes in agony. “Yer own soap, Astrid?”

More sweet torture—and it would be clinging to him for many days.

“It is the best we have.”

Her hand against his skin was gentle, the swiping motion precise as she traced from shoulder to shoulder, working her way lower. He leaned his forehead against his knees.

God, don’t let her be gentle.

“Ye needn’t be too gentle. I am a warrior after all.” His laugh sounded stilted, but Astrid showed no sign of noticing.

She increased the pressure, her hand moving more quickly as she made her way down his back.

“I have helped Diarmuid with his bath, Marcán.”

Her matter-of-fact tone helped settle him—it sounded more like what he would expect from her.

“I do not know why I never offered ye the same.”

Because he usually made sure to stay clear of her after a battle, just as he had tried to do this night. Her insistence, however, had pushed him too far. The need to ease her guilt was the only reason he had agreed to the arrangement.

When she reached his bottom, he pushed back against the wood. She had no choice but to remove her hand from the water.

“That is fine. I can do the rest myself.”

She frowned at him, the single torch casting strange shadows on her face before he turned away.

“Ye need help. I will help ye.”

He tightened his jaw, watching with horror as she soaped the cloth again. He was going to burst into flames at any moment. When she slapped the cloth against his chest, her eyes met his, an intimacy that pleased him for a moment—until he remembered that this was not to be. He looked away.

With a slower motion, she swiped the cloth across his chest. Her scent rising to him, he resisted the need to close his eyes in pleasure.

“I can do this myself.” He struggled to hide the arousal from his voice, trying for a firm tone. He refused to look at her, even when her hand slowed to a crawl. Even when her hand moved across his chest for the third time. Rubbing. Caressing.

He fought the need to look at her—and lost. Her eyes were fixed on the movement of the cloth across his chest. She appeared mesmerized at the sight of him. The soap made the motion a gentle slide. A thousand sensations prickled across his skin. And then, without planning it, he took his arm out of the water and wrapped his fingers around her neck, bringing her lips to his.

He was ready for her to slap him, but he couldn’t stop himself. Overcome with exhaustion and need, he hardly knew what he was doing. As if moving in a dream, the kiss he’d waited so long for happened with such slowness, every detail burned into his memory. Her eyes meeting his. Widening, but with pleasure rather than surprise. He definitely saw pleasure, just before they fluttered shut.

Eyes of the Seer
By Ashley York

He wishes to prove himself…

Marcán of Clonascra bears the bloodline of Brian Boru and his prowess as a warrior has earned him great respect from everyone but Astrid, the woman who holds his heart. Between her mother’s condemning him as a pagan Seer and Astrid’s total disinterest, he finds solace as the king’s protector and confidant.

She is desperate to escape…

Astrid is more than ready to wed but her brother, the king, is in no hurry to see her married, so she decides to see to her own match-making. The man she approaches quickly reveals his lack of honor, but her overbearing mother pushes her to wed him anyway. When Astrid discovers Marcán’s love for her, will it be too late to have the happiness she’d always dreamed of?

BUY HERE

About Ashley: 

Always an avid romance reader herself, Ashley York enjoys writing historical romance novels full of passion and intrigue set in the 11th and 12th century British Isles. Whether it’s in the mysterious ring forts of Ireland, the romantic Scottish Highlands, or the battle fields of Hastings, her characters fight hard and play hard. Good or evil, primary or secondary, they’ll yank at your emotions and make it hard to put her books down.

When she is not writing, talking about writing, or thinking about writing, Ashley relaxes with visits to the local pubs (when allowed) listening to live Celtic tunes, participating with guitar, voice, and whistle. In the words of one of her favorite songs, she enjoys “…singing songs to pass the night away…”

She lives in southern New England with her husband and 2 very spoiled animals.

https://www.facebook.com/ashley1066york/
Website: www.ashleyyorkauthor.com
Twitter: @ashleyyork1066

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY: Be sure to leave Ashley a comment to be in the running for an eBook of Eyes of the Seer. A random comment will be chosen as the winner. Good luck!

First Kiss Friday with guest Caroline Warfield

01 Friday May 2020

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It’s First Kiss Friday and we’re going to ring in the month of May with my dear friend Caroline Warfield. Caroline has a new book coming out in October and I’m excited to read an excerpt of what she has in store for us with Music on the Waters. Take it away Caroline!

Music on the Waters concerns a lonely widower and a brilliant musician he has hired to teach his daughter. Late one night the two of them have pulled a Beethoven duet from the music cabinet and have been attempting to play it.

Excerpt:

Halfway through, their playing became entangled, until Alec broke off laughing, bowing his head to the piano. Ann convulsed, as if his laughter infected her with madness. They laughed until tears ran.

“How could we—” she began, gasping for air.

“The arrogance of it!” he replied.

“Maybe with a year of practice,” she said, catching her breath.

“A year? Surely a month or two would suffice,” he asserted.

She beamed at him; he thought it the most beautiful sight he had ever seen. When she opened her mouth to reply, the luscious line of her lower lip drew him. He froze, unable to pull his gaze away.

She closed her mouth slowly, and he leaned forward longing to kiss, his common sense in full retreat.

When she licked her lower lip, he was lost. He closed the distance until their breaths mingled.

“Sir Alec?” she murmured before he touched his lips to hers.

“Alec,” he said against her mouth, moving his lips and touching hers with his tongue. She didn’t pull away. He moved back mere inches, enough to look for any sign of distress. Her wide, expectant eyes sent him back for more.

Just a taste, he thought.

When she opened for him, he was lost. He pushed the bench back from the piano and pulled her into his lap, one arm about her shoulders anchoring her to him, the other caressing her waist and hip.

She gripped his shoulders, holding on as if for life. Her untutored responses to his kisses sent a warning through him, but he ignored it. When the hand at her waist slipped up to cup one breast, she stiffened, and he pulled it away, lifting his head to look at her again. She whimpered and shivered in his arms, leaning her mouth toward his, but he pulled her against his shoulder.

He dropped his head to hers, reveling in the silken feel of her hair. “I should apologize.”

She pulled herself up. “No, I—”

She didn’t object when he pulled her back. “Don’t. You’re a beautiful woman and a brilliant musician. I refuse to regret kissing you.” They sat together for long moments, her head nestled against his shoulder and his arm around her waist, until he kissed her neck and set her back on the bench.

Music on the Waters
By Caroline Warfield
Preorder now for $0.99

Sir Alexander Bradshaw, solid Scots merchant, needs to acquire a wife, a sensible woman who can manage his unruly sons and sullen daughter. As Orkney’s long, dark winter approaches with no suitable candidates, an acquaintance suggests a music teacher might occupy his daughter. He embraces at the idea.

Ann Dunwood let herself be lured to Orkney by the opportunity to play The Kirkwall Organ. For the beauty of the instrument, she can endure the tedium of choirs and parishioners who wish only for the most banal of hymns; she’s done it before. She knows how to fade into the shadows and keep to her place.

When Alec comes upon her filling the cathedral with a Bach fugue he is enchanted by the magical creature at the keyboard. The object of his fascination sinks into a demure young woman when the music ends. Alec determines to get the magical creature back, and quickly discovers she can fill his life with the music it sorely needs. How long before their solos become a duet?

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B086SGRWSG/

Bio:

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/