Category Archives: First Kiss Friday

First Kiss Friday with Meara Platt & a Giveaway!

31 Friday May 2019

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Welcome, my lovelies, to another First Kiss Friday! Today’s guest is Meara Platt who has a first kiss scene from The Touch of Love. She’s also offering a giveaway to one lucky random comment of an eBook of this release so be sure to leave a comment after you read this fabulous excerpt. Enjoy!

Excerpt:

“Don’t be angry, Nathaniel. You’re the only man I trust to be honest with me.”

“Kisses lead to other things.”

“Like removing one’s gown?” She cast him a wry smile. “Which is why I am safest learning these things from you. So, shall we get down to business? You agreed to this, remember? And if Andrew Gordon wrote me this note, then I certainly don’t want to trust him with a first kiss.”

Of course, her first kiss.

He ought to have realized it immediately.

He groaned, suddenly feeling like a wolf who’d just trapped an innocent lamb. Or was he the lamb suddenly trapped by this beautiful wolf?

No, he was the wolf. He was the worldly, jaded one. So how could he do this to the girl?

Poppy trusted him so completely.

You can do this. You are honorable. You care for her. You will protect her. This is why she chose you to be her first.

“Very well, close your eyes.”

She closed them.

He watched them flutter shut. Her dark velvet eyelashes rested against the soft pink of her cheeks.

Blessed Mother. She had the face of an angel.

“What shall I do with my lips?”

He would have laughed at the remark were his heart not too busy erupting with volcanic force within his chest. He was in fiery torment, struggling to hold himself back from devouring Poppy. “Keep them relaxed.”

“What shall I do with my hands?”

He dismissed the thought immediately coming to mind, for she would grab the inkpot off his desk and crack his skull open with it if she knew what he was thinking. Yes, he was depraved and not proud of it. “Put them on my shoulders.” It seemed the safest advice to give her.

“Like this?”

Why did her touch always feel like the touch of heaven?
“It’ll do.” His voice sounded hoarse and strained even to his own ears. That she was approaching the kiss with logic ought to have calmed him down.

It didn’t.

She was about to ask another question, but he cut her short by wrapping his arms around her and pressing his lips to hers.

He shouldn’t have done that.

Nor should he have buried his fingers in her hair and cupped the back of her head to guide her lips to his.

Nor should he have deepened the kiss when she responded, her soft, pliant lips yielding to his possessive conquest. His primitive instincts had taken over. Only his low brain seemed to be working and had taken control.

Her soft, ample breasts molded to his firm chest.

Healthy breasts. Lord, they were healthy.

Mate with this girl.

It was as though she had been built to fit him.

And his low brain knew it. Fertile female. Want this female. Need to spill seed into this exquisite, beautiful– 

He abruptly pulled his mouth off hers.

Blessed saints, his brain wasn’t completely dead yet.

He eased his hold on her. “Well, that’s it, Poppy. Your first kiss.”

He waited for her to remark on it. Would she think it was magical? Wondrous?

Her eyes remained closed and she said nothing.

He bristled. “Care to comment?”

Poppy had an irritating way of hiding her feelings. She was reserved in everything she said and did. But she hadn’t felt reserved in her response to him. The slide of her hands up his chest and the urgent press of her body against his had given her away.

The wild beating of her heart.

He’d felt its rampant beats against his chest.

“Did the kiss meet your expectations?”

She opened her eyes and stared at him. “I’m not sure.”

What?

BLURB:

Welcome to the Book of Love series. What makes a man fall in love? The Book of Love holds the answer, or so Poppy Farthingale believes.

Poppy Farthingale has made a pact with her two best friends to use The Book of Love to find true love. How else will Nathaniel Sherbourne, Earl of Welles, ever notice her? With a small dowry and no prominent lineage, Nathaniel will never consider her a suitable wife, especially when her competition is a beautiful duke’s daughter who has already been declared an Incomparable. Poppy has four days to win his heart, but with time running out and her rival about to attend a weekend party at Nathaniel’s country home, is all hope lost?

Nathaniel Sherbourne, Earl of Welles, is a man whose heart has been bruised by the ravages of war. He is in no rush to marry, for he’s a wealthy and titled bachelor with debutantes aplenty eager to gain his notice. In any event, he has a blackmail scheme to unravel before he can turn his mind to more romantic ventures. But his sister’s shy friend, Poppy Farthingale, is suddenly capturing his attention. She’s toting around The Book of Love, and he’s promised to help her find a suitable match. Is it possible he’s the right man for Poppy?

BUY LINK: The Touch of Love: https://amzn.to/2Lla9YZ

BIO:

Meara Platt is a USA Today bestselling author and an award-winning Amazon UK Allstar in historical and Regency romance. Her favorite place in all the world is England’s charming Lake District which may not come as a surprise since many of her stories are set in that idyllic landscape, especially her paranormal Regency romances in her Dark Gardens series. If you’d like to learn more about Meara’s lighthearted Farthingale series, Book of Love series, and Braydens series, or gothic, paranormal Dark Gardens series, please visit Meara’s website at www.mearaplatt.com.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

Amazon Author Link: http://www.amazon.com/Meara-Platt/e/B00PO672QU

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/meara-platt

Website: www.mearaplatt.com

Newsletter: http://mearaplatt.com/mailing_list.php

First Kiss Friday with Lynn Winchester

24 Friday May 2019

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It’s First Kiss Friday and today I’m welcoming a new author to my blog, Lynn Winchester. Lynn is sharing her first kiss scene from her story Katrona’s Keeper. We hope you enjoy this excerpt. Happy reading, my lovelies!

Excerpt:

To his surprise, Katriona reached over and put her hand on his knee. Electricity shot through her hand and into his leg. It took everything he had to not shoot up in his seat and cry out at the sensation.

“I’m sorry you didn’t get to know the joy of having brothers and sisters. I only had sisters, but they have been my biggest blessing.” Again, that wistfulness made an appearance, and he had to wonder what had brought it on. “But, you aren’t all on your lonesome now. You have me, and I can be your closest friend, your most—er—intimate companion, your champion, and your soul mate.”

She’d stumbled over that bit about “intimate companion,” but the fact that she’d spoken of it at all had his heart racing. Perhaps she wouldn’t want to put off their wedding night. His gaze dropped from her bright blue eyes to her pouty, lush lips, and then further down before snapping back up to her face. She was flushed, her eyes now wide, and her lips open to allow her quick breaths to escape.

“Race…” she murmured, her breathing quickening. The hand on his knee slid down to his thigh. He stiffened, all of his body flexing at the feel of her so close to him.

“Yes,” he croaked.

“I believe in doing what needs doing,” she said, her voice dropping. “And I think we need to be doing something else…” Her tongue flicked out to wet her lips and all his thoughts tumbled into the pit of his stomach.

He didn’t need to ask her what she meant. With his heart pounding in his chest and his blood singing through his veins, he leaned in, sliding his hands up Katriona’s arms. She shuddered beneath his touch. A slow smile formed on his face; he liked that she was affected by him, for he was affected by her, utterly. His hands cupped her flushed face, and he pulled her to him, she leaned in, too, her eyes watching him as he drew closer. There was a heat in her blue eyes, turning them from cornflower blue to sapphire. Finally, he pressed his lips to hers—they were so soft, so much softer than he could have ever imagined, and they gave beneath his. She stiffened at first, no doubt unused to men’s kisses, but he took his time, closing his eyes and enjoying the contact. She was warmth and deliciousness rolled into one, like an apple tart straight from the oven. He brushed his lips over hers, and she moaned, finally melting into him, and he mentally crowed at her surrender. He deepened the kiss, taking each breath and holding it in his own body.

Every inch of him felt tight, every beat of his heart thrust hot blood through him.

He’d waited long enough.

Breaking the kiss, he sucked in gulps of air, forcing his mind to stop spinning. Katriona’s face was still flushed, but her eyes were hazy and her lips were pouty and kiss-swollen.

He liked her like that.

“I wanted to talk with you about our weddin’ night, and I was willin’ to wait until you were ready, but I have a feelin’ you’re about as ready as I am,” he said, his voice husky.

Her eyes cleared but remained trained on him, there was a certainty there he appreciated.

“Oh, I’m ready alright,” she answered, her voice silky and sensual in its raspiness. Sliding her hand into his, as if giving him the ticket to heaven, she pinned him with her heated gaze and nodded.

Not needing another sign, he clasped her hand tightly. Race stood up on shaky legs, pulled her up beside him, and escorted his wife to their bedroom.

Blurb:

Determined to create something that will leave a legacy, Katriona Wigg heads west to Dry Bayou, Texas, where she plans to marry a man she’s never met. Being a mail-order bride isn’t ideal, but she doesn’t have a choice. Offered a chance at something extraordinary, Katriona is willing to do whatever it takes to make her dream a reality, even marry to get the money she needs to build her own vocational school.

But if her new husband thinks he can tie her down, he is in for fight of his life.

Race Tucker has spent years watching the people around him find love and contentment, and when the bug finally bites him, he does what any overly busy ranch foreman does—he sends for a mail-order bride. To have and to hold, to keep and to provide, Race believes he has what it takes to be a fine husband. But he doesn’t know what to do with the woman who arrives in town to marry him—a woman more at home in trousers than dresses. A woman more than capable of bringing him to his knees.

When their marriage starts to get rocky, can these two opposites find a middle ground? Or will Katriona’s keeper let her go?

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M7KPHSV

Bio:

Lynn Winchester is the pseudonym of a hardworking California-born conservative, now living in the wilds of Northeast Pennsylvania. Lynn has been writing fiction since the 5th grade, and enjoys creating worlds, characters, and stories for her readers.

Lynn writes charming, romantic romance that focuses on the growth of the relationship and the power of true love. Lynn’s historical western Dry Bayou Brides series is a highly acclaimed, bestselling sweet romance series. Keep an eye out for her upcoming releases.

When Lynn isn’t writing, she is running a successful editing business, reading whatever she can get her hands on, raising her four children, making sure her husband is happy, and binge watching shows on Netflix.

Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/LynnWinRomance

Twitter: https://www.Twitter.com/LynnWinWesterns

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lynn-winchester

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15570319.Lynn_Winchester

First Kiss Friday with Amanda Mariel

17 Friday May 2019

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Welcome to another First Kiss Friday! Today’s guest is Amanda Mariel who has an excerpt from her recent release One Wanton Wager. Isn’t the cover gorgeous? Happy reading, my lovelies, and enjoy!

Excerpt:

Alex strolled beside Daphne as he spoke. “I often work alongside my tenants repairing their cottages, digging irrigation trenches, planting or harvesting crops. Repairing fences seems a never-ending task, and then there are disputes to hear and settle as well as working on my estate books. Even when in London, I usually have some sort of estate business to manage along with my house there.” He grinned. “Of course, I find an ample amount of time for pleasure as well.” He punctuated his words with a devilish wink.

She could well imagine what pleasure he referred to. Her cheeks warmed once more, her belly tightening. She averted her gaze to the fountain they were approaching, choosing to ignore his inappropriate comment. “There it is.” She sighed as her gaze roamed over the twisted roses to the spot where water flowed out to cascade back to the pool below. “Lord Chesterfield had it handcrafted as a wedding present for his wife.”

“It is a wonder.” He strolled closer, then locked his hands behind his back and studied the fountain. “Very intricate. It must have taken countless weeks to complete.” He locked his green eyes on her. “What do you see when you look at it?”

She arched a brow in confusion, thinking it a rather silly question. “A fountain, of course. Or more specifically, vines and roses wound together to form a heart over a pool of water.”

“Humm…” He turned his attention back to the fountain.

Curiosity brought her closer to his side. “What do you see?”

“Lovers. The vines are tangled together like two lovers swept away with passion. When they separate to form the heart they are reaching toward the top where they find their mutual release.” He pivoted to face her, his gaze smoldering. “I could show you what I mean.”

Daphne notched her chin, fighting the images forming in her mind. How dare he say such outlandish things to her? The man had no scruples. “I should like to return to the party now,” she said.

“You are forgetting something.”

“Am I.” She narrowed her gaze.

“Did you wish to kiss me in front of the guests?” He stepped closer.

Daphne froze, her spine stiffening as her heart beat wildly. How had she forgotten the dratted kiss?

“Of course, if that is your wish, who am I to deny you?” Alex said, his tone teasing.

“Do not be daft. I’ve no wish to be ruined.” She took a step, then hesitated as she stared at his full lips.

“Perhaps I should sit so that you can reach my lips easier?” His eyes glinted in the sun.

Her throat went dry as she squinted up at him. “Yes…and place your hands at your sides.”

He did as she bid, propping himself against the edge of the fountain, then pinned his gaze to hers.

Daphne hesitated for another moment before stepping into the opening of his thighs. “Close your eyes,” She ordered.

“I would rather not.” He raked his gaze over her. “But you are welcome to close yours.”

The devil she would. Her pulse quickened as she leaned closer to him. She pressed her eyelids shut and brought her lips to his. A quick press of their flesh to flesh, then she jerked back as though her soul had been scorched.

“Is that all?” He leaned forward. “I’ve kissed my mother with more fervor.”

Daphne shook her head. “That is all you deserve.” She turned and started down the path, finding herself more than a little unsettled from their chaste kiss. Had he experienced the same spark of desire?

More importantly, how many of his kisses could she endure before she gave in to his true wish and joined him beneath the sheets? Or worse, gave him her heart?

Blurb:

A young widow in need of a husband…A determined rogue…and One Wanton Wager…Can the proposal of Alex Le Bec lead to everlasting love?

A young widow in need of a husband…

Lady Daphne Summerville has grown weary of accepting the charity of her late husband’s family. No longer willing to be a burden to them, Daphne begins searching for a husband, a task that would be far easier to accomplish if not for the handsome rogue chasing her skirts.

A determined rogue…

From the moment the Earl of Bedford, Alex Le Bec lays eyes on Lady Summerville he can’t get her out of his mind. Now he’s determined to charm the attractive, witty woman into being his mistress. Too bad she wants nothing to do with an affair, and even less to do with him.

One Wanton Wager…

Not one to be easily dissuaded, Alex proposes a wager. He will fund Daphne’s future if she allows him the opportunity to woo her into something more clandestine. There is one catch–she must kiss him each time they are together. Daphne accepts the wager, confident that she can refrain from falling for the rogue.

After all, how much damage can a few kisses do?

Buy link or read for #FREE in Kindle Unlimited: https://amzn.to/2FIk6d4

Author bio:

USA Today Bestselling author Amanda Mariel dreams of days gone by when life moved at a slower pace. She enjoys taking pen to paper and exploring historical time periods through her imagination and the written word. When she is not writing she can be found reading, crocheting, traveling, practicing her photography skills, or spending time with her family.

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/#!/AuthorAmandaMarie1

Twitter www.twitter.com/AmandaMarieAuth

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/10209362.Amanda_Marie

Website: www.amandamariel.com

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First Kiss Friday with Michele Lang

10 Friday May 2019

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Today I would like to welcome Michele Lang to my First Kiss Friday blog who has an excerpt from her latest story An Honest Woman. Happy reading, my lovelies. Take it away, Michele!

Thanks so much, Sherry, for having me on your blog!

I write in many different genres…paranormal romance, urban fantasy, historical fantasy. But this new release, An Honest Woman, is my first Victorian romance, and I couldn’t be happier about this book!

What you will find in my writing, no matter the genre, is a deep, immersive sense of place, great-hearted characters, and lots of danger and adventure. And this new story is no exception.

In this excerpt, my heroine, the widowed Countess Clementine de Winter, is dancing at a ball with the dark and dangerous Aramis Russe. Clementine needs protection from a murderous stalker, but the attraction she feels for this secretly wounded man presents even more of a danger, to her heart.

Excerpt from An Honest Woman:

The waltz was her favorite. It involved such intimacy and finesse together, a marriage of movement and music. You could learn so much of a man when you danced the waltz with him.

He drew her close, gently, possessively. A low rush of heat rose from Clementine’s core up the length of her back, combing like fingers into the back of her neck.

Russe’s fingers pressed into the small of her waist, and she surrendered to the music and to his lead. Russe was dark, swarthy and sinuous, pretty much the opposite of her dearly departed, the rather pale Mortimer the elder.

Russe was dangerous.

His eyes, the color of amber, stared into the middle distance, tiger eyes. They danced in silence for a bit, while Clementine relaxed into his arms. He was a splendid dance partner, assured and feline. His body pressed against the length of hers, too close for propriety.

She didn’t much care. After her scrape with the prince, she was sick of propriety, sick of trying to convince ladies of quality that she merited to exist in their world. If it weren’t for her beloved stepson, she would toss propriety out the window and leave London altogether.

But she couldn’t abandon Mortimer to derision and scandal. And she most certainly could not abandon her household to the secret danger that stalked them all.

It was a puzzle. But with the prince’s help, she hoped to solve it, somehow.

“Thank you,” she finally ventured to murmur in Russe’s ear as he twirled her around his well-muscled forearm. “You are a marvelous dancer.”

He glanced at her, surprised. Oh, she knew she was supposed to wait demurely until spoken to, but she was sick of playing the role of shy schoolgirl. It had been many years since she could convincingly play that sort of ingenue role. Those days of innocence long gone, never to reappear.

“You needn’t say a word, sir,” she continued. “I merely wanted to thank you for seeking me out, inviting me to dance. My son told me he had spoken to you. And the prince…”

Her voice trailed away, and she raised her gaze up to meet Russe.

Her mouth went dry as she stared into his eyes.

For in his eyes, she detected an emotion she had not witnessed in many years.

Raw, undisguised attraction.

This secretly broken man saw her, he did not see her precarious state in society, he did not see the shadow of scandal or the mark of age and widowhood upon her.

He saw a woman.

He saw her. Clementine.

Naked, stripped of her title and her propriety, bare of all except her womanhood.

A flush rose from deep inside of her, overspreading her breasts and reaching up her throat to caress her burning cheeks. Her heart opened like a winter rose.

More about An Honest Woman

London, 1877. The pinnacle of Empire. A city of glamour, hidden passion, and danger…

To the Manor Born…

Lord Aramis Russe’s lineage, lands, and fortune could not keep his wife and young son from an early grave. Years later, the devastated Lord Russe intends to grieve alone, but Prince Edward himself plays royal matchmaker — and orders the loyal earl to make an honest woman of one of his beautiful favorites…

Born for Trouble…

Dowager Countess Clementine de Winter, known widely as an American heiress, in fact conceals a shocking secret from the cream of London high society. Her life is in danger, and only Lord Russe can save her.

A love born of desperation…

A secret society, a hatred hatched by war, and a grief so terrible it can hardly be endured. Clementine’s courage and beauty cannot preserve her life or honor.  Can the battle-scarred Lord Russe shield Clementine from danger — and will he win her heart?

FREE in Kindle Unlimited or BUY LINK: https://amzn.to/2TF6q7x

About Michele

Michele writes fantasy, science fiction, crime, and romance, as well as non-fiction. Her Lady LazarusWWII historical fantasy series was published by Tor Books/Macmillan, and her short fiction has been published by DAW, PM Press, Running Press, and WMG Press, among others. Her story “Sucker’s Game” is included in the Anthony award-nominated anthology Jewish Noir.

Website:  http://www.michelelang.com/

Email: michele@michelelang.com

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/michele-lang

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

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Michele-Lang/e/B001ITYB3E

Twitter: @michelelang

First Kiss Friday with Caroline Warfield

03 Friday May 2019

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It’s always a pleasure when I can welcome back my dear friend Caroline Warfield to another First Kiss Friday! The Unexpected Wife is a finalist for a RONE award this week. It seems like a good time to redo the first kiss in that wonderful book. If you’ve read it and like it, please vote for it today through Sunday at https://www.indtale.com/2019-rone-awards-week-three

Before this scene, Charles, the Duke of Murnane, has gone missing inside the city of Canton, forbidden to foreigners, for three days, while Zambak is confined to the American factory in the Western quarter, frightened for him. He can offer her no respectable future because his horrid wife stands in the way. How that issue resolves itself is honest, meaningful, and touching.

Excerpt:

One other thing took shape and came into focus so sharply she couldn’t turn away. She loved Charles Wheatly, heart and soul. A desperate laugh, half sob, half hysteria escaped her at the thought. She finally fulfilled her mother’s fondest wish and found a man she could respect and love—one that offered little hope of a respectable future. She had no idea what to do with the thought. As it turned out she had little time to consider it.

“Who is here?” Charles demanded. He stood outlined in the light from oil lamps in the corridor behind him. Caught between love and fury over the fear he caused, she flung herself from the chair.

“Thank God!” She didn’t know whether she would hug him or slap him until she threw herself into his arms and was being kissed senseless.

He pulled his lips from hers and kissed his way down her neck. “What is this foolishness?” he asked against a tender spot beneath her right ear. His gentle hands began to roam.

She captured his mouth again, invading before he could object. “Where have you been?” she asked between moans of pleasure, “Don’t ever frighten me like that again.”

He shifted and pulled her closer, kissed her more deeply. She felt one of his hands, warm against her skin, slip under her lose jacket.

Zambak melted against him, but reality intruded as the initial heat subsided. “You stink!” She pulled back a few inches, his arms still holding her, and wrinkled her nose.

“I slept behind a tannery last night, in an alley ridden with some dubious substances. I meant to clean up before reporting to you.”

She pulled away reluctantly, one hand clinging to his, and picked up a candle from his bedside to light it from one of the oil lamps in the hall. She looked him up and down with disgust, put the candle down, and began undoing the heavy robe. “Let’s get you undressed,” she said setting words to action.

“Lady Zambak Hayden how inappropriate—and how utterly delightful,” he said allowing her to have her way with him. The outer robe hit the floor and she kicked it to the corner. She began undoing the fasteners on his shirt, but he brushed her hands aside and pulled it over his head. “I’ve ordered a bath, will you help me with that too?”

Heat surged through her at the image he conjured. Her face burned momentarily, but the sight of the seeping bandage on his arm sent ice water through her. “My God, Charles, you’re hurt!”

“It probably needs to be looked at, but I wanted to clean up first.”

She unwound the filthy strip of cloth, cringing at the seeping wound running almost the length of his upper arm. “Cow slop! This can’t wait. You spent the night in filth.” She punched his shoulder then.

“Ow! What was that for?”

“Stupidity. This could fester and I’ll have to fear for you all over again.”

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.

It is ***FREE*** with Kindle Unlimited or you can buy a copy at:

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

UKhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Unexpected-Wife-Children-Empire-Book-ebook/dp/B07FGGC918/

Canadahttps://www.amazon.ca/Unexpected-Wife-Children-Empire-Book-ebook/dp/B07FGGC918/

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

Indiahttps://www.amazon.in/Unexpected-Wife-Children-Empire-Book-ebook/dp/B07FGGC918/

Here’s a short video about it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Di7cBi_EyAE

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 Ruth Kaufman

26 Friday Apr 2019

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On today’s First Kiss Friday, I’d like to introduce you to Amazon Bestselling Author Ruth Kaufman who has the first kiss scene from her novella My Rebel, my Love. Enjoy and happy reading!

Excerpt:

“Thank you, Jenkin. Again. I don’t know what would happen to me without you. I owe you so much.” Eleanor took his hand. “Why are you being so kind to me? Giving me so much of your time and attention?”

He couldn’t continue without bringing the status of their relationship into the open. He wanted her to know the truth. Holding her hand helped the words come a little more easily. “Eleanor, I first had feelings for you during our walk in John’s garden. The better I know you, the more my feelings grow. By now, I’d like to think I know you fairly well.”

An endearing blush was his reward. “Does that mean you have fairly well feelings?”

He laughed. “More than fairly well. Do you have any feelings for me beyond friendship and as your business partner?”

Boldly she met his gaze. “Yes. I wish I didn’t at times, but I do. I think about you when I’m not with you. And want to see you again the minute we part. Every kindness, every smile, adds another stitch to the fabric of my feelings. And as much as I love Mildred, I’d prefer if we were alone.”

“I agree.” As he slid closer to her, her tantalizing scent wafted up. “I want to kiss you, Eleanor.”

“I want that, too. And more,” she whispered. The warmth in her gaze melted his concerns and ignited his desire.

Jenkin bent his head and she tilted hers up. Their gazes linked for a brief moment, then he kissed her. Their lips gently met, once, and then again, until finally the simple kisses turned into what he’d longed for… a true kiss.

She tasted sweeter than his favorite apple custard.

Eleanor drew him closer and pressed against him. Desire surged through him. But they were standing in his hall. She wasn’t his. Fighting his need for Eleanor, he released her with great reluctance.

Just in time, for Mildred returned. Jenkin and Eleanor stood gazing at each other, still stunned by the impact of their kisses.

“Did I miss something?” Mildred asked.

Eleanor turned away, breaking their connection. Against his better judgment, he hoped to reestablish it as soon as possible.

1216 A.D. Eleanor of Elton fears her time serving the queen is ending. She wants to support herself with embroidery, but single women can face insurmountable challenges establishing a business. When she meets wealthy, handsome rebel baron Jenkin de Lacy at court, she tamps down her attraction and interest because she doesn’t want to depend on a man. And what powerful noble would marry a farmer’s daughter? But…maybe he’d be her partner.

Jenkin de Lacy is one of 25 barons rebelling against King John’s tyranny. Because lovely, intelligent Eleanor so intrigues him and he can’t bear to watch her dream die for lack of funds, he reluctantly agrees to help with her embroidery business. As they grow closer, he wants to do more than work with her, though marriage is far from his mind in these uncertain times and he’d need a noble bride should he decide to wed again. Can love overcome their differences?

Buy Link or read for free in Kindle Unlimited: https://amzn.to/2TZO3iJ

Bio:

Ruth Kaufman is the author of four medieval romances, two medieval romance novellas and two humorous contemporary novels. Her Wars of the Roses Brides trilogy (AT HIS COMMAND, FOLLOW YOUR HEART and THE BRIDE TOURNAMENT) reached #1 historical romance on Amazon in the US, Canada and Australia. Accolades include 2016 Booksellers’ Best Award double winner (Best Historical and Best First Book) and Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart® winner.

Ruth is also an actor with a J.D. and a Master’s in Radio/TV. Credits include independent features, short films, web series, national TV commercials and thousands of voiceovers. She presents workshops for authors and actors and is a comedic storyteller.

Websites  https://ruthkaufman.com and http://www.ruthtalks.com  

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ruthtalks or Ruth Kaufman Author & Actor

Twitter @RuthKaufman    https://twitter.com/RuthKaufman

Instagram @ruth.kaufman   https://www.instagram.com/ruth.kaufman

Amazon Author Page  http://www.amazon.com/Ruth-Kaufman/e/B00JH7Z40S

IMDb  http://imdb.me/ruthkaufman

 

 

First Kiss Friday with Emily EK Murdoch

19 Friday Apr 2019

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Welcome to another First Kiss Friday. Today it’s my pleasure to welcome bestselling author Emily EK Murdoch who has her first kiss scene from her latest novella, Whirlwind with a Wolfe. Happy reading and enjoy, my lovelies!

Excerpt:

He had never wanted a woman more in his life, but not just for the pleasures of the flesh, but the meeting of two minds. Two rebels without parents to protect them, two people trapped in a hunting lodge, in a whirlwind, who wanted each other. Without the cares of the world holding them back.

“I know,” he spoke low, “that right this moment, whatever happens here will never be spoken about. We can tell the world we met as old friends, and my brothers and their wives would be here. ‘Tis a story all will believe, for why would we lie? No scandal, no loss of reputation, just the chance to…”

Emrick’s voice trailed off, unable to voice the hope in his heart–and his loins. And yet her reputation would already be sullied, missing from her home in the company of a gentleman, no chaperone to keep them apart.

Perhaps he could lie. His servants would certainly repeat whatever he told them. Whatever he needed to do to get Alice into his bed.

“I swear to you,” he breathed. “I will do everything to protect your honour beyond these walls.”

Alice leaned toward him, her lips parted, and Emrick could not turn away from them.

And then she leaned back. In a whisper, she asked, “But why should I trust you? Plenty of gentlemen seduce young women, and they are never able to recover their reputation.”

Emrick smiled. “Some would say the memories of pleasure given were more than enough payment for the loss of reputation.”

He saw the twitch of her fingers at his words, saw the curiosity in her face.

“Pleasure,” she repeated softly.

“Pleasure. ‘Tis an incredible thing, when a man loves a woman, giving her all the delight that her body and his can make.”

Alice’s eyes flickered over him.

“I…I have often wondered,” she admitted in a low whisper. “And yet, ‘tis not to be done by those of good society.”

Emrick swallowed. “No one would ever know. This could be the one opportunity for you to discover what rapture a man can give you before you take to the marriage bed.”

She laughed softly, her head slightly inclined to one side. “And you are the gentleman to give me such rapture, are you?”

Emrick did not have the words to tell her how much he admired her, how he respected her, how he would do almost anything in that moment to claim her.

He raised his hand and placed it on her leg, just below her hip. She was warm, but he was warmer. The thin material of the dressing gown could not hide the quiver of anticipation that thrilled through her. Emrick gently caressed her thigh and toward her core where he wanted to tease and tempt and then thrust himself into.

Alice did not move away, and she moaned.

There was no more holding back. Emrick leaned forward and crushed his lips to hers and tasted the sweet welcome of a woman who actually wanted him. His tongue caressed her lips until it met her own. His hand stroked tantalisingly across her thigh, removing the dressing gown material, brushing against the rougher material of her
undergown. She moaned in his mouth at the contrasting sensations.

A man in search of a woman – but not the one he’s accidentally abducted…

After family fortunes descend, Miss Alice Reynolds has no choice but to leave her life as a lady behind and take up work as a lady’s maid. She had expected nothing but boredom when her mistress’s family decided to visit Wales, so when a stranger abducts her, she really shouldn’t feel this intrigued – or this alive.

Lord Emrick de Wolfe was determined to make his beloved pay for her treachery, but after unhooding his captive in his Welsh hunting lodge, he hardly expected a chit of a girl instead.

Desperate to prove himself to his father and furious with himself for taking the wrong woman, sparks fly as two strong personalities meet – and collide.

But with the notorious storms of the Welsh valleys descending, the mismatched pair are alone, trapped, and forced to discover more about each other than they could have ever expected.

With a whirlwind outside and inside their hearts, will the growing attraction between a woman abducted and a de Wolfe ever lead to something?

Or does Miss Alice Reynolds have even more secrets to reveal than Lord Emrick de Wolfe could ever dream of? Who is the true captive of the de Wolfes?

Buy Link: https://amzn.to/2Ot04XO

Bio:

Welcome! I love to read and write sweet and steamy historical romance, and if you love falling in love then you’ve come to the right place.

Enjoy my sweet romances written as Emily Murdoch, and my steamy romances as Emily E K Murdoch.

I am a historian and writer, and have a varied career to date: from examining medieval manuscripts to designing museum exhibitions, to working as a researcher for the BBC to working for the National Trust.

My books range from England 1050 to Texas 1848, and I can’t wait for you to fall in love with my heroes and heroines!

Follow me on twitter and instagram @emilyekmurdoch, find me on facebook at www.facebook.com/theemilyekmurdoch and read my blog at www.emilyekmurdoch.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/emilyekmurdoch

Instagram: www.instagram.com/emilyekmurdoch

Facebook: www.facebook.com/theemilyekmurdoch

First Kiss Friday with Cathy MacRae

12 Friday Apr 2019

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Welcome to First Kiss Friday. You’ve seen author Cathy MacRae’s work here before on our Medieval Monday hop. Today she joins us from Wolfebane Publishing to share the first kiss scene from her novella The Penitent. Our novella’s released as a part of Kathryn Le Veque’s De Wolfe Pack Connected World and we’re thrilled to share this excerpt with you. Happy reading, my lovelies, and enjoy!

Excerpt:

Simon arched a brow, matching the gesture with a curved lip as he stepped close to Iseabal and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

“Ye wouldn’t cheat me out of my three days, would ye?”

A shiver of desire shot through Iseabal before she could steel herself against the reaction. Simon leaned closer, the heat of his body overwhelming, his nearness both a frustration and a delight. Liquid heat softened Iseabal’s bones as Simon kissed her ear.

“Do not forget, my heart. Ye are home.”

“I dinnae say we would wed.”

“Ye will.”

Torn between laughter and outrage, Iseabal planted a fist on one hip. “Ye cannae force me into marriage, Simon de Bretteby.”

He caught her hand and drew it to his lips, dropping a kiss to the backs of her fingers. “I do not plan to force ye, Izzy.”

Blurb:

Simon de Bretteby is one of The Saint’s closest friends and most loyal soldiers. His entire life has revolved around service to Lord de Wolfe’s nephew—except for one summer when he was ordered across the Scottish border to put a stop to a rogue chieftain who’d stolen cattle from an English lord. Injured and separated from his men, de Bretteby had little chance of survival, but a kind-hearted Scottish lass boldly healed his body, though he left his heart in her keeping.

Iseabal Maxwell, daughter of Chief Maxwell’s bastard son, has little love for English soldiers—and even less love for clan politics. With her sister ordered to wed as a pawn for peace along the border, Iseabal expects the same bleak future. As relations between the two nations grows ever more strained, defying her father’s orders by saving the life of an English knight risked much. But letting him go was the hardest thing she has ever done.

Now her life lies in ruins—her father dead after the English besieged their home, her fate decided by a man she fears. What will happen when she appears on Simon’s doorstep, carrying secrets she would die to protect?

Buy link:  https://amzn.to/2JLk4X5

Author bio:

Cathy MacRae lives on the sunny side of the Arbuckle Mountains where she and her husband read, write, and tend the garden—with the help of the dogs, of course.

You can visit with her on facebook, or read her blogs and learn about her books at www.cathymacraeauthor.com. Drop her a line—she loves to hear from readers!

To keep up with new releases and other fun things, sign up for her newsletter!

Other ways to connect with Cathy:

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

Twitter: @CMacRaeAuthor

Instagram: cathymacrae_author

Amazon author page  https://www.amazon.com/author/cathymacrae

Pinterest. https://www.pinterest.com/authorcathymacrae/

Book bub.     https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cathy-macrae

First Kiss Friday with Lana Williams & a Giveaway!

05 Friday Apr 2019

Posted by in 2019, First Kiss Friday

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Today on First Kiss Friday I’d like to welcome Lana Williams who will be sharing the first kiss scene from her latest release Ruby’s Gamble. Lana is also offering a giveaway so be sure to read all the way to the end and leave her a comment to be in the running. Good luck and happy reading!

Excerpt:

Someone struck Gideon in the head with a hammer. He was certain of it. The pounding refused to let him sleep. He opened his eyes slowly, aware of aches in other parts of his body as well.

What the hell had happened? A deep fog held his thoughts, not allowing him to think straight. Nor could he quite remember. Had he overindulged in drink? That seemed unlikely. His mind filled with vague memories of a crowded pub filled with unfamiliar and unfriendly faces.

Except for one.

A beautiful woman with a rose-colored shawl who’d watched him with wary interest. If the circumstances had been different–not that he could remember them–he would’ve approached her, talked to her, charmed her into smiling.

At the moment, lethargy filled him, and he couldn’t bring himself to care that he rested in a strange place. He turned his head only to have the hammer strike harder, causing him to groan.

“Hush,” a feminine voice whispered. A cool hand touched the side of his face gently as though to comfort him. “All is well,” the soft voice promised. “Go back to sleep.”

Groggily, he searched for the source of the voice in the dark room but could only make out the outline of a woman. “Where am I?”

“You’re safe and well cared for,” she whispered. “But you must return to sleep.”

For some odd reason, Gideon trusted her, though he couldn’t say why. His body relaxed and his eyes drifted closed. But curiosity as to the identity of his rescuer opened his eyes again. “Who are you?”

She drew even closer, and the sweet scent of gardenias enveloped him. “I’m here to watch over you. But you must rest.”

“Not until you give me a kiss.” The idea pleased him immensely. How clever of him to think of such a brilliant notion despite the murkiness in his mind.

The sweet voice chuckled softly, a note of unease in it. She was obviously surprised by his request. That made two of them.

“No kisses. Sleep.”

“One kiss,” he argued.

“Sleep.” Her fingers glided over his forehead to his temple and along his sore cheek, making him wince slightly. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

He reached for her hand and caught it, delighted at his small victory. Her skin felt delicate and soft except for a callus along one finger. He rubbed the spot, for the roughness made her feel real. Then he pulled her closer, hoping to see her features in the dark.

Clear thinking was impossible with the pounding in his head and the fog swallowing his thoughts, but he wanted to see her. Needed to see her. Couldn’t rest until he did.

Her features came into focus in the window’s dim light. Recognition came slowly just like his thoughts. “I know you.” But how or why he couldn’t say.

Her eyes widened in surprise. “Then you must know you’re safe, and that we mean you no harm.”

His mind turned that over, poking at it like a sore tooth, and found it felt true.

“Sleep now.” She tried to pull away, but he held tight.

“One kiss,” he whispered. “Then I shall sleep again.”

Her hand tensed and tried to pull away once more, but he resisted.

“Very well. If you promise to rest.”

He would’ve nodded in agreement, but his head hurt too much. He waited, rewarded when she leaned close and pressed a gentle kiss on his cheek.

“No, not there,” he said, certain she’d purposely misinterpreted his request. He wasn’t so dull-witted as to permit that.

“Where then?” she asked, her voice breathless in the quiet.

With her hand still held prisoner in his, he reached up and tapped a finger to his lips. “Here. That’s where kisses go.”

“Very well.” Her whisper held disapproval, but she leaned close and warm lips pressed his for a long moment.

A mix of tenderness and longing calmed his pounding head, and he wanted to savor the kiss as he knew it was special. Kisses from angels always were.

Then the mist returned to claim him.

Blurb – Ruby’s Gamble by Lana Williams

Ruby Compton’s world is upended when she meets a handsome stranger who doesn’t belong on the rough streets of London she calls home. When the man is knocked unconscious in a brawl, she’s compelled to come to his rescue, unaware her efforts will thrust her family into danger.

Gideon de Wolfe discovers he owes his life to a beautiful woman whose strength and intelligence remind him of the family legend. He intends to find a way to repay her but also determined to reveal who’s behind a lottery scheme that destroyed the lives of some of his workers and nearly took his own.

Ruby is taken aback by Gideon’s gratitude. His kindness and concern–not to mention his kisses–cause her to long for the dreams her harsh life forced her to relinquish years ago.

Now, with criminals after them, Gideon must find a way to end the scheme and save Ruby and her family, as well as himself. Ruby vows to help despite the fact that Gideon has shaken her simple life and it will never be the same. Soon she must decide if she’s willing to gamble everything she thought she wanted for love.

Buy Link – Kindle: https://amzn.to/2U3nXLB

Bio: Lana Williams is a USA Today Bestselling and Amazon All-Star author who writes historical romance filled with mystery, adventure, and a pinch of paranormal to stir things up. Filled with a love of books from an early age, Lana put pen to paper and decided happy endings were a must in any story she created. She has written over twenty historical romances set in Victorian London and Medieval England.

Her latest series is The Seven Curses of London, set in Victorian times, and shares stories of men and women who attempt to battle the ills of London, and the love they find along the way that truly gives them something worth fighting for.

She writes in the Rocky Mountains with her husband, two growing sons, and two labs, and loves hearing from readers. Stop by her website and say hello!

Links:

Website: https://lanawilliams.net/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LanaWilliams28

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorlanawilliams/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lanawilliams28/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lana-williams

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Lana-Williams/e/B008QDP1A2/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6451482.Lana_Williams

 

Giveaway – Leave a comment with your favorite thing to do in April for a chance to win an ebook of Ruby’s Gamble!

First Kiss Friday with To Love A Scottish Laird

29 Friday Mar 2019

Posted by in 2019, First Kiss Friday

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There’s nothing better than a First Kiss Friday unless its a First Kiss Friday with a new release! Today I’m featuring your’s truly with an excerpt from To Love A Scottish Laird that released yesterday. A prequel to If My Heart Could See You, I just know you’re going to enjoy Catherine and Douglas’s journey to finding love. Be sure to read all the way to the end to see what I have on sale through the weekend. Happy reading and enjoy, my lovelies!

Excerpt:

Catherine fought against the urge to completely surrender to Douglas and his all-consuming kiss. She should not be allowing him such a liberty. She should be voicing her outrage at the close proximity of their bodies. But when his lips slid against hers, she was completely lost.

If only Douglas knew what he was doing to her. She was not experienced with the intimacies between a man and woman. Oh, she understood the fundamentals of the act of kissing but had only been given meaningless pecks on the cheek. But this…  A whole new world opened up to her, and she rejoiced in what Douglas brought out in her!

Her arms wound their way up his neck, and she played with the length of his hair. In turn, he all but crushed her to his body but ’twas not unpleasant. Nay! Her body begged for something she could not understand. Parts of her began tingling as if she was coming alive for the very first time, and she never wanted it to end.

When Douglas’s tongue skimmed across her closed mouth, she gasped. Apparently, ’twas just the opportunity he was looking for! His tongue began playing with her own. A low moan escaped her and only encouraged him to take her deeper into what could only be described as sheer bliss. Catherine felt as though she was soaring into the sky like one of her birds. But this was so much better!

His arm tightened around her waist, and she finally became aware of the unmistakable form of his manhood pressed intimately to her body. By the Blessed Virgin! What was she doing?

Catherine emerged from the abyss of pleasure, snapping back to a reality that would possibly become her worst nightmare; wed to a man who would probably control her every move. Douglas was a complete stranger, no matter how handsome. She was concerned about losing the freedom she had grown accustomed to.

He must have sensed some change in her, for his grip loosened as he broke the kiss. Catherine felt the loss immediately and almost stepped forward for them to continue. Her heart felt as though ’twould beat its way out of her chest, and she was pleasantly surprised when it appeared Douglas felt the same. Their kiss had revealed many things to Catherine. First, Douglas certainly knew what he was doing when it came to kissing. Second, she began to think mayhap ’twould not be so difficult to be this man’s wife.


To Love A Scottish Laird:
De Wolfe Pack Connected World

On sale for $0.99 through the weekend!

Sometimes you really can fall in love at first sight…

Lady Catherine de Wolfe knows she must find a husband before her brother chooses one for her. A tournament to celebrate the wedding of the Duke of Normandy might be her answer. She does not expect to fall for a man after just one touch.

Laird Douglas MacLaren of Berwyck is invited to the tournament by the Duke of Normandy. He goes to ensure Berwyck’s safety once Henry takes the throne. He does not expect to become entranced by a woman who bumps into him.

Yet, nothing is ever quite that simple. Not everyone is happy with the union of this English lady and a Scottish laird. From the shores of France, to Berwyck Castle on the border between their countries, Douglas and Catherine must find their way to protect their newfound love.

Buy Link: Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2UbuMKB

Or read it for #FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

And just so you can continue enjoying the MacLaren’s and my Knights of Berwyck series, I’ve put If My Heart Could See You on sale through the weekend so you can get both stories for only $0.99 each! Come fall back into time…

Click on the book tab above for all the buy links for If My Heart Could See You!