Category Archives: First Kiss Friday

First Kiss Friday with Jude Knight

19 Friday Nov 2021

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Happy First Kiss Friday and welcome to my blog. It’s never too early to start celebrating the holiday season and my guest Jude Knight has an excerpt from her novella A Suitable Husband in the Bluestocking Belles’ box set Holly and Hopeful Hearts which is on sale for only $0.99! Happy reading, my lovelies, and enjoy.

James fell in love at first sight, but has been hitting one barrier to his wooing after another. At last, after eight months, he is alone with his beloved, as she decorates a room for Christmas. How could he bear to waste such an opportunity?

Excerpt:

“Very well, Lord Elfingham, I will put you to work.” She put one hand on his shoulder to help herself from the ladder. “Bring the ladder, please. I have more garlands to hang.”

James lifted the ladder and followed obediently in her wake. “What are we doing, pray tell?”

“We are having a costume party tonight. You heard?”

James nodded. His wardrobe was limited to what he could carry in his saddlebags, but the duchess had ordered chests of costumes and fabric brought down from the attics, and he had found the means to replicate his festival clothes as a mountain prince, or at least close enough for the audience.

If they wanted a barbarian, he would give them a barbarian.

“We did not decorate in here on Christmas Eve, since we had so much else to do, so I am putting up Christmas decorations. See? The evergreen is a symbol of life in this most holy season. And the holly, have you heard the song about the holly?”

Sophia sang for him, in a light alto, all the verses his father had taught them when he was a tiny child. This European holly was not precisely the same as the holly he had grown up with, but it was similar. For the pleasure of hearing her voice, he kept his counsel. 

She went on to explain the other Christmas customs, not just the foliage and ribbons and other materials used in the decorations, but the pudding that had been served at Christmas dinner, the Yule logs burning in various fireplaces around the house, and the boxes that the duchess had delivered the previous day to poor families around the district. 

“Cedrica and I, and several of the other ladies, were her deputies,” Sophia explained. “It was wonderful to see the happy little faces of the children, James.” 

James had stayed back from the hunt organized for the men in the hopes of spending time with Sophia, and had found out about the charity expedition too late to offer his services. “I am sorry that I missed it,” he said sincerely.

He noted one glaring omission in her descriptions. “Just a decoration,” she had told him, mendaciously, when he asked about the kissing boughs.

And now pretending to be ignorant of these English Christmas customs was about to pay off. One day, when she was safely his wife, he might admit to Sophia that he and the whole gala had hung on his father’s tales of an English Christmas, that his mother and her maids had decorated high and low, and his father had led the troops out to find a fitting Yule log to carry home in triumph on Christmas Eve. A harder job in his dry mountains than in this green land.

But this was not the time for that story. Not when Sophia was relaxed and about to pass under a kissing bough that retained its full complement of mistletoe berries.

James suppressed a grin. “Look,” he said, at the opportune time, pointing up. “My kaka—my Papa—told me about these.”

She stopped, as he had intended. With a single stride he reached her, wrapped her in his arms, and captured the lips that had been haunting his dreams this past eight months.

And she kissed him back. For a moment—for one long glorious moment, while time stood still and the world ceased to exist—Sophia Belvoir kissed him back.

James and Sophia first appeared in The Bluestocking and the Barbarian, a novella in the collection Holly and Hopeful Hearts. This collection is currently on sale at 99c, and the Bluestocking Belles will be discussing it on Facebook at 1pm (New York time) on Saturday 27th November.

We’d love for you to join us on: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BellesBrigade/posts/3079496369002451/

About Holly and Hopeful Hearts

When the Duchess of Haverford sends out invitations to a Yuletide house party and a New Year’s Eve ball at her country estate, Hollystone Hall, those who respond know that Her Grace intends to raise money for her favorite cause and promote whatever love-matches she can. Seven assorted heroes and heroines set out with their pocketbooks firmly clutched and hearts in protective custody. Or are they?

Holly and Hopeful Hearts is a Bluestocking Belles Christmas collection, and is currently reduced in price to 99c.

Buy it at:

Amazon US:  http://ow.ly/INwa3049Ey3
Amazon UK: http://ow.ly/ZMuH3049ELM
Amazon Australia: http://ow.ly/TczG3049EQ2
Amazon Canada: http://ow.ly/IERm3049EYM
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/664559
Kobo: http://ow.ly/Vx1n304jGzj
Barnes & Noble: http://ow.ly/LqCI304jGuS
iBooks: http://ow.ly/JcSI304jGWE

For more links, see: https://bluestockingbelles.net/belles-joint-projects/holly-and-hopeful-hearts/

A Suitable Husband, by Jude Knight

As the Duchess of Haverford’s companion, Cedrica Grenford is not treated as a poor relation and is encouraged to mingle with Her Grace’s guests. Surely she can find a suitable husband amongst the gentlemen gathered for the duchess’s house party. Above stairs or possibly below. 

Valuing Vanessa, by Susana Ellis

Facing a dim future as a spinster under her mother’s thumb, Vanessa Sedgely makes a practical decision to attach an amiable gentleman who will not try to rule her life. 

A Kiss for Charity, by Sherry Ewing

Young widow Grace, Lady de Courtenay, has no idea how a close encounter with a rake at a masquerade ball would make her yearn for love again. Can she learn to forgive Lord Nicholas Lacey and set aside their differences to let love into her heart?

Artemis, by Jessica Cale

Actress Charlotte Halfpenny is in trouble. Pregnant, abandoned by her lover, and out of a job, Charlotte faces eviction two weeks before Christmas. When the reclusive Earl of Somerton makes her an outrageous offer, she has no choice but to accept. Could he be the man of her dreams, or is the nightmare just beginning?

The Bluestocking and the Barbarian, by Jude Knight

James must marry to please his grandfather, the duke, and to win social acceptance for himself and his father’s other foreign-born children. But only Lady Sophia Belvoir makes his heart sing, and to win her he must invite himself to spend Christmas at the home of his father’s greatest enemy. 

This novella was later rewritten as the novel To Wed a Proper Lady, the first novel in the series The Return of the Mountain King.

Christmas Kisses, by Nicole Zoltack

Louisa Wycliff, Dowager Countess of Exeter wants only for her darling daughter, Anna, to find a man she can love and marry. Appallingly, Anna has her sights on a scoundrel of a duke who chases after every skirt he sees. Anna truly thinks the dashing duke cares for her, but her mother has her doubts. 

An Open Heart, by Caroline Warfield

Esther Baumann longs for a loving husband who will help her create a home where they will teach their children to value the traditions of their people, but she wants a man who is also open to new ideas and happy to make friends outside their narrow circle. Is it so unreasonable to ask for toe curling passion as well?

Dashing Through the Snow, by Amy Rose Bennett

Headstrong bluestocking, Miss Kate Woodville, never thought her Christmas would be spent racing across England with a viscount hell-bent on vengeance. She certainly never expected to find love…

More 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/

Subscribe to newsletter: http://judeknightauthor.com/newsletter/

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

Bookshop: https://judeknight.selz.com/

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Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jude-knight

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

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

First Kiss Friday with Veronica Crowe

12 Friday Nov 2021

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It’s another week gone by so that must mean it’s First Kiss Friday! Thanks for dropping by my blog. Please welcome my dear friend Veronica Crowe who is sharing an excerpt from her novella The Last Christmas that is in the boxset Star of Wonder. It’s never too early to start reading a holiday love story and with this set, you’ll be ready for the holiday season. Happy reading, my lovelies, and enjoy!

Excerpt:

“You look ready to retire,” he said, rising from his seat. “Allow me to escort you upstairs.”

They climbed the staircase and strolled down the hallway in companiable silence, until they reached her door.

“Thank you for letting us decorate,” Lara said as they faced each other.

“It is my pleasure.” He took her hand in his and looked deeply into her eyes like he did the night before. 

Lara fought the urge to hope, even as he leaned closer, his eyes dropping to her lips. 

No. She would not fall for this kissing nonsense again. 

But to her utter shock, he angled his head and tenderly cupped her jaw with an elegant hand. He rubbed his thumb in a mesmerizing pattern along her jawline and her resistance crumbled. She was not imagining things this time. It was truly happening—she could clearly see the desire in his eyes.

Perhaps. . . wishes do come true. . .

She closed her eyes as his breath fanned on her cheek, and waited… and waited… and waited… 

“I’ve been itching all day to do this,” he said, his thumb moving more firmly on her skin. “This smudge has been driving me crazy.”

Smudge?

Lara opened an eye to see him bent on his task.

“There!” he proclaimed in triumph, releasing her with one last swipe of his thumb. “All gone and clean as can be.”

Lara hoped her mortification did not reflect on her face. His intimate actions and subsequent withdrawal befuddled her. Was he toying with her?

Distress shot through her heart. But of course. He must have read her foolish infatuation to him and wanted to satisfy his conceit. Lovesick simpleton that she was, she fell for it not once—but twice!

This is what happens when you allow yourself to fall for a man who is utterly out of your reach! she chastised herself, overwhelmed with disappointment. To her chagrin, tears sprang in her eyes without warning.

“Good night, Your Grace.” She abruptly turned her back to him and reached for the doorknob.

“Lady Larabelle.” His hand tightened around hers. In her discomfiture, she failed to recall he still held hand her in his.

“Yes?” she replied without turning to face him.

“I am sorry.” He sighed.

“Whatever for?” She gripped the doorknob, stifling the urge to cry.

Large hands alighted on her shoulders. “Please, will you look at me?”

“I—I cannot,” she croaked.

He wedged his body between her and the door and lifted her chin with the crook of his forefinger. “I did not mean to be presumptuous.” He tucked a lock of hair behind her ear.

“No. It was my mistake. I-I thought—” Lara swallowed to keep her voice from shaking. “I’m sorry—it has been a long day. I-I must have taken leave of my senses and misread y-your—” 

“Advances?” he raised a dark eyebrow in that fashion she adored and pulled her closer. “No, you did not.”

Lara’s eyes widened. The Duke of Grafton had wanted to kiss. . . her?

“I ache for you, Larabelle,” he whispered, resting his forehead against hers.

Lara’s heart filled with joy at the sound of her given name on his lips. “Oh, James.” She sighed with pleasure at how lovely it felt to reciprocate the intimacy. “And I, for you.” 

His eyes darkened but then he suddenly recoiled and swung his gaze away with a muffled oath.

“James?” Lara’s happiness was replaced with trepidation. Was he going to push her away again? But the anguish in his expression told her otherwise. She gently turned his face to her. “What’s wrong?”

He squeezed his eyes shut and drew a long breath, slowly releasing it with a hiss before he opened his eyes again. “Pardon my lapse in manners. It is nothing—nothing important.” He gave her a mollifying smile.

Lara watched him shift to a more pleasant, lighthearted demeanor and wondered if the sorrow she saw in his eyes not a minute past was a figment of her imagination. 

“Shall we continue where we left off?” He wrapped his strong arms around her, enfolding her in his warmth.

She moistened her lips, her pulse racing, her eyes instinctively closing as he tilted her face up to him. 

Somewhere in the back of her mind, a sliver of concern lurked beneath the rapture she felt. She could still—possibly—suffer another dose of humiliation because of her foolishness. 

Lara inwardly cringed at the unthinkable. 

However, she should not have dwelled on her insecurity, because this time around, no more waiting was necessary. To her sheer pleasure and utmost relief, at long last—the handsome and elusive Duke of Grafton—kissed her. 

The Last Christmas
By Veronica Crowe

“This tale was inspired by the Christmas carol, “Stille Nacht” or “Silent Night.” Like the song, this story is about hope, faith, and redeeming grace. True love knows no boundaries and conquers all, and if you pray with all your heart and believe, miracles can happen.”

Blurb:

After more than a decade of relentless galivanting around the world, James Oliver Draven, the Duke of Grafton, had finally returned home. 

He had done everything he wished to do with satisfaction. Tirelessly pursued knowledge and experience from every opportunity he could, with more vibrance and adventure than any man could manage in two lifetimes. He could not want for anything more. 

He was ready to go.

So, what was he doing, nursing sentiments of powerful affection and desire so fierce, he could not help but hope for more days—years, even—and dream of sharing a life with another? 

Of all the worst coincidences in the world—why did he have to meet the woman he could see himself having a life with—now?  

Now—when his days were numbered, and he had no life to give?


Larabelle Howard, the Earl of Berkshire’s daughter, had one goal in returning to England from America:

She wished to spend one last Christmas at her dear departed papa’s beloved country manor, before her mother sold it to the highest bidder. 

As to how she ended up insulting a duke, sleeping in his home, and developing a ridiculous infatuation to him like a moon-eyed ninny at the ripe old age of five and twenty–all in one day–was completely beyond her.

But of course, it would not lead to anything—she knew that. He was the Duke of Grafton, and she—was the odd neighbor who wore breeches and knew how to fix roofs! What was she thinking?

Their “almost” kiss—that’s what. 

The tenderness on his face as he gazed at her—she was almost convinced that he reciprocated her attraction. And that intensity in his eyes as he moved closer; his stare locked onto her mouth. She was almost certain he was going to kiss her.  

 Almost.

Had she imagined the whole thing? Why did she have the feeling that he was pushing her away, because he was hiding something?

Buy Link for the boxset Star of Wonder: https://www.amazon.com/Star-Wonder-Historical-Romance-Collection-ebook/dp/B097J42L9W

About the Author:

Veronica Crowe is the author of the Heirs of Cornwall series from Dragonblade Publishing, a three-book Regency romance full of romantic entanglements, hilarious misadventures, profound, heartfelt moments, and grand happy endings. Her poignant novella, titled, The Last Christmas, can be found in the 2021 holiday collection, Star of Wonder. Currently, she is completing the first book in her urban fantasy series, The Royal Eucalyxian Empire, titled, The Prince and The Quinterian, slated to be released in 2022.  

First Kiss Friday with Alina K. Field

05 Friday Nov 2021

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Thanks for stopping by for my First Kiss Friday blog! Today’s guest has been here before and it’s always a pleasure to Alina K. Field return with her fabulous characters. Today she has an excerpt from Haunting Miss Fenwick. Isn’t the cover gorgeous? I just love purple! Be sure to grab your copy now while its on sale for only $0.99. Happy reading and enjoy, my lovelies!

Excerpt:

“I would never hurt you or Sir Newton.” He reached for her hand and squeezed it. 

Her answering tremble passed through her arm and into him. 

Outside, the lightning and thunder had died, but the rain slapped the window sharply. Like as not it had had turned to sleet. 

He slipped the edge of the blanket over her shoulder and pulled her closer. “You’re cold as well.” 

She angled her head and studied him. “Is there truly treasure here?”

“I don’t know.”

“Is that why you’re here?” 

Never confess. Money would be sweet, but it wasn’t what he was looking for. 

“You would steal it from us?” 

It wasn’t stealing. If he found money, he would merely be taking back from Sir Richard what was owed, what was needed to save his brother’s life. 

Digging deep, steeling himself, he gave her the look he’d honed as a young officer, a look he’d used on his most ill-disciplined men, the one he could hold observing a lashing…and for the worst cases, a hanging. 

She glared back at him, as fiercely defiant as the worst denizens of the rookeries. 

He shook his head and sighed. 

“Does anything frighten you?” His hand slipped lower, down her arm and under it, over a slim waist to a generous curve that made his breath—and other parts of him—stir. 

“Mr. Greggson’s attempt on my person was alarming. I thank you for saving me.” A shudder went through her. “Would he have attempted more than a kiss, do you think?” 

His fingers moved of their own will, softly stroking. “He’s not a man you should be alone with.” 

“Yes, I do know that. You and my father have both said so. But what about you, Freddy? Ought I to be alone with you?” 

He’d never forced a woman, not ever. Not even after the madness of battle had he succumbed to that primitive drive. He’d done his duty to restore order within his men as well. 

He’d understood their mad impulses though. 

“I am a gentleman, Tilly.” 

She stirred. “Papa…has not been feeling well, I think. I was ever so happy to see him out in the fresh air, but I’ve worried so about him. Mr. Greggson doesn’t know that, but he does know I’m my father’s only child. He seeks to coerce me into marriage because he’s after the estate and its income, and whatever valuables may be found here, which when Papa dies, he believes will be mine.” She let out a minty breath. “But you, Captain Sanderford, you I believe would prefer just money and not my person along with it.”

“Tilly—”

“And so, it would probably be wise for you to unhand me.”

His hand tightened, bunching the cloth of her robe. “Unhand you?” 

She tilted her head and gazed at him, almost an equal in height now that they were sitting. Her lips had parted a fraction and locks of hair draped the deep blue of eyes that glistened in the light from the candles. 

“Oh, Tilly.” He dipped his head and touched his lips to hers. 

Softness. The scents of mint and soap and lilac. 

His chest pounded and every nerve in his body roared. She hadn’t pulled away, hadn’t pushed, hadn’t slapped him. 

Proceed with caution, he reminded himself. He pressed closer and slanted his lips, coaxing until her mouth opened. 

His hand strayed up, under her breast, and he drew her against him. 

What, besides parchment, was under the high-necked gowns and the heavy robe?

Haunting Miss Fenwick is on sale for 99 cents through November 15, 2021.

About the book: 

Thrilled to finally have a permanent home, a Squire’s daughter won’t let a supernatural creature scare her away. While hunting the ghost she doesn’t believe in, she stumbles upon a mysterious flesh and blood man who might be the key to all of her problems.

When the new Squire moves into Fenwick Manor, an ex-army officer secretly searching the sprawling medieval wreck devises a plan. First, the manor’s legendary ghost will chase servants away. Then, he’ll convince the new residents to leav

When the new Squire moves into Fenwick Manor, an ex-army officer secretly searching the sprawling medieval wreck devises a plan. First, the manor’s legendary ghost will chase servants away. Then, he’ll convince the new residents to leave.

But the Squire’s spirited daughter soon has him wondering if he might have found a perfect comrade in arms to help battle old enemies and find the proof that will clear his family name.

 Buy Links:

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W7VV5MN

Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/haunting-miss-fenwick

Nook  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/haunting-miss-fenwick-alina-k-field/1132856997?ean=2940161216842

Apple Books https://books.apple.com/us/book/haunting-miss-fenwick/id1475837095?ls=1

Google Play:     https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Alina_K_Field_Haunting_Miss_Fenwick?id=Vpy7DwAAQBAJ

Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/bzvOa9

About the Author:

Award winning and USA Today bestselling author Alina K. Field earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and German literature but prefers the much happier world of romance fiction. Though her roots are in the Midwestern U.S., after six very, very, very cold years in Chicago, she moved to Southern California, where she shares a midcentury home with her husband and a spunky, blond rescued terrier. She is the author of several Regency romances, including the 2014 Book Buyer’s Best winner, Rosalyn’s Ring. Though hard at work on her next series of romantic adventures, she loves to hear from readers!

Website: https://alinakfield.com/

Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Alina-K.-Field/e/B00DZHWOKY

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First Kiss Friday with Jude Knight & a Freebie!

29 Friday Oct 2021

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Hello, my lovelies, and welcome to my First Kiss Friday blog. You’ve seen my guest here before and I’m always thrilled to have Jude Knight on my blog any day of the week. Jude has an excerpt from one of her novellas in her boxset of short stories from Chasing the Tale. Be sure to read all the way to the end to collect your #FREE eBook. Happy reading and take it away Jude!

This excerpt comes from The Veiled Bride, which is a short novella in my book of short stories, Chasing the Tale. It’s my one and only medieval, set in Scotland during the time of Robert the Bruce. It has a clan feud, a bride who has been stolen from her betrothal ceremony and imprisoned for ten years in an abbey, a plot to ruin her groom, and a surprise for the villains.
In the excerpt, our reunited couple are about to consummate their marriage

Excerpt:

Jonetta had that deer and the hunter look again, as if she thought Liam was about to grab her, hurl her on the bed, and take his pleasure without any thought to hers. Her apprehension helped to steady him: a needed warning that this was all new to her. Remembering her innocence gave him the strength to ignore the intense pressure of his base self.

He put one arm around her and lifted her chin with his hand. Jonetta pursed her lips and Liam covered them with his own, keeping his touch gentle. At first, he used only his lips, caressing hers until he felt her relax.

He drifted his tongue along the seam of her mouth, but she had no idea what he was requesting. Her own lips stayed firmly shut until he nibbled on her lower lip so that she opened with a gasp, letting his tongue sweep victoriously inside. Gently, he reminded himself and was rewarded when Jonetta tentatively touched her own tongue to his—even followed when he retreated, to explore his mouth as he had explored hers.

Now that she was fully engaged in the kiss, as they tasted one another, he let a hand drift down to rub over her nipple. He rejoiced when he found a hard nub that indicated her arousal, but she stiffened, a slight retreat from the sensual spell he was trying to weave. He brushed the sides of her breasts: first one, then the other, while still intensifying the kiss.

One subtle step at a time, he encouraged her further and further into ever more intimate caresses until she was yearning towards him, responding to every touch; until he had her chemise above her knees, his fingers and thumb performing the intimate dance that soon he and she would recreate together.
When he drew back from the kiss and lifted her into his arms to carry her to the bed, her glorious eyes were hazed with passion, but not enough to still the question that rose, unspoken but obvious, from their depths.

“The bed,” he told her and was pleased when no hint of trepidation marred her relaxation in his arms. Before she could lie down, he lifted her chemise and, though she blushed, she allowed him to take it over her head. She made no move to cover herself as he stood back to take in her glory: her broad hips and narrow waist, the breasts upon which he had been feasting. A man privileged to enjoy those breasts could die happy.

She was blushing. “Ye are very beautiful,” Liam told her, and his innocent bride blushed still further, which strengthened him to ignore the clamourings of his own body. He would see to her pleasure first, for he had been told that a maid’s first time was easier if her lover made sure she was well-pleasured before her lover entered her.

She coloured still further under his gaze, and shifted as if to cover herself. He put out a hand to stop her. “No, beautiful Jonetta. Here in our bedchamber, let us be naked and unashamed like Adam and Eve before the Fall. He gathered her back into his arms, and lay down to return his mouth to hers, whispering, “Let me see to yer pleasure.”

Chasing the Tale
By Jude Knight

Escape into another place and time just long enough for a lunch or coffee break in eleven short stories from the imagination of award-winning author Jude Knight. Nine Regency plus one colonial New Zealand and one medieval Scotland. Multiple tropes, catastrophes and barriers on the way to a happy ending.

An Angel, Unawares
In colonial New Zealand, Molly faces Christmas without her husband. A passing drifter helps her keep her three children happy, but when will Rick be home?

Anne Under Siege
Can this year get worse? Anne has been robbed, the frosts have killed the vegetable seedlings, and now the new earl wants to evict them. It doesn’t help that she once had a youthful infatuation with the man!

The Fifth Race
If she wins this one last race, Rhi will be free to choose her own future. Lose, and she must marry the winner. Cen, returning from a decade at war, is determined to be that winner, for he has always loved her. But he is not the only challenger, and someone is prepared to cheat and even kill in order to take the prize.

Found in Scotland
Ned Broderick wakes in an inn far from home, cared for by a stranger who claims to be his wife. Is she a cunning schemer, or the woman of his dreams?

Home is the sailor; home from the sea
Stephen Fletcher has one final task for the navy; presenting his commiserations to his best friend’s sister. Fletch never could resist a damsel in distress, especially one he has been writing to for years.

Look into my eyes
Two strangers watch one another across a crowded ballroom. What does the rake called Lord Charming have to do with the duchess known as the Paragon? Only the two of them know.

The Marquis Returns
A forced wedding, the feud between their families, and a seven-year separation. Their marriage did not get off to a good start. Hal and Willa will be lucky to get out of it with their dignity intact. They’d be fools to hope for more, even if miracles do happen at Christmas.

The Mouse Fights Back
Tiberius has promised to keep Claudia safe from his grasping relatives and also from her own. His Mouse, he calls his little wife, tenderly. But when Tiberius is in danger, Mouse must find her courage and her teeth.

The Path that Brings Us Home
Gwen returns to the home she hasn’t seen in ten years, uncertain of her reception. Her brothers’ war with another local family destroyed her lover, her dearest friend, and her own life. Will she be forgiven? Can she find a measure of happiness?

The Rain Dog
When Jake saves a dog from a flooded river, he has no idea that the dog will more than return the favour, saving him and bringing him his lost love.

The Veiled Bride
Jonetta Macintosh and Uilleam Cameron were parted by treachery on their betrothal day, and treachery stalks them still, a decade later. In medieval Scotland, where the clans put their feuds ahead of the King and the welfare of the kingdom, can our two star-crossed lovers find a path to peace and happiness?

Buy links
Books2Read: https://books2read.com/chasingthetale
Jude Knight’s book page: https://judeknightauthor.com/books/chasing-the-tale/
Selz shop https://judeknight.selz.com/item/chasing-the-tale

Giveaway
Chasing the Tale is free on Jude’s SELZ bookstore, or drop Jude an email through her website, letting her know what ebook version you need, and she’ll send you a copy.

Meet Jude
Jude always wanted to be a novelist. She started in her teens, but life kept getting in the way. Years passed, and with them dozens of unfinished manuscripts. The fear grew. What if she tried, failed, and lost the dream forever? The years since 2014 have brought 11 novels, 13 novella, 4 volumes of short stories, 3 awards, and hundreds of positive reviews. The dream is alive.

Website and blog: http://judeknightauthor.com/
Subscribe to newsletter: http://judeknightauthor.com/newsletter/
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First Kiss Friday with Elizabeth Ellen Carter

15 Friday Oct 2021

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Hello, my lovelies, and welcome to another First Kiss Friday! Today’s guest is my dear friend Elizabeth Ellen Carter who has an excerpt from her story The Ghost Bride in the anthology Upon A Midnight Dreary. Happy reading and enjoy!

Excerpt:

“This is where I made the rubbing.” Jemima pointed to the stone.

Monty unshouldered his pack and went forward to inspect it. He pulled out a magnifying glass to examine the markings before taking a pencil and paper to make a rubbing of his own. He’d kissed her… yet that morning when they met at breakfast, it was as though last night had not happened at all. There was no awkwardness between them as they pored over the map, planning the day. And it was a day made for hiking, pleasantly warm with a hint of cool breeze off the sea. In short, picture perfect in every way, so much so that it would be tempting to imagine last night had been a dream.

Jemima frowned. If the apparition was a figment of her imagination, then Monty’s embrace and kiss might not be real either. Well, if he wasn’t going to raise the subject, then she wouldn’t either. She was a professional, after all. A writer, one who’d made a commitment to her editor for a series of riveting features.

“It dates to the sixteenth century without question,” Monty muttered, more to himself than her as he jotted down the stone’s measurements and location. “And you’ll be happy to know you’ve uncovered the crest of the Duke of Ashprington. I think we should try to follow the original path to the castle. It will take us along the edge of the gorge. There could be some outbuildings worth exploring along the way… Jemima?”

Oh – he’d caught her woolgathering. He regarded her expectantly. Clearly, he was wondering what she was thinking. “Why did you kiss me last night?”

Monty looked somewhat sheepish. “Shouldn’t I have?”

“Now you’re begging the question.”

“Ah, well, that will never do.” The mock gravity in his voice caused a spark of delight to run through her.

“Then I shall speak plainly, so there is no misunderstanding. I wanted to kiss you last night.”

“And now, in the broad light of day?”

He took a few steps toward her, close enough for her to touch but, maddeningly, just out of reach. “In the broad light of day, I’d like to kiss you even more.”

Jemima took the final step forward, touching a hand to his arm. “I’d like that, too.” Anticipation thrummed through her veins. His lips found hers. She breathed in his scent, a pleasing mix of pine and cedar. Her lips opened to his for a soft kiss. It was not quite chaste, but neither was she in fear of him ravishing her in the middle of the woods. It promised greater pleasures in the future.

England 1867 – A chance meeting on a train by travel writer Jemima Douglas and historian Dr Monty Rhodes is more than fortuitous – it is fated. Bound for the same small village in Devon, Jemima and Monty discover that an old church and an even more ancient castle are entwined in a mystery that spans centuries: whatever happened to Isabeau du Bois, the Tudor bride who disappeared on the eve of her wedding? Villagers say the mysterious figure which appears in the castle and the village is the Ghost Bride who beseeches lovers to try to uncover her final resting place. As Monty and Jemima are drawn deeper into the tale, hearts and lives are in danger.

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Upon-Midnight-Dreary-Halloween-Anthology-ebook/dp/B08XF2JKQ2

About the Author:

Elizabeth Ellen Carter writes richly detailed historical romantic adventures that have been praised for their strong characters and ‘edge-of-seat intrigue’. She has published ten full length novels and numerous novellas and short stories. Her eleventh full length title, Deceiving The Duke, will be released early in 2022 by Dragonblade Publishing. A former journalist, she ran an award-winning PR agency for 12 years. She lives in Australia with her husband and two cats.

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ElizabethEllenCarter

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Elizabeth-Ellen-Carter/e/B00G05CW5K

ebsite: https://eecarter.com/

First Kiss Friday with Caroline Warfield

08 Friday Oct 2021

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Any day I can have Caroline Warfield on my First Kiss Friday blog is a good week! This busy author is about to release her second book in the Ashmead Heirs series, The Defiant Daughter. Isn’t the cover just gorgeous? Read on, my lovelies, and enjoy!

In The Defiant Daughter, Madelyn, Dowager Duchess of Glenmoor, travels to Wales in search of a step-son she believes may be alive, having been told he died years before. Colonel Brynn Morgan, who grew up there around coal mines, accompanies her. Conditions she finds in the mines horrify her. Late one night she seeks comfort in the colonel’s arms, and begs him to take her home.

Excerpt:

Madelyn’s warm body nestled in Brynn’s arms, balm to his soul after a day of hell. The sensation left him comforted and aroused, giving him peace, driving him mad. With her soft and supple curves against his chest, he couldn’t resist a taste. The kiss began as a gentle gesture, a reassurance, but when she opened to him of her own accord, he could only take what she offered. The caress of her mouth and tongue, awkward yet determined, hot and needy, sent his blood boiling, and his more primitive instincts galloping.

Lost in sensation he nibbled the corner of her lip, nuzzled her ear, traced her neck with his lips before moving back to explore the treasures of her mouth, hot, wet and open to him. He almost missed her trembling.

By the time she pulled back, gasping for a breath and shaking, her hands had come under his jacket, heating his back through his shirt, and his had wandered around the thin protection of her night clothes to places far too intimate for his brother’s garden.

He forced coherent thought to the surface. One word echoed in his head. Ashmead. Her place of safety. What Madelyn longed for after Glynrhos wasn’t his heated fantasies. She wished for shelter, and he offered something far different. No wonder she was shaken. Danger, Madelyn, I can offer naught but risk.

He forced his unruly hands to her waist, and then her arms, pulling them from his back, sliding down to grasp her hands, grateful he couldn’t see her face. If he saw in her eyes what she said with her kiss his good intentions would evaporate.

“Easy, duchess. Shall we sit, and you can tell me what I’ve done to deserve this delightful gift?”

Madelyn assumed marriage as an old man’s ornament would be better than life with her abusive parents. She was wrong.

Now the widowed Duchess of Glenmoor, she wrestles with ugly memories and cultivates a simple life. She is content. At least, she was until her half-brother returned to Ashmead bringing a friend with knowing eyes and coal black hair to capture her thoughts.

Colonel Brynn Morgan’s days as an engineer in his father’s coal mines in Wales are long behind him. With peace come at last and Napoleon gone, he makes a life for himself analyzing the reports about military and naval facilities worldwide for a shadowy government department. What income he has is committed elsewhere. He has nothing to offer a wife, much less a dowager duchess.

More lies between the duchess and the man she wants than money and class:   They have personal demons to slay.

Pre-order for October 21 Launch: https://bit.ly/TheDefiantDaughter

About the Author:

Award winning author Caroline Warfield has been many things: traveler, librarian, poet, raiser of children, bird watcher, Internet and Web services manager, conference speaker, indexer, tech writer, genealogist—even a nun. She reckons she is on at least her third act, happily working in an office surrounded by windows where she lets her characters lead her to adventures in England and the far-flung corners of the British Empire. She nudges them to explore the riskiest territory of all, the human heart. 

Find Caroline in These Places:

Visit Caroline’s Website and Blog: http://www.carolinewarfield.com/

Meet Caroline on Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/carolinewarfield7

Follow Caroline on Twitter: @CaroWarfield

Email Caroline directly: warfieldcaro@gmail.com

Subscribe to Caroline’s newsletter: http://www.carolinewarfield.com/newsletter/

Amazon Author: http://www.amazon.com/Caroline-Warfield/e/B00N9PZZZS/

Good Reads: http://bit.ly/1C5blTm

Bluestocking Belles:  http://bluestockingbelles.net/about/caroline-warfield/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/caroline-warfield

Caroline’s Other Books 

Bookshelf: http://www.carolinewarfield.com/bookshelf/

A Dangerous Nativity, a novella prequel to both her Children of Empire and Dangerous Series is available for free at:

Barnes&Noble   Kobo   Amazon  Smashwords

First Kiss Friday with Alina K. Field

01 Friday Oct 2021

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Today’s First Kiss Friday guest is Alina K. Field, with an excerpt from The Impetuous Heiress, her story in the upcoming Christmas Kisses Regency Holiday Romance Anthology. Happy reading and enjoy, my lovelies!

Caught in the rainstorm, our hero and heroine shelter in an inn dining room, and their first kiss is a not so innocent-innocent one: 

Excerpt:

She busied herself, silently serving tea until the door closed. “Your parents aren’t gossips, Mr. Lovelace, but I’ll ask you again, are you?” 

She leveled another long look, one that hinted of a vulnerability that touched his heart. 

“You saved me today, Miss Parker.” Let her believe that. In truth, he’d been plotting for days, seeking a way to spend more time with her. “I owe you my silence, and yes, I’ll tell you again, I’m capable of keeping private matters private. You have my word as a gentleman.”

She studied him a long moment, color rising in her cheeks, before reaching her hand across the table and grinning. “We must shake on it.” 

Her face lit with an intelligence, and playfulness, and open-hearted good nature that stirred him. A man might be comfortable with a woman like Miss Parker. 

He took the hand offered, flipped it over, and pressed his lips to her palm in a kiss that set her whole face aflame and his own heart beating wildly.

Christmas Kisses is available for preorder, only 99 cents. Release day is October 12, 2021.

About the anthology: 

Heat up the holiday with ten dreamy regency rogues! Winter is a time of magic, promise, and unexpected romance. Anything could happen…and it all begins with Christmas Kisses.

The Wallflower’s Christmas Wish (Brides of Bath) by Cheryl Bolen: While painting the portrait of Sir Elvin Steffington, Bath’s most eligible bachelor, the exceedingly plain spinster Diana Furness develops a strong friendship with her subject. Could this be more than friendship? Could he ever be attracted to one as inconsequential as she?

A Kiss From a Captain (An Everly Manor Happily Ever After) by Samantha Grace: Captain Gabriel Brazier defied doctors’ predictions and learned to walk again after losing his leg in war. But the damning voice whispering no woman will find him desirable again is hard to ignore, especially when he arrives at Everly Manor to compete for the charming Lady Laurel’s heart.

A Rogue’s Christmas Kiss (The Rogue Chronicles) by Lana Williams: Mary is shaken by a letter requesting she return home for Christmas. But her world is truly upended when she reunites with a former love for the long journey. Arthur has no desire to rekindle their relationship after Mary broke his heart, but a snowstorm and some passionate kisses just might reignite their love.

’Twas the Rogue Before Christmas (The Honorable Rogues®) by Collette Cameron: Eager to leave England, American, Jason Steele can’t forget the beautiful noblewoman he saved from a foiled robbery. Determined to behave properly, Lenora Audsley can’t stop thinking about the rogue who rescued her. Can the magic of the holiday season unite these lovers who are forbidden to see each other?

Bound to the Belgian Count (London Lords) by Sasha Cottman: Abandoned bride, Lily is determined to seek an annulment. But when her absent husband Count Maximilian de Viron suddenly appears in court, the judge decides on a unique compromise. Between now and Christmas Eve, the couple must live together, share meals, and talk.

Embracing the Scandal by Barbara Monajem: Harriet is banished for her naughty behavior, and when Jonathan asks for her hand, he is told she is dead. When they meet again, can they overcome the lies and sins of the past to fall in love once again?

A Viscount for Christmas by Suzanna Medeiros: Viscount Thornton returns home for his mother’s annual Christmas party to find a beautiful woman sleeping in his bed. Neither he nor Celia are happy when her mother demands they wed. Can they escape marriage or will they both get the Christmas gift they didn’t know they wanted?

The Impetuous Heiress (The Upstart Christmas Brides) by Alina K. Field: Before dashing Lord Loughton can make amends with his neglected fiancée, the lady’s meddling cousin delivers her to his doorstep. He soon realizes more is amiss than his carelessness. Can he uncover her secrets and win her back before he loses her altogether?

A Duchess for Christmas (Forgotten Heiress) by Alanna Lucas: Grace Banks is looking forward to her first Christmas at the Home for Desolate Ladies, but Edward, Duke of Tavistock, is set upon ruining it, and the secrets keeping them apart leave little hope for reconciliation. Can the spirit of Christmas heal two wounded hearts?

Let it Snow by Heather Boyd: When the worst scoundrel in her acquaintance rescues Yvette from a winter storm, she fears a holiday spent dodging his attempts at seduction. But more than one yuletide surprise awaits as she discovers Luc is a man of surprising patience, and passion for just one woman…Yvette herself.

Buy Links:

Amazon

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MTT1PG8

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08MTT1PG8

Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08MTT1PG8

Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B08MTT1PG8

Apple Books 

https://books.apple.com/us/book/christmas-kisses/id1538877649

https://books.apple.com/gb/book/christmas-kisses/id1538877649

https://books.apple.com/ca/book/christmas-kisses/id1538877649

https://books.apple.com/au/book/christmas-kisses/id1538877649

Barnes & Noble

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/christmas-kisses-cheryl-bolen/1138033752?ean=2940162733775

Kobo 

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/christmas-kisses-13

https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/christmas-kisses-13

https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/christmas-kisses-13

https://www.kobo.com/au/en/ebook/christmas-kisses-13

Google

https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=l083EAAAQBAJ

Author Bio and links:

Award winning and USA Today bestselling author Alina K. Field earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and German literature but prefers the much happier world of romance fiction. Though her roots are in the Midwestern U.S., after six very, very, very cold years in Chicago, she moved to Southern California, where she shares a midcentury home with her husband and a spunky, blond rescued terrier. She is the author of several Regency romances, including the 2014 Book Buyer’s Best winner, Rosalyn’s Ring. Though hard at work on her next series of romantic adventures, she loves to hear from readers!

Website: https://alinakfield.com/ 

Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Alina-K.-Field/e/B00DZHWOKY

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

MeWe: https://mewe.com/i/alinakfield

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Newsletter signup: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z6q6e3

Other books in the
The Upstart Christmas Brides Series

The Duke She Despised
Convincing the Countess

First Kiss Friday with Meara Platt

17 Friday Sep 2021

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Welcome to another First Kiss Friday. It’s a pleasure to welcome back my friend, Meara Platt who has an excerpt from The Wonder of Love. Isn’t this cover just beautiful? Happy reading, my lovelies, and enjoy!

Excerpt:

Shayne closed his sketchbook and rose to leave. “Lock up behind me. Same caution applies. Let no one in but your aunt and sister. I’ll be back as soon as I’ve given this sketch to Lorcan. I’ll do up a few more for my other trackers, too.”

He walked to the door.

Willow scrambled off the bed and followed him, placing a soft hand on his shoulder when he reached for the latch. “Mr. Brayden, I know we got off to a bad start. Well, a most unpromising start. I think you do not like me very much. I suppose I am too outspoken. But I want you to know I appreciate all you’ve done for me and my sisters.”

“It’s my job.”

She nodded, now staring up at him with those big, blue eyes capable of drowning a man if he weren’t careful. “I’m sorry if I behaved like a banshee earlier. That book…I wish I could make you understand how important it is to me. I promise you, I am not as demented as you believe me to be.”

He grinned.

“Cammy and I are on our way to London to be thrown into the marriage mart. We don’t know the first thing about men, about finding the right one and falling in love. This is why we desperately needed the lessons in this book.”

He cupped her cheek and gave it a light caress. She was standing in her bare feet, a thin robe wrapped around her slender body, and that wild tumble of molten hair spilling over her shoulders. “Willow, you are wrong and I will prove it to you.”

She nipped at her lower lip. “How will you do that?”

“If you can abide to be in my company, I will tell you all you need to know about men. Believe me, we are simple creatures. Our discussions shouldn’t take long.”

She eyed him dubiously. “You would help me?”

“Yes, despite your attempts to maim me,” he teased, slipping his hand off her cheek before she noticed how much she affected him.

She groaned lightly. “I’ve already apologized for that. But I don’t think you appreciate the importance of that book.”

“And I think you are placing far too much importance on it.” He knew he ought to get back to his office as soon as possible, but leaving Willow was surprisingly hard to do. “There are just a few things to remember when dealing with men.”

“Such as?”

“Do not ever be alone with a man.”

She nodded, obviously overlooking that they were alone and in her bedroom of all places. Alarms should be going off in her head, the blare of a warning trumpet. The bang of a drum. But she appeared not at all concerned.

He did not know whether to be grateful she trusted him or angry that she considered him safe, which he decidedly was not. “Do not ever be alone with a man while you are undressed.”

She nodded again.

Lord, have mercy!

Did she think he was a eunuch?

“Do not ever let a man kiss you.”

She frowned. “That cannot be right. How am I to know if our senses are compatible? Why can I not allow him one kiss?”

“Because…it isn’t safe. It isn’t wise. You cannot go around kissing men.”

She tossed her hair back and tipped her head up in a huff to mark her indignation. “I haven’t kissed any men yet. But I should be permitted to kiss any man I consider marrying, don’t you think? Not that I am rushing to do it. I don’t even know what a kiss feels like. And you needn’t worry because I am not going to kiss you.”

He placed his hand on the door, knowing he had to leave right now or this was not going to end well. “Nor would I ever consider kissing you.” Blatant lie, of course. Capturing her lips was all he’d been thinking about for days. “You needn’t worry that I ever will.”

He expected her to kick him out right then and there. Instead, she turned so quiet, he could feel the silence prickle between them. “Willow? I’m sorry. It came out wrong. Any man would be delighted to kiss you.”

“Just not you.” She emitted a ragged breath. “I knew you did not like me. What is it about me that puts you off? You needn’t be kind to spare my feelings. It is important for me to understand. The Book of Love says we must always be truthful. So you can be honest with me. Do you not like the way I look? My hair is a little too red, I think. I know I am far too opinionated for most men’s tastes. I can’t seem to keep my mouth shut even when I know I ought to clamp it tight. What of the five senses, sight, touch, taste, hearing, and scent? Is there anything you do find pleasing about me?”

He laughed and shook his head. “I had better go.”

“But you haven’t answered a single question.”

“Latch the door after me. Put some clothes on. And don’t go around kissing men. I’ll see you later.”

He should have walked straight out and not looked back. But he did look back and she hadn’t moved. She stood there with her head down and her hands were trembling. Did this girl not realize how beautiful she was?

He felt like a wretch.

Well, how was it his fault? Wasn’t she opinionated, outspoken, too independent for her own good? There were dangerous men lurking around and she was a little thing, too little to defend herself if those fiends ever got their hands on her.

How was he to protect her if she insisted on doing whatever she wished? Not that he wanted her to be biddable or timid.

He gave a silent oath and turned to her. “You irritate me to no end.”

“You are no garden of delight either. Does this mean you are going to answer my questions? Why are you looking at me like that?”

He cupped the back of her head and drew her close. “How am I looking at you?”

She swallowed hard. “Like you want to–”

He kissed her as he’d longed to do from the moment he had set eyes on her, and kept kissing her even though his brain was warning him to stop. But he was listening to his body that was screaming for fulfillment.

No.

No.

This was not what he’d planned.

This is not what he wanted.

Her soft, giving lips yielded to the press of his mouth. Her fingers clutched the front of his shirt, grabbing onto the taut fabric to draw him toward her. They were so close…too close. He inhaled the scent of orange blossoms on her warm skin.

Why was he kissing this little nuisance?

Worse, what was he going to say to her once he pulled away? After an achingly long moment, he eased his lips off hers and took a step back. “Willow…”

“You needn’t apologize. I understand the lesson you were trying to teach me.” She pursed her lips and continued. “The book warned about this very thing.”

“What very thing?”

“Men will kiss women they do not like. They separate the physical urge from the bond of love. To a man, one has nothing to do with the other. It is merely their low brain responding to a female they perceive as desirable, and they perceive thousands of women to be desirable. Nothing to do with the higher act of love. Is this what you were trying to point out to me?”

He could have nodded and blithely gone on his way.

But this was her first kiss ever. He was not going to ruin the memory for her. “No, Willow. That kiss was from my heart. It was me kissing you because I like you and think you are beautiful.”

She mistook his words as a jest at first.

Had he been that much of an ogre to her?

“You’re serious? You like me?”

He clutched the sketchbook in his hand, relieved he had kept hold of it. If he’d had both hands free, that robe would have been off her and he would have been busily kissing more than her lips.

She suddenly shoved him out the door, shut and latched it firmly, then began to chatter at him through the door. “Do you realize what this means? It is impossible, you know. It is not to be considered. Are you still there Mr. Brayden? No, do not answer that. I want you gone. Do not darken my door again. You have no idea what you’ve just done. But do not apologize to me for that kiss. It was wonderful. However, I am still overset and angry.”

He leaned against the door, trying to make sense of what she was going on about. She’d liked the kiss. No apology required, although he had been out of bounds and did owe her one even though she had forgiven him. “Willow, why are you angry?”

“Isn’t it obvious?”

He groaned, for this is what came of growing up with only brothers. Bedding a woman was a far different thing from building a life and being a good husband to the one you loved. Outside of bed, women were a mystery to him. “Not in the least. Would you care to enlighten me?”

“No, Mr. Brayden. Go away now. But rest assured nothing has changed between us. One splendid kiss does not change anything. I am still certain I do not like you and I hope you still do not like me. I expect that is all right with you. Is it, Mr. Brayden?”

He should have responded with a simple yes.

She would be on her way to London to snare a titled idiot for herself and his life would return to normal.

Only, he did not want normal.

He – Lord help him – wanted this fiery Farthingale.

“No, Willow. It is not all right.”

The Wonder of Love
By Meara Platt

She was in danger. He meant to protect her. But could he protect his heart?
More Regency fun as The Book of Love brings together two reluctant hearts.

Willow Farthingale never meant to punch Taunton’s magistrate, Shayne Brayden, in the nose. And she certainly did not set the fire that destroyed the coaching inn’s carriage house the very morning she was to leave for London and her society debut. But she might have seen who did, and now the handsome magistrate is not letting her out of his protection until the culprits are safely rounded up. Well, if he’s going to hold her in town under his watchful eye, then she may as well use the time productively and test out those love recipes in The Book of Love on him.

Shayne Brayden knew the fiery-haired Willow was trouble the moment he set eyes on her, but if she had seen the villains who set the carriage house fire, then it was possible they’d also seen her and meant to silence her. Shayne did not care how irritating she was, or how desperately he wanted to kiss her, he was going to do his duty and protect her. But how was he to protect his heart, especially when she was toting that book about love around, and its ‘recipes’ seemed to be working on him?

Buy Link: https://bit.ly/TheWonderOfLove 

About the Author:

 Meara Platt is an award winning, USA TODAY bestselling author and an Amazon UK All-Star. Her favorite place in all the world is England’s Lake District, which may not come as a surprise since many of her stories are set in that idyllic landscape, including her paranormal romance Dark Gardens series. Learn more about the Dark Gardens and Meara’s lighthearted and humorous Regency romances in her Farthingale series and Book of Love series, or her warmhearted Regency romances in her Braydens series by visiting her website at www.mearaplatt.com.

Meara Platt Social Media Links:

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

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://bit.ly/meara-platts-newsletter

Free download If You Kissed Me for free form signup link is this: http://bit.ly/free-novella-download

First Kiss Friday with Celeste Barclay

10 Friday Sep 2021

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Glad you can drop by my First Kiss Friday blog! Please welcome back author Celeste Barclay who as a lovely first kiss scene from An Outsider at the Highland Court . Isn’t the cover gorgeous? Happy reading and enjoy, my lovelies!

Excerpt:

“We don’t always get what we want, Catherine,” Andrew stated pointedly as his head canted toward Rab. Catherine realized he’d positioned them on purpose. He wanted Rab to understand he was moving forward with a marriage. Catherine’s hands fisted at her side, and Andrew nearly took a step back, recognizing the near menacing edge in Catherine’s gaze. He’d been on the receiving end more than once as a lad when he’d crossed the line, teasing Catherine or his sisters. There’d inevitably been hell to pay afterward.

“I’m walking away. If I stand here another moment, I will get some wicked thought in my head. And you know you barely survive when I do.” Catherine caught a slight movement beyond Andrew’s shoulder. Rather than looking at Rab directly, she allowed her peripheral vision to catch him nod toward the terrace. Catherine cocked a challenging eyebrow at Andrew but hoped Rab recognized it as the expression she’d always given when she waited for him to lead them on an adventure. Before Andrew could say anything, she stepped around him and entered the crowd of dancers. She moved through the people, avoiding bumping into dancing couples until she watched both Andrew and Rab without being obvious. She caught sight of the back of Rab as he eased through the terrace doors. She noticed Andrew already deep in conversation with a Keith delegate. Catherine slipped through a set of doors into a passageway, then sprinted along it until she could inch open a door that led to the bailey. She hurried through and made her way to the terrace.

“Kitty,” Rab whispered. His hulking form emerged from the shadows. It would have been intimidating if Catherine had ever feared Rab a day in her life.

“Shh. Follow me.” Catherine reached out her hand, slipping it into Rab’s. She led them across the bailey and into the dark gardens. When they were sufficiently far enough into the orchard on the far side of the garden, Catherine stopped. Neither knew who reached out first, but they fell into one another’s arms. The embrace was fierce, each of them clinging to the other. Both implicitly knew this might be the only chance they had to share a private moment together. 

As they eased their hold, their mouths sought one another. It wasn’t the first kiss they’d shared, but it was the most intense, far more than a mere peck. It was as though it brought them back to life after sleeping through years of their lives. It was languid, the opposite of the ferocity of their embrace. Rab ran his hand over Catherine’s back as the other wrapped around her waist. Her hands tunneled into his hair as she gave herself over to the kiss.

But a thought niggled at the back of Rab’s mind, which he couldn’t push aside. He drew away from Catherine but cupped her cheeks.

“I have dreamed of doing that every day since the last time I was with ye. It’s always been ye.” Rab straightened as he peered over Catherine’s shoulder. “I want naught more than to lose maself in yer kisses until ma last breath. But I canna.”

Rab stepped back and ran a hand through his hair as he debated how to proceed. He knew he was about to hurt Catherine, but he refused to keep anything from her, especially if she only learned of it later and from someone else.

An Outsider at the Highland Court
by Celeste Barclay

Lady Catherine MacFarlane thought she knew who she was going to marry. A man courted her, and her cousin arranged a betrothal. But when her should-be-betrothed decides to embroil himself in scandal, Catherine is left practically at the altar. With few options available at court, Catherine wonders if she can convince her uncle, Laird MacFarlane, to allow her to return home to the Highlands.

Rab MacLaren is the type of Highlander every lady at court talks about: savage and uncouth. Disinterested in women who spend their days switching gowns and gossiping, Rab is content to conduct his business with King Robert the Bruce and leave. He’s not inclined to reform his rugged Highland ways and is content to be an outsider until Rab encounters Catherine, a woman he hasn’t seen since childhood. 

Ongoing strife between the MacFarlanes and MacLarens forces Catherine and Rab to keep to the shadows. Will their romance ever see the light and have a chance to bloom?

If you love a steamy secret lovers romance, then you’re sure to enjoy Celeste Barclay’s sizzling new Highlander romance, An Outsider at the Highland Court.

Universal Buy Link: www.books2read.com/outsiderhighland

About the Author:

Celeste Barclay, a nom de plume, lives near the Southern California coast with her husband and sons. Growing up in the Midwest, Celeste enjoyed spending as much time in and on the water as she could. Now she lives near the beach. She’s an avid swimmer, a hopeful future surfer, and a former rower. When she’s not writing, she’s working or being a mom. 

Social Media:

FB page: https://www.facebook.com/celestembarclay

FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/celestebarclaysladiesofyore/

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First Kiss Friday with Veronica Crowe

03 Friday Sep 2021

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Happy First Kiss Friday! Welcome back to my blog and say hello to my friend Veronica Crowe who has an excerpt to share from her novel My Only Earl. Happy reading, my lovelies, and enjoy!

Excerpt:

A shiver ran through her as she recalled how his lips felt like, tasted like, that Christmas night when they were young, and she had stolen a kiss from him under the mistletoe beneath this very same doorway. 

Now that he was a grown man, and she a grown woman, would it be different?

As if he heard her secret musings, suddenly his smile disappeared and the laughter in his eyes turned to molten heat.

Her eyes widened, heart racing, the air vacating her lungs as his smoldering gaze fell on her lips.

“My turn,” he said softly, tilting her face to his, capturing her mouth in a voluptuous kiss that was heart-stopping and soul-deep. 

Everything around her blurred and stilled, save for the ticking of the clock on the mantel.

His lips firmed, his kiss becoming more insistent, coaxing her to part her lips and allow him in. 

She did—and found herself drowning in ecstasy at the feel and taste of him. 

Her arms twined around his neck of their own volition. 

He gathered her closer in his embrace in return. 

Their bodies merged, her softness crushed to his hardness, molded as one. 

His tongue explored her mouth, twining with hers—stroking, caressing, cajoling. He angled his mouth to gain more access. 

She gave in—and he devoured her with such intensity and boldness, it took her breath away. 

She clung to him for dear life as he consumed her, taking his fill over and over until finally sated. Then he withdrew and his kiss gentled, fading into tiny, feathered kisses on the corners of her mouth, her chin, her cheek—ending with her forehead resting against his.

They stood still beneath the doorway, eyes closed, chests rising and falling, gasping for air, neither saying a word until she felt him loosen his embrace, prompting her to untwine her arms around his neck and take a step back. 

Their eyes locked, staring at each other for a long moment before a slow crooked smile rose on his lips.“Well, Poppet, if you must know—I think my kiss was better than yours.” He grinned and tapped a forefinger on her nose, and then walked away, leaving her gaping after him. 

My Only Earl
By Veronica Crowe

Touted by The Gazette as The Most Handsome Man in All of England.
Edward Devlin Huntington, Earl of Calverston, has been friends with Diana since childhood. As the years went by, their friendship blossomed into young love that each found hard to deny. But when Diana debuted in her first London Season, she instantly became the diamond of the ton. The most eligible, high-ranking gentlemen vied for her hand. Competition was fierce, and Edward, an undergraduate with nothing to his name except for a mere courtesy title, felt unworthy of his beloved childhood friend, who took the ton by storm with her incomparable beauty, sharp wit, and impressive accomplishments. Discouraged, Edward sailed to America to manage a trading company in New York and make a name for himself.

Seven years later, he returned home a different man: Distinguished, worldly, successful, and breathtakingly wealthy. His only conundrum was, did Diana still hold a place in her heart for him?

Or was he too late?

The Incomparable Diamond of the upper ten thousand.
Diana Juliette Radcliffe, only daughter of the Duke of Grandstone, had everything – beauty, wealth, success, society’s admiration—but not the man she’s loved since her youth. She had convinced herself there was no sense in pining for someone who did not reciprocate her affections—until she saw him again at his Welcome Ball. Stunned by her reaction to his presence, and the sudden reemergence of the love she thought long gone, she vowed to deny her feelings and keep their relationship friendly.

If only it were that easy.

Because Edward’s kisses kept her wanting, and no matter how hard she tried to prevent herself from falling, every touch and every kiss rekindled her love for him. Terrified of going down that road again, she knew she could not go through the agony of another heartbreak. His show of affection sent her reeling with both joy and trepidation. What did Edward want from her? Why did he come back?

Would he leave her if he learned she was betrothed to another?
Heirs of Cornwall
The Wrong Prince
The Viscount’s Heir
My Only Earl

This is from the third installment of the Heirs of Cornwall series, My Only Earl. It’s available for free on KU or buy it here:  https://bit.ly/MyOnlyEarl

About the Author:

Veronica Crowe is the author of the Heirs of Cornwall series under Dragonblade Publishing.She is an entrepreneur and runs several online ventures including PeriodImages.com.She lives in Southern California with her husband and son in a house that looks like a historical movie set.They have three cats: A fat one, a thin one, and an obnoxious one that constantly pesters her when she writes.  

Find Veronica on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/Veronica-Crowe-107641207752085/?ref=pages_you_manage