Tag Archives: Bluestocking Belles

First Kiss Friday with Jude Knight

17 Friday Jan 2020

Posted by in 2020, First Kiss Friday

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Welcome to another First Kiss Friday. Today’s guest is my dear friend Jude Knight who will be sharing the first kiss scene from her upcoming novella Melting Matilda. Happy reading, my lovelies, and enjoy!

First Kiss Friday with Matilda and Charles

In this excerpt from Melting Matilda, a novella in the Bluestocking Belles’ box set Fire and Frost, the kiss is the first one in this book. They had another kiss a year before, and it haunts them. You’ll have to read the book to find out more.

Excerpt:

He had dressed with enormous care, driving his valet demented by changing his mind three times about his waistcoat, rejecting six cravats before settling on the seventh, and hesitating for twenty minutes on his choice of fobs. The valet would probably slit his wrists in despair if he could see how Charles had set his hair in disarray by running his fingers through it, and ruined the hard-won perfection of the cravat by tugging it further open because he felt it choking him.

Then the door opened. Matilda entered the room and he lost his breath again. She was magnificent in a violet gown that hugged her curves before sweeping out into a deceptively simple skirt that avoided fashionable ruffles in favor of more subtle stitching that added detail without fuss. The neckline was low enough to rivet his attention while still high enough to be demure by the current standards. She wore pearls at her neck, her wrists, dangling from her ears and glowing in her dark hair, and the blue eyes he met when he wrenched his attention from the snowy skin displayed by her décolletage had taken on a violet cast from the gown.

He gazed, losing track of time and space, until she said his name. “Charles?”

“I had a speech.” His voice croaked, and he swallowed. “I do not remember a word.”

With one hand, index finger outstretched, he traced an inch or so away from her face. “Why did I try so hard to resist you, you beautiful woman?”

It was the wrong thing to say. Her nostrils flared. “Because I am the base-born daughter of a harlot.”

“I cannot remember why I thought that important,” he confessed. “You are the beloved sister of the next Duke of Haverford, the ward of the current duchess, and a lady of impeccable education, training and manners. That is not why I love you, though.”

Her eyes softened. “You love me?”

“That was part of the speech. It is the only bit I remember. I look into your eyes, and I forget my own name.”

“Why?” Matilda asked.

“Why do I forget? No? Why now?” She colored, and he realized what she was asking. “Why do I love you? How can I explain something that has grown in my heart without my knowledge, even against my will?” He took both of her hands, and suddenly the words began to flow.

“I have been attracted to you since the first time we danced, but that is desire, and desire is a part of love but not the whole. I do desire you, my love, more and more each day, but I also admire you, I like being with you, I enjoy talking to you, I respect you. I want to see you every morning when I wake, to spend my days with you, to have the right to dance the first waltz with you at every ball, and to go home with you every night. I want to see your belly rounded with our child, and watch you as you gently teach them the way I’ve seen you teach your little sister. I want you and only you as my countess and the mother of my children. I want to grow old with you, Matilda Grenford.”

He dropped to one knee. “Miss Grenford, I esteem you with all my heart. Will you do me the very great honor of becoming my wife?”

He waited, his anxiety rising as she said nothing, despair taking over as tears rose and began to leak from her pansy eyes. Then she began to nod as she slipped to her own knees and reached out for him. “Yes. Oh, yes. Charles, I love you, too.”

For more than a year, Charles had kept to himself the fact that the Haverford Ice Princess kissed like a flame. As he abandoned his own granite facade for once and for all, he rejoiced in her heat. This time was even better than the last, and the best was yet to come. Though perhaps not here in a family parlor where her brother or sisters could walk in at any time.

“I hope you do not want a long betrothal,” he whispered, between kisses.

She broke off her attempt to completely unravel his cravat. “Not long,” she agreed.

Her fervent answer demanded that he kiss her again, losing himself so deep he didn’t know they were no longer alone until a voice behind him said, “I trust you are betrothed to my sister, Hamner, for it would be most inconvenient to start the evening’s celebrations by killing you.”

Melting Matilda

Her scandalous birth prevents Matilda Grenford from being fully acceptable to Society, even though she has been a ward of the Duchess of Haverford since she was a few weeks old. Matilda does not expect to be wooed by a worthy gentleman. The only man who has ever interested her gave her an outrageous kiss a year ago and has avoided her ever since.

Charles, the Earl of Hamner is honour bound to ignore his attraction to Matilda Grenford. She is an innocent and a lady, and in every way worthy of his respect—but she is base-born. His ancestors would rise screaming from their graves if he made her his countess. But he cannot forget the kiss they once shared.

For more about Fire & Frost, including preorder links, see: https://bluestockingbelles.net/belles-joint-projects/fire-frost/

About Jude Knight

Have you ever wanted something so much you were afraid to even try? That was Jude ten years ago.

For as long as she can remember, she’s wanted to be a novelist. She even started dozens of stories, over the years.

But life kept getting in the way. A seriously ill child who required years of therapy; a rising mortgage that led to a full-time job; six children, her own chronic illness… the writing took a back seat.

As the years passed, the fear grew. If she didn’t put her stories out there in the market, she wouldn’t risk making a fool of herself. She could keep the dream alive if she never put it to the test.

Then her mother died. That great lady had waited her whole life to read a novel of Jude’s, and now it would never happen.

So Jude faced her fear and changed it–told everyone she knew she was writing a novel. Now she’d make a fool of herself for certain if she didn’t finish.

Her first book came out to excellent reviews in December 2014, and the rest is history. Many books, lots of positive reviews, and a few awards later, she plans to keep publishing until she runs out of years.

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

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

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JudeKnightBooks

Pinterest: https://nz.pinterest.com/jknight1033/

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

#FREE eBook just for you!

26 Thursday Dec 2019

Posted by in 2019, Uncategorized

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My gift to you this holiday season is the gift of a good read. Under the Mistletoe was the first book I published with the fabulous group of authors called the Bluestocking Belles. We’ve gone to publish a box set every year since 2015 for your reading enjoyment.

Grab this freebie while you can. It will be a refresher for you when our next box set, Fire & Frost, comes out on February 4, 2020. My story in the box set, A Second Chance At Love, continues to the story of secondary characters Lady Constance Whittles and Viscount Digby Osgood. I know you’ll just love this story, too!

Read on for an excerpt from Under the Mistletoe and Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and may you all have a prosperous New Year!

Excerpt:

With Digby gone, Margaret took a seat by the fire, and Frederick sat opposite her. An awkward silence fell between them, broken only by the crackling and popping of the wood within the hearth. Conversation had never been stilted between them, but Margaret was clearly nervous because she kept peeking over her shoulder as if she were being watched. Frederick was unsure what he should say to calm her nerves.

 

“You have no need to fear me, Margaret,” Frederick whispered softly now that they were alone.

 

“I do not fear you, Freddy.”

 

He was pleased to hear his name as it passed her lips. “Then what is troubling you so?”

 

The eyes raised to his were filled with worry. “Why are you here?”

 

He watched her fidget with the fabric of her gown. “You know why. I was invited,” Frederick answered.

 

A sound escaped her, but it was hardly ladylike. “You could easily have made your excuses and refused.”

 

“I wanted to make sure you were safe,” he replied.

 

“How could I not be safe? Captain Morledge is practically my betrothed.”

 

Frederick ran his hand across his eyes. “I do not trust him. There are rumors—”

 

The laugh she gave was meant to be merry, but sounded forced. “Frederick, please tell me you have not taken to believing in town gossip. I would have thought you, above all people, were above such nonsense.”

 

He frowned. “Nonsense or not, I needed to see for myself that you are not in danger, even if I must watch over you myself.”

 

“It is hardly necessary.” Margaret’s attention once more flew to the entryway.

 

He reached over to take her hand.

 

She wrenched back with a silent and pleading look, and the briefest shake of her head. Leaning slightly forward, she confided, “Please do not, for it will not be wise. The servants watch my every move, and even now, it is reckless of me to be here alone with you.”

 

“You see! There is cause for concern. Why will you not let me help you?”

 

“Please, Freddy. This is my one chance to find some happiness. Do not ruin it for me.”

 

“We have discussed this before, Margaret. You know my offer still stands. I would wed you on the morrow if you would have me.”

 

“Shush, you fool. You know I cannot.”

 

“Yet you would enter into a marriage with a man you do not love.”

 

A heavy sigh left her lips. “I can learn to love him.”

 

“Now who is the fool?” he grumbled irritably.

 

Under the Mistletoe
by Sherry Ewing
FREE – through December 29th

A new suitor seeks her hand. An old flame holds her heart. Which one will she meet under the kissing bough?

When Margaret Templeton is requested to act as hostess at Captain Sander Morledge’s Christmas party and possibly agree to marry him, she did not think she would see the man who once held her heart. Frederick Maddock, Viscount Beacham had never forgotten the young woman he had fallen in love with, and his feelings are evident when he sees her at a holiday gathering. In a swirl of Christmas miracles and joyous celebration, will the two finally put down their differences and once again fall in love?

Buy Links:

Amazon US  |  Apple Books | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Amazon AU | Amazon CA | Amazon DE | Amazon FR | Amazon UK

First Kiss Friday with Jules and Mia

20 Friday Sep 2019

Posted by in 2019, First Kiss Friday

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It’s First Kiss Friday and it’s always a pleasure when I can bring back my dear friend, Jude Knight. When we get to celebrate a new release, well… that’s even better. We hope you enjoy this excerpt from Unkept Promises. You’re going to just love this book! Happy reading and enjoy.

Seven years after he wed her and left, they meet again

The child bride Jules left in England has changed. She is all grown up and here, uninvited, in his Cape Town house. As they work together to nurse his dying mistress and look after his children, he begins to see that he needs to change as well. In the following excerpt from Unkept Promises, they finally have their first kiss.

Excerpt:

Another piercing look, remembered anguish blazing from his eyes. “It could have been so different.” He put the brandy down to rise and take the two steps needed to drop to his knees at her feet, his hands reaching to frame her face. “I have nightmares, thinking about what I might have come home to, if you had not arrived. I can’t imagine how I would feel now, leaving port knowing that I had to depend on hired servants for the safety of my family. I can never thank you enough.”

He leaned forward to press a gentle kiss to her forehead, and she put her arms around him, hugging him close. “Ah, Jules. I have only done what I thought right. Besides, I love them. I do not need thanks for looking after the people I love.”

He lifted her chin and began kissing the tears from her cheeks. She shifted so that a kiss fell on the corner of her mouth, and he pulled back a little, but only to say, “It was the luckiest night of my life when I was captured by smugglers and locked up with you.”

Disappointed that he had stopped, she grumbled, “You didn’t think so at the time.” This seduction would never happen if she left it all to him. She summoned her courage and put her hands on his face to keep it still before pressing her mouth on his. He’d better take the hint, because she had no idea what she was doing.

His lips froze, and she almost pulled away, and then, thank goodness, they softened on hers and began to move. Was that his tongue, sweeping across the seam of her mouth? Those were certainly his teeth, nibbling at her lower lip until she gasped at the wonderful sensations that reverberated through her whole body, and would have gasped again when his tongue invaded her mouth, except her mouth was full and she could manage nothing more than a strangled moan.

He clearly took that as approval, for he deepened the kiss, pressing her back against her chair, his body firm against hers, his face angled to allow him to invade even deeper. No. Not an invasion, for she had invited him in. His tongue retreated and then returned, retreated and returned, until she took the hint and allowed her own tongue to follow his. Ah. This invasion could be reciprocal, and she could make him moan, too.

She applied herself enthusiastically to mimicking his actions, learning what he taught, sinking deeper and deeper into the sensations he created.

A timeless period later, Jules ended the kiss; not releasing her but drawing back enough to meet her eyes, his own hot. “Sweet Mia, even then I could tell you’d make a rare woman. Brave, clever, caring. I saw all of that. I knew you’d be pretty, too.”

She wanted to trust he meant it, but it was a little much to swallow. “How can you say that? I look like a boy!”

Jules’s laugh was disbelieving. “Never! A boy?” His hands rounded her body to run over her breasts, paused briefly to cup them, brushed over her nipples which had somehow become so hard that they ached, then skimmed down to her waist. He spread his thumb and fingers to span her waist on both sides. “I can almost touch my fingers together. You are perfect.”

Did he really think so? “I barely have any curves at all,” Mia protested.

Jules pressed a quick kiss to her mouth, as if to stop her words. “I beg to differ.” He moved his hands, one scooping under her buttocks and half lifting her from the chair, the other coming up to once again cup a breast, the thumb rubbing back and forth across the nipple. “Look. Beautifully curved.”

She could barely think as his movement both relieved and intensified the near pain in her nipple. “So small!” she pointed out. “Gerta–”

Another firm quick kiss. “Does not belong between us. Mia, do you not know I have been lusting after you since I arrived home?” Kiss. “Feeling bad about it, too, when at the beginning I thought you had moved Kirana out of her room and dismissed Maureen. I felt the lowest of dogs to desire such a woman.” Kiss. “But as I learned the truth and got to know you, admiring you more and more each day, my desire grew.” His hand kept moving, and the other pulled her closer, until she was plastered to his body, groin to groin, the hardness behind his falls rubbing close to the place of sudden, desperate need. Beguiled, she shifted against him.

“Ah, Mia,” he groaned, “can’t you tell what you do to me? Sleeping in the room next to me while I lie awake, night after night, imagining you are in the bed with me and I can, at last, worship you with my body as I promised so long ago?”

His mouth was on hers again, and his lips, his tongue, his teeth, his hands, his hard body, all drove her to a place where she no longer knew where she was and barely who she was. She only knew that she yearned, hungered, ached—and that Jules could answer that need.

Then he pulled away, and she reached after him before her mind registered what he’d already heard—a burst of conversation as the kitchen door opened and shut again, and then footsteps approaching.

Jules was already back in his seat, his brandy glass in his hand. His hair was ruffled, his neckcloth half untied, but he had shrugged his coat back on as he crossed the room. She caught a glimpse of red swollen lips before he raised the glass to cover them.

She pulled her shawl over a bare breast she didn’t remember Jules exposing, and grabbed her own glass, just as Fortune came through the room on his way to check on the door.

Unkept Promises

She wants to negotiate a comfortable marriage; he wants her in his bed

Naval captain Jules Redepenning has spent his adult life away from England, and at war. He rarely thinks of the bride he married for her own protection, and if he does, he remembers the child he left after their wedding seven years ago. He doesn’t expect to find her in his Cape Town home, a woman grown and a lovely one, too.

Mia Redepenning sails to Cape Town to nurse her husband’s dying mistress and adopt his children. She hopes to negotiate a comfortable married life with the man while she’s there. Falling in love is not on her to-do list.

Before they can do more than glimpse a possible future together, their duties force them apart. At home in England, Mia must fight for the safety of Jules’s children. Imprisoned in France, Jules must battle for his self-respect and his life.

Only by vanquishing their foes can they start to make their dreams come true.

Not your usual Regency: Jude Knight writes historical fiction with a large helping of romance, a splash of Regency, and a side order of suspense.

Buy links:

Books2Read: books2read.com/UnkeptPromises

Jude’s Bookshop: https://judeknight.selz.com/item/unkept-promises

About Jude Knight:

Have you ever wanted something so much you were afraid to even try? That was Jude ten years ago.

For as long as she can remember, she’s wanted to be a novelist. She even started dozens of stories, over the years.

But life kept getting in the way. A seriously ill child who required years of therapy; a rising mortgage that led to a full-time job; six children, her own chronic illness… the writing took a back seat.

As the years passed, the fear grew. If she didn’t put her stories out there in the market, she wouldn’t risk making a fool of herself. She could keep the dream alive if she never put it to the test.

Then her mother died. That great lady had waited her whole life to read a novel of Jude’s, and now it would never happen.

So Jude faced her fear and changed it–told everyone she knew she was writing a novel. Now she’d make a fool of herself for certain if she didn’t finish.

Her first book came out to excellent reviews in December 2014, and the rest is history. Many books, lots of positive reviews, and a few awards later, she plans to keep publishing until she runs out of years.

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

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

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JudeKnightBooks

Pinterest: https://nz.pinterest.com/jknight1033/

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

First Kiss Friday with Caroline Warfield

30 Friday Aug 2019

Posted by in 2019, First Kiss Friday

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Welcome to another First Kiss Friday. Any day that I can welcome back my dear friend Caroline Warfield is always a good day. Dangerous Works is the story of Georgiana and Andrew who were in love long ago. Upon his return to Cambridge she coerces him into helping with her translations—ancient Greek poetry by women. At this point in the story they have been working together for some time. When he astonishes her by suggesting she publish her work, she eventually agrees, but only on condition they do it jointly, that he be her collaborator rather than her teacher. Happy reading and enjoy!

Excerpt:

“We. You said ‘we.’” Her generosity struck him like a cannon shot. Rush of desire at the sight of her radiant face would have buckled his knees had he been standing. He was grateful he wasn’t.

He reached up to draw her closer, unable to stop himself, and she bent her head to his hand. Lilac scent flooded over his defenses when she lowered her joyous face to his. He brushed her lips with his once and then again with feathery touch.

She drew away slightly. Her eyes, wary but welcoming, never left his. He watched for the slightest sign of rejection or denial while he rose from the chair and moved his head with exquisite slowness to touch her mouth again. She closed the distance and brushed his lips with hers. Her innocent response was all the permission he needed.

He slid one hand up her neck to cup her chin, tipping it toward himself. His thumb brushed her cheek, and his long fingers feathered the edges of her hair. He used the other hand to pull her close until their entire bodies touched, until he could feel her breasts pressed against him and the curve of her hip under his hand. It was as he remembered it, as he longed for it. His mouth moved over hers softly at first and then became more demanding. Her immediate surrender held no reservation. He deepened the kiss; she opened to him completely.

It rapidly became impossible to stand.

Dangerous Works
by Caroline Warfield

A little Greek is one thing; the art of love is another. Only one man has ever tried to teach Lady Georgiana Hayden both. She learned very young to keep her heart safe. She learned to keep loneliness at bay through work. If it takes a scandalous affair to teach her what she needs to complete her work, she will risk it. If the man in question chooses not to teach her, she will use any means at her disposal to change his mind. She is determined to give voice to the ancient women whose poetry has long been neglected.

Some scars cut deeper than others. Major Andrew Holden returns to Cambridge a battle-scarred hero. He dared to love Georgiana once and suffered swift retribution from her powerful family. The encounter cost him eleven years of his life. Determined to avoid her, he seeks work to heal his soul and make his scholarly father proud. The work she offers risks his career, his peace of mind, and (worst of all) his heart. Can he protect himself from a woman who almost destroyed him? Does he want to?

Even poetry is dangerous when you partner with the love of your life. In Regency, Cambridge, it can lead a lady quickly past improper to positively scandalous.

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

US https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N9KHDWQ/

UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00N9KHDWQ/

Canada  https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00N9KHDWQ/

EuroZone https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B00N9KHDWQ/

India https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B00N9KHDWQ/

Australia https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B00N9KHDWQ/

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.

She has works published by Soul Mate Publishing and also independently published works. In addition she has participated in six group anthologies.

For more about the Dangerous Series and all of Caroline’s books, look here:

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

 

Medieval Monday with Rue Allyn

12 Monday Aug 2019

Posted by in 2019, Medieval Monday

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Not only is it Medieval Monday but it’s Medieval Monday with fellow Bluestocking Belle Rue Allyn who is sharing a snippet from her novel Knight Errant. Enjoy, my lovelies!

Snippet:

“Lies and disobedience,” the priest purred. “What a shame.” His fingers trailed across her throat to her shoulder. “Tell me, sorella, do you recant your Beguine heresies?”

“I cannot recant heresy that I have never uttered.”

“More lies.” He looked straight into her eyes. “You know I have seen you spreading the devil’s word among the women of Ghent. I have witnesses that you took that word to Palermo and tried to topple God’s church there.”

Knight Errant ~ Knight Chronicles Book 1
By Rue Allyn

Set during the early days of the Inquisition, Sir Robert Clarwyn must find a way to compel Lady Juliana Verault to return to England, or he’ll lose any chance of regaining his family lands and redeeming his heritage. Yet Juliana must complete her mission to ensure a safe future for  her gender in the church. With danger and intrigue mounting, Robert and Juliana must rely on each other and risk everything … including their hearts.

Amazon | Kobo | Smashwords | Apple Books

Be sure to leave a comment for Rue to be in the running for her giveaway — an eCopy of Knight Errant. A winner will be randomly selected and announced on Medieval Monday, September 9, 2019.

Miss last week and a chance to comment? Check it out here: https://bambilynnblog.wordpress.org

Follow Rue to next week’s snippet (August 19, 2019) here: https://barbarabettis.blogspot.com

First Kiss Friday with guest Jude Knight

21 Friday Jun 2019

Posted by in 2019, First Kiss Friday

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Any day I can host my friend Jude Knight on my First Kiss Friday blog is a good day. Today, Jude is taking her back to her very first published romance, Candle’s Christmas Chair. We hope you enjoy this excerpt. Happy reading, my lovelies!

Excerpt:

It was an odd setting for a proposal, but safe. Any place he could be sure of being alone with Min in the house was a place he’d already imagined making love to her in. He wasn’t confident that he could control himself if she accepted his proposal. Or even that he would get to the proposal before…

He had to stop that train of thought. The succession house was becoming less safe by the minute. He was already thinking of the logistics of lovemaking here in the dirt among the seedlings. His coat spread to protect her dress… No. Not here. Quite apart from the respect he owed to an innocent and his future viscountess, he had no intention of consummating his desire in front of a hundred glass panes.

“Min, you know what I want to ask you.”

“I think I do.”

“Will you, Min? Will you make me the happiest of men? Will you marry me?”

“Ran, I am not from your world.”

“I know you are too good for me,” he joked, “but I’m hoping you’re prepared to make the sacrifice.”

“Ran, I am serious. I am the daughter of a carriage maker. You are a peer. Society…”

“Min, I love you. If you love me, then Society can go hang itself.”

“I want to continue making chairs.”

“I hope you will.”

“Really? You would not mind?”

“Min, you have a gift. I want you to use it. Say you will marry me, and I’ll have the bans read. We can be wed before Christmas.”

She withdrew. She didn’t move a muscle, but he felt her pulling into herself, away from him.

“Don’t, Randall.”

His first name in full. That couldn’t be good. But he wasn’t Lord Avery again, which was a hopeful sign.

“Is that a no, Min?”

She shook her head.

“Is it a yes?”

Another head shake.

“Min?” He came up onto his knees in a single motion, and captured her face between both of his hands, looking into her grey eyes.

She collected herself then, his brave little goddess. “When I come back with the chair, I will give you your answer.”

And then she pressed her sweet lips to his and he was lost. With a groan he enfolded her in his arms, slid his hands up behind her head, and deepened the kiss.

It could have been a minute; it could have been months. Time ceased to exist as he explored her mouth and she followed his lead. Her tentative movements, bold and shy at the same time, intoxicated him and he was conscious of nothing but the burning need to sink into her softness. Until a piece of gravel on the path turned as he shifted his knee, and dug into his skin.

He drew away from her with a groan.

Had he done that? Her lips were swollen and red, a sleeve was pulled down baring her shoulder, and one glorious breast was nearly tipped out of her dress. Another nudge, and he’d see…

He blinked, and shook the idea out of his head. “Min, my own dearest love.” He had to be calm. She looked as dazed as he felt. Probably more so, given her innocence. If his world was shaken, hers must be reeling.

“I would help you put yourself to rights, beloved. But I don’t dare touch you.”

She straightened her dress, repinned the lace cap she wore in her hair, rewrapped her shawl around her, all the while sneaking peeks at him and colouring each time their eyes met.

Before they left the succession house, he put a finger on her now clothed arm.

“Min, will you accept my apology, beloved? I meant no disrespect, I promise you. I should never have kissed you. I know how powerfully I react when we touch.”

To his surprise, she suddenly grinned. “Ah but Ran, you forget. I kissed you first.”

Candle’s Christmas Chair
(A novella in the Golden Redepenning series)

Can a viscount and a carriage maker’s daughter find love?

When Viscount Avery comes to see the best invalid chair maker in the southwest of England he does not expect to find Minerva Bradshaw, the woman who rejected him three years earlier. Or did she? Older and wiser, he wonders if there is more to the story.

For three years, Min Bradshaw has remembered the handsome guardsman who courted her for her fortune. She didn’t expect to see him in her workshop, and she certainly doesn’t intend to let him fool her again. Even if he is handsomer and more charming than ever.

Buy links

Jude Knight’s book page https://judeknightauthor.com/books/candles-christmas-chair/

99c as an ebook at the following places.

Selz shop https://judeknight.selz.com/item/candles-christmas-chair

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Candles-Christmas-Chair-Jude-Knight-ebook/dp/B00R2AJDXG/

Amazon print https://www.amazon.com/Candles-Christmas-Chair-Jude-Knight/dp/0473313529/

Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Candles-Christmas-Chair-Golden-Redepennings-ebook/dp/B00R2AJDXG/

Amazon Aus https://www.amazon.com.au/Candles-Christmas-Chair-Golden-Redepennings-ebook/dp/B00R2AJDXG/

Amazon Can https://www.amazon.ca/Candles-Christmas-Chair-Golden-Redepennings-ebook/dp/B00R2AJDXG/

Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/502187

Barnes & Noble nook http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/candles-christmas-chair-jude-knight/1120932984?ean=2940046466812

Barnes & Noble print https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/candles-christmas-chair-jude-knight/1120932984?ean=9780473313524

iBooks https://itunes.apple.com/nz/book/candles-christmas-chair/id952647256?mt=11

Kobo https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/candle-s-christmas-chair

BooksaMillion: http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Candles-Christmas-Chair/Jude-Knight/9780473313524?id=7321331754237

Overdrive https://www.overdrive.com/media/2075453/candles-christmas-chair

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/candle-s-christmas-chair-the-golden-redepennings-book-0-by-jude-knight

About Jude Knight

Jude Knight writes stuff and then tries to figure out how to slot the story into a genre category. Historical romantic suspense? Yes, mostly. She’s mad keen on history, enjoys what happens to people in the crucible of a passionate relationship, and loves to use a good mystery and some real danger as mechanisms to torture her characters.

Since publishing Candle’s Christmas Chair in time for Christmas in 2014, Jude has followed up with six novels and a heap of shorter stories, and plans to keep going till she runs out of years. In her other identity as Judy Knighton, she is a plain language consultant specialising in contracts, insurance policies, and financial disclosure statements. Fiction is more fun.

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

Book blurbs and links: http://judeknightauthor.com/books/

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

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

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

Medieval Monday with Rue Allyn

22 Monday Apr 2019

Posted by in 2019, Medieval Monday

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Today on Medieval Monday it’s my pleasure to welcome fellow Bluestocking Belle Rue Allyn. Rue has a snippet from her novel The Herald’s Heart. Happy reading, my lovelies!

Snippet:

Talon growled. He could either stay with the horse and lose the maid, or follow the maid and … And what? Stumble blind over a cliff into the sea and lose not only his horse but his life? Nay, only a madman would go wandering around unknown ground in a fog this thick, which made the dunces back in the alehouse look very wise indeed.

Blurb:

Royal herald, Sir Talon Quereste could never love an overly adventurous, impulsive, argumentative woman of dubious background who threatens everything he values. Lady Larkin Roshan can only despise a man who would deny her identity and steal her heritage. So why has fate thrown them together to solve the mysteries of the heart?

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.in/Heralds-Heart-Rue-Allyn/dp/1507201354

Catch last week’s excerpt on Bambi Lynn’s Blog https://bambilynnblog.wordpress.org

Follow me to the final excerpt (and get the entire excerpt in one piece) on my blog next week: https://RueAllyn.com/blog/

First Kiss Friday with Lizzi Tremayne

01 Friday Mar 2019

Posted by in 2019, First Kiss Friday

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Please help me welcome fellow Bluestocking Belle Lizzi Tremayne to another First Kiss Friday. Happy reading and enjoy!

Blake and Lena are finally talking… and maybe more, after a lovely friendship—with undercurrents—has slowly developed, neither wanting to destroy this fragile love they have begun…

Excerpt: THE KISS

“Who was he?” Blake’s voice was edged with steel.

“He?” I turned my head away.

“The man who wouldn’t let you feel safe in any man’s arms.”

I hesitated until he gave me a little jiggle.

“He… he was another vet student. A few years ahead of me. Thinks he’s god’s gift…. but he’s just a bully.”

“What did he do?” Blake growled, tension locking his every muscle.

“Wined and dined, then proceeded to get demanding. When I resisted, he got rough. When I wouldn’t go out with him again, he threatened me. I still have nightmares.”

“What’s his name?”

“It doesn’t matter. He’s graduated and gone. I’ll never see him again.”

“Did you report him?”

“What’s there to report?”

“You’re that scared of him, eh?”

I nodded and stared off into the distance. “It would be his word against mine. Just drop it, please. I’m happy now. I didn’t think I’d let a guy near me again, but your patience won out.” I looked into his eyes and his lips lowered to mine, softly, gently, in a kiss, then he lifted his head.

“Okay?”

“Better than okay. Fantastic,” I said and sought his lips myself this time.

His body stiffened and hardened “against me as the kiss deepened and somehow spread between us. I opened my lips to his soft request and he asked for more. I gave it willingly and soon forgot my surroundings in the rolling wave catching us up, until a wet nose worked its way under my armpit, and I giggled.

Jake LaRue grinned into my face.

“Jake, you know just when to show up, don’t you?” Blake said, shaking his head. The other two dogs crowded around, now Jake had broken the ice. We patted them and looked up to see Myrtle coming out the front door.

“We’re screwed now,” I whispered.

“No, we ain’t,” he replied.

I’d learned his mantra last week. It broke the tension when things weren’t going quite to plan.

“Off again, more golf,” Myrtle said, not looking down at us. “Don’t wait up.”

“She’s getting cocky,” Blake said.

Myrtle turned and shook her head. “Just leaving you two alone, or you’ll never get together.” She stomped off.

We stared at each other.

“Are we really taking too long?” I whispered, joking.

“Maybe. If Myrtle thinks so, we might indeed be.”

“Do you think we should do something about it?”

“Got any bright ideas?” He raised a lazy brow at me.

“A few…”

“I’d like to see them… shall we go inside?”

My heart pounding, I slid to the deck and stood, reaching a hand out to him. He took it and rose, then kissed my hand, picked me up and carried me over the threshold and up the stairs.

We didn’t awaken until the dawn peeked through the east-facing windows and spread its light over Blake’s big four-poster log bed.

“Good morning,” he whispered, his arms snug around me.

“Mmmm… I don’t think they get any better,” I said and rolled over, still in his arms, to face him.

“No, surely they don’t. And it’s only Sunday morning. We have another whole day more.” He took my lips with his and pulled me hard against him.

“But what about the horses?” I leaned back and looked into his hooded eyes. Eyes that were anything but sleepy.

“Found a note slipped under the door an hour ago. Myrtle’s feeding everyone. Complete with threats.” He held it up and read it aloud. “If you come down those stairs before ten, I’ll murder you both.”

“I’d sure hate to see her get arrested for a double murder,” I murmured.

“Me too. See? She even brought up a breakfast tray.”

I shook my head and chuckled under my breath. “Wonderful woman.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lizzi’s novella, Once Upon a Vet School #6: Fifty Miles at a Breath, is set Southern California in 1987.

Once Upon a Vet School #6: Fifty Miles at a Breath

Horses bring them together and their future looks rosy—it’s the present they can’t handle.

A summertime stint at a small animal clinic takes veterinary student Lena away from her beloved horses, but at an endurance ride she finds horses— and her ideal man, veteran pilot Blake. She decides she can’t do without him and his world— after finishing vet school, that is.

Blake’s past experiences don’t help his attitude when Lena heads back to vet school. Things don’t improve with the distance and her workload. His green-eyed monsters strain the already-tense situation, but at least he has his horses and dogs.

The final race tests their horse’s endurance—and Lena’s and Blake’s, as well. The pair must come to terms with their fears and make the right choices to create the future they so desire.

About Lizzi Tremayne

Unpretentious, eminently readable Contemporary and Historical Fiction… by a horse vet!

Lizzi’s awarded historical and contemporary suspense, women’s, YA, and veterinary fiction has an equestrian flair, part and parcel of her other life as an equine veterinarian and carriage competitor.

The Long Trails historical fiction sagas follow a growing list of dashing heroes and heroines from the wilderness of 1860 Utah to Colonial New Zealand, Historical Scotland, and Tsarist Russia. Not necessarily in that order!

In the Once Upon a Vet School series, you’ll find the tale of a gutsy equestrian who dreamed of becoming a vet—her life on the way and beyond. Did YOU ever dream of becoming a vet?

Lizzi grew up riding wild in the Santa Cruz Mountain redwoods, became an equine veterinarian at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, and practiced in the California Pony Express and Gold Country before emigrating to New Zealand. Her writing is awarded in fiction and veterinary nonfiction.

When she’s not writing or reading, she’s swinging a rapier or shooting a bow in medieval garb, riding, driving a carriage or playing on her hobby farm, singing, or working as an equine veterinarian.

 Social Media

Lizzi’s website and blog: www.lizzitremayne.com/lizzi-tremayne-author

Subscribe to Lizzi’s VIP Club: https://lizzitremayne.com/VIP/

BookBub: www.bookbub.com/profile/lizzi-tremayne

Facebook: www.facebook.com/lizzitremayneauthor

Amazon author page: www.amzn.to/16VVn1w

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

Instagram: www.instagram.com/lizzitremayne/

Pinterest: https://nz.pinterest.com/lizzitremayne/

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Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/LizziTremayne

YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/lizzikiwi

New release from Rue Allyn

26 Tuesday Feb 2019

Posted by in 2019, New Releases

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Available for Pre-order ~ Her Cadillac Cowboy ~ Rue Allyn’s Premier Indie-published Book

My primary concern as an author is that my readers get the book my blurb and opening lines promise them, that they not only get what they pay for, but a satisfying, even heart-melting, read as well, I have a few readers with whom I’ve held this discussion. I’d like to share the results with you and discover how Her Cadillac Cowboy measures up.

What qualities does a reader want in a book on which you spend your hard-earned dollars? Well I know the characteristics I and my discussion group readers look for, genre, author rep, originality, ease of purchase. Does Her Cadillac Cowboy have all of these? Let’s take a look:

  1. Genre: Genre isn’t just a matter of does this book fall into the category of book I’m looking to read. Too often, the book is categorized as romance or historical, or both and it comes up short on the historical side or on the romance side. Example, the ‘history’ presented in the book is completely implausible. Or, the romance only shows up as an aside. That is, the romance is poorly integrated into the action and emotional arcs of the story. Her Cadillac Cowboy is a contemporary romance with comedic elements. The story actually does take place in the present day. Details such as cell phones, lack of newspapers, and various types of junk food—to name only a few—are used appropriately and with very little fanfare—throughout the book to help the reader stay in the story. I say comedic elements, because there are some fairly funny incidents related in the story—well my editor said she LOL’d. I too think the story is funny in some ways. However, I’m making promises about genre to readers. Opinions vary greatly as to what is funny and what is not. Hence, I describe the book as having comedic elements rather than calling it a romantic comedy outright. Her Cadillac Cowboy has some very serious moments, so it isn’t entirely comedic. I’m not promising my readers a laugh on every page.
  2. Author Reputation: This is difficult for me to discuss as pertains to my own work. My discussion group said an author’s reputation for consistency in authorial vice and writing quality are a must. Most authors get only one chance—if that much—to prove themselves to a new reader. I do this too. If my first experience of a new to me author’s writing is not satisfactory or fails to deliver on the book’s promise, I’ll never buy another book by that author. I don’t have a huge reputation—that’s very difficult to achieve in today’s book market. But I believe that my authorial voice and writing quality are consistent. In other words, people who have read a Rue Allyn book will probably tell you that they got what they paid for, or that the author fulfilled her promises.
  3. Originality—This quality is also difficult to discuss, but because there really are only three plot lines—Man vs Man, Man vs Nature (or ‘unnature’ if you read paranormals), and Man vs God. I could bore you into the next century with explanations and examples of how these three plot lines work, but I hope you’d rather know how Her Cadillac Cowboy measure’s up in terms of originality. Time for a confession. Her Cadillac Cowboy was previously published. I wrote it, under a different name, but a now non-existent publisher bought the rights (returned to me when they went out of business) and produced the book for sale to the general public. Even the first edition of this book was highly original in the situations, conflicts, and characters presented to the reader. Having been revised and edited with the aid of one of the best editors in the publishing business, Her Cadillac Cowboy is now even better.
  4. Purchasing Ease—I would give Her Cadillac Cowboy middle marks for purchasing ease. First it isn’t available until March 18th, several weeks from now. Even then, the book will be available exclusively on Amazon. Many folks don’t like to buy from Amazon. If you are in that group, Amazon’s exclusive distribution rights expire in mid-June. At that time, I plan to distribute Her Cadillac Cowboy on as may platforms as I can manage, since like many other authors, I’m doing this entire job—writing, editing, and marketing—on my own.

To sum up how well Her Cadillac Cowboy meets reader requirements, I believe most readers will have a satisfying experience. Some will not, but a few might actually want to try another of my books. I hope that’s you. Just in case you are one of those interested in my books, you can get a free sneak peek at my May release, Forever Hold My Heart by signing up for my newsletter here https://www.rueallyn.com/ravonsubscribe/.

Thank you all for taking time to read this blog post. If you wish to comment about the information I’ve shared, please do so in the comment form at the bottom of this post. Now for some details about Her Cadillac Cowboy.

Blurb: A rich cowboy with a classic Cadillac—sounds like the stuff of dreams for a small-town Texas girl, right?  Wrong!  Josh McKinley and his classic car have been Sara Carson’s nightmare since Josh left ten years ago.  Now the cowboy and his Caddy are back.  Sara must choose between loyalty to her family and love for the one man she shouldn’t want.

Is the key to Sara Carson’s heart the Cadillac that their families have been feuding over for ten years?  Or will Josh McKinley have to give up the car he treasures in order to win the woman he loves?

About Rue Allyn: Hi, I’m Rue Allyn, I write heart melting romance novels. Books about characters and adventures in which love triumphs at the darkest moment. The kind of hopeful, steal-your-breath romance that melts a reader’s heart. The type of book I like to read. Hope you will too.

 

Find Rue Allyn at the following social media sites:

Rue’s Website: https://RueAllyn.com

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/rue-allyn

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

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/default/e/B00AUBF3NI/

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RueAllyn

First Kiss Friday with Caroline Warfield.

15 Friday Feb 2019

Posted by in 2019, First Kiss Friday

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Welcome to another First Kiss Friday. Please help me welcome my dear friend Caroline Warfield who will give you an excerpt from her novella Candles in the Dark from the Bluestocking Belles’ box set, Valentines From Bath! Happy reading and enjoy.

Excerpt:

The bad leg—acquired at the Battle of Toulouse—doesn’t stop Doug Marsh from coming to the aid of Esther Hopkins when her employer at the Bath Assembly Rooms imposes himself on her. He has been afraid to court a woman so far above his station, but the woman herself has other ideas.

_________________

She turned to Doug with wide eyes, her hand fluttering down to her side. He reached out and cupped her cheek to sooth her. “He’s gone,” he whispered.

She nodded, a swift bob of her head, and he worried for a moment she might fall to pieces.

He kissed her brow and the spot next to her eye, murmuring reassuring nothings. Her hands slipped up to his shoulders, and she clutched him as if she feared he would go away.

Never, he thought. Never.

***

Esther snuggled into Doug’s shoulder, unable to get close enough, wishing she could crawl inside him. One arm came around her waist to hold her in place; he moved the hand that held her cheek to the back of her head, his thumb caressing her neck. He paused for a moment as if asking for the permission he must surely know he had, lowered his mouth to hers, and covered her lips with his. He moaned when she opened for him with no encouragement and deepened their kiss, pulling her with him to lean against the wall for support. All thought of what had happened fled, and she kissed him in earnest, intoxicated with his scent and the feel of his hands.

Long moments later, Doug pulled his mouth from hers, leaned back in for one swift kiss and then another, and finally, tipped his head to lean, head and shoulders, against the wall facing her, his arm still pulling her close.

He sighed deeply. “Battle madness,” he said.

“What?” she jerked up. He soothed her back.

“Men go a bit mad wanting release after battle,” he explained, staring into her eyes. “Apparently women do, too. We could call this battle madness.”

Her lips curved upward. “We could, Sergeant Marsh, except I have wanted you to do that for a very long time.”

Candles in the Dark in
Valentines From Bath
Just $0.99!

Doug Marsh and his candles bring light to many, none more than Esther.  They may light the Assembly Rooms even as his love lights her life.

Doug Marsh knew what the army expected of him. Invalided out, he struggles to run his uncle’s candle-works and look after those dependent on it. A contract with the Bath Assembly Rooms would go a long way toward succeeding at both of those things. The plight of a young woman is a distraction he doesn’t need.

Esther Hopkins, formerly ‘the Honorable’, has no time to mourn the life denied her by a single mistake. A woman alone with a new-born son to raise needs work, and she is determined to make it on her own. If only she could stop yearning for the sturdy arms and kind blue eyes of the man who rescued her from starvation and enlisted the entire Marsh Candle Works to her support. But Sergeant Marsh shows nothing but benevolent interest in her welfare. Why should he care for a fallen woman?

In the normal course of things Esther is far above Doug’s touch. Can he find the courage to court her and still take care of business at the same time?

Valentines From Bath:
A Bluestocking Belles Collection

The Master of Ceremonies announces a great ball to be held on Valentine’s Day in the Upper Assembly Rooms of Bath. Ladies of the highest rank—and some who wish they were—scheme, prepare, and compete to make best use of the opportunity. Dukes, earls, tradesmen, and the occasional charlatan are alert to the possibilities as the event draws nigh.

But anything can happen in the magic of music and candlelight as couples dance, flirt, and open themselves to romantic possibilities. Problems and conflict may just fade away at a Valentine’s Day Ball.

25% of the proceeds benefit our mutual charity, the Malala Fund.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | iBooks | Kobo | Nook | Smashwords
Amazon AU | BR | CA | DE | ES | FR | IN | JP | IT | MX | NL | UK

About the Author

Caroline Warfield has been many things. Now retired to the urban wilds of Eastern Pennsylvania, she divides her time between writing and seeking adventures with her grandbuddy and the prince among men she married. Her new series sends the children of the heroes of her earlier books to seek their own happiness in the far-flung corners of the British Empire.