Tag Archives: Enemies to lovers

First Kiss Friday with Sherry Ewing & If My Heart Could See You

26 Friday Jan 2018

Posted by in 2018, First Kiss Friday

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

, , , , , ,

Welcome to another First Kiss Friday with yours truly! This weekend I’ll be celebrating my birthday so I’d like to take you back to the beginning and the book that started my whole medieval & time travel series: If My Heart Could See You.

In case you need a reminder for this scene, Amiria of Clan MacLaren is ill and running a fever. She even thinks that she is wed to Dristan, the Devil’s Dragon of Blackmore, while he watches over her with worry. Happy reading and enjoy!

Excerpt:

He went to the bed and gazed down upon his beautiful lady. He could think of her as nothing else for she would in truth become his wife once she was well again. ’Twas whilst he stared at her that he began to notice the slight beginnings of a smile playing upon her lips, and he pondered what she dreamed of. She began to stir most alluringly and whispered his name as provocatively and sweetly as any lover could.

He pulled the coverings from Amiria and lifted her into his arms. She molded her body closer to his own and his heart began to beat a little faster. Dristan was caught off guard, feeling her silky limbs wrapping themselves around his neck. The warmth of her lips began to nuzzle his neck and she gave a sigh of contentment as his arms held her tighter.

“You came for me… I knew you would,” she purred into his ear in a soft confident whisper.

“Aye, so it appears,” he said as a tingle went through him with the feel of her breath in his ear. Carrying her to the tub placed by the fire, he slowly swung his legs over its rim to feel the water at his knees. “Brace yourself, Amiria.” She held him tighter as he began to sink down into their bath. Water sloshed over the sides onto the floor the lower he brought them.

“’Tis too cold,” she said groggily with a shiver, trying to get closer to the very heart of him.

“’Tis for the best, my lady, and will make you well again.”

“I do not like it,” she said with a pout and proceeded to turn in his arms.

Afore Dristan could cease her motion, Amiria lifted slightly away from him, moving both legs to either side of his own, and promptly sat down upon his upper thighs with a wiggle of her bare bottom. This certainly was not what he had intended whilst he watched in fascination her fixed glassy eyes take in his face. Her tongue moistened her lips. Smiling, she stole a quick fleeting kiss.

“Warm me,” she demanded, molding herself to his chest and lowering her lips to receive another of his kisses as if she had done so a dozen times afore.

A part of him sprang to life against his better judgment and yet he could not for the life of him cease the intoxicating kiss she gave him. He breathed life into her as their tongues intertwined in a dance known to lovers for centuries. For just a moment longer would he indulge in what she offered, for he knew she would not remember what she did once she was herself again.

He cupped her head, bringing her closer and deepened their kiss. His fingers tangled themselves in the length of her hair ’til he could stand no more. His hands lowered themselves down her back in a gentle caress. She sighed in pleasure and Dristan heard the throaty moan that escaped her. He would have smiled through their kiss if ’twere possible for he had the notion he had awakened a temptress that would forever belong only to him.

She pulled away from his lips with a shake of her glorious red mane and gave a satisfying laugh. Her eyes widened in bewilderment from the hardness of him against her naked flesh. “I have roused my dragon, I see,” she smirked knowingly.

“That you have my dear, but you must yield the day for I would not have you hate me come the morrow. I am, after all, just a man with a man’s desires.”

“You want me then as I want you?” she inquired shyly with a blush to her face.

Dristan gave a brief laugh and caressed her cheek as she leaned into the palm of his hand. “Aye, my lady, more than I should but we cannot continue this.”

“Who are you to say we cannot?”

“I am your liege lord, Amiria. When we come together I would have you more yourself that you remember our first time together as husband and wife.”

Her brows puckered into a frown as she pondered his words. “Are we not wed?” she whispered in puzzlement. Afore he could answer, she continued onward with a brazen look upon her features. “It matters not,” she declared possessively, “for you belong to me!”

Dristan watched his lady as she for the first time hesitantly reach out and began running her fingers over his wet furred chest. Making small circles, she watched him through lowered lids and he shivered at her touch. He sat back amused at her expression since he could tell she was enjoying the feel of his skin beneath her fingertips. Her hushed words confirmed his suspicions.

“I somehow thought a dragon such as you would be smooth to the touch and not covered with so much hair. I believe I like it better this way…” she declared, with a promise reaching her eyes.

Dristan took hold of her hand as she began to reach lower and tenderly placed a kiss to the inside of her wrist. She sighed again at his touch. “Nay, my lady, do not test my resolve further, I beg you. One of us must remember not to let this insanity overtake us, so behave, you vixen!” he said with a chuckle although he had to admit he enjoyed this playful side to Amiria. “Now sit back down that I may bathe you to bring down your fever,” he ordered.

“I am not a child to be treated so.”

“Then do not behave as one so I can do my best to heal your illness.”

She ignored his words and rose, slightly kneeling with him between her legs. She took her hands and smoothed his tresses back from his face in a gentle caress. He gave a sharp intake of breath as she began to touch him at her leisure. ’Twas apparent she approved of feeling a power that she could affect him so.

“You are mine,” she declared knowingly, “and mine alone.”

Dristan stared back at the seriousness in her eyes. “Aye, as you are and will be mine.”

“Then take me now, Sir Dragon.”

“Not today and not like this Amiria.”

“Please Dristan… I want you and only you.”

“You know not what you say, mon amour,” he said, trying to calm his racing heart. God help him but his need to be inside her was beyond anything he had ever felt afore.

If Dristan had known her better, he would have realized from the stubborn tilt of her chin that Amiria would not have him gainsay her as she was wont to have her way. She leaned forward ’til her breasts caressed his chest. Enjoying the sensation it created, she captured his lips again in another searing kiss even whilst she began to lower her body to meet his own.

If My Heart Could See You – The MacLaren’s,

A Medieval Romance

When you’re enemies, does love have a fighting chance?

For Amiria of Berwyck, defeat does not come easily as she watches her home and clan being ripped asunder. When the very enemy who has laid siege to her home demands her fealty, she will do whatever it takes to protect her people including a hastily concocted ruse that quickly begins to unravel. All too soon, she starts to question whether she can forgive herself for betraying those she has sworn to protect.

Dristan of Blackmore, champion knight of King Henry II, has a reputation to uphold as the Devil’s Dragon. After his invading army conquers Berwyck castle, he sets out to manage the newly claimed estate by training its knight in the art of proper defense. At first, everything appears as it should be, or is it? Betrayed by those he believed he could trust, he must first set aside his anger before he can make room in his heart for love.

Together they are tied by an unspoken bond. As they begin to rebuild the land and unite their people, forces beyond their control attempt to tear apart their fragile truce and only time will tell if love will forever bring them together.

Buy Links – Read for #FREE in Kindle Unlimited
Available in eBook and paperback:

 Amazon US |Amazon AU |  Amazon BR  |  Amazon CA  | Amazon DE  |  Amazon ES |  Amazon FR  |  Amazon IN  |  Amazon IT  |  Amazon JP  |  Amazon MX  |  Amazon NL  |   Amazon UK

If My Heart Could See You is also now available as an Audiobook. Come listen to how Marian Hussey has made my novel come to life!

Audiobook Buy Links:
Amazon  |  Audible  |  iTunes

Don’t forget Medieval Monday!

And just in case you can’t get enough of my medieval & time travel romances, Medieval Monday will start again this coming Monday, January 29th. I’ll be giving away an eBook to one lucky winner who follows my snippets and comments on the blog hop. Good luck and thanks for stopping by my site!

Medieval Monday with Sherry Ewing and To Follow My Heart

31 Monday Jul 2017

Posted by in Medieval Monday

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , ,

It’s the last Medieval Monday before the group of author’s I’m with begins their next theme. Today I’d like to give you an excerpt from To Follow My Heart: The Knights of Berwyck, A Quest Through Time Novel (Book Three). I just love Fletcher and was glad I could give him his happily ever after ending. In this scene, Jenna is waking up after passing out after her trip through Time. Read on and enjoy this excerpt!

Excerpt:

A strange sound rustled across the floor. Footsteps. Softly tread, as if not to wake her.

“I will see to her.” The man’s voice that penetrated through her dreams was forceful in nature, as though he was used to being obeyed and his orders kept without question.A strange sound rustled across the floor. Footsteps. Softly tread, as if not to wake her.

“But, sir, Mistress Kenna said for me to─”

“Leave us,” he ordered.

Jenna’s thoughts were foggy as she woke, her mind awash with flights of her wildest fantasy that swam in her head. She had been having the most fanciful hallucinations of castles and knights, and heaven and hell. She certainly preferred the former over the premonition of being doomed to the underworld. Feeling relaxed for the first time since her ordeal with Dylan began, a sigh escaped her. She needed to get a grasp on the reality of her life instead of some fiction she created in her imagination from whatever novel she had been reading. Mr. Darcy certainly wasn’t about to come knocking at her door anytime soon, and what a shame was that.

She rolled over onto her back with another heavy sigh. As she stretched in the bed, she realized her head was pounding with one of the fiercest migraines she had ever had in her entire life. Her hand reached up to feel the large knot, and she felt a bandage wrapped around her head. What the heck?

As she attempted to sit up, her head began to spin, and she fell back on the pillow. Something pricked her cheek, and she took hold of whatever was piercing the linen. After pulling it free, she tried to focus on the fact she was holding a quill from a feather in her fingertips. Where in the world did a feather pillow come from? She generally stayed away from buying them, finding they tended to flatten out and not be so poufy.

When she made a grab for her blanket, a gasp escaped her as her hand came in contact with fur. Her gaze riveted around the room, only for her to realize she certainly wasn’t in her own bedroom, or any other room familiar to her. A long thin candle was lit on the bedside table, and shadows cast themselves onto the wall from the fire lit in a fairly large hearth she could have easily stood in. The walls were made of stone, and the floor was bare.

And then, she slowly became aware of his presence when her gaze again swiveled to the fireplace, and she blinked, as though she didn’t want to recognize she wasn’t alone. The man just sat there in silence, staring into the flames with his face hidden in the shadows of the room. Who is he? Has he taken me captive?

“Where am I?” Jenna’s voice was raspy, and she hardly distinguished it was her own.

He flinched, as though she had startled him by disturbing his thoughts. When he came to stand next to the bed, he towered over her, making her quake. “You are awake. ’Tis a good sign.”

Jenna’s mouth dropped open. “Excuse me?” Did he actually use the word ’tis?

“You have slumbered for several days now. Our healer was concerned you may not awake.”

“Healer?”

“Aye. Mistress Kenna has been overseeing your care.”

He seemed to be waiting for her to speak and peered down at her until she let out a burst of laughter. “Oh, this is just too crazy,” Jenna replied, causing the giant beside her to frown.

“I do not understand, mademoiselle.”

“Come on out, Amy…you’ve made your point with your little prank,” she called out, waiting for her roommate to jump out of hiding. “Amy?”

“I assure you, there is no one by that name residing here at Berwyck, my lady.”

Confusion racked her brain as she tried to concentrate on what the heck was going on around her. “Then you never answered me. Where am I?”

“Berwyck Castle.”

“A castle?” she muffled a laugh. “That’s a good one. And just where exactly does this so-called castle reside?”

“In the northern realm of England, of course.”

“Right…” Her eyes flicked around the room again in disbelief of what he was telling her.

“You doubt my words?” the man asked. He, too, looked as puzzled as she was feeling.

“Every single one of them.”

“On my honor, I vow, I speak no falsehood, my lady.”

“Why do you keep calling me that?”

“What?” his brows knitted together again, and Jenna began to have the distinct impression this man wasn’t used to having his words questioned.

“Who are you, and why have you taken me hostage? If it’s a ransom you’re after, you’re barking up the wrong tree, mister. I live paycheck to paycheck and barely have a dime to rub together.”

“My apologies for the lack of introduction. I am Sir Fletcher, captain of the garrison knights here at Berwyck, and at your service.” He bowed before her like someone out of one her romance novels. What a great actor.

“Uh huh, like I’ll believe that tale. You should be in the movies.”

“What in God’s wounds is a moo-vie?” His voice boomed, almost rattling her teeth with the level of sound it carried in the room.

“Dammit, stop playing games with me. What are you trying to pull on me anyway? This isn’t funny anymore, and I want to go home.” She was getting angry and scared, all rolled up into one huge ball of emotion, and she was about to break down. Jenna didn’t want to become unhinged from the little bit of reality she had been holding on to.

Fletcher held out his hands, and in her confused state, she assumed he was about to take advantage of her.

“Don’t touch me,” Jenna yelled. Pulling at the blanket, she looked down for the first time, and her eyes widened with the realization she was completely naked beneath the covers. “Where the hell are my clothes?”

“Please, calm yourself, damsel. Do you not remember falling upon the beach?” Fletcher asked her in a soothing voice.

But there was nothing that was going to soothe her shattered nerves as a flurry of surreal visions flashed before her eyes, as if she were living her last moments on earth. Dylan’s rejection, walking along the beach, the Cliff House, and then being pulled almost as if she was being wrenched…through…through what? My God…it can’t be!

A scream of terror burst forth from the depths of her despair. She couldn’t stop, and she slapped away the hands of the madman who seemed to be at the root of her predicament.

The bedroom door burst open and slammed up against the wall. Everything seemed to proceed in slow motion. A bevy of people suddenly filled the room that appeared as though it was growing smaller and smaller by the second. Heated conversations with raised voices swirled around her, conversations she couldn’t keep in order, as sweat began to bead on her upper lip and forehead. Her eyes became blurred once again until she blissfully passed out, and nothing of her fate troubled her further until the dreams came. They were restless and filled with the picture of a man who called her name through time itself, begging her to join him, even as she resisted the pull of his irresistible charm.

To Follow My Heart: The Knights of Berwyck,
A Quest Through Time Novel (Book Three)

Bestselling author, Sherry Ewing, brings you the next installment of her Knights of Berwyck series, To Follow My Heart.

Love is a leap. Sometimes you need to jump…

After a gut wrenching break up with her fiancé, Jenna Sinclair heads to the coast to do a little soul searching. To say everything is subject to change is putting it mildly. Her world is not only turned upside down, but pretty much torn asunder when she is pulled through a time gate on the beach beneath the Cliff House and transported more than eight hundred years into the past.

Fletcher Monroe, captain of the garrison knights at Berwyck Castle, has wasted too much time pining for a woman who will never be his. When he finally decides to move on with his life and focus on his duties, he is suddenly confronted with a woman who magically appears at his feet. This could either be the best thing that has ever happened to him or another cursed event in a string of many. He soon finds he is wildly attracted to her, but she’s scared to death of him ─ not a very encouraging beginning.

From the shores of California to twelfth century England and back again, Jenna and Fletcher must find a way to reconcile their two different worlds before Time forever tears them apart.

Buy Links:

Amazon  | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo  |
Amazon AU | Amazon  BR | AmazonCA | Amazon DE | AmazonFR | Amazon UK

Medieval Monday with Sherry Ewing and a Giveaway!

10 Monday Jul 2017

Posted by in Medieval Monday

≈ 13 Comments

Tags

, , , ,

For the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing some of my own work for Medieval Monday until the group of authors I’m with start its new theme in August. That being said, I’m celebrating this month and with good reason. Three years ago this month, I published my very first book, If My Heart Could See You, and it hit Amazon’s bestseller list three days after the paperback release. Can you say happy author?

So come celebrate with me and let’s go back to the beginning of my medieval/time travel series with If My Heart Could See You. I decided to spice things up several levels so reader beware.  In this scene, Amiria is still masquerading as her twin brother, Aiden. Since you’ve given so much to me with your incredible reviews, I’m sharing the love with a giveaway. I’ll give one random comment the gift of an audiobook of If My Heart Could See You so get busy leaving me a comment! I hope you enjoy this excerpt.

Excerpt:

Amiria made her way into the keep, pushing and shoving her way through the throng of men and serfs alike, who still gathered in the hall. The tables were in the process of being removed ’til needed for the next meal. Some of Dristan’s men grabbed blankets and took themselves off to find places to sleep upon the floor since the garrison hall was near to overflowing with his army. Her family, it seemed, had already retired for the evening and was no longer present in the Great Hall. She saw her men near the hearth and they rose as if to follow her upstairs. With a slight shake of her head, they ceased their movement and returned to their conversation, with the exception of one.

Killian made his way to her side and halted her progress up the stairs. His kindly eyes looked upon her like a daughter and all Amiria wanted to do was rest her weary head upon the shoulders of a man who was considered part of her family.

“I dinnae like this, lassie,” he whispered, for her ears alone. “Ye shouldna’ be serving him alone in his chambers.”

She only shrugged. “’Tis not such an unusual request to ask of one’s squire. Aiden must needs obey the dragon’s bidding.”

“Aye, Aiden mayhap, if ye were in truth a younger version of yer brother. Ye must put an end to yer deception afore it blows up in yer face, lassie!” Killian hissed.

Amiria patted his arm, not that it provided the man any comfort. “I know not how,” she whispered softly and watched him take his leave to return to the men.

Climbing the winding stone steps to the upper floors, Amiria passed numerous torches giving off a slightly smoky haze in the stairwell and corridors. Upon reaching the third floor landing, the passageway veered both to the left and right, leading to the family’s private chambers. Her normal path would have taken her along the stone flooring leading to the left towards her own chamber, but this night was different. She took a brief breath and turned right instead to obey the summons she had been given. Her feet, trudging along the passageway, felt heavier than ever afore from the weight of the lie she continued to take part in.

It took her what seemed only a moment ’til she came afore the chamber door that once housed her father for as long as she could remember. Without further delay, she knocked on the solid portal then opened the door when she heard the command to enter.

As the door swung inwards, Amiria felt as if the world as she knew it now traveled in slow motion. Her eyes beheld a sight she had never seen afore and caused her mouth to hang open in a silent O of startled surprise. There afore her, the Devil’s Dragon rose in all his naked splendor from the wooden tub. The water ran from his glorious body, causing it to glisten from the candlelight with a sleekness that left her breathless and reminded her in truth of an all-powerful dragon ready to take flight. Her heartbeat quickened and she at last remembered to draw breath since it had been taken from her at the sight of such magnificence. Yea, he was indeed most handsome, especially since his face was now completely shaven and she had a full view of his visage. If a man could be described as beautiful, ’twould certainly suit the man standing afore her now.

Dristan turned in her direction, and surely her expression could only be called stunned. “Hurry and come in, boy. And close the door. You are letting in a draft.” Amiria did as he directed but took her time whilst she tried to collect her thoughts. “Come, Aiden, and help your brother raise the pail to rinse me. He is having trouble lifting it.”

She turned her gaze back into the room and saw Patrick was indeed trying to haul the bucket, containing the rinse water, to their lord. He raised his eyes and Amiria knew he was not pleased his sister was in her current predicament. Even at only eight summers in age, Patrick knew ’twas not seemly that she was in the presence of a naked man. Their father would have never approved. Although assisting in the bathing of a guest was a regular routine and usually performed or directed by the lady of the castle, this ritual was always forbidden for Amiria to take part in by her sire. ’Til this moment, she thought never to see a man in such a state ’til her wedding night.

“Aiden! I grow cold,” Dristan bellowed and she could only imagine his thoughts as to what had befallen her to act so sheepish around him. After all, as far as he was concerned, they had the same parts.

Amiria came farther into the chamber and took hold of the pail in Patrick’s hands. Apparently, her brother had other ideas in mind and a pulling war commenced between them whilst he refused to give up the handle. Amiria gave one final tug, and her sibling at last released his grip with a decisive plea in his eyes, which she ignored whilst water sloshed from the pail. Her gaze averted from the man, who was patiently waiting, she slowly made her way to the side of the tub.

Standing upon a stool, she raised the bucket and dumped the contents of warm water over her lord. Stepping off the stool, she watched through lowered lashes whilst Dristan shook the water from his hair. He came out of the tub, took a drying cloth that Patrick now handed him, and began to rid himself of the water that dripped from his hard muscular body.

’Twas only when Dristan turned, dropping the now wet cloth to the floor, that Amiria’s situation finally penetrated her slow working brain. He was glorious to the eye with a body sculpted as if from stone. Her gaze raked in his body, noticing the broadness of his shoulders and the strength bulging in his arms. Moving her view lower she looked upon the ripples of rigid muscles stretched firmly across his stomach. She could not take her eyes from him, and blushed crimson when she glanced even lower to his manhood.

Amiria made as if to speak, but found herself unable to do so as her mouth became suddenly dry. After several attempts, she took one last look into her lord’s grey eyes and bolted for the door. Her cheeks, she knew, must be flaming red in embarrassment. Slamming the portal closed as she fled, she began running as fast as her feet would carry her.

As she dashed down the corridor, she could hear Lord Dristan’s voice roaring Aiden’s name. She halted briefly at her chamber door, but knew no solace would be found there since ’twas the first place he would search. Her mind quickly made up as she sprinted to the end of the hallway, Amiria gave only one brief hesitation afore she fitted her fingers between the rough worn stones and felt the catch to open the hidden doorway. Closing it softly behind her, she slipped into the darkened stairwell leading to the strand below. She did so cautiously, since she brought no torch with her to light her way in her haste to leave the castle. She changed her clothing for one’s she kept hidden in a chest far below afore she ventured out into the ocean air to clear her head.

If My Heart Could See You – a Free eBook

When you’re enemies, does love have a fighting chance?

For Amiria of Berwyck, defeat does not come easily as she watches her home and clan being ripped asunder. When the very enemy who has laid siege to her home demands her fealty, she will do whatever it takes to protect her people including a hastily concocted ruse that quickly begins to unravel. All too soon, she starts to question whether she can forgive herself for betraying those she has sworn to protect.

Dristan of Blackmore, champion knight of King Henry II, has a reputation to uphold as the Devil’s Dragon. After his invading army conquers Berwyck castle, he sets out to manage the newly claimed estate by training its knight in the art of proper defense. At first, everything appears as it should be, or is it? Betrayed by those he believed he could trust, he must first set aside his anger before he can make room in his heart for love.

Together they are tied by an unspoken bond. As they begin to rebuild the land and unite their people, forces beyond their control attempt to tear apart their fragile truce and only time will tell if love will forever bring them together.

Buy Links:

Amazon US  |  Barnes & Noble   |  iBooks  |  Inktera  |  Kobo  | 24Symbols |
Amazon AU  |  Amazon CA  |  Amazon UK

Audio 

Amazon  |  Audible  |  iBooks

Learn more about my books on the tabs above and thanks for stopping by for another Medieval Monday!

Happy Release Day for A Kiss For Charity!

06 Tuesday Jun 2017

Posted by in New Releases

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , ,

Today I’m happy to announce the release of my novella, A Kiss For Charity, which first appeared in the Bluestocking Belles’ 2016 box set, Holly and Hopeful Hearts. I hope you’ll support me by picking up a copy for only $0.99. You’ll also find extra bonus material from original posts that appeared in the Belles’ Teatime Tattler blog. Enjoy this excerpt of Nicholas and Grace’s first encounter! A Kiss For Charity is officially launched!

 

Excerpt:

Arms of steel wrapped around her waist to prevent her downward pitch. Her rescuer’s cape whirled around their bodies as though the cloak itself would conceal them from the night and those around them. Fathomless dark eyes were all but hidden in the black mask that concealed his features, yet, a flicker from the walkway lanterns hinted at their color. His eyes were brown, much like his hair, she surmised, if the curls that formed around the edges of his hat and mask were any indication.

Grace gasped as he quickly maneuvered her off the pathway to save them from being run over by the eagerness of the crowd. She shivered, but not from the cold for she was far from chilled. No. She quivered from the warmth that raced up and down her spine at being this close to a man, let alone held intimately for the first time in many years.

“Are you hurt, my lady?”

His deep voice went straight to her heart. His low tone plummeted down to reach into the very depths of her soul to awaken a part of her that had been left dormant as though she had been waiting for him her entire life. Waiting… yes she had been waiting for someone to come along who would give her this sudden feeling of completeness, even though he was a total stranger.

The realization of what she was doing hit her as if a bucket of icy water had been thrown over the top of her head. He was asking her something, but her brain could not wrap itself around what he had inquired.

“Pardon me?” she asked in a breathy whisper of astonishment, especially when she realized she had been caressing the lapel of his jacket beneath his cloak.

His arm tightened around her. She watched in mild fascination as one side of his mouth turned up in a cocky grin. He knew exactly how her body was reacting to their close proximity.

“I asked if you were hurt, although I might also beg for an introduction.”

“I h-hardly think this en-encounter is a-appropriate,” Grace stammered. Was that actually her voice sounding so unsure of herself?

He leaned down, and, for an instant, she thought he was about to kiss her.

“How utterly charming that I have you all tongued-tied.” His words whispered gently in her ear were almost her undoing.

Before she could comment, Moriah’s voice was heard above the noise of the crowd, and she quickly untangled herself from the man who did nothing to hide his disappointment.

“There you are,” Moriah declared as she stared up at the stranger. Grace could only imagine what was going on inside her friend’s mind, given their recent conversation. “I am sorry I lost you. Are you all right?”

Grace nodded. “Yes… of course. Thank you, sir, for your assistance this evening,” she murmured shyly to the gentleman whose lips turned up into a charming grin.

He raised his fingers to tip his hat towards her. “It was my pleasure to rescue a fair damsel in distress.”

Her eyes followed him through the crowd until he disappeared. Her heart hammered in her chest. What in the world had just happened?

Blurb:

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

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

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

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

Buuy Links:
Amazon US  |  Barnes & Noble  |iBooks  |  Kobo

Amazon AU  |  Amazon BR | Amazon CA | Amazon DE  |Amazon ES   |
Amazon FR  | Amazon IN  | Amazon IT  | Amazon JP | Amazon MX |
Amazon NL  |  Amazon UK

First Kiss Friday with Sherry Ewing & A Kiss For Charity

02 Friday Jun 2017

Posted by in First Kiss Friday

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , ,

Today on First Kiss Friday I am featuring the first kiss scene from A Kiss For Charity, a sweet Regency era novella that first appeared in the Bluestocking Belles’ 2016 box set, Holly and Hopeful Hearts. The Belles and I will be celebrating the individual release of our novellas this coming Sunday with a Facebook event. We hope you can join us. Keep reading and I hope you enjoy the first kiss between Nicholas and Grace!

AKFC final

Excerpt:

He bowed. She curtsied. The musicians struck up a chord as if Nicholas had instructed them to do so for his own benefit. He held out his hand. A bold move, but one he was willing to take this night.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“If that is your wish, so be it.”

“It is,” she answered quietly.

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

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

“Does it matter?”

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

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

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

ornament-1986808

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

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

Blurb:

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

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

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

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

Buy Links:

Amazon US  |  Barnes & Noble  |iBooks  |  Kobo

Amazon AU |  Amazon BR | Amazon CA | Amazon DE  |Amazon ES 
Amazon FR  | Amazon IN  | Amazon IT  | Amazon JP | Amazon MX 
Amazon NL  |  Amazon UK


Come celebrate with the Bluestocking Belles
and the release of our novellas

June 4, 2017
4:00 – 8:00 p.m. EDT

17795729_580243262184575_6843081843554016984_n

Join our Facebook event here

For more information on my work, be sure to check out the tabs above and thank you for stopping by my blog today!

First Kiss Friday with Bluestocking Belle Amy Rose Bennett

04 Friday Nov 2016

Posted by in First Kiss Friday

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , ,

Today is First Kiss Friday and this is the last novella being featured from the Bluestocking Belles holiday box set, Holly and Hopeful Hearts. Please welcome author Amy Rose Bennett and her characters from Dashing Through the Snow. Happy reading!

Dashing Through the Snow, by Amy Rose Bennett

Miss Kate Woodville, teacher and bluestocking, enjoys her independence, thank you very much. But when a very determined viscount insists she accompany him on a mad dash through the snow to Gretna Green to stop his younger sister, Violet, eloping with Kate’s own brother, she has little choice but to go. She’ll risk the ruin of her own pristine reputation if it means she can save Freddie from Lord Stanton’s wrath.

As they race along the road north and then back to Hollystone Hall in Buckinghamshire for a New Year’s Eve charity ball, hearts and wills are certain to collide. But will anyone—Freddie and Violet, or Kate and Lord Stanton—find the path to everlasting love?

First Kiss Excerpt

Kate Woodville, confirmed bluestocking, and Lord Stanton have found themselves—quite unexpectedly—sharing confidences late on Christmas Eve…

The heavy silence extended between them until Kate scraped up the courage to murmur, “Forgive me, my lord. Perhaps I have been too frank. It seems the wassail has loosened my tongue.” And made me fanciful.

“There is nothing to forgive,” said Lord Stanton. He gifted her with a warm smile that made her pulse dance oddly. “Thank you. For confiding in me. It cannot be easy to share such private matters.”

“No…” The moment stretched and Kate found that her gaze was trapped with Lord Stanton’s. The mood had shifted again, had become even more intimate. Tender yet also taut. Filled with expectation. It was too much to take in. If she stayed too much longer, she might begin to believe Lord Stanton cared for her which was utterly ridiculous.

She needed to go.

Kate stood and was taken aback to find she was a little light-headed from all the wassail and wine she’d drunk; she put a hand against the brocade covered back of the settee to steady herself. “I think I should retire.” She glanced at the mahogany longcase clock beside the door leading to the Great Hall and the stairs. It was almost midnight. “It is quite late.”

“Yes.” Lord Stanton rose also, a frown of concern creasing his brow as he regarded her. Perhaps he’d noticed she was slightly unsteady as he said, “Let me escort you.”

However Kate shook her head. “No, that won’t be necessary. Good night, my lord.” She crossed the room to the open doorway but as she took a step over the threshold, her slipper caught on the edge of the hall runner and she tripped. Gasping, she clutched at the doorframe but then strong male arms caught her and she found herself pulled up against Lord Stanton’s tall muscular frame, her back to his front.

“Careful now,” he murmured against her hair. His breath teased the hair at her temple, the curve of her ear, raising pleasurable goose-bumps along the exposed flesh of her neck.

“I… I’m not usually so clumsy.” She turned in his arms and attempted to take a step back so she could thank him eye to eye but Lord Stanton’s hold about her waist firmed.

“Well, well,” he said, his voice as rich and potent as the wassail punch they’d just been drinking. “Look where we are, Miss Woodville.” He glanced above their heads before his eyes met hers again. “Or may I call you Kate?”

“Whatever do you—?” Kate tilted her head up and then swallowed, her mouth suddenly dry. Oh, no. A large garland of mistletoe—a kissing bough—hung from the carved wooden lintel right above them. “We don’t have to hold to tradition,” she whispered, her gaze returning to Lord Stanton’s.

“Oh, I think we most definitely do.” He pushed one of her curls behind her ear. “It’s Christmas Eve. It would be most remiss of us not to.” His gaze, as soft as moonlight on water caressed her face. Her lips. “May I kiss you?”

Oh, my goodness. I must be dreaming. Kate’s pulse thrummed with anticipation and her heart swelled with unexpected pleasure. Lord Stanton wants to kiss me. Before she’d even thought through the consequences her wassail-addled brain formulated a response and she whispered, “Yes.”

Lord Stanton’s mouth tipped into a devastating smile just as the longcase clock began to chime the hour of midnight. “Merry Christmas, sweet Kate.”

He raised a large hand and cupped her cheek as if he were touching something as delicate as a Christmas rose. Holding her breath, her gaze dropped to his mouth as he tilted his head then oh, so slowly lowered it. And then she stopped thinking as overwhelming sensation swept her away. The slick brush of warm yet firm lips over hers, the sliding caress of Lord Stanton’s other hand up her back to her nape, the push of his fingers into her hair as he angled her head slightly and claimed her whole mouth, the intoxicating scent of his cologne wrapping round her, the rush of tingling heat through her whole body, all of these things sent her spiraling high, so high until she felt like she was flying.

When the tip of Lord Stanton’s tongue swiped boldly across her lower lip, she gasped at the decadent sensation, the unexpected, wicked, earthly pleasure of it. Her lips now parted, he took the opportunity to explore her further, his tongue slipping inside her mouth, stroking and tasting her until she was moaning, gripping his wide shoulders, pushing herself shamelessly against his hot, hard chest, seeking more, wanting something else from him. She hardly knew what that was until Lord Stanton’s skated his hand from her neck down to her shoulder then his fingers slid beneath her spencer and gently covered her breast. Desire flared hotter, brighter. All these years she’d been a spinster she’d never known that this was what she’d been missing. Never dreamed a kiss could be like this. Her first kiss—

“What the bloody hell are you doing with my sister, Stanton? Unhand her this instant.”

About Amy Rose Bennett

Amy Rose Bennett has always wanted to be a writer for as long as she can remember. An avid reader with a particular love for historical romance, it seemed only natural to write stories in her favourite genre. She has a passion for creating emotion-packed, racy stories set in the Georgian and Regency periods. Of course, her strong-willed heroines and rakish heroes always find their happily ever after.

Amy is happily married to her own Alpha male hero, has two beautiful daughters, and a rather loopy Rhodesian Ridgeback. She has been a speech pathologist for many years but is currently devoting her time to her one other true calling – writing romance.

Find Amy at:

Website and Blog |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest

About Holly and Hopeful Hearts

Release date: November 8, 2016

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, with a novella from each Belle and a bonus novelette. For more than 684 pages of holiday reading, preorder now. The Belles support the Malala Fund, with 25% of proceeds from this publication.

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.

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…

Buy Links

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon CA

Smashwords | Kobo | Nook | iBooks

It’s All About The Cover!

07 Sunday Dec 2014

Posted by in 2015

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , ,

What is it about the cover of a novel that resonates with a reader enough that they’ll take the next step to see if they’re interested in the actual story? Every author wants their cover to stand out in an endless sea of books available on the internet or a book store. The path to getting there is a tough one.

As an Indie author, I have the luxury of complete control over what my cover’s look like. That’s probably a good thing, since I’ve learned that I’ve become a bit of a control freak during the whole process of launching my debut novel. But let me also tell you, self-publishing is a lot of work and the only person I can rely on to get the job done is me. Is it worth it? My answer is yes!

When the storyline for If My Heart Could See You started to pop into my head, there was really only one choice I saw for my cover. John Waterhouse’s Lamia squeals romance no matter that the story behind the actual painting is horrific. It’s Greek Mythology, so probably enough said there. Because this painting was in the public domain, I was able to use it. Typing that line was far easier than developing an actual cover that would work. I am a writer, not a cover designer, and trying to fumble my way around Photoshop was exhausting to the point that I threw up my hands in frustration numerous times. No matter how many instances I yelled “I’m giving up and chucking the whole idea,” I continued coming back to try again. Apparently, I was on a mission.

This wasn’t just about slapping my name, title and tagline onto the cover and calling it good. This was about making it look professional. I also had to do some editing to remove the snake skin the knight was stepping on. It was also wrapped around the heroine’s leg and bottom of the picture. In the amount of time it took me to finally get it good enough that I was happy with it, I could have written at least three more books. I swore I’d never do another cover again and leave it to the professionals. Now, I’m trying to design the back of my next release. I knew I’d eat those words.

Was it worth it? You tell me. I still remember waking up that Saturday morning in July just two days after my paperback was released. Prior to that, the eBook was bringing in a few sales that totaled maybe fifty. I thought, “How nice is that? All my friends and family are buying my eBook.” Reaching for my phone that morning, I opened the sales dashboard and rubbed my eyes. I must have refreshed that page at least three times before putting on my glasses thinking something was broken at Amazon. But no…I had 70 sales and it was only 8:00 in the morning! I ended that day with 137 Kindle downloads that put me #3 on Amazon’s top ten bestseller list among several others. Oh happy days!

Perhaps my patience and persistence paid off after all. There’s only one reason I believe my book hit those bestseller charts in the first place. I blame it all on my cover. Three to five seconds…that’s it. It’s all the time an author has to grab a reader’s attention enough that they’ll click on your tiny thumbnail on their computer or walk across that bookstore and grab your book. You had better make that cover a good one.

This article originally appeared on the blog of author Nancy Lee Badger on October 24, 2014. If you would like to read the full blog, please visit http://nancyleebadger.blogspot.com/2014/10/its-all-about-cover-by-sherry-ewing.html