Tag Archives: Holiday

First Kiss Friday with Sherry Ewing

02 Friday Dec 2022

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Welcome, my lovelies, to my First Kiss Friday blog. Today I’m hosting and giving you a glimpse from my Christmas novelette, A Mistletoe Kiss found in the Bluestocking Belles’ boxset Belles & Beaux that releases December 15th. Grab your copy now at the special preorder price of only $0.99!

I have to admit when I was asked to write such a short story, it pretty much freaked me out. How was I supposed to manage something under 10k words? I’m pretty windy when it comes to my stories but I somehow managed a lovely story featuring Miss Sophie Templeton who first appeared in her sister’s story, Under the Mistletoe. Although this excerpt isn’t a first kiss scene because I don’t want to spoil the ending, I hope you enjoy this scene. Happy reading and happy holidays!

Excerpt:

She began playing again. One tune after another until she grew bored with the keyboard. What difference did it make how well she played if Spencer wasn’t in the room to hear her? As if she conjured the man up with her thoughts, the men returned to the parlor causing Sophie to lose her breath when Spencer came to stand by her chair.

“I am sorry to cut our evening short, but I must return home. In my eagerness to visit with your family, I completely forgot that I had agreed to dinner with my parents,” Spencer stated looking a bit embarrassed. “I’ll have some explaining to do.”

“Let me get your coat and hat. I’ll inform a lad to bring your horses out to the front.”

She left the room, delivered her message to one of the staff, and then went to a closet to retrieve Spencer, and Lord Charville’s things. Taking hold of Spencer’s jacket, she held the fabric up to her nose and inhaled while the heavenly smell of spice filled her senses. She heard footsteps coming closer to the foyer and didn’t want to be found out, so she quickly retrieved the other coat and their hats.

Spencer came into view, took Evan’s things and handed them to the man who returned to the parlor to say his farewells.

His hand brushed hers when he reached for his coat. “Will you walk me out, Sophie?”

Her heart would never be able to stand being this close to him, but she would take the chance she might survive their brief moment of privacy. She took her own redingote from the closet but before she could slip her hands in the sleeves, Spencer took the garment from her.

“Allow me…”

He went behind her to assist her with putting on the garment, his hands briefly resting on her shoulders caused her to tremble. He then went to open the door giving her the opportunity to bow out if she felt so inclined. Nothing could be farther from her thoughts.

The night was cold, and Sophie could see her breath in the air as she exhaled. The clip clop of horses was getting closer causing her to realize that he would be leaving her soon. Plus, Lord Charville would be exiting the house at any moment. She didn’t have much time!

“Spencer… I—”

He took her hand this time bringing it to his lips. “Ah… there it is…”

“What?” she asked in confusion.

“The sound of my given name passing your lips as though you are happy to be alone with me,” he answered tucking her hand in the crook of his elbow. He began walking toward the road. “I have waited years to hear such a sound, if I am being perfectly honest.”

“You have?” she gasped out.

“Yes, I have. It’s been torture waiting for you to grow up,” he said caressing her hand.

She halted their progress to the road not believing he was speaking the truth. “You’ve been waiting for me?”

“Yes.” A simple answer with so many possibilities.

“Why me?” Her eyes widened when she realized she had spoken the words aloud.

He took his hands to caress her cheeks. Leaning down, he stared into her eyes. “Because you were worth waiting for, my dear.”

She closed her eyes hoping for her first kiss. But she was to be disappointed when the front door opened, and they broke apart.

Belles’ & Beaus:
A Bluestocking Belles Collection
Release Date: December 15th
Preorder for only $0.99

Just in time for Christmas 2022 comes this boxed set of eight charming stories of love, family, and miracles. Each Belle has contributed a tale set in the festive season–one just long enough to fit in between tasks at this busy time of the year. The tales are unrelated, except by the festive season.

Some have been written for this collection, some are made-to-order stories never before published, some have been used as fan giveaways. All are delightful.

  • A Mistletoe Kiss: Sherry Ewing
    As Christmas approaches, Sophie Templeton’s one wish is a kiss beneath the mistletoe from the man who holds her heart. Spencer, Earl of Wilmott has been quietly waiting for Sophie to grow up. Has he left it too late to make his offer?
  • The Magic Christmas Stew: Susana Ellis
    The life of an idle spare was no life at all for retired Captain, Daniel Winthrop. He was capable of doing many things, but they all required a wealthy bride. Governess Emily Bainbridge feared being pursued for her fortune, so she kept hers a secret. Will this pair find the courage to conquer their pride and risk all for love?
  • Flowers for His Lady: Alina K Field
    After her fall from grace years ago, Eleanor Gurnwood has made a family of the villagers in her vicar-brother’s parish. His rising career means she must choose between continuing as his minion or staying with the village. Then her past rides in on a white horse in the form of Major Sir Bramwell Huxley.
  • An Angel’s Promise: Rue Allyn
    Artis MacKai might be only a little girl, but she is not going to let a blizzard, wolves, or a deadly enemy stop her from rescuing the stolen mare and foal who are the hope of her family. It will take the spirits of her parents, a determined boy, and her desperate brother to save her.
  • Room at the Inn: Caroline Warfield
    A fatherless child requires a village with room in their hearts. A hardhearted baroness makes it impossible. The Honorable Declan Alworth steps up to make room in his heart and his home for the little treasure. How can the vicar’s niece, Maera Willis, resist either one of them?
  • Zara’s Locket: Jude Knight
    After Zara MacLaren is dismissed from her post on Christmas Eve, things go from bad to worse. When a goldsmith recognises the locket he once made in the hands of a would-be seller, he sets out to find her. What seems bad fortune might just turn into a Christmas miracle.
  • Three Ships: Elizabeth Ellen Carter
    Laura Winter lives on a tidal island that is home to a lighthouse. On a late November day a violent storm brings not only the handsome Lieutenant Michael Renten but also a clutch of pirates bent on wreaking mischief.
  • The Beau of Christmas Past: Cerise DeLand
    Years ago, Alyssa and Declan were caught enjoying a Christmas kiss, which broke Alyssa’s betrothal to another man, and caused the pair to be exiled, far from their families and one another. Home for Christmas, will they find the past something to be overcome? Or fulfilled?

So order your copy now for the opportunity to pour the drink of your choice, find a favourite chair, and step into one of our worlds: https://books2read.com/BellesBeaux

Holiday Sale from Sherry Ewing

20 Monday Dec 2021

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Hello to all my wonderful readers! I’ve put my Regency novella Under the Mistletoe up for sale just in time for some holiday reading. I know you’ll enjoy this romantic suspense story with Margaret and Freddy so happy reading! From my house to yours… I wish you all a Happy Holiday season and 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
On Sale for $0.99 for a Limited Time

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

New Release ~ Holiday Escapes

15 Sunday Nov 2020

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One day, not too many weeks ago, I got a bee in my bonnet and asked the Bluestocking Belles if we should re-release the novellas from Mistletoe, Marriage & Mayhem which was no longer available. I ran with it and got the boxset up in record time. So today, we’re celebrating four of the original novellas (plus two new short stories) that are now in Holiday Escapes! We hope our readers will love having all these stories available again in one box set… just in time for your holiday reading pleasure.

Holidays, relatives, pressure to marry—sometimes it is all too much. Is it any wonder a woman may need to escape? The heroines in this collection of stories aren’t afraid to take matters into their own hands when they’ve had enough.

The Ultimate Escape, by Susana Ellis – On the eve of her wedding, Julia needs to take a moment to consider what she is doing, and where better than 100 years in the past? Unfortunately, Oliver finds a way to chase her through time.

Under the Mistletoe, by Sherry Ewing – Margaret Templeton will settle for Captain Morledge’s hand in marriage, until she sees the man she once loved at her second-best bridegroom’s Christmas party.

Gingerbread Bride, by Jude Knight – Travelling with her father’s fleet has not prepared Mary Pritchard for London. When she strikes out on her own, she finds adventure, trouble, and her girlhood hero, riding once more to her rescue.

A Dangerous Nativity, by Caroline Warfield – With Christmas coming, can the Earl of Chadbourn repair his widowed sister’s damaged estate, and far more damaged family? Dare he hope for love in the bargain? 

These stories are republished here at 20% of the cost of collecting them all from each individual author.

Two bonus short stories round out the collection.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | Apple Books |  Barnes & Noble| Kobo

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

Angus & Robertson

First Kiss Friday with One Last Kiss

12 Friday Jul 2019

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It’s First Kiss Friday and there’s no better way to show off my latest release One Last Kiss: The Knights of Berwyck, A Quest Through Time! So let’s get right to it with the first kiss scene between Thomas & Jade. Happy reading, my lovelies!

Excerpt:

Silence descended upon the room with only the crackling fire to break the mood that had come upon them. He stood and went to her.

He was pleasantly surprised when she watched him as carefully as he observed her. “You are not afraid of me?”

A small smile lit her face. “No, of course not, unless you think I should be.”

“Nay, I do not,” he answered honestly before giving her a short bow. “Mayhap, we should start again. I am Sir Thomas, ever at your service, my lady.”

“And I’m Jade. A pleasure to finally meet you, Sir Thomas.” A short giggle escaped her afore she held out her hand for him to take.

“I am certain the pleasure is mine,” he murmured. Bending to brush a kiss across her knuckles, his eyes widened when he became distracted by a strange glow coming from her opposite hand. ’Twas then that he recognized she wore his ring!

Suddenly, her left arm swept around his neck with alarming speed. The force brought their bodies together, and he could feel for himself when Jade attempted to catch her breath. “Thomas! I swear I didn’t do that on purpose.”

“Aye, I know,” he muttered as his eyes widened in surprise when a power bigger than either of them could have imagined began to bring their lips closer together.

“Thomas…” she said in a breathy whisper.

“Jade…” he returned as their breaths mingled on a heartbeat afore they surrendered to their first real kiss.

***

Jade was unsure what madness had overcome her to be kissing a man she barely knew, but, in many ways, she felt as though Thomas had always been a part of her. Crazy as it may seem to even have such thoughts, she gave in to the invisible energy surrounding and pulling them together.

The moment their lips touched, everything changed. Where before she felt as though she were being forced into something she didn’t want, now, it was as if this was where she was always meant to be. With Thomas… in his arms… kissing him with all the love she could muster up for another human being.

Their kiss ended just as quickly as it had started. Their breaths ragged, they could only stare into each other eyes. Thomas reached down to caress her cheek, and a sense of wonderment filled her, knowing she had truly crossed time. He gave her a half smile as though he had heard her thoughts before he leaned down to taste what she now freely offered. It was as though they were now in control of their destiny.

Thomas deepened their kiss, and she heard his moan of pleasure even as she held back one of her own. It wasn’t as if she hadn’t been kissed before, but there was a reason she had remained single for so long and not married right out of high school like so many had done. No man had ever stepped into her life that seemed to be the other half of herself or just the piece of her that had been missing. She had sworn to herself she would never settle, but with Thomas, she had an instant connection she knew she would never find again in any other man. In an instant, the universe tilted as though they became as one, almost as though Zoe’s words pulled them together from across the centuries.

As though she watched the scene in a movie theater, his arm wrapped around her waist, and he held her even tighter, bending her over. He made her swoon as no other man had ever done before. Her hand reached up and took ahold of his hair. Gosh, she never wanted to let him go.


One Last Kiss: The Knights of Berwyck
A Quest Through Time, Book Five
Just $0.99!

Sometimes it takes a miracle to find your heart’s desire…

Scotland, 1182: Banished from his homeland, Thomas of Clan Kincaid lives among distant relatives, reluctantly accepting he may never return home… Until an encounter with the castle’s healer tells him of a woman traveling across time—for him.

Dare he believe the impossible?

Present Day, Michigan: Jade Calloway is used to being alone, and as Christmas approaches, she’s skeptical when told she’ll embark on an extraordinary journey. How could a trip to San Francisco be anything but ordinary? But when a ring magically appears, and she sees a ghostly man in her dreams…

Dare she believe in the possible?

Thrust back in time, Jade encounters Thomas—her fantasy ghost. Talk about extraordinary. But as time works against them, they must learn to trust in miracles.

Can they accept impossible love before time interferes?

One Last Kiss was previously in the Bluestocking Belles’ 2018 holiday box set entitled Follow Your Star Home. This novella is now being released for individual sale and includes bonus material of several entries that appeared on the Belles’ blog the Teatime Tattler.

Buy links – only $0.99:

Amazon US  | Apple Books  | Barnes & Noble  | Kobo

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

Happy Release Day One Last Kiss!

11 Thursday Jul 2019

Posted by in 2019, New Release

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I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… there’s no better feeling on earth than when an author releases another book baby out into the world. Today I’m happy to announce the release of One Last Kiss: The Knights of Berwyck, A Quest Through Time (Book Five) a medieval/time travel romance. Yes! We’re celebrating Christmas in July. Previously released in the Bluestocking Belles/ 2018 boxset, Follow Your Star Home, my novella is now available for individual sale.

I’ve had a few people ask “What about Book Four?” Never fear, dear readers. Unfortunately, I started book four entitled Love Will Find You and then life got in the way and I needed to set it aside so I could meet my committment with the Belles. Hopefully you won’t have to wait too long for its release. Love Will Find You is currently with my editor!

In the meantime, read on to learn about Thomas and Jade and their journey with time so they can find their happily-ever-after ending!

 

One Last Kiss: The Knights of Berwyck,
A Quest Through Time (Book Five)
Only $0.99!

Sometimes it takes a miracle to find your heart’s desire…

Scotland, 1182: Banished from his homeland, Thomas of Clan Kincaid lives among distant relatives, reluctantly accepting he may never return home… Until an encounter with the castle’s healer tells him of a woman traveling across time—for him.

Dare he believe the impossible?

Present Day, Michigan: Jade Calloway is used to being alone, and as Christmas approaches, she’s skeptical when told she’ll embark on an extraordinary journey. How could a trip to San Francisco be anything but ordinary? But when a ring magically appears, and she sees a ghostly man in her dreams…

Dare she believe in the possible?

Thrust back in time, Jade encounters Thomas—her fantasy ghost. Talk about extraordinary. But as time works against them, they must learn to trust in miracles.

Can they accept impossible love before time interferes?

One Last Kiss was previously in the Bluestocking Belles’ 2018 holiday box set entitled Follow Your Star Home. This novella is now being released for individual sale and includes bonus material of several entries that appeared on the Belles’ blog the Teatime Tattler.

Buy links – only $0.99:

Amazon US  | Apple Books  | Barnes & Noble  | Kobo

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

First Kiss Friday with Beth Barany & a giveaway!

16 Friday Nov 2018

Posted by in 2018, First Kiss Friday

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It’s First Kiss Friday, my lovelies! Please welcome my friend and fellow San Francisco Area of Romance Writers of America chapter member Beth Barany. Beth is sharing an excerpt from A Cupcake Christmas. Be sure to read all the way to the end about her giveaway. Happy reading and enjoy!


Excerpt:

“Kate took his hand and let Florian bring her to standing. She wasn’t surprised by the sparks that flowed from him into her, she welcomed them, in fact. He still hadn’t answered her question.

“Shall we stroll?” He tucked her hand into the crook of his arm, in an old-fashioned charming way. They were shoulder to shoulder.

“To the van?” She shivered at their closeness.

“If you like.” He gazed into her eyes.

“I like.” If her voice sounded husky, she didn’t mind.

Florian grinned. She could swear his eyes twinkled but maybe it was the light of the restaurant or of the sky. Dusk was falling. Low sunlight reflected off the fog hovering above them. Kate walked back with him, arm in arm, to her van parked behind the kitchen a block away. There they stood in the cold foggy night.

He smiled down at her. “Still want me to come by to practice the magic show?”

She never really paid attention to their height difference. Maybe because she was a few inches taller in her work shoes and hadn’t noticed. Now, she was in her flats and the top of her head came to just above his nose, which had a light dusting of freckles to go with his shock of red, wavy hair.

“Yes, I’d feel better about Saturday.” She stared at his lips.

“Did you want to go over the schedule too?”

She nodded and leaned closer to him. “I should.”

“But what do you want to do?” he said softly and stepped closer to her.

Somewhere a horn honked. She blinked and gazed into his sparkling green eyes. “I want—” You, I want you to stay, she wanted to say.

He searched her eyes, waiting.

“To have a—” She shook her head. No, she didn’t want a fling. But she wanted him, something more meaningful.

He leaned a little closer. “A cupcake nightcap? I know, a wine cupcake.”

“I like how you think.” She laughed and kissed him on the lips. Just a brief kiss. He was delicious—sweet and alluring.

He leaned in to deepen the kiss, but she pulled away. “Come on. Let’s walk to my place. It’s not far.” She stepped toward the street.

But Florian didn’t follow. He chuckled. “You’re a bit of a tease.”

“I don’t mean to be,” she said quietly, turned toward him, and held out her hand.

He took her hand. “I know.” He cleared his throat. “You keep the van here overnight?”

“It’s safe. There are cameras in the lot.”

“Will they catch us doing this?” Florian leaned in to land a kiss on her lips. Her insides warmed. She kissed him back. He tasted sweeter than the chocolate shake they’d shared for desert.

She laughed. “I think the cameras have had enough of a show. Let’s go.”

It took twice as long to walk the fifteen minutes to her apartment. They had to stop every few minutes for more kisses. She felt warm all over, as if she were enveloped in the softest comforter.

They made it up the two flights of stairs without stopping too many times. When she opened the door to her apartment, she felt breathless with the kissing and how he made her laugh with his suggestions for ridiculous cupcake recipes, each one more silly than the next, and jokes about putting on a show for the whole neighborhood.

They stumbled into her front hallway of her one-bedroom apartment. She shut the door behind them and then pulled Florian toward her. “I want to kiss you without walking,” she said into his neck. She inhaled his wonderful scent of man and cinnamon. She was burning up and couldn’t wriggle out of her coat fast enough. He helped her, and then leaned in for a long, deep kiss that had her sighing and reaching to slip off his coat. She caressed his strong back muscles under his shirt and sighed some more.

When they finally came up for air, he asked, “Don’t you want to practice for the party?”

“I want to practice a much more ancient art.” She nuzzled his neck and smoothed her hands on his chest, his strong chest, and over his strong muscular arms. He kept himself in good shape. Must be all that lifting and stirring. Too bad he still had his shirt on.

“You sure, Kate?”

“I want you, Florian. I want to be with you.” She pulled back to look in his eyes. “I trust you. I know you’re ready for the kid’s party. I was just stressing out.”

He gazed into her eyes. She thought she saw a flicker of doubt or worry, but she couldn’t be sure, because then she saw nothing but adoration. He smiled. “I want you, too, Kate. Very much.”

She kissed him and pulled him toward her bedroom. “Let’s get practicing.” She hadn’t asked him to stay and he hadn’t reminded her he was leaving. At least they had now.

ABOUT A CUPCAKE CHRISTMAS (A CHRISTMAS ELF STORY) (TOUCHSTONE SERIES #5)

What if you risked losing your baking legacy by cooking up a love truly special?

Florian MacMillian needs a final job to complete his baking resume—preferably a job where he’s unlikely to blow things up with his unruly magic—before returning to the North Pole and taking his rightful place as Master Baker to all the elves.

Kate Delore desperately needs help in her fast-growing cupcake business. Florian is a perfect fit, so she brings him on as baker. For a short time, Florian is happily up to his elbows in batter, and Kate’s business is booming.

But when things heat up between them, Florian wonders if he should risk his legacy to cook up something truly special.

MORE ABOUT A CUPCAKE CHRISTMAS

For a longer excerpt, go here: http://author.bethbarany.com/books/a-cupcake-christmas-a-christmas-elf-story-romance/excerpt-a-cupcake-christmas/

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1ReDzDj (ebook) http://amzn.to/1kDKb07 (print)

Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-cupcake-christmas-beth-barany/1123174352?ean=2940157906924

iBook: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/a-cupcake-christmas/id1036098226?mt=11&uo=8

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/a-cupcake-christmas

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/603017

ABOUT BETH BARANY

Award winning author, Beth Barany writes in several genres including young adult adventure fantasy, paranormal romance, and soon science fiction mysteries. Inspired by living abroad in France and Quebec, she loves creating magical tales of romance, mystery, and adventure that empower women and girls to be the heroes of their own lives.

For fun, Beth enjoys walking her neighborhood, gardening on her patio, and watching movies and traveling with her husband, author Ezra Barany. They live in Oakland, California with a piano and over 1,000 books.

More about Beth’s fiction and to get a free time travel romance, go here: http://author.bethbarany.com/free-romance-story/.

CONNECT WITH BETH BARANY

Twitter: https://twitter.com/beth_barany

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

Instagram: https://instagram.com/bethbarany/

GIVEAWAY

Post your favorite silly cupcake recipe in the comments and Beth will pick one lucky winner at random to win an e-book edition of A Cupcake Christmas.

First Kiss Friday with guest Caroline Warfield

17 Friday Nov 2017

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It’s another First Kiss Friday and today I have my friend Caroline Warfield as my guest. Caroline has a new story out entitled Charlotte’s Christmas Vigil that is just in time for the holiday’s. We hope you enjoy this first kiss scene. Happy reading!

Excerpt:

“Don’t get up, Lottie. Are you well?” He raised the candle to see her face better. The purple smudges under her eyes hadn’t abated.

She looked back, puzzled. “Well enough. Why did you come?”

His eyes scanned her, from the glorious hair to the tips of those graceful toes. He tried to remind himself of his professional demeanor, but diagnosis played no part in this scrutiny.

“Salvo?” Lottie asked, her voice thick.

“I’m sorry, Lottie. You should not be embroiled in my family’s crisis.”

She pulled her gown down to cover herself. He suspected she blushed rather in the semi-darkness, but he couldn’t pull his eyes away.

“I don’t mind. It feels good to be needed. Besides, David looks better every day. I have you to thank for that.”

His feet moved into the room before he could tell them to stop.

She frowned at him. “You look exhausted. You can’t care for patients all day and stay up all night. Let me take over with the boys.” She rose. “You get to your bed.”

He had her in his arms before either could take another breath.

“Thank you,” he breathed against her mouth, just before he kissed her.

Lottie pulled back and gasped. He would have pulled back then, but a second later, she moved closer and pressed her mouth to his. He tasted her gently, but didn’t probe. He cupped her face, so he would not pull her up against his arousal, though he yearned to pull her close. He kissed her eyes and down her cheek before setting her away from him.

Lottie raised trembling fingers to her mouth. “Salvo?”

About the Book

Venice 1818
Lady Charlotte clings to one dream—to see the splendor of Rome before settling for life as the spinster sister of an earl. But now her feckless brother attempts to imitate his idol, Byron, by swimming the Grand Canal, falls ill, and forces her to wait again, stranded in Venice halfway to the place of her dreams. She finds the city damp, moldy, and riddled with disease.

As a physician, Salvatore Caresini well knows the danger of putrid fever. He lost his young wife to it, leaving him alone to care for their rambunctious children. He isn’t about to let the lovely English lady risk her life nursing her brother.
But Christmas is coming, that season of miracles, and with it, perhaps, lessons for two lonely people: that love heals the deepest wounds and sometimes the deepest dreams aren’t what we expect.

Available now from Amazon or Barnes & Noble

For other formats see Smashwords

About the Author

Caroline Warfield grew up in a perapatetic army family and had a varied career (largely around libraries and technology) before retiring to the urban wilds of Eastern Pennsylvania, and divides her time between writing and seeking adventures with her grandbuddy and the prince among men she married.

You can find her here:

Website

Amazon Page

Good Reads

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