Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

I’m finally back after being MIA for a month. On May 30 I fell and broke my right shoulder, so I’ve done no writing to speak of since. This past Thursday I finally had shoulder replacement surgery and will have a long 3 month recovery back to full range of motion. But I’m making the effort to get back in the saddle this week continuing with snippets from The Ruin of Miss Amelia Burrowes, Book 4 of The Matchmaker’s Ball series, that released on May 1!

The Ruin of Miss Amelia Burrowes

BLURB:

Can a woman with a past have a future?

Miss Amelia Burrowes was the scandal of the ton in her first Season, when her fiancée died, rumors flew, and she was declared a ruined woman by Society. Ten years later, she’s back in London to make an arranged marriage that will hopefully allow her sisters to be received by the ton. But when Nathan, Lord Ainsley, the man she’d really had a tendre for all those years ago, renews their acquaintance, the flame between them rekindles and Amelia begins to believe that maybe a second chance for love is possible.

Ten years ago Nathan Locke made a terrible mistake in letting himself be hustled off on his Grand Tour when what he really wanted was to marry the delightful Miss Burrowes. Now he’s just learning that the lovely lady isn’t married after all—but instead is a pariah of Society. Nathan’s not about to let that get in the way of his suit but as new rumors swirl around them, can he ignore the ton’s renewed whispers about Amelia’s reputation?

Together Nathan and Amelia must get to the bottom of the scandals—new and old—or face a devastating choice: a life together being shunned by Society or a life without each other forever.

Today’s snippet continues with chapter 1–and a further introduction to Mr. Lawrence Burke who wants them to become better acquainted with Amelia.  Enjoy!

EXCERPT:

“Let me go, sir.” Amelia twisted her wrist, trying to break his hold, but he was strong. She’d likely have a bruise there tomorrow.

“Not without some token of your affection, surely? We must learn to get along amiably, mustn’t we?” Sliding his arm around her shoulders, he pulled her against him until it seemed every inch of her touched his body. “Much better, don’t you think?”

“I do not, Mr. Burke.” Well, this would teach him. She raised her foot and stamped hard on his.

And a little bit more…

“Ouch.” Her soft kid slippers were no match for his leather dancing pumps. Now the arch of her foot ached.

“A veritable spitfire, aren’t you?” His grin widened. “Let’s see if all that passion can be redirected.” He darted his head down toward her, seeking her lips.

“No.” Twisting her head from side to side, she tried desperately to avoid his mouth. “Mr. Burke, please. Stop.” She got her hands up between them and gave a mighty push, but the effort had no effect on him whatsoever.

It did, however, distract her from evading his determined efforts to kiss her, and he dropped his mouth onto hers with a triumphant cry.

Amelia’s heart sank. What could she do now? Maybe if she held herself aloof, did not respond at all, he’d think her unfeeling. God knew she didn’t want his kisses, though he was remarkably gentle once he settled into it. Ceasing to struggle, she forced herself to relax, go limp in his arms, show that the kiss meant nothing to her whatsoever.

Unfortunately, that only seemed to encourage him. He pushed his tongue insistently against her stubbornly closed lips, trying to gain entry.

Oh, absolutely not. Once again, she shoved against his chest, digging her palms into his jacket and trying frantically to back away.

The click of the library door opening froze Amelia, posed, unfortunately, like a reluctant nymph being ravished by some errant god.

The Ruin of Miss Amelia Burrowes, Book 4 of my Matchmaker’s Ball series, is now available on Amazon for purchase and on Kindle Unlimited! 

Don’t forget to check out the rest of the WWW snippets here! There are some great stories out there!

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

I’m finally back after attending Booklovers Con in Las Vegas last weekend and having a fabulous time! But today I’m continuing with snippets from The Ruin of Miss Amelia Burrowes, Book 4 of The Matchmaker’s Ball series, that released on May 1!

The Ruin of Miss Amelia Burrowes

BLURB:

Can a woman with a past have a future?

Miss Amelia Burrowes was the scandal of the ton in her first Season, when her fiancée died, rumors flew, and she was declared a ruined woman by Society. Ten years later, she’s back in London to make an arranged marriage that will hopefully allow her sisters to be received by the ton. But when Nathan, Lord Ainsley, the man she’d really had a tendre for all those years ago, renews their acquaintance, the flame between them rekindles and Amelia begins to believe that maybe a second chance for love is possible.

Ten years ago Nathan Locke made a terrible mistake in letting himself be hustled off on his Grand Tour when what he really wanted was to marry the delightful Miss Burrowes. Now he’s just learning that the lovely lady isn’t married after all—but instead is a pariah of Society. Nathan’s not about to let that get in the way of his suit but as new rumors swirl around them, can he ignore the ton’s renewed whispers about Amelia’s reputation?

Together Nathan and Amelia must get to the bottom of the scandals—new and old—or face a devastating choice: a life together being shunned by Society or a life without each other forever.

Today’s snippet continues with chapter 1–and a further introduction to Mr. Lawrence Burke who wants them to become better acquainted with Amelia.  Enjoy!

EXCERPT:

London

May 5, 1820

Amelia bounded out of the chair as though shot from a cannon and somehow managed to land on her feet. Instinctively, she backed toward the fireplace. “I don’t think that is wise, Mr. Burke. Our betrothal is supposed to help repair my reputation, so if we are to become better acquainted, it must be done properly, in full view of my parents and Lady Hamilton’s guests.” She must get them out of this place before he did something that would make it impossible for her to refuse his suit, which she now desperately wished to do.

“Come, come, Miss Burrowes. Or should I say Amelia? Being alone with your intended cannot matter so much in the eyes of the ton.” Pacing slowly toward her, Mr. Burke held out his hand. “In your case, they may well assume we’ve been intimately acquainted as soon as the betrothal is announced,” he paused to leer at her, “why not make their suspicions correct?”

And a little bit more…

Completely outraged, Amelia stopped backing away. How dare he assume she would do such a thing? Even if her reputation was soiled, to think she would simply submit to his crude suggestion—and in her hostess’s library of all places—could not be borne. The devil flew into Amelia, and she stalked toward him. “I will not stand here and be so insulted, Mr. Burke. I may not have the sterling reputation of the other young ladies of the ton, but common decency demands that you treat me with some respect.”

To her dismay, her outburst, rather than acting as a deterrent, seemed to inflame his ardor. His eyes widened, and he grinned as he continued toward her. “Ah, you do have spirit. I suspected as much. One does not come by a reputation such as yours without some spark of passion.” He licked his lips. “This arrangement may prove to be a better bargain than I could have hoped for.”

Dear Lord, she needed to get out of this room before he ruined her for once and all. Dodging around the chair, she made a break for the door, but he grabbed her wrist and swung her around to face him.

“What’s your hurry, my dear?” He showed his teeth again, making him look just like the wolf in the Grimm brothers’ story.

The Ruin of Miss Amelia Burrowes, Book 4 of my Matchmaker’s Ball series, is now available on Amazon for purchase and on Kindle Unlimited! 

Don’t forget to check out the rest of the WWW snippets here! There are some great stories out there!

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

I’m continuing this week with snippets from The Ruin of Miss Amelia Burrowes, Book 4 of The Matchmaker’s Ball series, that releases on May 1. 

The Ruin of Miss Amelia Burrowes

BLURB:

Can a woman with a past have a future?

Miss Amelia Burrowes was the scandal of the ton in her first Season, when her fiancée died, rumors flew, and she was declared a ruined woman by Society. Ten years later, she’s back in London to make an arranged marriage that will hopefully allow her sisters to be received by the ton. But when Nathan, Lord Ainsley, the man she’d really had a tendre for all those years ago, renews their acquaintance, the flame between them rekindles and Amelia begins to believe that maybe a second chance for love is possible.

Ten years ago Nathan Locke made a terrible mistake in letting himself be hustled off on his Grand Tour when what he really wanted was to marry the delightful Miss Burrowes. Now he’s just learning that the lovely lady isn’t married after all—but instead is a pariah of Society. Nathan’s not about to let that get in the way of his suit but as new rumors swirl around them, can he ignore the ton’s renewed whispers about Amelia’s reputation?

Together Nathan and Amelia must get to the bottom of the scandals—new and old—or face a devastating choice: a life together being shunned by Society or a life without each other forever.

Today’s snippet continues with chapter 1–and I’ve skipped ahead a little bit to give you an introduction to Amelia’s intended: Mr. Lawrence Burke.  Enjoy!

EXCERPT:

London

May 5, 1820

Earlier in the evening, after dinner, Papa had introduced her to Mr. Burke, who’d seemed rather nice on first acquaintance. A gentleman of one and thirty, not overly tall, with curly brown hair and eyes a shade darker, a full-lipped mouth, and a not-so-prominent chin, Mr. Burke could not be called unhandsome. He’d greeted her pleasantly, talked of generally approved topics—like the weather and boating, of which he seemed extraordinarily fond—then asked to escort her around the room. Their conversation had continued in that general vein until they reached the far end of the room, where no one could hear their lowered remarks.

“I must say, Miss Burrowes, your father’s letter putting forward his desire for our nuptials took me by surprise, but not nearly as much as the amount he’s proposed for your dowry.” He’d smiled, revealing white, predatory teeth. “Much more than my uncle had given me to believe. I understand it is imperative for you to marry,” his eyes darkened, and Amelia repressed a shudder at the hunger in them, “I believe I shall very much enjoy making the match.”

And a little bit more…

A sickening drop in her stomach made her steps falter. Every gentleman who’d been interested in marrying her over the years had expressed similar sentiments. Luckily, none of the other attempts had borne fruit, for the thought of actually marrying those suitors had, by and large, given her the jim-jams. They would have had no affection for her whatsoever, simply lust for her body and her father’s bank account. Of course, those would be the only reasons a gentleman would choose to marry a fallen woman, but it hurt to think her husband must be one so mercenary.

She gazed about the quiet room. Without doubt, Mama would soon send Papa, or one of her brothers who’d turned out tonight, to find her. If it was her youngest brother, Tim, she could possibly wheedle him into remaining with her instead of doing his duty and dragging her back to the ballroom.

Her reverie was broken by the sudden opening of the library door.

“There you are, my dear.”

Discovered, drat it. Again, Amelia tightened her grip on the arms of the chair.

“I’ve been looking for you everywhere.” Mr. Burke smiled at her as he entered the library and shut the door. The hollow thud sounded like a death knell. “What are you doing in here? This is hardly the time to try to improve your mind.” He started toward her, his smile turning into a leer. “We might, however, take this opportunity alone to become…better acquainted.”

The Ruin of Miss Amelia Burrowes, Book 4 of my Matchmaker’s Ball series, is now available on Amazon for purchase and on Kindle Unlimited! 

There’s also a Release Day celebration going on on my Jenna’s Journal blog, with a giveaway of signed, print copies of all my Matchmaker’s Ball series books plus one for a $20 Starbucks gift card. Please come by and help me celebrate my newest release! Click the link HERE to join the party.

Don’t forget to check out the rest of the WWW snippets here! There are some great stories out there!

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

I’m continuing this week with snippets from The Ruin of Miss Amelia Burrowes, Book 4 of The Matchmaker’s Ball series, that releases on May 1. 

The Ruin of Miss Amelia Burrowes

BLURB:

Can a woman with a past have a future?

Miss Amelia Burrowes was the scandal of the ton in her first Season, when her fiancée died, rumors flew, and she was declared a ruined woman by Society. Ten years later, she’s back in London to make an arranged marriage that will hopefully allow her sisters to be received by the ton. But when Nathan, Lord Ainsley, the man she’d really had a tendre for all those years ago, renews their acquaintance, the flame between them rekindles and Amelia begins to believe that maybe a second chance for love is possible.

Ten years ago Nathan Locke made a terrible mistake in letting himself be hustled off on his Grand Tour when what he really wanted was to marry the delightful Miss Burrowes. Now he’s just learning that the lovely lady isn’t married after all—but instead is a pariah of Society. Nathan’s not about to let that get in the way of his suit but as new rumors swirl around them, can he ignore the ton’s renewed whispers about Amelia’s reputation?

Together Nathan and Amelia must get to the bottom of the scandals—new and old—or face a devastating choice: a life together being shunned by Society or a life without each other forever.

Today’s snippet continues with chapter 1–and a time jump ten years to 1820. There have been huge changes since last we saw Miss Amelia Burrowes. Enjoy!

EXCERPT:

London

May 5, 1820

The warm, walnut-paneled library of Lady Hamilton’s townhouse should’ve been comforting. Flickering candles illuminated the chamber just enough to see, while still allowing a lady to conceal herself if necessary—and it was absolutely necessary at this particular moment for Miss Amelia Burrowes. Soft leather cushions on the chairs and chaise invited one to sit and relax, while the red and tan Turkey carpet added a richness that soothed the senses. Altogether, the room exuded a calmness and security Amelia dearly needed in her life. Unfortunately, it couldn’t dispel her growing dread.

Outside the closed door, people laughed loudly, making her jump. Heart racing, she listened keenly for one distinctive voice, her fingernails sinking into the arms of the chair until the expensive upholstery creaked, in danger of permanent harm. She tried to relax her grip but couldn’t stop herself. Without a doubt, Mr. Burke would find her no matter where she hid.

And a little bit more…

When Mama had first hinted that the family was once again attempting to find a husband for her, Amelia had smiled and tried to look hopeful. Her pretended interest and cooperation had pleased her mother every time the subject had sporadically come up over the past ten years. Each attempt had, however, come to nothing. Amelia’s reputation had sustained irreparable damage in her come-out Season when the gentleman she’d reluctantly agreed to marry, Jonathan, Lord Carrington, had died. Over the years, she’d come to accept her fate as a spinster. Embrace it, even. If she couldn’t have the gentleman she’d truly loved, what was the point of marriage, after all? That had always been her stance.

Until now.

Next year, her two younger sisters, Caroline and Margaret, were supposed to make their come out. They could only do that if someone sponsored them, and Mama was determined that someone would. After all, Amelia’s reputation could likely still be repaired enough by a good marriage that her sisters would at least be received by some of the ton. Once Amelia was respectably married, the girls would hopefully be invited to fashionable events and, God willing, catch husbands of their own.

To make certain that happened, Mama had begun a campaign, carried out with military precision, to find a husband for her. It counted little what the man was like, and not at all how Amelia felt about him. Only his willingness to ally himself with a woman who’d acted scandalously mattered in the least.

The Ruin of Miss Amelia Burrowes, Book 4 of my Matchmaker’s Ball series, is now on pre-order on Amazon. Grab your copy at the pre-order price of only .99! It releases May 1st!

Don’t forget to check out the rest of the WWW snippets here! There are some great stories out there!

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

Happy Easter!

To all those who celebrate the holiday, Happy Easter, and to everyone who’s experiencing some long awaited sunshine and milder temperatures, Happy Spring!

I’m continuing this week with snippets from The Ruin of Miss Amelia Burrowes, Book 4 of The Matchmaker’s Ball series, that releases on May 1. 

The Ruin of Miss Amelia Burrowes

BLURB:

Can a woman with a past have a future?

Miss Amelia Burrowes was the scandal of the ton in her first Season, when her fiancée died, rumors flew, and she was declared a ruined woman by Society. Ten years later, she’s back in London to make an arranged marriage that will hopefully allow her sisters to be received by the ton. But when Nathan, Lord Ainsley, the man she’d really had a tendre for all those years ago, renews their acquaintance, the flame between them rekindles and Amelia begins to believe that maybe a second chance for love is possible.

Ten years ago Nathan Locke made a terrible mistake in letting himself be hustled off on his Grand Tour when what he really wanted was to marry the delightful Miss Burrowes. Now he’s just learning that the lovely lady isn’t married after all—but instead is a pariah of Society. Nathan’s not about to let that get in the way of his suit but as new rumors swirl around them, can he ignore the ton’s renewed whispers about Amelia’s reputation?

Together Nathan and Amelia must get to the bottom of the scandals—new and old—or face a devastating choice: a life together being shunned by Society or a life without each other forever.

Today’s snippet continues where we left off last week, Amelia and Nathan out in the garden–alone and just having kissed rather passionately. So passionately that Nathan is thinking about continuing the encounter even more intimately. Enjoy!

EXCERPT:

A door slammed, and the breeze brought the sound of voices from the verandah.

With a gut-wrenching sigh, Nathan stepped back, although he kept hold of her hands.

They stood together in the glorious night air, beneath the fragrant cherry tree, a whole new world within his grasp. “Amelia, I will speak to your father tomorrow. Ask permission to court you formally.” He gazed down at her beautiful face. “Ask for your hand in marriage, if that would be agreeable to you?”

The smile that lit up her face could’ve outshone the sun. Against the dull moon there was no contest. “Oh, yes, Mr. Locke. That would be very agreeable to me.”

And a little bit more…

Nathan thought his heart might burst with happiness. To have the world handed to him at the age of one and twenty surely made him the luckiest chap he knew. He couldn’t wait to tell Marcus. His best friend would be giddy with happiness for him. But it must remain a secret until he’d received Mr. Burrowes’s approval, which he undoubtedly would. What father would not wish his daughter to marry the heir to a viscountcy?

He was roused from his reverie when Amelia took his arm. “Shall we return to the ballroom now?” She smiled up at him, and his body twisted with the repressed desire to claim her as his own, this very minute.

“Yes, my dear. I think we must.” He moved them out from behind the safety of the cherry tree. Whatever it took, he’d curb his desires as best he could. He’d wait until he and Amelia were properly married—or at least properly betrothed—before continuing this heavenly interlude. Thankfully, it wouldn’t be very long now.

The Ruin of Miss Amelia Burrowes, book 4 of my Matchmaker’s Ball series, is now on pre-order on Amazon. Grab your copy at the pre-order price of only .99! It releases May 1st!

Don’t forget to check out the rest of the WWW snippets here! There are some great stories out there!