August’s “Book of the Month,” is Heart of Delight. It’s Book 3 in my Regency series Handful of Hearts, and another sweet Regency. I haven’t revealed the cover yet, so I’m just posting a picture that illustrates the scene. Cover reveal is set for September 1, with release on September 20.
At Lady Hamilton’s ball in May 1820, Lord Halford, Hal to his friends, flirts with his cousin, Lady Celinda Graham, in hopes of gaining a wife as decreed by his father.
“I’m tired of living by the ton’s rules, dictating what I can and cannot do. Why can I not sit in my shirtsleeves without creating a scandal? It’s as if the walls close round me each time I set foot in a ballroom. Neither am I comfortable with all the dancing and flirting—”
“Even though you do it extremely well, from what I’ve observed?” she said and batted her fan at his arm, her eyelids closing to mere slits, like a cat waiting at a mouse’s hole.
“As do you, my lady,” he said, taking her hand, so petite in his large one, and gazing into her angelic face. “I wonder if you can save me from another season of balls and parties and the eternal flirting and courting of ladies I have no interest in.” A gentle squeeze of her soft skin set his pulse snapping. “I need a sweet, beautiful, intelligent woman like you, cousin, to help me find my way.”
“What are you talking about?” she asked, pulling her hand from his, her blue eyes wide and wary.
Blurb:
He’ll do anything to be her heart’s delight—except tell the truth
Gabriella d’Adventure is on a mission. She has come to England as a ladies’ maid in pursuit of the Duke of Rother. When she meets Horace Carpenter, valet to a marquess, she is delighted to enlist his aid in gaining her heart’s desire: a meeting with the duke. However, her growing feelings for the handsome valet make Gabriella have to fight to continue her plans for the Duke
The eccentric Marquess of Halford, Hal to his friends, is tired of the demands of Society, especially his father’s decree that he marry this Season. When a breathtaking young woman intrudes on his solitude, he is captivated and introduces himself as his valet in hopes of learning more about her. Despite his fear about the true motive behind Gabriella’s quest to meet the Duke of Rother, Hal agrees to help her gain an audience with the him, all the while hoping his deception will won’t ruin his chances of winning her love and hand in marriage.
And don’t forget to check out the rest of the Warriors here. There’s some fantastic snippets to be read.
A Handful of Hearts series:
Heart of Desire will release August 23, 2016.
Heart of Delight will release September 20, 2016. (Cover reveal on September 1!)
The prequel to the series, A Kiss Beneath the Mistletoe, is available at Amazon currently on sale for $.99.
Jenna Jaxon Romance--because passion is timeless. 
He seems to be a in a hurry and she seems to be on to him. Great snippet, Jenna!
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Right and right, Elyzabeth! They have an interesting couple of scenes ahead of them. 🙂
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His words and goal are interesting, but her responses are even more fascinating. This sounds like a story I’d enjoy.
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I hope so, Ed! Thank you so much for the encouragement!
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Love a good Regency and this has the tone and feel of one!
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Thank you so much, Elizabeth! 🙂
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He certainly doesn’t mince words or beat around the bush!
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Nope. He really doesn’t have the time if he wants to pick his own bride. 🙂
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I love the tone, the undercurrent, of Regency. Well done.
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Thank you, Cara. I really appreciate the encouragement. 🙂
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This sounds like a great story! As always, your feel for the period is right on.
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Thanks so much, Christina! I do appreciate that so much!
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Sounds like a classic Regency romp in the best use of the term and I LOVE your smooth command of the tone…excellent excerpt!
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Thank you, Veronica! I appreciate that. 🙂
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I love these Regency stories, with their Society rules and etiquette. I hope that each of their deceptions don’t come back to bite them. Good snippet.
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Oh, yes. Hal is about to embark on a deception that could have great repercussions for him!
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Hmmm. Let’s hope he doesn’t frighten her off before he gets a chance to woo her. Super excerpt, as always, Jenna.
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She doesn’t frighten easily, Kim, but she does have other fish to fry at the moment. 🙂
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I hear desperation in the man even though he is attracted to his cousin.
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Oh, yes, he is desperate to find a wife. Love can come later. LOL
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Wonderful! It sounds like he’s smitten with her already. Great snippet!
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Well, he’s under the gun because his father’s insisting he marry within three months. So he’s willing to be attracted to a woman he thinks he can get along with. 🙂
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