Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

Continuing on this week with snippets from Romancing Lady Augusta.

Romancing Lady Augusta

BLURB:

If the players are evenly matched, romance can be the most exciting game of all.

Over her parents’ protests, Lady Augusta Hardy has set her matrimonial sights on a renowned adventurer. With him, she knows she’ll live an extraordinary life.  But as that gentleman is off exploring, she resigns herself to being courted while waiting for her hero to return. Would-be suitor Julius Price, Lord Boxted, is admittedly handsome, witty, an amazingly good dancer, and extremely well-traveled. In fact, he’s a worthy rival for her affections, save for one major drawback: his title would ensure that Augusta ends up living the boring life she so detests. Despite her growing affection for him, she sadly relinquishes all thoughts of marrying Lord Boxted.

From the moment Lady Augusta beats him at chess, Julius is fascinated by the intelligent, strong-willed lady. During the Season, he takes heart as he makes inroads with her affections, determined to win her over. Elated when passion between them sparks, Julius plans to redouble his efforts, until an overheard conversation convinces him Lady Augusta would never be happy with the only life he can offer her.

With a heavy heart, Julius determines he must allow her the freedom she longs for—just as Lady Augusta realizes love has the power to change one’s mind. But has she discovered that lesson a little too late?

I’m very excited to see what you think of my newest book in the Welwyn Marriage Wager series. Meet Lady Augusta Hardy–a very headstrong young lady who knows very well what she wants. Enjoy! I’m moving a little bit further in the story, to where Lady Augusta and Lord Boxted meet over a chess board.

EXCERPT:

Startled by the lady’s request, Julius stared first at her, then shot a glance over to the others hoping to gauge their reactions, only to be met with foolish grins. “You play chess, my lady?”

“From time to time.” Her smile continued, although it seemed to be masking some other emotion as well–humor, perhaps?  She moved to the small table where the chessboard sat and began resetting the pieces. “My father taught me to play when I was quite young.”

Though it was not unheard of for ladies to play chess—his own mother had been known to play occasionally with his father—Julius still was startled at the notion of playing against Lady Augusta. Another glance at his cousins and brother showed their faces filled with mirth at the idea that the lady proposed not to simply play him in chess but actually to beat him. If it didn’t seem rude to refuse, Julian would have declined the offer, however the lady had declared her wish for a wager, and that he could not refuse.

And a little bit more…

“Then I shall be happy to accept your wager and play with you.” He moved back to the table and indicated the chair opposite him. “Please be seated.”

She finished setting up the chessboard, then sat in the chair Harry had vacated. Julius took his seat and looked at her expectantly.

“What do you wish to wager, my lord?”

“The first dance at tomorrow night’s ball, my lady.” The notion of that bet had occurred to him as soon as the lady had mentioned the word “wager.”

A chorus of groans arose from his audience, Harry’s voice being the loudest.

Lady Augusta peered at them briefly then returned her attention back to the board. “That is if you win or I take longer than ten moves to win.” She looked up, that puckered smile back in place. “I think if I best you in less than ten moves, I should not pay a forfeit.”

“Of course not, my lady.” The idea that she would win in less than ten moves was rather charming.

Romancing Lady Augusta is available for pre-order on Amazon for just .99! Grab your e-copy here!! It will release on Amazon on August 20, 2024! 

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