Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

This week I’m thrilled to introduce you to my upcoming release, book 4 of my Matchmaker’s Ball series, The Ruin of Miss Amelia Burrowes. 

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 begins at the very beginning, with the prologue, to set the scene. Enjoy!

EXCERPT:

“Would you care for some fresh air, Miss Burrowes?” Nathan Locke offered his arm to the ravishing young lady he had just partnered in a spirited reel. “I believe we need reviving after all that setting to and heying.” The dance had been strenuous; however, his partner had matched him pace for pace, with only pinkened cheeks to show for it. “The veranda is just this way.”

“That is an excellent suggestion, Mr. Locke.” Miss Burrowes’s blue eyes sparkled, although that may have been due to the rigors of the dance. “Although we must be careful to keep close to the torches.” They both understood how quickly gossip could spread about even the most innocent of actions. But the slightest pucker of her sensual lips made him believe she might just agree to leave the light for a little while.

And a little bit more…

They’d been introduced at Lady Somerville’s ball only the week before, where Nathan had been immediately struck by Miss Burrowes’ grace and beauty. Her witty conversation had been an unexpected boon when he’d asked for and been granted the privilege of the supper dance that evening. Ever since that first night he’d partnered her, he’d jumped at every chance to be with her—carriage rides, social calls, theater excursions, and a magical evening at the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens. In one amazingly short week, he’d come to have very affectionate feelings for Miss Burrowes. A tendre, they called it, and he couldn’t deny that his thoughts strayed more and more often to the lady, whether he was in her presence or not.

“Shall we go into the garden?” Nathan asked as soon as the French window closed behind them and the heady smell of cherry blossoms assailed them. He’d had no time to talk to her unchaperoned. Even during their carriage rides they hadn’t been alone in his curricle but in her family’s barouche. Still, he’d managed to discover her sharp wit, her gentle nature, her grace and charm in everything she did. The perfect woman with whom to build his life.

So he held his breath. This might be his only chance to speak to her privately.

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!