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!