Encounter of a Mafia Kind ~ Liza O’Connor and A Fortune to Die For

Face bannershares her research

Liza’s encounter with the MAFIA

Many years ago, a young hotheaded Mafia thug threatened to whack me in the middle of a traffic jam. It began with him blaring his horn so I would get out of his way (did I mention we were in a TRAFFIC JAM???) so I flew him the bird. I didn’t know he was mafia at that time. I just thought him a jerk. Seconds later, he’s left his car and is pounding my car demanding “Do you know who I am?”

Sadly, I hadn’t studied the mafia lingo back then. ‘Babbo’ would have worked nicely. (Mafia lingo for IDIOT) Instead I replied, “An asshole?”

That truly pissed him off: “I could blow your head off, right here, right now!”

He continued to slam his palms on my little car causing it to shudder as he yelled the same threat over and over. Finally, I lost my temper.

“Then do it!” I yelled at him. “Just do it!” At least there would be a hundred witnesses and video of my death.

He stopped pounding and stared at me in shock. Then he headed to his car but stopped halfway. He turned back to face me, rage about to cause his head to explode. He reached into his pocket and…

This is where I questioned the wisdom of my words…

Then he pulled a handful of coins and threw them at my car.

Not making that up… (Talk about anti-climactic).

Just at that moment the traffic opens up. So I threw him a goodbye bird and drove off.

(Clearly, I don’t learn!)

When I got home and told my Italian boyfriend the story, I got severely scolded.

“The Mafia does not have a sense of humor, Liza!”

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Blurb

Megan Clarke had a good life until she wins the Mega Times Lottery and discovers the prize comes with a curse. Worse than the many money-hungry suitors, a serial killer has her in his sight. She changes her name and moves to Iowa with plans to buy their last major forest of white oaks and turn it into a State Park. Unfortunately, the Lottery Curse doesn’t stop at state lines and someone there wants her dead, as well. Good thing a disturbingly handsome law officer is just as determined to keep her alive.

 

Excerpt

“This is serious, Meg. The mafia doesn’t normally act so boldly against the FBI. While you are still important, this case just got a lot bigger than you.” He gripped her arms and pulled her against him. “I need you a hundred percent trouble free. Otherwise, I’m afraid my boss will cut you loose as we go after bigger fish. Can you do this for me?”

For the first time since her life of hell had begun, she was truly terrified. And of what, she had no clue. However, the worry in Steve’s eyes struck her hard.

The only way she could prevent herself from breaking down into a sobbing ball of Jell-O was to think professionally. “May I call and invite Mr. Barkman to visit my land with Tess as his guide?”

“You can’t go with them.”

“I understand.”

“Then you may call and arrange his tour.”

“And may I google various people on my computer?”

“Just don’t call anyone without clearing it with me. And if I say no, just accept it. This day is going to be a nightmare.”

She nodded.

“Then I’ll get my computer and stay in here…until I need the bathroom.”

His hard eyes studied her face as if trying to find deception. Finally, they softened and he caressed her cheek. “Thank you for trusting me. I know it’s not easy.”

Oddly, it had been. The moment all hell broke loose, he was her rock.

 

BUY LINK

A Fortune to Die For

White Oak – Mafia Series

AMAZON

 

Free with Kindle Unlimited

About Liza

Liza O’Connor was raised badly by feral cats, left the South/Midwest and wandered off to find nicer people on the east coast. There she worked for the meanest man on Wall Street, while her psychotic husband tried to kill her three times. (So much for finding nicer people.) Then one day she declared enough, got a better job, divorced her husband, and fell in love with her new life where people behaved nicely. But all those bad behaviors has given her lots of fodder for her humorous books. Please buy these books, because otherwise, she’ll become grumpy and write troubled novels instead. They will likely traumatize you.

You have been warned.

Mostly humorous books by Liza:

Ghost LoverTwo British brothers fall in love with the same young woman. Ancestral ghost is called in to fix the situation. And there’s a ghost cat that roams about the book as well. (Humorous Contemporary Romance)

Saving Casey— Cass wakes up in the body of a troubled teen who has burned every bridge imaginable. Her only choice is to turn this life around, but that’s much harder than she ever imagined.

Untamed & UnabashedThe youngest of the Bennet sisters, Lydia, tells her story. A faithful spinoff from Pride & Prejudice.

A Long Road to Love Series: (Humorous Contemporary odd Romance)

Worst Week Ever — Laugh out loud week of disasters of Epic proportions.

Oh Stupid Heart — The heart wants what it wants, even if it’s impossible.

Coming to Reason — There is a breaking point when even a saint comes to reason.

Climbing out of Hell — The reconstruction of a terrible man into a great one.

The Hardest Love Is to love oneself. Sam’s story.

The Adventures of Xavier & Vic Sleuth series: (Late Victorian/Mystery/Romance)

The Troublesome Apprentice — The greatest sleuth in Victorian England hires a young man who turns out to be a young woman.

The Missing Partner — Oops! The greatest sleuth in Victorian England goes missing, leaving Vic to rescue him, a suffragette, and about 100 servants. Not to mention an eviscerating cat. Yes, let’s not mention the cat.

A Right to Love — A romantic detour for Jacko. Want to see how amply rewarded Jacko was when he & Vic save an old woman from Bedlam?

The Mesmerist The Mesmerist can control people from afar and make them murder for her. Worse yet, Xavier Thorn has fallen under her spell.

Well Kept Secrets — The problems with secrets is that they always come to light, no matter how you wish to silence them.

Pack of Trouble — Changes are a part of life, but these changes almost kill Vic.

The Darkest Days — Muddled cases make Vic very grumpy.

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT

LIZA O’CONNOR

Investigate these sites:

Liza’s Blog and Website   Facebook   Twitter

The White Oak-Mafia Series with captian

Posted in Guest Bloggers, Guest Posts, New Release, Promotion | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Medieval Monday ~ First Kiss: Barbara Bettis and Silverhawk

Welcome back to Medieval Monday. This month we are posting an excerpt with the first kiss of the hero and heroine. My guest today is Barbara Bettis with Silverhawk.

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Excerpt:

Lady Emelin tucked her heavy brown wimple beneath her chin and watched the wounded knight.

Swollen eyelids, a puffy cheek, and bloody scrapes couldn’t hide his handsome features. Waves of midnight hair fell across his wide forehead to brush one side of his square, stubble-darkened jaw. Grit clustered on the high bridge of his nose. What shame such a strong, rugged man should be cut down. Her pulse fluttered, and she sucked in a sharp breath. Ashamed of such reaction, she squeezed shut her eyes.

Would Stephen have been so handsome, had he lived? She hardly recalled what her youthful first betrothed looked like when he joined his foster father on King Richard’s crusade. If only he’d returned, she’d be wed now, with the family she craved.

She sighed, reached for a leaf on her patient’s cheek—and found herself staring into the palest gray eyes she’d ever seen. His mouth moved; she leaned forward.

“What is it?” she murmured.

“Before…I…die,” came the hoarse whisper.

“Yes? What would you like before you die?” If it were in her power, she would provide the poor man with his wish. Drink? Food?

A strong hand gripped the back of her head, pulled her forward. That close, she saw his eyes weren’t gray, but layered like a winter pond winking with ice. They were silver.

“To…kiss…a nun,” came the outrageous reply before his lips met hers.

His warm mouth robbed her of breath for an instant. Then she snapped back with a gasp. And, with inborn reflex, slapped him. His head jerked, his eyes closed, and he lay motionless.

“Oh, Sweet Mary,” Emelin whispered, “I’ve killed him.” Leaning close, she saw his narrow, beautifully molded lips relax. His mouth curved at the corner.

At least he died with a smile on his face.

 

BLURB

He’s everything a proper lady should never want; she’s everything a bastard mercenary can never have.

Sir Giles has come to England to kill his father, who seduced and betrayed his mother. First, however, he’ll seek sweet revenge—kidnap the old lord’s new betrothed. But when Giles uncovers a plot against King Richard, he faces a dilemma: take the lady or track the traitors. What’s a good mercenary to do? Both, of course.

Lady Emelin has had enough. Abandoned in a convent by her brother, she finally has a chance for home and family. Yet now she’s been abducted. Her kidnapper may be the image of her dream knight, but she won’t allow him to spoil this betrothal. Her only solution: escape. Rescuing the intrepid lady—while hunting traitors—is a challenge Giles couldn’t anticipate. But the greatest challenge to Giles and Emelin is the fire blazing between them. For he’s everything a proper lady should never want, and she’s everything a bastard mercenary can never have

BUY LINK:

http://amzn.to/1WTz3KJ

 

Hope you enjoyed this excerpt! See you next week when our excerpts will change to celebrations in honor of the season.

Posted in Historical Romance, Medieval Monday, Medieval Mondays, Medieval Romance, Promotion | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 2/21/16 Only Marriage Will Do ~ “I Can Make You Burn Again”

 

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Only Marriage Will Do is February’s “Book of the Month” so I’ve put up 10 more lines from it. This is Book 2 of my House of Pleasure series.

I’m starting somewhat in the middle, with a scene I really like. Throughout the book Juliet (our heroine) has been pursued by the Viscount Philippe St. Cyr, a debonair but ruthless Frenchman who claims he is married to Juliet through a proxy marriage in France the year before.

As this scene begins Juliet believes herself married to the man she loves, Amiable, but they are estranged and she is living with her brother and sister-in-law. In this scene, Juliet and her SIL, Katarina, have been talking about whether they would like a  girl or a boy. Both ladies are pregnant and Katarina had just excused herself to go to the “necessary” room and Philippe walks in. At the top of this snippet, Philippe has seated himself next to her on the sofa. (Creative punctuation in use here.)

ONLY MARRIAGE WILL DO

“But a short time ago you burned for me, mon amour,” he whispered. “I can make you burn again. I can make you forget everything but the passion we shared once you are in my arms,” he said as  he moved closer, easing his arm around her shoulders.

She could not conceive of a time she had thought she loved him. She shifted on the narrow sofa but had to sit still or land on the floor among the sharp shards of the shattered teacup.

He cradled her face, crooning, “My beautiful Juliet. Shall I remind you, petite, how it was between us?” He leaned toward her and she braced herself as his lips brushed hers. She jerked her head backward, clamping her mouth closed.

He chuckled, urged her head back toward him, and opened his mouth to claim her again as his.

Only Marriage Will Do is available here.

Blurb:

Not every happy-ever-after begins at “I do.”

When the man of her dreams rescues Lady Juliet Ferrers from the villain claiming to be her husband, she is sure she has found her one true love. But is she free to marry him? Not to be deterred, Juliet arranges for her hero to escort her to her family estate in far off Northern England—hoping that along the way she can win his love—and his hand… Captivated by Juliet’s sweetness and beauty, Captain Amiable Dawson can’t help but be spellbound by the promise of a life with her. But the spell breaks when questions arise about her marital status. Soon the upstanding Amiable is unsure if he is indeed married to Juliet. And when his rival absconds with her, Amiable must choose between the law of the land and his heart’s desire to rescue Juliet once more…

That’s all for this week. Hope you enjoyed it!

And don’t forget to check out the rest of the Warriors here.  There’s some fantastic snippets to be read.

91xBE7mBjRL__SL1500_Marriage 2TETL SET CORRECT COVERAKBTM15

 

 

Posted in Historical Romance, On Weekend Writing Warriors, Only Marriage Will Do, Promotion, Weekend Writing Warriors | Tagged , , , | 9 Comments

Book Targeting and Facebook by Book Market Maven

Book Market Maven came out with a  new post today on book targeting and Facebook–very timely for me, since I recently started advertising  on Facebook. If you’re an author, you should read this post by Patricia Green. Great advice and news of a free “training” course.

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“Recently, I took a free “training” course through K-Lytics. If you’re not familiar with them, you ought to be. They’re an excellent resource for book targeting help. It’s all well and good to write a terrific book, but you also have to target it to the right audience. Even those of you who go through publishers – been there, done that – need to be able to write to the market…”  To read the rest of the article go to http://www.bookmarketmaven.com/book-targeting-and-facebook/

 

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Book of the Month: Only Marriage Will Do (Week 2)

My Book of the Month for February is my Georgian/Regency romance Only Marriage Will Do, Book 2 in my House of Pleasure Series.  I’ll be  running giveaways all month involving OMWD.

ONLY MARRIAGE WILL DO

OFFICIAL BLURB FOR ONLY MARRIAGE WILL DO

Not every happy-ever-after begins at “I do.”

When the man of her dreams rescues Lady Juliet Ferrers from the villain claiming to be her husband, she is sure she has found her one true love. But is she free to marry him? Not to be deterred, Juliet arranges for her hero to escort her to her family estate in far off Northern England—hoping that along the way she can win his love—and his hand…

Captivated by Juliet’s sweetness and beauty, Captain Amiable Dawson can’t help but be spellbound by the promise of a life with her. But the spell breaks when questions arise about her marital status. Soon the upstanding Amiable is unsure if he is indeed married to Juliet. And when his rival absconds with her, Amiable must choose between the law of the land and his heart’s desire to rescue Juliet once more…

LAST WEEK’S WINNER

JENNIFER LOWREY!!!

(Jennifer, I’ll be contacting you shortly!)

THIS WEEK’S GIVEAWAY:

This week’s Giveaway is a signed print copy of the first book of  the series, Only Scandal Will Do!

onlyscandalwilldo size

(Another gorgeous cover!)

To enter, lovely reader,  leave a comment about what you look for in a hero of historical romance on this post between today and next Thursday, February 25th. The winner will be announced on Friday, February 26th along with the next giveaway.

BLURB:

He has the woman of his dreams, but what price will he have to pay to win her heart?

Kidnapped and sold at auction in a London brothel, Lady Katarina Fitzwilliam squelches an undeniable attraction to the masked stranger who purchased her, pits her wits against him, and escapes him and the scandal that would ruin her life.

Unable to resist temptation in a London brothel, Duncan Ferrers, Marquess of Dalbury, purchases a fiery beauty. She claims she’s a lady, but how can she be? No lady of his acquaintance in polite society is anything like her. Then he discovers she is who she says, and that this latest romp has compromised her reputation. He knows how that is. One more scandal and he’ll be cast out of London society, but he needs a wife who’ll provide an heir to carry on his illustrious family’s name. He seeks out Katarina, intending only to scotch the scandal, but instead finds his heart ensnared. He’s betting their future he’ll capture her heart, but does he have what it takes to win the wager?

WARNING: A blade-wielding heroine who crosses swords with a master of sensuality.

EXCERPT:

Katarina clutched the chair’s golden upholstery to keep from launching herself at him and wrapping her fingers around his arrogant throat. “I am Lady Katarina Fitzwilliam, sister to the Earl of Manning. I was kidnapped and brought here tonight against my will.”

He cocked his head. Then his mouth twitched. “Truly? What an exciting life you must lead…Lady Katarina, was it?” He chuckled deep in his chest, and took a step toward the chair.

She glared at him. “I am Lady Katarina Fitzwilliam, you dullard.”

“And true ladies always run around London at night scandalously underdressed as Greek slaves?”

“My brother and I were on our way to a masquerade ball when I was abducted.”

“As was I, fair lady,” he bowed with an exaggerated flourish, “when I decided to come to this charming establishment instead. Perhaps if we had continued on our ways uninterrupted, we would even now be dancing together at the ball.”

That nasty laugh grated against her nerves worse than the screech of rusty nails, making her contemplate murder. If the scoundrel didn’t believe her story, killing him might be her only means of escape.

Only Marriage Will Do is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other e-retailers.

Only Scandal Will Do is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other e-tailers.

Posted in Book of the Month, Book Spotlights, Historical Romance, House of Pleasure Series, On Regency Romance, Only Marriage Will Do, Promotion, Regency Romance | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Sweets to the Sweet Winners!

I am very pleased to announce the winners of my Sweets to the Sweet Giveaway!

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Congratulations to

DEBORAH GARDNER

(Winner of the Amazon Gift Card)

MARILYN COLLINS

(Winner of the Godiva Chocolates)

Rhonda Dennis

(Winner of the Complete Jenna Jaxon Collection)

Congratulations again, Ladies!  I’ll be contacting you later today about your prizes.

Thanks so much to every one who participated!

Stay tuned for my Pot O’ Gold Giveaway in March!

Posted in Winners | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Spotlight: My Lady Valentine by Lindsay Downs

my lady valentine med

Blurb-

The past has come back to haunt Lord Mathew and Lady Jessica. Even with extra precautions to keep them both safe from someone who was supposed to be dead, their plans quickly change. With family and friends, they retire to the Winsome estate to await the countess’s annual Valentine Eve Ball.

What Lord Matthew doesn’t realize is this excursion will be rather costly for him as Lady Jessica insists on a proper gown for the ball. While she and the other ladies shop Lord Matthew and Lord Justin, the newest peer, search out where the person could be hiding. What they find is even more disturbing-a body. Immediately Lord Matthew knows who murdered the old man. Another individual who shouldn’t be living as he and Lady Jessica watched her die.

After passing this information on to their friends the men set about to hunt these people down. Will the persons be found in time so Lord Matthew and Lady Jessica can marry without worry?

Excerpt-

Stepping in, Matt was more focused on the powerful peer than anything which wasn’t his norm, considering his former duties to the Crown. Several feet from the desk, behind which the duke sat glaring at him, Matt stopped and gave a deep bow.

“Take a seat,” the duke ordered, or so it seemed to Matt.

Immediately, this gave him a hint as to how this interview would go. Interrogation. The only chair available, was a hard-seated, straight-backed one which reminded Matt of his youth and being called into his father’s office for a dressing down.

Knowing he wasn’t to speak until addressed by His Grace, Matt tried to calm his increasingly quaking nerves, but to very little avail. The stare he was getting could have rivaled any from the Grand Dames of the ton. Finally.

“So, you’re here to seek my approval in marrying my goddaughter, Lady Jessica? Can you give me one valid reason why I should give my consent?”

“Yes, Your Grace. I love Lady Jessica to the point of distraction and have ever since we met a year or so ago,” Matt barely got out.

“Then, I ask, why has it taken so long for you to approach me? Before you answer, I am well aware of your reputation within the ton and duties to the Crown.”

“As you said, Your Grace, you know of my past indiscretions but since I was formally introduced to Lady Jessica, not once has my eye strayed to another. As for my work with the Crown, many times I have been called away. Only now have I tendered my services with them, much to their displeasure,” Matt explained.

“If you receive my nod, what are your plans if Lady Jessica agrees to be your wife? Will you keep her shuttered away in some faraway estate thus not permitting her to come to London?”

“Your Grace, as I’ve no estate of my own until I, someday in the distant future, become the Earl of Winsome, we will reside either in the earl’s townhouse or the country estate. As for coming to London during the Season, I will be more than happy to accompany her that way we may keep acquainted with her and my friends.”

He could feel himself becoming more panicked that the duke wouldn’t give his permission to speak with the earl. When the office door opened, it was all Matt could do to keep from jumping up. Not hearing anyone approach but knowing someone had entered, it took all of his fortitude to keep his attention focused on the duke.

“Dearest husband, why on earth are you giving this boy such a hard time? You’ve known all along he would receive your permission, so just give it, and let him be on his way.” Matt heard the duchess declare.

Matt jumped to his feet, turned, and bowed deeply to the grand lady.

“Because I wished to see him squirm. After all, he’s about to depart on the most amazing adventure of his life, and I wanted to make sure he was ready,” the duke stated.

 

Buy Links:

US- http://tinyurl.com/hqf3uec

UK- http://tinyurl.com/gmbvofu

CA- http://tinyurl.com/jcuqcb7

AU- http://tinyurl.com/h7nvo5a

IN- http://tinyurl.com/jzqpb2g

 

Author Photo Lindsay DownsAbout Me:

I’ve been an avid reader ever since I was old enough to hold a red leather bound first edition copy of Sir Walter Scott’s The Lady of the Lake in my lap.

So it only seemed natural at some point in my life I take up pen and paper to start writing. Over time my skills slightly improved which I attribute to my English teachers.

My breakthrough came about in the mid 1970’s when I read a historical romance written by Sergeanne Golon, Angelique. This French husband and wife team opened my eyes to the real world of fiction. Stories about romance, beautiful damsels, handsome heroes and plots which kept me hooked. Of course, being a man, I had to keep my reading hidden from others as that wasn’t appropriate reading for men.

With this new found appreciation of the written word I took up other books and devoured them as a starving person would a plate of food. I them attempted to write again. I still wasn’t satisfied so I put it aside for years as other events entered my life.

Finally, in the early years of the new millennium I tried again to write and once again met with limited success. At least now I was able to get past the first page or two. Then, in 2006 a life changing event brought me back to my love: I took a job as a security officer. This allowed me plenty of time to read different genres.

My favourite was regency. As I poured through everyone I could get my hands on I knew this could be something I wanted to attempt.

Since 2012 when my debut regency romantic suspense released, I was hooked and have, except for a few contemporaries, focused on this genre.

Since 2012 I’ve lived in central Texas. I’m also a member of Romance Writers of America and their local chapter.

 

Where you can find me-

Facebook- http://tinyurl.com/pgq8vzz

Facebook Pages-         http://tinyurl.com/nresq5j

Twitter- @ldowns2966

LinkedIn- http://tinyurl.com/e8t56

Goodreads-http://tinyurl.com/prcdmml

Lindsay Downs-Romance Author- http://tinyurl.com/kvfz468

Amazon- http://tinyurl.com/ktem76c

Posted in Book Spotlights, Guest Bloggers, Historical Romance, On Regency Romance, Regency Romance, Spotlights | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Medieval Monday ~ First Kiss: An Intense Ripple of Pleasure: Ashley York’s The Irish Warrior

Medieval Monday is back this week with a new snippet. For January/February we are posting an excerpt with the first kiss of the hero and heroine. My guest today is Ashley York with her  release The Gentile Knight.

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TheGentleKnight5_850EXCERPT:

“What. Will. It. Be?” He leaned in closer, whispering each word.

“Whatever you think best?” She spoke as calmly as she could but the room was getting very hot.

He glanced up as if trying to read an unclear sign but then that assured smile returned.

A tiny quiver rippled through her. Before she could speak again, he was closing in on her, his body up against hers.

“Whatever I think best?”

She wavered for a moment, unsure why he answered her with that tone. She wanted nothing more than to melt against him, envelope herself in his heat. This was just like in her dream. Hot and heady.

Then his firm lips were on hers. His hard length pressing her into the table, as if trying to meld them together. Her body would gladly have done just that if only it could have turned to pure liquid instead of just a growing warmth where his hips grinded into her.

He pulled his head back enough to search her face. He was breathing hard. He looked bewildered. “Is this what you want then?”

Her body arched towards his where the pressure had eased. “I…I’m not sure.” She should not be feeling this way. “Please.”

The answering sound from deep in his throat surprised her but then she got what she craved. His lips on hers again, then trailing across her cheek and down her jaw. An intense ripple of pleasure shot straight to her core. His hips undulated against hers, the heat, the dampness. She moaned.

He suddenly stopped, his head still dipped into the crook of her neck. She didn’t dare breathe.

“I do not believe your protector will be happy with the outcome if we continue.” His voice was husky, his breath warm against her skin. He shifted away.

Her body immediately missed his. Her eyes closed, she took a slow, steadying breath.

BLURB:

A medieval soldier returns home to find his lover died in childbirth just as his own mother had. Believing he is cursed, Peter of Normandy turns from love. When he must give escort to an Irish princess more noble than many knights, he struggles with his decision to live a solitary life. Can he take the chance that his love won’t be a death sentence and possibly make them stronger?

Padraig MacNaughton’s death bed decree rips his daughter, Brighit, from the shelter of her protective clan in Ireland. Forced to take vows at a Priory in England, she finds herself in the hands of lecherous mercenaries with their own political agendas. Dare she trust the Norman knight to see her safely to her new life as a nun? Even when she finds in him the fulfillment of all she’s ever wanted?

Or will honor and duty eclipse their one chance for happiness?

BUY LINKS: Apple    Kobo    Amazon    Barnes and Noble

Hope you enjoyed this excerpt! See you next week!

Posted in Historical Romance, Medieval Monday, Medieval Mondays, Medieval Romance, Promotion | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 2/14/16 Only Marriage Will Do ~ Time Runs Out

 

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HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!!!!

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Only Marriage Will Do is February’s “Book of the Month” so I’ve put up 10 lines from it. This is Book 2 of my House of Pleasure series.

I’m starting somewhat in the middle, with a scene I really like. Throughout the book Juliet (our heroine) has been pursued by the Viscount Philippe St. Cyr, a debonair but ruthless Frenchman who claims he is married to Juliet through a proxy marriage in France the year before.

As this scene begins Juliet believes herself married to the man she loves, Amiable, but they are estranged and she is living with her brother and sister-in-law. In this scene, Juliet and her SIL, Katarina, have been talking about whether they would like a  girl or a boy. Both ladies are pregnant and Katarina had just excused herself to go to the “necessary” room and Philippe walks in.

ONLY MARRIAGE WILL DO

“Philippe, how did you get in here?” Juliet shrank back against the sofa, fear running coldly through her veins.

“I merely told the footman I had been summoned by you, petite,” he said, leaning against the doorjamb, his evil smile broadening.

This could not be happening.

He pushed the door shut, the latch clicking into place with a sickening finality. As he sauntered into the room, the air seemed to thicken with his presence. The warm, cheerful chamber turned cold, as though she sat in an icehouse. The walls seemed to shrink as he strutted toward her, the heels of his black boots tapping loudly on the polished floor. Each beat sounded like ticks of a clock until he stood before her.

She had run out of time.

Only Marriage Will Do is available here.

Blurb:

Not every happy-ever-after begins at “I do.”

When the man of her dreams rescues Lady Juliet Ferrers from the villain claiming to be her husband, she is sure she has found her one true love. But is she free to marry him? Not to be deterred, Juliet arranges for her hero to escort her to her family estate in far off Northern England—hoping that along the way she can win his love—and his hand… Captivated by Juliet’s sweetness and beauty, Captain Amiable Dawson can’t help but be spellbound by the promise of a life with her. But the spell breaks when questions arise about her marital status. Soon the upstanding Amiable is unsure if he is indeed married to Juliet. And when his rival absconds with her, Amiable must choose between the law of the land and his heart’s desire to rescue Juliet once more…

Today is the final day of my SWEETS TO THE SWEET Valentine’s Giveaway. If you’d like to enter to win a gift card, chocolates, and a complete set of Jenna Jaxon books (including Only Marriage Will Do) click HERE.

That’s all for this week. Hope you enjoyed it!

And don’t forget to check out the rest of the Warriors here.  There’s some fantastic snippets to be read.

91xBE7mBjRL__SL1500_Marriage 2TETL SET CORRECT COVERAKBTM15

 

 

Posted in Historical Romance, On Weekend Writing Warriors, Only Marriage Will Do, Promotion, Weekend Writing Warriors | Tagged , , , | 18 Comments

Book of the Month: Only Marriage Will Do

My Book of the month for February is my Georgian/Regency romance Only Marriage Will Do, Book 2 in my House of Pleasure Series.  I’ll be  running giveaways all month involving OMWD and this week’s is a signed print copy of the book!

ONLY MARRIAGE WILL DO

(Isn’t that cover gorgeous!)

Yep, I’ve currently got only two print copies in my possession and  I’m going to give away one to one of you lovely readers who leaves a comment about what you look for in a heroine of historical romance on this post between today and next Thursday, February 18. The winner will be announced on Friday, February 19 along with the next giveaway.

Good luck and happy reading!

OFFICIAL BLURB FOR ONLY MARRIAGE WILL DO

Not every happy-ever-after begins at “I do.”

When the man of her dreams rescues Lady Juliet Ferrers from the villain claiming to be her husband, she is sure she has found her one true love. But is she free to marry him? Not to be deterred, Juliet arranges for her hero to escort her to her family estate in far off Northern England—hoping that along the way she can win his love—and his hand…

Captivated by Juliet’s sweetness and beauty, Captain Amiable Dawson can’t help but be spellbound by the promise of a life with her. But the spell breaks when questions arise about her marital status. Soon the upstanding Amiable is unsure if he is indeed married to Juliet. And when his rival absconds with her, Amiable must choose between the law of the land and his heart’s desire to rescue Juliet once more…

EXCERPT:

The clock on the mantle chimed the quarter hour. After one o’clock in the morning and, despite the excitement of the day, her escape from London, her afternoon nap and its disturbing dream, Juliet still couldn’t sleep.

After almost an hour of tossing and turning in her wretched bed, she’d sent Glynis to the kitchen to see if they had kept hot water over the fire. Perhaps a bath would soothe her enough to make sleep possible. Had she brought her lavender oil? So calming. Surely that would help.

She slipped on her robe and padded to her traveling trunk at the end of the bed. She lifted the lid and pulled out the box that held her soaps and perfumes. As she checked the vials, a tentative knock sounded at the door.

“Come in, Glynis.” She uncapped a vial and sniffed the contents. Jasmine. No. Not for the bath.

The door opened.

“Are they bringing the tub? I think the lavender oil will help me relax.”

“Very good, my lady.” The deep masculine voice froze her, vial in hand.

Her head snapped up.

A towering male figure stood shadowed in the doorway.

Dear God, Philippe had found her.

“Or is it Mrs. Dawson perhaps?”

No accent. He was not Philippe. A hired thug sent to kidnap her?

Strength drained away. She dropped the box and whirled around, seeking a way out of the room that suddenly seemed to close in on her.

Bottles crashed and the reek of jasmine filled the room. Juliet shrieked and stumbled back behind the bed. Trapped. Easy prey.

The man raced toward her, calling out something she couldn’t hear for the blood pounding in her ears. The candle he carried blew out. He cursed and reached for her.

“Nooo! Get away. Don’t touch me.” Slapping at his hands, she twisted to avoid him and landed with a thud, flat on her back. Air rushed out of her lungs.

He sped around the end of the bed.

She struggled to scream for Glynis, but produced only a high-pitched squeak.

The man knelt beside her.

Dear Lord, where was her rescuer now?

Only Marriage Will Do is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other e-retailers.

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