RELEASE DAY!

WELCOME TO THE PARTY

AND TO EXCERPT AND

GIVEAWAY #3

Book 2 of The Welwyn Marriage Wager releases TODAY! Check out this romantic Victorian era novella.

BLURB:

If love’s a game, he’s playing to win.

For reasons of her own, Isabelle Devereaux isn’t looking for a husband. Yet thanks to her mother here she is, in the middle of the social whirl of the Little Season. Thinking to refuse any gentleman who offers for her, Isabelle endures the lavish entertainments, saddened that she’ll remain a spinster.

Enter Baron MacKay, Sandy to his friends, in search of a wife to win a family wager. Dazzled by Isabelle’s beauty, he’s drawn to the vulnerable young lady. From the moment they meet, he charms her with his kind and generous nature until, against her will, Isabelle falls in love with him. Even though she knows marriage to him may end in disaster, she can’t resist his kisses…or where they lead.

Desperate to marry Sandy, Isabelle puts her misgivings aside, but circumstances spiral out of control as their wedding approaches. Isabelle must confront the demons that haunt her and make an agonizing decision: can she marry Sandy without telling him the one impediment that may shatter their happiness forever?

EXCERPT:

Quivering, though she tried her best to stop, Isabelle regretted her words to Lord MacKay almost immediately. The gentleman was a total stranger. They hadn’t even been introduced properly and here she was allowing him to take her out onto a secluded verandah where who knew what liberties he might try to take with her. Still, if she didn’t get out of the stifling ballroom she might run screaming through Lady Winslow’s house out into the night.

Her waltz with Lord Barclay had been a dreadful mistake. She prayed her request to Lord MacKay wasn’t another one.

Clenching her teeth as she remembered the feeling of Lord Barclay’s hands squeezing her waist tightly during the dance, she swallowed quickly before her gorge could rise. She had to get out of here now. “Can we leave, please?”

“Of course.” Without another word, Lord MacKay led her toward the verandah doors, her current hope of heaven. She danced impatiently as he cast a glance over the ballroom, then hesitated. Leaning slightly toward her, he laughed then whispered, “Not yet. Lady Marksby is looking this way.”

Thank goodness for her escort’s cool head. Lady Marksby’s sharp eyes had ruined more than one young lady’s reputation.

“Now, go.” He opened the French doors just wide enough so her hoops could glide through them, then she was out in the night and its blessedly cool air.

Isabelle breathed as deeply as her tightly laced corset would allow, and a measure of calm descended on her. Here in the semi-darkness, she could convince herself that she was safe, that no one would harm her. She glanced at her escort, apprehension rising once more, but he made no move toward her. Still, caution won out and she retreated from him, putting several feet of distance between them and putting her into the shadows beyond the illumination of the overhead lanterns.

“Did Barclay hurt you in any way, Miss Devereaux?”

Isabelle couldn’t see Lord MacKay’s face, but the menace in his voice came through clear as day. She needed to tread carefully with this unknown entity. “Why no, my lord. Why would you think that?”

“Because of the way you jerked away from him just now, after the dance.”

Curse the man for having sharp eyes. She shouldn’t have been so obvious, but when Lord Barclay’s hand had strayed to her waist and she’d felt the pressure of him pulling her toward him, she’d reacted without rational thought. For him to have done it during the dance had been bad enough. To repeat the offense while they were conversing afterward, when anyone could see the liberty—had seen it, apparently—had been too much to bear. “It was nothing, my lord. I…I should not have been so…hasty.”

“Indeed?” Lord MacKay strode forward into the light, his face now clearly visible in the lantern’s glow. It was an arresting face, handsome as a chiseled stone had beauty in its stark planes. Jet black hair glinted coldly in the soft light. His dark eyes under darker brows rested unwaveringly on her. “I must disagree with you, Miss Devereaux. I believe Lord Barclay took egregious liberties with you, both on and off the dance floor.”

“And why would you think that, my lord?” Oh, she should never have come out here with Lord MacKay. Should never have agreed to dance with Lord Barclay. Should never have come to Lady Winslow’s ball at all.

“Because I know Lord Barclay to be a cad of the most dangerous kind.”

“What kind is that?”

“A gentleman with a title that makes matchmaking mamas overlook his lack of decency in the hopes of securing him and his position for their daughters.” Lord MacKay’s stare bore into her. “Did you accept a dance with him because you wished to do so, or was it at the urging of your mother perhaps?”

Isabelle hung her head. “My mother suggested it. She wishes me settled this year.” Which was nothing out of the ordinary in Polite Society. Raising her head, she stared back at the Lord MacKay. “There is nothing inappropriate in dancing with a gentleman.”

“Inappropriate, no. Ill-advised yes, especially when the man in question has no respect whatsoever for women.” He drew himself up, as if about to make a formal declaration. “Did Lord Barclay insult you with attentions that are considered beyond the pale, Miss Devereaux?”

“If he did do so, my lord, there is nothing that can be done about it now.” Her words came out sharper than intended, but Lord MacKay seemed to be bordering on impertinence himself.

“On the contrary, Miss Devereaux, if you tell me he engaged in indecent behavior toward you, it will be my pleasure to call the scoundrel out.”

Welcome to the Release Party!

There are three posts today from the opening scenes from The Baron’s Halo. And to celebrate, I’m giving away $10.00  Amazon gift cards at each post.

To enter comment below on your favorite element of historical romance: do you like the social rules that cannot be broken, the descriptions of grand houses or sumptious clothing, or are the heroes more heroic, the damsels more daring? A winner will be chosen from those who comment for the 6:00 post.

And here’s the song that was the inspiration for this book:

The Baron’s Halo is available on Amazon for .99 and is also available on Kindle Unlimited!

Books in The Welwyn Marriage Wager series

RELEASE DAY!

WELCOME TO THE PARTY

AND TO EXCERPT AND

GIVEAWAY #2

Book 2 of The Welwyn Marriage Wager releases TODAY! Check out this romantic Victorian era novella.

BLURB:

If love’s a game, he’s playing to win.

For reasons of her own, Isabelle Devereaux isn’t looking for a husband. Yet thanks to her mother here she is, in the middle of the social whirl of the Little Season. Thinking to refuse any gentleman who offers for her, Isabelle endures the lavish entertainments, saddened that she’ll remain a spinster.

Enter Baron MacKay, Sandy to his friends, in search of a wife to win a family wager. Dazzled by Isabelle’s beauty, he’s drawn to the vulnerable young lady. From the moment they meet, he charms her with his kind and generous nature until, against her will, Isabelle falls in love with him. Even though she knows marriage to him may end in disaster, she can’t resist his kisses…or where they lead.

Desperate to marry Sandy, Isabelle puts her misgivings aside, but circumstances spiral out of control as their wedding approaches. Isabelle must confront the demons that haunt her and make an agonizing decision: can she marry Sandy without telling him the one impediment that may shatter their happiness forever?

EXCERPT:

Pursing his lips, Barclay seemed about ready to speak then, taking Sandy’s fixed gaze into consideration, turned to the lady. “Would you like for me to escort you, Miss Devereaux? I am more than willing to return you to your mother.”

The lady looked up at him, the frightened look smoothing out until she managed a small smile. “Thank you, Lord Barclay, but as my next partner is here, there is no need. I suspect a new set will be forming by the time we reach Mama.” She looked pointedly at Sandy’s arm and he hastily offered his elbow which she looped her arm through. “My thanks for a lovely waltz, my lord.”

The unexpected thrill of her touch made Sandy’s heart race. Beads of sweat popped out on his forehead. Thank God the room was warm enough to account for that, although he understood the heat came from within himself, not from the myriad bodies pressed together around them in the ballroom. It was all due to the petite woman now standing very close beside him, clutching his arm.

“Very well, Miss Devereaux.” His smile turned into a snarl. “MacKay.”

Sandy bowed, not wanting to hide his triumphant smile. “Barclay.”

The young lord huffed away, leaving Sandy suddenly alone with the entrancing Miss Devereaux. But what the devil was he going to do with her? The obvious thing rose to mind. “Miss Devereaux, would you like for me to return you to your mother?”

With a slight shake of her head, she steered them toward the doors of the verandah. “No, thank you…is it Lord MacKay?”

Mesmerized by the lady, Sandy managed a nod.

A frown marred her features. “I am sorry, but have we been introduced?” Her gaze continued to hold him. “I’m certain I would remember you.”

He prayed fervently that was true. Taking a deep breath, Sandy launched forth into his best version of an explanation for his bold actions. “Unfortunately not, Miss Devereaux, although I tried very hard to find Lady Winslow to ask her to introduce me to you. I was unsuccessful in that endeavor, so I must beg your pardon for my intrusion.”

Sandy hesitated. He’d been certain the lady was frightened of Barclay when he barged in between them, but now he began to doubt himself. Still, he must continue with the explanation. “I thought I noted you were in some distress from Lord Barclay’s proximity to you. A fictional dance set looked to be the best way to release you from his company.” He stopped and stared down into her perfect blue eyes. “If I was mistaken in the nature of your exchange, I am truly sorry for interrupting your private conversation.”

Miss Devereaux gave a furtive glance toward the dance floor, where the next set was indeed forming. She straightened her shoulders, then looked into his face, a determined look on her own. “Did you wish to dance this set with me, my lord?”

Catching his breath at the thought of having this lovely creature in his arms even for a few moments, Sandy smiled at her. “I would be forever grateful to be allowed to stand up with you, Miss Devereaux.” He peered into her face as it went from hopeful to despairing. “However, my desires are of no consequence at the moment. I will gladly forfeit that joy in order to do whatever you bid me do.”

At that, she gave him a trembling but genuine smile. “Then please take me out onto the verandah before my real partner discovers where I am and claims me.”

Welcome to the Release Party!

There will be three posts today with one more excerpt to go from this scene from The Baron’s Halo. And to celebrate, I’m giving away $10.00  Amazon gift cards at each post.

To enter comment below on your favorite type of heroine: do you like no-nonsense, strong-minded heroine  or the damsel in distress better? A winner will be chosen from those who comment for the 3:00 post.

The final new post will release at  6:00 pm with an additional excerpts and new giveaway!

The Baron’s Halo is available on Amazon for .99 and is also available on Kindle Unlimited!

Books in The Welwyn Marriage Wager series

RELEASE DAY!

WELCOME TO THE PARTY

Book 2 of The Welwyn Marriage Wager releases TODAY! Check out this romantic Victorian era novella.

BLURB:

If love’s a game, he’s playing to win.

For reasons of her own, Isabelle Devereaux isn’t looking for a husband. Yet thanks to her mother here she is, in the middle of the social whirl of the Little Season. Thinking to refuse any gentleman who offers for her, Isabelle endures the lavish entertainments, saddened that she’ll remain a spinster.

Enter Baron MacKay, Sandy to his friends, in search of a wife to win a family wager. Dazzled by Isabelle’s beauty, he’s drawn to the vulnerable young lady. From the moment they meet, he charms her with his kind and generous nature until, against her will, Isabelle falls in love with him. Even though she knows marriage to him may end in disaster, she can’t resist his kisses…or where they lead.

Desperate to marry Sandy, Isabelle puts her misgivings aside, but circumstances spiral out of control as their wedding approaches. Isabelle must confront the demons that haunt her and make an agonizing decision: can she marry Sandy without telling him the one impediment that may shatter their happiness forever?

EXCERPT:

Sandy had just started across the dancefloor, searching frantically for Lady Winslow who must, of course, know the young lady, when Miss Devereaux jerked back from Barclay, as if he had suddenly caught fire. She snatched her hand from his and stumbled backward abruptly, her wide-eyed gaze scanning the room, telegraphing a plea for help. Barclay too seemed startled by her action, for he stood unmoving, his hand still suspended in the air after her abrupt withdrawal.

In the seconds it took Sandy to comprehend what was happening, he’d already shoved past a group of gentlemen at the edge of the floor, dodged this way and that through the couples who were quitting the dance floor, all of whom seemed to be coming straight at him, and finally broke into an outright run. He fetched up at Miss Devereaux’s side in less time than it took to breathe deeply, although it seemed as though he’d been trudging through quicksand for an hour.

Startled, the lady let out a slight “Awp,” and jumped back further, as though being beset from another front.

Barclay’s brows shot up, then slowly dipped into a dark frown. The scowl did nothing to improve the man’s appearance. He opened his mouth, but Sandy leaped into the fray, turning to the lady, who still looked wary.

“Miss Devereaux,  I believe this next set belongs to me.” Sandy stared at the frightened lady, hoping to convey his good intentions through his steadfast gaze and eager smile. He couldn’t have been mistaken about her dislike of something Lord Barclay had done. She’d been backing away from the man when he arrived. But she might be willing to forgive a transgression in a man she knew instead of acknowledging one she didn’t know. As they had not been introduced, she’d be within her rights to wave him off. If she denied him, however, he’d be at a loss as to how to proceed.

“I was about to take Miss Devereaux back to her mother, MacKay,” Barclay declared, impatience in his gravelly voice. “If you will excuse—”

“Were you indeed?” Sandy managed to put as much doubt into his tone as he dared. He glanced pointedly at the verandah door, where he suspected Barclay had been attempting to abscond with her. Well, he’d take care of that little scheme forthwith. He grinned widely into Barclay’s pinched face. “Then I’ve saved you the effort, haven’t I?”

Welcome to the Release Party!

There will be three posts today with two more excerpts from this scene from The Baron’s Halo. And to celebrate, I’m giving away $10.00  Amazon gift cards at each post. To enter comment below on your favorite type of hero: do you like the angel (like Sandy) or the bad boy better? A winner will be chosen from those who comment for the 12:00 post.

New posts will release at 3:00pm and 6:00 pm with additional excerpts and new giveaways!

The Baron’s Halo is available on Amazon for .99 and is also available on Kindle Unlimited!

Books in The Welwyn Marriage Wager series