Spotlight on Sunday

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Spotlight on Lord Maxwell’s Quest

Lord Maxwell Trent has never remained in one place for long. His fascination for history and quest for antiquities has taken him from Pompeii to Greece to Egypt, and now the search of an ancient sword has brought him to London—and back into Miss Rosemary Fairview’s orbit.

Miss Fairview has always valued her independence. Raised by travel-mad parents and fascinated by her mother’s archaeological journals, she knew that she’d never be content to settle into the dull life of running a household. When word of the lost sword brings Rosemary to London, she finds herself in pursuit of the same relic as her nemesis, Lord Maxwell Trent.

They know it’s impossible the sword once belonged to The Maid of Orléans. But that one sliver of hope, the what-if, propels them on the quest to discover the truth.

Danger stalks them from Mayfair’s drawing rooms to the maze of London’s rookeries. Can they work together to find the sword—and to survive? And will they realize that perhaps they shouldn’t have been competitors at all, but something more?

BUY LINKS:

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B099DFFLSC/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_taft_p1_i0

iBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1576524055

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/lord-maxwell-s-quest

BN/Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lord-maxwells-quest-jane-charles/1139848358?ean=2940162258087

EXCERPT:

Partnering with Rosemary was an awful idea, and if he wouldn’t be distracted by worrying about her safety, Max would never have agreed to the proposition.

“You are going to be difficult, aren’t you?” she demanded as the hackney took them from Mayfair and into Whitechapel. The streets were busy tonight, which he found surprising given it wasn’t during the Season.

“I was more concerned with you being so,” he retorted.

“Yes, well, I have a plan to go about locating the sword.”

“As do I,” he informed her.

“How do you know that mine isn’t better?”

“How do you know that mine isn’t?” he countered.

“Oh, this is impossible.” She huffed and crossed her arms over her chest and stared out the window.

This might be the most difficult challenge he’d ever taken on. Not searching for the sword but working with a stubborn woman until it was located.

They said nothing further until the hackney pulled before the address of Madame LaFante.

After helping Rosemary onto the pavement, Max paid the driver then gathered their belongings and prayed it didn’t take them too long to find the sword.

Rosemary had marched ahead and rapped on the door. It was soon opened by a footman. “I’d like to see Madame LeFante,” she announced. “Lady Victoria Westbrook has sent me.”

“Us,” Max added as he stopped behind her.

The footman looked them over, then opened the door wider so that they could come inside.

“Would you please give her this?” Rosemary handed over the note to the footman, which he took, then disappeared down a corridor.

“I’d assumed bawdy houses were darker, or gauche,” Rosemary whispered.

“I’m certain she’s redecorated,” Max decided. Though, it could have been this bright then, not that anyone would have noticed after the sun set, the lamps lit, and rooms filled with men seeking intimacy for a short time. “We need to discuss this wisely and rationally.”

“I’m being very rational, and my plan is sound and sensible.”

“Why are you so confident?” he demanded.

“Because the women at Westbrook House helped me. They know the rookeries, and many were raised within and provided me with locations where someone might attempt to fence such an item or where I might overhear information, such as the tavern we’d both visited.”

He’d assumed she’d gone to her chamber and mapped out the best route to track the antiquity. Instead, she had questioned those familiar with the rookeries.

“I obtained my information from a better authority,” he informed her.

“Why do you always think you are right about everything? I find the women I spoke with highly informative and trust in their judgement.”

“Lady Victoria was correct.”

They turned to find an older woman, long after her prime, wrinkled, but still lovely and sharp.

“Her missive warned of the two of you bickering.”

“Yes, well, I apologize. It is not the best impression to leave,” Rosemary murmured.

Madame LeFante simply laughed.

“I hope you have two chambers that we might use for a short time. I don’t believe even a week will be necessary,” Rosemary explained.

“Two? No, I only have one.”

“Oh, that will never do,” Rosemary insisted.

“I’m afraid it must,” she insisted. “Come along. I’ll show you up.”

“We can’t share a chamber,” Max hissed. He’d thought having his own bed to sleep in would bring him at least some peace while undertaking this search with Rosemary.

This would be worse than that night in Jerusalem. He’d barely slept and was all too aware that she slumbered in his bed. Yes, Rosemary aggravated him to no end, but that didn’t change the fact that he found her desirable. So often he’d wanted to kiss her, simply so she’d cease arguing with him. At least, that was the excuse he made to himself, knowing it was a lie since there were several occasions when he’d wanted to kiss her, and not all of them were when they argued, such as when her eyes sparkled when she held an antiquity or she showed her enthusiasm during an excavation.

Blast! There was hardly ever a time that he didn’t want to kiss her for one reason or another, but he never would, for the same reason he’d not crawled into the bed in Jerusalem. She was an innocent miss no matter how worldly in her travels.

However, he’d never admit such to her, even if she were the one holding a knife to his throat because she’d never let him forget the admission.

“We aren’t even married,” Rosemary quickly objected.

“I recognize a married couple when I hear one.” Madame LeFante laughed again. “Besides, Lady Victoria introduced you as Mr. and Mrs. Milton Smythe, and that is who you are as long as you are here.”

Bloody hell.

MEET JANE CHARLES

USA Today bestselling author Jane Charles is a prolific writer of over fifty historical and contemporary romance novels. Her love of research lends authenticity to her Regency romances, and her experience directing theatre productions helps her craft beautiful, touching stories that tug at the heartstrings. Jane is an upbeat and positive author dedicated to giving her characters happy-ever-afters and leaving the readers satisfied at the end of an emotional journey. Lifelong Cubs fan, world traveler and mother of three amazing children, Jane lives in Central Illinois with her husband, two dogs and a cat. She is currently writing her next book and planning her dream trip to England. Be sure to join Jane in her private reader group Romance & Rosé:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/romanceandrose

https://janecharlesauthor.com (website and newsletter)

https://twitter.com/JaneAcharles

https://www.facebook.com/JaneCharlesAuthor

https://www.pinterest.com/JaneAcharles/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4879172.Jane_Charles

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Spotlight on To Claim the Long-Lost Lover

The early reviews are beginning to come in for To Claim the Long-Lost Lover, which will be released this coming Friday. Here’s one of them.

This third offering the The Return of the Mountain King series is, in my opinion, the best one so far. A reader can not help falling in love with the characters and root for them to find their HEA. Jude Knight tells a story of love, love lost and love found once again. I really enjoy a book that serves up not just romance but also a bit of intrigue, a villain who just will not go away, and visits with old friends from other tales. The author sets up the next book in the series, which may be an even better tale. Will that dastardly villain finally get his just reward?

Isn’t that neat?

To Claim the Long-Lost Lover

The beauty known as the Winderfield Diamond hides a ruinous secret. Society’s newest viscount holds the key.

Sarah Winderfield has refused every suitor since Nathaniel Beauclair convinced her to run away with him seven years ago, and then disappeared without a word or a trace. But now she needs a husband. She has a child to love and to protect, and the child needs a father.

She does not expect to meet Nate also on the marriage mart. Should she let him explain? Can she believe him?

Dragged back to England to feed his father’s pride in family, Nate refuses to give into the man’s demands that he take a wife. Those who beat and abducted him seven years ago said the only woman he will ever love would be married within the month to a husband chosen by her father.

But when he finds that Sarah is still single, he rushes to London. Surely, they can find again the promise they believed in when they were young?

Through a labyrinth of old rumours and new enemies, two long-lost lovers must decide whether or not to claim one another, and win the bright future they both desire.

Short blurb: Sarah’s beloved abandoned her eight years ago, leaving her to face the anger of her family and worse. And now he is back, more compelling than ever. Sarah is even lovelier than when she was a girl, but what did she know about her father’s revenge on Nate: forcible enlistment into the navy and years of servitude?

Buy Links

Books2Read: https://books2read.com/CMK-Claim

Jude Knight’s book page  https://judeknightauthor.com/books/to-claim-the-long-lost-lover/

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B096RLJJBZ

Excerpt

She is safe. Nate bounded up the stairs of the rooming house next door, having given the landlady such a generous bribe she would probably have sold him half the tenants, and not just access to the roof. The fear and anger that had driven him across London still roiled in his gut, a hollow burning ache.

She is safe, he thought again as he stepped out onto the roof and she walked into his arms, filling the emptiness. “I have never been more frightened in my life,” he murmured in her ear.

“I knew you would come to rescue me,” she replied, snuggling in as if she wanted him to absorb her, lifting her mouth to his.

He met her lips partway, lingering over a kiss that heated him to the core, transmuting what remained of his distress into a different kind of passion. He caught at the shreds of his self-control and reminded her, “You rescued yourself.”

Another kiss. He felt the urgency in her response; understood that it mirrored his own. But a roof in the slums was no place to celebrate her survival, especially when one of the duke’s men had followed him up and was leaning over the edge of the roof, signalling to the group below.

“I have a phaeton below. Let us go home.” He released her reluctantly, but took her hand to lead her down the narrow stairs. “Your sister will be beside herself.”

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Spotlight on The Wayward Son

Hurrah!

The Wayward Son is being published this coming week. On, as it happens, my birthday. And what a birthday treat it is! Rob returns reluctantly to his home village and finds problems that only he can solve and a resolution to the problem that sent him fleeing many years earlier. He is a hero to die for. Strong, determined, loyal, patient and loving. And Lucy deserves him.

I am a great fan of Caroline Warfield and look forward to everything she writes, and she never disappoints. She always gives us a strong flavour of real history, a hero and heroine who deserve one another, serious problems with real villains who need to be conquered, families who love (but don’t always understand) one another, and–above all–a truly satisfying love story.

The Wayward Son, the first book in The Ashmead Heirs, is no exception. It thrills and satisfies.  Thank you, Caroline.

The Wayward Son

Rob Benson returns to Ashmead reluctantly, determined to stay briefly. He never expects a shocking bequest and a termagant with flashing eyes—and a musket—to bind him to the place. Lucy Whitaker wants what she can’t have, Willowbrook. If she must turn it over to the heir, she can at least make sure he loves it and its people like she does.  His life is London; hers is Ashmead. How can they forge something lasting when they are torn in two directions?

Click to order https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09484DC1D/

The Ashmead Heirs

When the old Earl of Clarion leaves a will with bequests for all his children, legitimate and not, listing each and their mothers by name, he complicates the lives of many in the village of Ashmead. One of them grew believing he was the innkeeper’s son.

Can hardly wait for The Defiant Daughter. I know it’s finished, and off to the editor soon. Looking forward to one-clicking it for October.

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Spotlight on How to Wed a Courtesan

How to Wed a Courtesan: The London School for Ladies, By Madeline Martin — Releases 6/29/21

From courtesan
…to society wife?

When Evander, Earl of Westix, returns from the continent to claim his bride, he is shocked that the innocent vicar’s daughter he once loved has become a notorious courtesan. But Lottie is so much more than the insult society hurls at her. She is resourceful and strong—after all, she’s had to be to survive. Her charms are undeniable, but her heart is beyond his grasp. To win it will mean taking her from bedroom to ballroom…

Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08SC618K3

B&N – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/how-to-wed-a-courtesan-madeline-martin/1138581134?ean=9780369710994

Apple Books – https://books.apple.com/us/book/how-to-wed-a-courtesan/id1547801699

Kobo – https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/how-to-wed-a-courtesan

Excerpt – How to Wed a Courtesan

By Madeline Martin

 June 1816, London, England

The ring on the table required an answer.

Lottie turned away from it so abruptly that the hem of her skirt snapped against the Brussels weave carpet in her parlour. Her pulse beat heavily in her ears.

This was what she had wanted. Years ago. When she’d been a girl. But she was no longer that girl. She was a woman.

One who understood the effects of love.

One who had sacrificed far too much.

She hadn’t even opened the box yet. Not that it mattered. The jewel within was of little consequence. She had a good deal of wealth. She could purchase her own bloody ring.

What mattered was what it stood for.

Everything.

She’d had a ring on her finger once before and its presence there had scored her heart with what ought to have been eternal love. How wrong she had been.

Evander’s timing had been planned to perfection. Lottie had completed all her lessons that day—instruction to the women of the ton, who came to her to learn the art of seduction and flirtation. After all, why else would they came to a former courtesan.

Not that Lottie had wanted their life. What vicar’s daughter did? But then she’d had little choice in the matter. She’d offered too much to Evander in her youthful infatuation and ruined her prospects for anything else.

It rattled the soul to know what one must do to get by. To protect those one loved.

That was why her decision was so hard now. When the fantasy of love warred with bitter reality. When desire arose despite obligation. When society stood in the way of dreams that could never be.

There was no other man in her life. Her protectors were a thing of the past. Their financial support was no longer necessary now she had established herself as an educator of the ton’s ladies.

Those rumoured to be under her instruction received extraordinary attention at balls and soirees, and their suitors were endless. Those on the outside assumed her lessons were of a sensual nature. In truth, Lottie’s focus was always on the lady—on teaching her to accept herself.

All of which comprised the reason she should send the ring back to Evander. The Earl of Westix did not need a woman of ill repute at his side, mingling her tarnished reputation with his esteemed reputation.

She snatched the box off the cool marble tabletop, just beneath yet another glorious bouquet of the hothouse flowers Evander insisted on sending. Irises and white tulips this time. Just as beautiful as they were unwanted.

The box with the ring in it was cold against her palm and she found herself prising it open, doing to the little box what she had only recently been able to do to her heart.

Nestled within a nest of glossy black satin was a small diamond ring, winking up at her. She staggered back, as if at a blow to her chest.

Her expectations had settled on something large and grand—an opulent bauble befitting the Earl, who had seen the world and gained a fortune. This stone was a modest little thing, almost a chip. Once upon a time, it had been the most beautiful ring she ever seen. She’d thought it lost for ever when she’d thrown it across the drawing room at Comlongon Castle, and had bade the bit of jewellery good riddance. Yet here it was once more, begging for a piece of herself she could not give. A piece of herself which could not exist.

Because all that was left were memories of better times, of beautiful places, of a love that was innocent and precious, of things that could never be.

And things she could not stop herself from wanting.

 Meet Madeline Martin

Madeline Martin is a USA TODAY Bestselling author of Scottish set historical romance novels filled with twists and turns, adventure, steamy romance, empowered heroines and the men who are strong enough to love them.

She lives a glitter-filled life in Jacksonville, Florida with her two daughters (known collectively as the minions) and a man so wonderful he’s been dubbed Mr. Awesome. She loves Disney, Nutella, cat videos and goats dressed up in pajamas. She also loves to travel and attributes her love of history to having spent most of her childhood as an Army brat in Germany.

Sign up for her exclusive newsletter and receive your FREE download of The Highlander’s Challenge: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/ff96yjtq8c

 

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Spotlight on Price of Glory

Congratulations to Caroline Warfield on the release of her lovely The Price of Glory. It has all the elements this reader enjoys: a determined woman busy with her own life who falls in love when she does not in the least wish to; a kind and capable hero who is decidedly not in the market for a bride, adventure and danger, travel, a couple of usefully evil villains, even a cameo appearance by a favourite Warfield friend from previous books. (If I may make so bold as to claim His Grace as a friend.)

Warfield always delivers, and is a one-click buy for me, but when I found she was writing a story set in Egypt and Nubia, with a hero on a quest for artifacts, I started counting down the days. I have been intrigued by that ancient civilisation since I was a small girl. I wasn’t disappointed. This book is a five star for me, and I strongly recommend it.

The Price of Glory continues the family saga begun in the Regency in the Dangerous series and continued into the Victorian age in Children of Empire and now Children of Empire: The Seekers.

A splash of Indiana Jones and a dash of Amelia Peabody in an adventure all its own: The Price of Glory.

The Price of Glory tells the story of one man’s pursuit of knowledge that will bring him fame and respect, only to find it upended by a woman determined to serve the people of Egypt. Neither has any idea where this journey will take them when they embark down the Nile toward Nubia and its mysteries, ancient and modern.

Richard Mallet comes to Egypt with dreams of academic glory. He will be the one to unravel the secrets of the ancient Kushite language. Armed with license to dig, he sets out for Meroë, where the Blue Nile meets the White. He has no room in his life for dalliance or entanglements, and he certainly doesn’t expect to face insurrection and unrest.

Analiese Cloutier seeks no glory—only the eradication of disease among the Egyptian women and children of Khartoum. She has no interest whatsoever in romantic nonsense and will not allow notions about a lady’s proper role to interfere with her work. She doesn’t expect to have that work manipulated for political purposes.

Neither expects to be enchanted by the amorous power of moonlight in the ruins of Karnak, or to be forced to marry before they can escape revolution. Will their flight north take them safely to Cairo? If it does, can they build something real out of their shattered dreams?

Preorder now for delivery on 7 July: Amazon US

Book Trailer     *      Book Page

Excerpt

Kisses can subjugate. They can enslave. They can humiliate. Ana knew these things from past experience. But this—this tender exploration of her person—lifted her up, left her breathless, cherished, and wanting. She understood now that kisses could seduce. Coupled with the gentle touch of his hands she knew with bone deep awareness how easily he could do it.

I should stop this.

His hands grasped her waist, and he lifted her effortlessly to perch on a fallen block of stone, so that their faces were even. She put her hands on his shoulders to steady herself, and he gave a gentle tug so that she fell forward into his arms, her feet still firmly planted on the edge of the block. “Better,” he murmured, planting a swift kiss on her chin. “My neck ached from bending.” He began spreading those gentle seductive kisses along her jaw line.

She knew she ought to put a stop to their lovemaking, but she began to follow his lead, moving her mouth to the edge of his and over to his ear. Somewhere deep inside a familiar voice warned her; men come, take what they wish, and leave. She ignored it.

Children of Empire, The Seekers

Raised by a pair of scholars absorbed in the classical world of Greece and Rome, the Mallet siblings set out to make their own way in the expanding Victorian empire. Each one seeks to dirty their hands in the search for more than knowledge—glory, respect, and riches.

 

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Spotlight on Ravishing Camille

Pierce Hanniford returns to England after tripling his fortune in China. He’s come for business. Not pleasure. And definitely not for love.

Camille Bereston decided years ago that Pierce was not for her. He’s her step-brother, famous, restless, a savvy Shanghai taipan and a menace…to her heart.

She has ambitions to marry. Funny that none of her candidates seems good enough.

Yet Camille excites him as no woman ever has and he must have her, no matter the cost.

But should she take an older, experienced rogue as her lover…and should she claim him forever as her only love?

If you love swoon-worthy historical romance, starring endearing heroes, sassy heroines and a family of irresistible charmers, this book is for you!  Buy RAVISHING CAMILLE to begin your journey!

Amazon  – Amazon Affiliate  – KOBO – B&N  – iTunes: 

 

RAVISHING CAMILLE is the fifth book in THOSE NOTORIOUS AMERICANS series but can also be read as a standalone novel.

Book 1: Wild Lily (Lily and Julian)

Book 2: Daring Widow (Marianne and Remy)

Book 3: Sweet Siren (Liv and Killian)

Book 4: Scandalous Heiress (Ada and Victor)

Book 5: Ravishing Camille (Camille and Pierce)

Book 6: If You Were the Only Girl in the World (Katrina and Nate)

Book 7: Let Me Call You Sweetheart (Giselle and Dylan)

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Spotlight on No Lady for the Lord

She was only supposed to care for his wards…not fall in love with him.

 He was a carefree rogue…

Lord Ronan Brockman had a perfect life. Handsome, wealthy, and beholden to no one, he was charmed. But that was before he was unexpectedly named guardian to two young girls—and before he met their fascinating governess. Acting on his attraction to the witty beauty would be utter madness. Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be enough to dissuade him from pursuing her…

She can never let her guard down…

Mercy Feathers knows more about responsibility than a rogue like Ronan could ever fathom. But to her great consternation, despite his many flaws, she wants him with an all-consuming passion that’s as shocking as it is forbidden. It’s just her misfortune that there’s only one way a relationship with him could end—and it isn’t with happily ever after…

Is their love enough?

Can Ronan and Mercy overcome all that stands between them—including the ghosts of her past—and take a shot at true love? Only if they’re willing to open their hearts and break a few rules…

Secrets, scandals, and sigh-worthy romance.

This sweet, wholesome historical romance by a USA Today bestselling author will have you cheering Ronan and Mercy on as you escape into the past to cheer them on to their much-deserved happily-ever-after.

If you enjoy reading lovable rogues, class difference, and opposites attract clean historical romances with a pinch of mystery and inspiration, a dash of humor, and soul-searing emotion, then you’ll adore Collette Cameron’s captivating DAUGHTERS OF DESIRE (SCANDALOUS LADIES) SERIES. Settle into your favorite reading nook with your favorite beverage for a page-turning, entertaining Regency world adventure you can’t put down.

Amazon – BN – Apple Books – Kobo – Google Play – Goodreads – BookBub

Though this book can easily be read as a stand-alone, most readers prefer to read the series in order.

DAUGHTERS OF DESIRE:

  1. A Lady, A Kiss, A Christmas Wish
  2. No Lady for the Lord
  3. Love Lessons for a Lady-Coming Soon!
  4. His One and Only Lady- Coming Soon!

 

CHECK OUT COLLETTE’S OTHER SERIES:

  • Castle Brides Series
  • Heart of a Scot Series
  • Highland Heather Romancing a Scot Series
  • Seductive Scoundrels Series
  • The Blue Rose Regency Romances: The Culpepper Misses
  • The Honorable Rogues®
  • Wicked Earls’ Club

Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B092KJW3B1

BN – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/no-lady-for-the-lord-collette-cameron/1139200201?ean=2940162366768

Apple Books – https://books.apple.com/us/book/no-lady-for-the-lord/id1562251100?ls=1

Kobo – https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/no-lady-for-the-lord

Google Play – https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=GxsoEAAAQBAJ

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57510907-no-lady-for-the-lord-daughters-of-desire-scandalous-ladies-series

BookBub – https://www.bookbub.com/books/no-lady-for-the-lord-by-collette-cameron

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Spotlight on Melting Matilda

I’m delighted to put Melting Matilda out into the world as a part of the Mountain King series. It first appeared as part of the Bluestocking Belles collection Fire & Frost, but now it where it belongs, released (and happening chronologically) in between To Mend the Broken Hearted and To Claim the Long-Lost Lover.

Part of the reward of writing is wonderful reviews like the ones Melting Matilda is getting, such as: “I thoroughly enjoyed this Regency romance with great characters, romance and intrigue. Charles was really a good guy and the ending was great.” “One foggy night, and encounter or two, and we are on the Charles and Matilda journey. Oh, the twists and turns in this one were awesome: some expected, and some very surprising. I loved it!” “This was a sweetly romantic story. It was wonderfully intense in ALL the best ways.”

Melting Matilda

Fire smolders under the frost between them.

Can the Ice Maiden Soften the Granite Earl?

Her scandalous birth prevents Matilda Grenford from being fully acceptable to Society, even though she has been a ward of the Duchess of Haverford since she was a few weeks old. Matilda does not expect to be wooed by a worthy gentleman. The only man who has ever interested her gave her an outrageous kiss a year ago and has avoided her ever since.

Can the Granite Earl Melt the Ice Maiden?

Charles, the Earl of Hamner is honour bound to ignore his attraction to Matilda Grenford. She is an innocent and a lady, and in every way worthy of his respect—but she is base-born. His ancestors would rise screaming from their graves if he made her his countess. But he cannot forget the kiss they once shared.

Buy links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08YS4DHMJ

For links to non-US Amazon stores and to other retailers: Books2Read: https://books2read.com/MeltingMatilda

 

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Spotlight on Storm & Shelter: Jude Knight and Grace Burrowes

These two novellas — mine and Grace’s– end the anthology. The review in Flippin’ Pages Reviews says about Grace’s: There are some really good stories in here, but this was my absolute favorite. And about mine: OH! This was the sweetest, loveliest story. I loved ALL of the characters. (She had nice things to say about all 8 stories. Honestly, folks, this book is a peach.)

A Dream Come True: By Jude Knight

The tempest that batters Barnaby Somerville’s village is the latest but not the least of his challenges.

Vicar to a remote parish, he stretches his tiny stipend to adopt his orphaned niece and nephew and his time to offer medical care as well as spiritual. A wife is a dream he cannot afford.

But the storm sweeps into his life a surprising temptation—a charming young woman who lavishes her gentle care upon his wards—and him.

God knows, he will forever be richer for having known her, even if he must let her go.

Excerpt:

Barney turned toward the voice, and there she was. Theo. His ministering angel. His beloved. Her eyes were weary, her clothing rumpled, and wisps of untidy hair fell from the braids that crowned her head. He had not seen a more splendid woman in all his years. She was altogether beautiful.

A Kiss by the Sea: By Grace Burrowes

He’s not really a blacksmith, and she’s not really an heiress… Can they forge a happily-ever-after anyway?

Thaddeus Pennrith finds a way to recover from multiple griefs when he accepts the blacksmith’s post at Fenwick on Sea. Village life gives him a sense of belonging that Polite Society never could, though he must resume his aristocratic responsibilities soon. Along comes Lady Sarah Weatherby, refugee from an engagement gone badly awry, and Thaddeus is faced with both a compelling reason to reveal his titled antecedents, and a longing to keep them forever hidden….

Excerpt:

“I need a repairing lease too,” Sarah told Thad. “I found myself engaged to marry a party who turned out to be unsuitable, and those around me were not inclined to listen when I said so. I learned that my intended was about to abduct me for an unscheduled journey north.”

Storm & Shelter: A Bluestocking Belles Collection With Friends

When a storm blows off the North Sea and slams into the village of Fenwick on Sea, the villagers prepare for the inevitable: shipwreck, flood, land slips, and stranded travelers. The Queen’s Barque Inn quickly fills with the injured, the devious, and the lonely—lords, ladies, and simple folk; spies, pirates, and smugglers all trapped together. Intrigue crackles through the village, and passion lights up the hotel.

One storm, eight authors, eight heartwarming novellas.

Find out more on the Bluestocking Belles’ project page. 

Only 99c while on preorder. Published April 13th.

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Spotlight on Storm & Shelter: Alina K. Field and Rue Allyn

Novellas five and six in Storm & Shelter feature heroines with unusual occupations–a part-time smuggler and a privateer.

Don’t miss this wonderful box set. Eight superb authors, with eight fascinating stories set around one storm. Only 99c as an ebook until publication on 13th April.

 

The Comtesse of Midnight: By Alina K. Field

A Scottish Earl on a quest for the elusive Comtesse de Fontenay rescues a French lady smuggler from the surf during a devastating storm, and takes shelter with her. As the stormy night drags on, he suspects his companion knows the woman he’s seeking, the one who holds the secret to his identity. When she admits she is, in fact, the Comtesse Fontenay, just not the one he’s seeking, she dashes all his hopes—and promises him new ones.

Excerpt:

The lamp on the mantel emitted a low light, as did the fire. Malcolm carefully swiveled his head. A candle sat atop the dining table, next to his open travel bag. The woman bent close to the dim light, studying a paper. In three silent strides he was on her.

Wait for Me: By Rue Allyn

Enemies by nature—Esmeralda Crobbin, aka the pirate Irish Red, and Captain, Lord Brandon Gilroy have met before.

Fate trumps nature—When a fierce storm creates a chance encounter and forced proximity, Erstwhile pirate, Esmeralda discovers Captain Gilroy is more than a uniform stuffed with rules and regulations. Gilroy learns the pirate is a woman of serious honor and responsibility. Both love the sea with boundless passion, but can they love each other?

Excerpt: He blinked rapidly. She fished in a pocket for her handkerchief. Damp as it was, it would clear his vision. She used the kerchief to wipe water from his eyes and face. She bent to place the cloth in her pocket, and when she returned her gaze to his, he glared at her. A very familiar glare. A glare that had haunted her for the past three years. Now I know fate is laughing at me. Before her lay the one man who hated her most in the world. The storm had placed him exactly where she would to trip over him then feel compelled to help him before she had any clue as to his identity.