Review for The Dawn of Unions (The Cycle of Bones) by J.P. Corwyn

 

The Dawn of Unions (The Cycle of Bones) by J.P. Corwyn,  Lauren Xena Campbell (Editor),  Gwen Hernandez 

Kindle Edition, 180 pages

Published November 19th 2019

 

No simple man is ever really simple. Nobody is just “the hero” or “the soldier.” We all walk many different paths to get to “that moment” – the one that defines …The one that tests our mettle in front of strangers, and beneath the burning spotlight of our own mind’s eye.

Kaith and his fellow arms-men are the only thing between the remaining villagers of Westsong, and the in-flowing tide of monsters that seek their deaths.

The Countess of Thorion herself, owns this village, and arrived for the annual autumn festival three days ago.

Against all advice, stand or fall; she has decided that she will stay to help defend the little lives of the ordinary folk that call this orchard town home.

Then again; there are no such things as little lives, are there? Nobody is ever really as simple as they seem. Nobody is just “the farmer,” or “the forester,” are they?

Smiths, Grooms, Soldiers, and Squires must survive desertion, despair, and death if they are to save themselves, let alone anyone else.

In Thorion County, there’s only ever really one constant.

“When the Falx finally comes for you; no one can help you. The best you can hope for is to make your life, make your death mean something.” 

 

My Thoughts…

It says this is 180 pages in Kindle but it took me less then 10 minutes to read it.   I felt like it was more of a synopsis to what was coming in the rest of the story but there was no rest of the story.   It ended.   I am not entirely sure what I think or if I want more.  Yet, I am intrigued as to what might come next in this story.   

Check it out on Goodreads

 

Cover Reveal for The Way the Story Goes by Samantha Chase

 

It's time for another Magnolia Sound story and today we're sharing the gorgeous new cover! Check out the cover for THE WAY THE STORY GOES by Samantha Chase and be sure to pre-order your copy today!

About THE WAY THE STORY GOES

Thriller writer Mia Kingsley has been hit with a serious case of writer’s block and she needs a little peace and quiet. A beach front property in Magnolia Sound seemed like the perfect escape and just the change of scenery she needs to get the words flowing again. That is, until her noisy neighbor starts running power tools and blasting music at all hours of the day and night. Before long, the next victim in her story starts to bear an uncanny resemblance to the contractor next door.

Austin Coleman never wanted to come back to Magnolia Sound. But sometimes, life takes an unexpected turn and the only way to get back on your feet is to go home. His plan is to avoid all things connected to his past, and renovating a beach house in the off-season is just the way to do that—there’ll be no neighbors and no distractions. Or so he thought until he almost maims his sexy neighbor with a flying sink. Despite his best efforts, trouble follows everywhere he goes.

At first she wanted to kill him. Now she wants to kiss him. Sometimes you just have to wait and see where the story goes.

Add THE WAY THE STORY GOES to your TBR!

Pre-order THE WAY THE STORY GOES today! Amazon | Apple | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

   

About SAMANTHA CHASE

Samantha Chase is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller of contemporary romance. She released her debut novel in 2011 and currently has more than forty titles under her belt! When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading romances, playing way too many games of Scrabble or Solitaire on Facebook, wearing a tiara while playing with her sassy pug Maylene…oh, and spending time with her husband of 25 years and their two sons in North Carolina. Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Newsletter | BookBub

Available Now!! Songbird by Elle Greco

 

Ready for another rock star romance? Elle Greco has another LA Rock Star Romance just waiting to be binged. SONGBIRD is out now and you can start reading it for FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

About SONGBIRD

She escaped from LA. But can she outrun her heart?

Presley Benson, lead singer of Satan’s Sisters, was on the brink of pop superstardom when her life imploded. Salacious accusations, a career-ending accident, and a media frenzy turned her world into chaos.

So Presley escaped to New York to start over. Now working for a pop culture auction house, she left the music world, and Los Angeles, behind. But a lead on a lost Johnny Cash lyric notebook finds her back in LA to track it down. Presley just has to outrun the gossip machine until she can return to New York and anonymity.

But first, she needs a police escort to spirit her away from the paparazzi swarm that greeted her at LAX.

Fresh off a cross-country flight and after a half-hour hiding out in a public bathroom, with no glam squad in sight, Presley’s string of bad LA luck continues. Because her savior turns out to be Detective Nico McNally, the smoking hot cop who stood by her hospital bed to take her statement a year prior.

Presley needs to get this notebook and get the hell out of LA. But the universe has other designs when two car chases and a looming Satan’s Sister reunion show threatens to complicate matters. And, even worse? So does this hot detective.

Songbird is the third book in the LA Rock Star Romance series. Mix strong-willed, sassy women with sexy men, then add a hefty dose of rock and roll, and you’ll fall in love with an LA Rock Star.

Add SONGBIRD to your TBR!

Get your copy of SONGBIRD on Amazon!

   

 

About ELLE GRECO

I write fiction about badass women (and the people they love). Urban Fantasy lovers will know me as Karen Greco, author of the best-selling Hell’s Belle series. My Contemporary Romance books are written under Elle Greco. While the genres are worlds apart, strong female characters are the chain that links all my worlds. These women are magical. They wield wicked weapons. They play a mean drum solo. They fall in love. They rule the boardroom and the bedroom. Whatever they do, they do it with swagger. My storytelling career began when I forced everyone play “make believe” with me when I was a kid. That eventually morphed into banging out short stories on my mom’s old manual typewriter. As I got older, I graduated to penning bad poetry, then not terrible plays as a teenager. I studied playwright in college but my career took a detour and I ended up working in journalism and then entertainment publicity, which kept me busy for 20 or so years. My “day job” has taken me from gritty rock clubs in The Bowery to glam red carpets during movie premieres and awards shows. My background working with talent (and the suits) in the industry has served me well with the LA Rock Star Romance series. A few years ago, I decided to pursue my original passion and a few full-length novels later, here we are. I love anything spooky and impossible to explain. If you love hanging out in cemeteries, the older the better, I’d totally go on a road trip with you. I have two rescue dogs, a patient husband, and an awesome kid. Website | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

Cover Reveal for Let It Snow by Cassie Cross

 

Today we have the cover reveal for Cassie Cross’ Let It Snow! Check it out and be sure to pre-order your copy today!

Title: Let It Snow

Author: Cassie Cross

Genre: Holiday Romance

Release Date: November 12th

About Let It Snow:

Amy Winstead is a twenty something video producer who loves Christmas more than anyone she’s ever known. This year, the holidays are gonna be a lot less happy because she can’t afford the plane ticket home to celebrate with her family, and her best and oldest friend Josh is moving halfway across the country for a new job that he couldn’t turn down.   When Josh asks her to accompany him on his road trip from Texas to Connecticut and offers to pay for her plane ticket back home, how could Amy say no? He’s promised some fun surprises on the trip, and more time with him could never be a bad thing.   One surprise Josh hasn’t planned on is the record-breaking blizzard heading their way. They decide to wait out the storm in the charming town of Holly Hill, where a little holiday magic and a lot of snow combine to help Josh and Amy realize that the something that’s always simmered between them could easily become something more…

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About Cassie Cross:

Cassie Cross is a Maryland native and a romantic at heart, who lives outside of Baltimore with her two dogs and a closet full of shoes. Cassie’s fondness for swoon-worthy men and strong women are the inspiration for most of her stories, and when she’s not busy writing a book, you’ll probably find her eating takeout and indulging in her love of 80’s sitcoms.  

Connect with Cassie:

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COMING SOON!! We Hear Voices by Evie Green

 

We Hear Voices by  Evie Green

publication: December 1st 2020 by Berkley Books

About WE HEAR VOICES

Rachel has always put family first—her three children are the center of her world. So when a mysterious and deadly flu takes its toll on children around the world, she is immensely grateful that none of her three suffered a terrible fate—especially her son, Billy, who was infected.

 

But there’s something off about Billy upon his recovery. He won’t stop talking about his new friend, Delfy. At first, Rachel shrugs it off—all children have imaginary friends at one point or another, don’t they? But soon, Billy isn’t behaving like the sweet little boy Rachel knows him to be. He becomes increasingly violent—and he tells his mother that Delfy is to blame.  Soon, Rachel can’t help but wonder if her little boy is dealing with something much more malicious than an ordinary imaginary pal….

 

As Delfy’s influence becomes perilous, Rachel must choose between protecting Billy, and protecting the rest of her family —even if the consequences tear them apart.

Add to your MUST-READ list on Goodreads

Purchase your own copy on Amazon or Barnes and Noble

Cover Reveal for Fairytale Wrath by M.H.B

 

Today we have the cover reveal for M.H.B.’s new romance, Fairytale Wrath! Check it out and be sure to pre-order your copy today!

Title: Fairytale Wrath

Author: M.H.B

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: November 19th

About Fairytale Wrath:

They say all men are monsters... Money means power and power gives your skeletons a taste for retribution They came for me Suffocating me, dragging me to my knees Using my past and my future as a double weapon against me …I’m not a monster… Lily Carter envisioned a beautiful fairy tale But perfect is an illusion And so, a veil of nightmares stood between us and our happy ending Leading the dormant beast inside my head to awaken after all But I will protect what’s mine…

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About MHB:

M . H . B . graduated law from a Canadian University. She loves spending time with her partner and her dog. She has a passion for animals and loves the simple things in life: chocolate, music, books, sunny days, and overall wellness. When she is not writing, her mind is in another world with a book in hand.

Connect with MHB:

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Cover Reveal for Liam by Brenda Rothert

 

Today we are celebrating the release of LIAM by Brenda Rothert. This is a contemporary romance, and it is the third, standalone title in the On the Line series. Join Brenda's Reader Group for exclusive details about the series.

Add it to your TBR Pile.

Preorder LIAM Here:

Amazon | Apple

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Follow Brenda's newsletter and join her Facebook group for exclusive details!

Liam by Brenda Rothert

Preorder Now | On the Line, #3

Preorder LIAM Here:

Amazon | Apple

Book Blurb:

I guess you could say I’m here for the party, though I’m starting to wonder why. With recurring shoulder injuries and no shot at the big league, I’m realizing that my life as a minor league hockey player can’t last forever. And I’ve got no idea what’s next for me until I lay eyes on Kerrigan Oliver. The Fenway Flyers PR director isn’t like any woman I’ve ever known. She’s sexy, sharp, level-headed and completely uninterested in me. Challenge accepted.

As I try to get Keri in bed, though, everything changes. We get closer, and I find out she’s way more than just a nice pair of legs. Keri doesn’t have room in her life for love, but tell that to my heart, because there’s no coming back from this fall.

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AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Brenda Rothert is an Illinois native who was a print journalist for nine years. She made the jump from fact to fiction in 2013 and never looked back. From new adult to steamy contemporary romance, Brenda creates fresh characters in every story she tells. She’s a lover of Diet Coke, chocolate, lazy weekends and happily ever afters.

AUTHOR LINKS:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Wattpad | Amazon

Review for Deal Breaker by Julie Archer

For Sophie, crushing on her best friend’s brother was old news, and Max never stopped thinking about what could be even though his sister’s best friend was off-limits. When they find themselves at a destination wedding, does their first kiss end up being their last? Readers will devour this best friend's sibling romance from Julie Archer. The Holiday Springs Resort series open for the holidays and DEAL BREAKER is now live!

Only on Amazon + Read for FREE on Kindle Unlimited

 

  A fall destination wedding with friends to break up the monotony of adulting? Yes, please! It all sounded like fairy-tale bliss until Sophie remembered her best friend's brother was going to be a groomsman. She'd been in love with Max since high school. Autumn had deemed Sophie’s crush on her brother as "gross" and vetoed any further talk about it - ever. Would it be wrong for a girl to hope for a little fun with the hottest guy in the bridal party? When a little too much booze and a game of truth or dare the night before the big wedding has Sophie planting a giant kiss on Max’s lips - and him running as fast as he could to barf after – she’s certain the two of them don't stand a chance. Sophie was off-limits for Max but that didn't stop him from fantasizing about her. While his word was normally his vow, his attraction wouldn’t be denied. For years, Max had dreamt of how their first kiss might be. Although he had imagined it countless ways, never did he picture it being alcohol-fuelled. His stomach lurched and he rushed to the bathroom to puke his guts out. What should’ve been an incredible greeting became yet another embarrassing experience. Now not only did Max have a massive hangover to deal with, he had to figure out a way to undo the mess he’d made with the one girl he ever really wanted. Was their first kiss their last or can Max convince Sophie it shouldn't be a deal-breaker? Escape to the romantic paradise of Holiday Springs and warm up with your next happily ever after. 

My Thoughts…

Your best friends’ brother is off limits, until love is in the air at a wedding and their long-time attraction cannot be fought.  

I loved the fun and humor in Deal Breaker.    I mean the romance was great, but I laughed so many times.   The first kiss, the sister’s response, the kind of morning after, and so much more.    Deal Breaker is a fun and entertaining book to read.  I enjoyed it from beginning to end.   The story was not long but it gave a whole story of the childhood of Sophie and Max.   It then continued into their adulthood and the wedding where it all came to happen.  

Holiday Springs Resorts is a fun location and I love that a series of books is being set there.   I cannot wait to read more of this wonderful series. 

 

  Goodreads ➝ https://bit.ly/3kjrttX

Excerpt

Copyright @Julie Archer 2020

Autumn’s voice chimed from the depths of my bag. “Soph? Sophie? Are you still there?” I scrabbled to retrieve the phone. “Yes, sorry. Did you hear that? It’s totally unheard of for him to offer me an early finish.” She laughed. “You should have taken it. We could have had coffee, and you could give me tips for my date.” I echoed her laughter. I was the last person she should be taking dating advice from. “Now, where were we?” “Travel plans for the wedding. You, me, Jodie.” And Max, I added silently. Ugh. Why was I thinking about him now? “Max has to be there early, for the rehearsal dinner or something, otherwise he’d drive us.” I drifted off into a fantasy of spending several hours in a confined space with Max Coady, watching him drive, the muscles in his forearms working as he took control of the wheel, breathing in his aftershave…reluctantly I shook myself back to the present. Seriously, I had to get this crush under control. Maybe I’d meet someone at the wedding who would sweep me off my feet. I sighed. Who was I kidding? Unrequited love was a bitch. Of course, I couldn’t tell Autumn this. Not since she’d decided at the age of fourteen that I couldn’t ever—EVER—date her brother. I’d had to keep my fantasies under control since then. Maybe that was one of the reasons I hadn’t managed to find a serious boyfriend. Because no one ever compared to Max. “Soph? Where are you?” Autumn’s voice broke into my reverie. “I asked what time you want to meet on Friday. It’s going to take us around an hour and a half to get there.” “Ha, longer if Jodie’s in charge of directions.” I half giggled, half grimaced. I’d been on enough road trips with Jodie to know we needed to add at least another half an hour onto our trip time. She had an uncanny knack of getting close to a place, but not actually to it. There had been plenty of times we’d driven past where we were meant to be simply because she couldn’t work out how to get us there. “Do we have a map?” “Didn’t you get the ton of information Brianna sent with the invite? I reckon there’s a map in there with directions from every state in the US!” Autumn laughed. I thought back to the day the invitation pack had plopped onto my doormat. Thicker than a college acceptance pack, it contained every single piece of information about the day. Not to mention a few pictures of throwbacks to the proposal, engagement party, and bachelor and bachelorette parties. Apart from finding out the date, I’d shoved the rest of it in a drawer in my kitchenette. I was still finding glittery horseshoes in my apartment weeks after the damn invite had been delivered. “Well, good. Because with Jodie driving, we’ll probably need them!”

Only on Amazon + Read for FREE on Kindle Unlimited

About Julie

Julie Archer is the author of contemporary romance featuring rock stars, small towns, a healthy dose of angst, some steamy times, and always a happy ever after! When not writing, she can usually be found binge-watching teen drama series on Netflix, or supporting Spurs (the English Premier League football team, not the American basketball team!) from my armchair, and running around after her two feline children, Corey and Elsa. Real angst. Real romance.

Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub | Instagram

About the Holiday Springs Resort Series

Nestled deep in the mountains of Pennsylvania, Holiday Springs Resort promises to bring the heat this winter! Join Forever Write PR and seven amazing authors as they take to the slopes on the adventure of a lifetime and find their happily ever afters. From hot bartenders to brooding exes, Holiday Springs Resort is the place to be. Each story features a brand new couple and a fun trope to love from our amazing line up of authors including second chance romance and best friend's sibling to jilted brides and friends to lovers. Your holiday wonderland won’t be complete without a widower, office, and enemies to lovers romance. We’ve got a remarkable line of up must-read romance authors including, A.M. Williams, Julie Archer, Kim Bailey, Moni Boyce, S.E. Rose, Stacey Lewis, and B. Ivy Woods. Follow the Holiday Spring Resort series on Facebook for more on release dates, cover reveals, and exclusive book news ➝ https://www.facebook.com/HolidaySpringsSeries/ 

  This series and all promotional events are brought to you by Forever Write PR - Forever your source for all your writing needs. https://www.facebook.com/ForeverWritePR/

Audiobook Review for Wild Boys After Dark: Jackson by Melissa Foster

 

Wild Boys After Dark: Jackson

Wild Billionaires After Dark, Book 3

By: Melissa Foster

Narrated by: Paul Woodson

Series: Wild Boys After Dark, Book 3

Length: 3 hrs and 6 mins

Release date: 07-26-16

Publisher's Summary

Everything's naughtier after dark...?

Receiving a marriage proposal is supposed to make a women happy, but when Erica "Laney" Lane receives a beautiful marriage proposal from her perfect boyfriend on the eve of her annual camping trip with her best friend, Jackson Wild, the first thing she does is jump into bed with Jackson.

Jackson's all too happy to screw the annoyance out of Laney. After all, they've always screwed the hell out of each other when they were bored or angry, lonely, or too damn drunk to see straight.

But the marriage proposal changes everything, and their annual camping trip takes unexpected turns. Will a few nights in the wilderness set these friends with benefits free, or lead them on a path of destruction?

©2015 Melissa Foster (P)2016 Melissa Foster

Audiobook Review..If you have not listened to Paul Woodson as a narrator you are missing out.    Give Paul the amazing words of Melissa Foster and you have a story that you will not be able to turn off.    The character of Jackson is all Alpha Male.    Paul is able to use his voice to not only show how alpha he is but also how loving, sweet, and caring he is.     I cannot imagine it is easy to read a book with so much emotion, with male and female characters, and with so much heat.   But this narrator is absolutely amazing.   If you love audiobooks or if this is your first audiobook I recommend jumping in and listening immediately.

eBook Review…When your best friend is of the opposite sex things can get messy. Jackson and Erica are all friends with benefits and are all good with that until that is put on the line. When Erica gets engaged it would mean that their arrangement would end. They could stay friends but no more benefits. This throws Jackson off. He believes that he is not marriage material. He doesn’t want to commit to anyone, but he isn’t wanting Erica to commit either.

I found it interesting that feelings can come to the surface when push comes to shove. I believe these two would have continued as they were if Erica did not unintentionally give Jackson a push. It was tough to watch him struggle and see their friendship struggle and almost fall apart. I was praying for a happy ending for these two.

If you are familiar with Melissa Foster you have an idea what to expect. Beware that this series is a little hotter and a little sexier. Things are more graphic and the men steamier. I have said that I am in lust with the men in this series.

 

Get your own copy at…

Audible - https://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/Wild-Boys-After-Dark-Jackson-Audiobook/B01J2EH82W

Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Wild-Boys-After-Dark-Billionaires/dp/B01J2EGE4A

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32785007-wild-boys-after-dark

iBooks - https://itunes.apple.com/us/audiobook/wild-boys-after-dark-jackson-wild-billionaires-after/id1138087678

 

 

 

 

Release Tour for Wicked Again by Kathleen Ayers

 

 

 

Lord Haddon is handsome, charming and at least a decade younger than the thrice-widowed Marissa. Engaging in an affair with Haddon might damage Marissa’s reputation and it will definitely compromise her heart. But Haddon can be very persuasive when he wants something and he wants Marissa. Will Marissa give into temptation and allow herself to love again? If you like steamy, historical romance you’ll love Wicked Again.

Read Now!

 

  A scandalous affair with a much younger man… Lady Marissa Cupps-Foster has buried three husbands. Only one, her dear Reggie, was a love match. As a woman considered past her prime with two grown sons, she’s decided on discreet trysts when she feels the need for male companionship. Lord Trenton Haddon was only a dalliance. Haddon is tempting but far too young for her. And love is out of the question. Clearly, she isn’t good at it. Determined to forget Haddon, Marissa returns to London and immerses herself in society. A former rake who has never been in love… Seducing the widowed Lady Cupps-Foster was a way to pass the time at a dull house party but instead Haddon fell in love. Unfortunately, the object of his affection ended the affair and returned to London before he could declare himself. But Haddon has the perfect excuse to see Marissa again. His eldest daughter is about to make her debut and as a widower, he is in dire need of direction. Marissa won’t refuse his plea for help. Another chance at love… Haddon can be very persuasive when he wants something, and he wants Marissa. But Marissa is just as convinced he’ll eventually break her heart. Will Marissa allow herself to find love again or will she stand by and watch Haddon marry someone else? Wicked Again is a steamy historical romance set in post-regency London where scandal meets happily ever after. Book 7 of the Wickeds.

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Excerpt

Copyright 2020 @Kathleen Ayers

Despite wanting to forget him, the memory of Haddon never left Marissa, no matter how busy she had kept herself since her return to town. The destruction of Simon and his mother did take up a great deal of her time. And of course, she had holiday festivities to plan. Haddon shouldn’t have entered her thoughts at all. “Lady Cupps-Foster.” The light, spicy scent Haddon favored hovered about his broad shoulders as he bowed before her. Marissa inhaled sharply, filling her nostrils. Haddon’s scent had stayed with her, lingering along with her memories of him and the night she’d spent in his arms. He took her hand, eyes flitting across her bosom as he straightened, a soft purr of male appreciation coming from his chest. The brush of his lips against her knuckles sent a tendril of warmth from her core to slide between her legs. But the touch of his tongue made her knees buckle. Marissa abruptly snatched her hand from his. A mischievous grin crossed his lips, meant to disarm her and indeed any lady he bestowed it upon. It made him quite irresistible. An image of Haddon walking toward her, naked, the same grin firmly in place on his lips, flitted before her eyes. The ballroom had grown very warm. She resisted the urge to fan herself. Realistically, for any woman her age, there was always bound to be someone in the room she had been involved with. Two of Marissa’s previous lovers were at the Cambourne ball tonight, in fact, though she couldn’t for the life of her remember how they looked naked, nor, upon greeting them tonight, had she felt as if her heart might burst from her chest. “Lord Haddon, how lovely to see you again.” “Isn’t it though?” His grin widened further. “Dance with me?” he said as the musicians began to play. Without waiting for an answer, Haddon took her hand in his and led her out to the dance floor, his grip on her fingers tight as the sapphire skirts of her gown wrapped around them both. Marissa had always found the sensation of silk hugging her to a gentleman as they danced to be mildly erotic, though much more so with Haddon than, say, Enderly. Haddon was a graceful dancer, confident and agile. Turning her expertly, he brought Marissa closer to the lean lines of his body with each twist of his hips. They moved easily together, as if they’d danced many times in each other’s arms. In truth, they had only danced once before. The warmth of his palm splayed intimately across the small of her back, fingertips pressing into the skin at the base of her spine. The pressure was seductive. Enticing. Haddon had kissed that very spot during their night together, as well as a great many other places. She saw Adelia out of the corner of her eye watching them with a smug look. “How have you been, Marissa?” The husky growl of her first name sent bits of flame across her arms. “Enjoying London?” “I’m quite well, thank you. I didn’t realize you’d come to town.” The tips of her breasts chafed against the fabric of his coat, stroking her nipples each time he turned her; it was distracting, to say the least. A tiny smirk crossed his beautiful mouth. He knew she was lying. “I don’t come as often as I did before my wife died. My daughters require my attention, as does my estate. London does not.” Haddon had been married very young in a match arranged by his father. His wife had been sickly and bed-ridden during the latter part of his marriage, the birth of his youngest daughter destroying what remained of her fragile health. In between bouts of lovemaking, they’d whispered to each other in the dark and Haddon had told Marissa of his marriage. Another thing she hadn’t done with a previous lover. Dalliance. He had left out his former rakish reputation, and well he might. Though discreet, Haddon certainly had cut a swath through the ladies of London. But unlike most husbands who wouldn’t have cared to be saddled with an ill spouse, he’d been with his wife when she died, at her bedside. After, he had not returned to London to pick up the threads of his life; instead, he’d stayed away from town, choosing to remain with his daughters in the country. Another thing most gentlemen would not have done. “I brought Jordana to London with me.” He mentioned his eldest daughter, to whom Marissa had been introduced to at Brushbriar. “And how does Jordana like town?” Marissa found it hard to have a casual conversation with Haddon, especially when his hips kept brushing hers. “As well as can be expected. But I thought she might enjoy some time here before making her debut. Ease her into things, so to speak. Jordana has a tendency to be stubborn.” Haddon twirled her, the motion forcing her more fully against his chest. The distance between them was only one tiny, heated inch. “You left before I could tell you goodbye,” he said, breath warm against her temple. “Did I need to tell you goodbye?” Her own guilt at not doing so made her reply sharper than she intended. His grip on her tightened. “I suppose not.” “After the discovery of my late husband’s remains, I was in shock, as you can imagine.” That was putting it mildly. “I’m sure you were.” “I wasn’t up to receiving callers, nor did I wish to receive polite condolences,” she said. “Of course,” he agreed coolly. Marissa bristled. Something about his calm manner, his instant agreement with her, smacked of judgement. It was clear by his attitude Haddon thought she should have received him. Sent him a note. Told him goodbye. She didn’t care for him acting the discarded lover. Dalliance. “Ours was a brief acquaintance, Lord Haddon,” Marissa said politely, allowing a hint of chill to enter her words. “Little more than a dalliance, if you’ll forgive me for saying so.” He looked down on her, eyes like quicksilver. A touch of pink shone on his magnificent cheekbones, a sign of his annoyance, perhaps, though it could have been a trick of the light. “A dalliance?” “A tryst, if you prefer.” “A tryst?” Would he repeat everything she said? “Our relationship would have invited speculation and unwanted attention, both things I don’t care for. An older widow carrying on with—” “Dear God, Marissa.” He looked away from her, the corner of his lip lifting into something resembling amusement. “You didn’t seduce some innocent young lad; stop behaving as if you did.” “I didn’t do any seducing,” she shot back. “Debatable. I was under the impression we seduced each other, not out of boredom, as I’m sure will be your next point, but because we were meant to.” His broad shoulders gave a soft roll. Marissa stayed silent, uncertain how to respond. “You know, I never really considered your elderly status at the time, but you brought it up so often during our brief acquaintance, perhaps your concerns have merit.” “They do?” “You’re a highly intelligent woman. Older and wiser than I. Shouldn’t I listen to your council?” The heat of him bled through the thick silk and layers of petticoats, caressing her skin as they danced. Each time he spun her, Haddon managed to notch the length of one muscled leg into her skirts and between her legs. Deliberately. “Stop doing that,” she hissed beneath her breath. A slow, honeyed ache followed the movement, driving her mad. “Do you intend to cause a scene?” “What? This?” He pulled her a fraction of an inch closer and moved his thigh into her skirts again, sliding his leg in a sinuous motion. “I’m merely dancing.” A flutter of arousal slid down the length of her body at Haddon’s very calculated teasing though Marissa was doing her best to ignore the sensation. Desperate to provide a distraction, she said, “I see you’ve made the acquaintance of Lady Christina Sykes.” “An incomparable beauty with an impeccable lineage,” Haddon acknowledged. “A gentleman could do worse than to wed her. She’s a lovely girl.” “She’s very young.” Marissa said, hating the prick of jealousy at the thought of Haddon dancing with Lady Christina the way he danced with her. “You don’t sound as if you approve. Shouldn’t I seek someone closer to my own age? I’m barely out of the schoolroom, after all.” The mischievous grin, the one she found so endlessly endearing, floated across his mouth. Marissa forced herself to smile up at him. “I’m sure my approval is of no consequence. I’m only concerned.” “How very maternal of you, Marissa.” She deliberately stepped on his toe. Haddon grunted in pain. “Lady Christina is barely older than Jordana,” she said. “But it is none of my affair who you deem a suitable bride. If your aim is to find a wife, Christina Sykes would serve as well as any.” She forced the words up her throat though they left a bitter taste. Spinning her about, he gave her a wolfish grin before murmuring, “The lady doth protest too much.” Her heel ground into the top of his foot. “Pardon me. I seem to have two left feet this evening. Goodness.” Haddon’s fingertips dug into the silk at her hip. “I’m only acknowledging the vast difference in our ages. One you’ve brought to my attention repeatedly during our previous dalliance. Are you old enough to be my mother?” He pretended to consider the question. “Good lord, how depraved I am.” Marissa was going to slap him, right here in the middle of a dance with most of the ton watching. “While there is an age difference, my lord, I assure you—” “And in regard to Christina,” he interrupted her tirade, “you also suggested during our dalliance that I need to remarry. Truthfully, I hadn’t considered wedding again until you brought it to my attention. Again, I’m thankful for your guidance.” She bit her lip, knowing she couldn’t refute his claim. Haddon was correct on all counts. She had been the one to bring up his need to remarry and produce a male heir. At that moment, Marissa could have cheerfully kicked herself for reminding him of his duty. “I’ve something I wish to discuss with you, my lady.” “Oh?” There was a slight, hopeful leap of her traitorous heart before remembering it would be best if she didn’t allow him to seduce her again. Haddon was far too dangerous. They could remain acquaintances and nothing more. “May I call upon you? I would prefer not to have a private discussion here.” “Yes, of course,” she agreed, ignoring the slight racing of her pulse. The dance ended, and Haddon led her off the dance floor, a wisp of a smile hovering on his lips. But instead of leaving her where she’d stood with Adelia, Haddon purposefully took her to the opposite side of the ballroom; an area populated with elderly matrons, wallflowers and spinsters. A strangled sound bubbled from her lips. “Something wrong, my lady? Didn’t you enjoy our dance?” “I did. Immensely.” If she wasn’t sure it would cause a scene, Marissa would wrench her fingers from his. Once he seemed satisfied Marissa stood with the most undesirable women in the room, Haddon bowed again over her hand, hiding his enjoyment at her discomfort behind a polite, bland smile. “Enjoy the rest of your evening, Lady Cupps-Foster.” Haddon turned and, without another glance at Marissa, sauntered back across the ballroom.

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About the author

Kathleen Ayers is the bestselling author of steamy Regency and Victorian romance. She’s been a hopeful romantic and romance reader since buying Sweet Savage Love at a garage sale when she was fourteen while her mother was busy looking at antique animal planters. She has a weakness for tortured, witty alpha males who can’t help falling for intelligent, sassy heroines. A Texas transplant (from Pennsylvania) Kathleen spends most of her summers attempting to grow tomatoes (a wasted effort) and floating in her backyard pool with her two dogs, husband and son. When not writing she likes to visit her “happy place” (Newport, RI.), visit wine bars, make homemade pizza on the grill, and perfect her charcuterie board skills.

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