~Snippet Saturday~ Entangled (Spellbound)

Time for another excerpt from one of my stories. Gertrude has been the star of the past two Snippet Saturdays, so how about something different this time?

Let's have a snippet from Entangled, shall we? Entangled is a remake of my previously published novel Spellbound. It's getting a revamp, inside and out.

The following is the opening of Spellbound, before any changes for the revamped edition. Enjoy! ♥

---

January 1820

“It’s insane, Raven. He’s insane. How can you even consider it?”

Raven Emerson stared at Adam, her slightly raised brows the only sign of her annoyance. Adam’s wife, Bri, was strangely silent. Normally, she was full of ideas and opinions, some quite scandalous, but today she was keeping her thoughts to herself. Raven was unsure why this was but decided to spare her friend the necessity of giving her opinion in front of Adam.

“I don’t see how my decision is any concern of yours, Adam Prestwich,” replied Raven in her throaty voice. Her expression revealed nothing.

“None of my concern?” Disbelief was writ plain on the baronet’s handsome face. “And how, madam, do you suppose that?”

His tone had taken on a dangerous silkiness that Raven knew meant he was more than a little perturbed. She didn’t care. She was no longer his to command and she’d be damned if she’d let him try.

“I’m not your responsibility now,” she told him. “You have a wife and children to worry about. Leave me be.”

Adam stared at her. “You may not be my mistress anymore but you’re still my friend and my wife’s as well.” He paused but Raven said nothing. “You cannot have thought this through!” he finally exploded.

“I assure you, I have,” she told him quietly—and completely without truth. She caught the look of surprise on Bri’s face but ignored it. “Lord Windhaven assures me I will be well paid and have nothing to fear from his family provided I play my part well.” A ghost of a smile crossed her lips. “And there is little fear of that considering I’ve been an actress for years.”

“But you have acted in nothing for nearly a year, Raven,” Adam pointed out mockingly. “Are you sure you remember how?”

Raven glared at him in response. She was used to Adam’s callousness. She had been under his protection for years before he met and married Lady Brianna Derring, a titled lady in her own right and running from her family. Adam’s hands had been full to overflowing with Bri’s problems and while Raven had been of some considerable help to the couple, she had also been in the way.

Adam released an exasperated breath. “The man must be completely balmy to ask you to impersonate a peeress, Raven. Either that or he views you as expendable. Do you realize they will hang you if you’re discovered? And his family will probably be the first to lead you to the scaffold. Can he protect you then?”

Raven shrugged with seeming nonchalance. “He’s a duke,” she said carelessly. Inside she was frightened but she’d never reveal that to the odious man before her.

A shiver of excitement coursed through her. Her life had become a trifle boring of late—a circumstance she blamed entirely on her past decisions and her belief that she had a penance to pay for giving in to temptation—once with Adam and once with…

She pushed her other indiscretion determinedly from her mind.

---

That's the old version. I will do my best to have the new version for you within the next few weeks. ;) 

The cover shown here is the new one. I guess this would be the official unveiling. LOL I hope you like it. 

As always, thank you for stopping by! ♥ 

♥Happy reading, writing, and blogging!!♥

There’s a jukebox in my head. It’s currently playing
♫♪ Evanescence ~ Going Under

~Snippet Saturday~ Gertrude's Grace

It was put to a vote on my Facebook page and Gertrude won by a landslide—granted, that was only a handful of votes, but still. It counts. ;) So this week's excerpt is from Gertrude's Grace, chapter three. Enjoy! ♥

---

Taken from the beginning of chapter three...

 Having a clumsy daughter was what all Society mothers feared most—that and being denied vouchers to Almack’s. Clumsy daughters were nearly impossible to marry off, every gentlemen desiring a lady for a wife and a lady must always be graceful.

 A clumsy young lady might successfully marry if she was titled, fair of face, or in possession of a generous dowry. Gertrude’s standing as the daughter of an earl gave her a title but her dowry was modest. Her strong features and sturdy build were opposite the delicate, china-doll appearance that was so popular. Her tendency to laugh aloud instead of emitting nothing more than a charming titter put many gentlemen off. She strode around like a man when she wasn’t tripping over her own feet, and her hair—horror of horrors!—was unruly red, the most despised of hair colors. Certainly a mother’s nightmare!

 But Gertrude’s mother, delicate fae creature that she was, loved her great clumsy child. As much as she wanted her child contentedly married and surrounded by children of her own, she was just as happy with the thought of her staying by her side, a comfort in her declining years.

 And Gertrude adored her mother right back, wanting to please her with a brilliant match. So she dressed carefully that Wednesday evening, only a few days after her comical introduction to the much sought after Duke of Chatterton.

---

As always, thank you for stopping by and have a lovely weekend!

♥Happy reading, writing, and blogging!!♥

There’s a jukebox in my head. It’s currently playing
♫♪ Evanescence ~ Hello

~Snippet Saturday~ Gertrude's Grace

Let's get back to the way things were. Here's another snippet on a Saturday for your enjoyment. ;)

Since Gertrude is about to make her debut, I thought I'd share some of her story with you now. This clip is taken from the almost final draft. I'm still editing on this story, so don't be surprised if this changes a bit in the final manuscript. 

I hope you like it. Gertrude is very special to me. ♥

---

From chapter two...

Hyde Park was the place to see and be seen most afternoons. One could ride, walk, or drive, dressed in the latest fashions, escorted by the most sought after gentlemen Society could boast. It was every debutante’s dream to make her friends jealous by snaring the company of the one man considered the marital prize of the Season.

Lady Gertrude Shiveley could boast no such conquest. She walked alone, no one but her maid, Margaret, trailing along three paces behind as a good servant must.

Gertrude longed to ask the other girl to step up beside her but didn’t dare. It would cause talk if anyone saw her being so familiar with a servant. And it would probably embarrass Margaret.

So she continued to amble along, taking the tiny, mincing steps ladies are supposed to take. She wished she could stride the way she was comfortable. Mincing steps were not sufficient to get from point A to point B. She had a destination in mind and she wanted to get there within decent time.

Granted, her destination was merely the other end of the park, but the sooner she got there, the sooner she could turn around and leave. She’d come early enough to avoid the worst of the crowds and hoped to leave before a certain duke showed up with whatever lovely young miss he’d chosen to escort.

Gertrude hated to admit it, but she found Lord Chatterton fascinating. His manners, his poise, his….grace.

A snort escaped her. She admired his grace’s grace. She glanced over her shoulder to see if Margaret heard her unladylike noise, but the girl was staring off into the trees. In fact, she wasn’t even moving anymore, her gaze caught by something that Gertrude couldn’t see.

---

This one will be released soon, I promise. Thank you for stopping by and have a lovely weekend!

♥Happy reading, writing, and blogging!!♥

~Snippet Saturday~ Deception

How about a little taste of Deception? This was my fifth book published, the first published by TreasureLine Publishing. It’s a favorite of mine for a variety of reasons, the main one being how delightfully horrible my Heartless Duke is in this particular story. ♥ 

---

Taken from the middle of chapter six...


A week later, Aurora still suffered the ill effects of the Duke of Derringer’s well-chosen and completely hateful words. Many shunned her despite her remarkable lineage and some gentlemen had been forward enough to offer her carte blanche. Ladies tended to avoid her company altogether.

Aurora didn’t care. She was more worried about the duke’s whispered words to her. It was nothing more than a man’s name, but that man’s connection to her would destroy her reputation as assuredly as Derringer had destroyed Miss Weatherby’s.

The gossip surrounding her name now would stop just as soon as someone provided the ton with something even better to talk about. If they discovered her secret, nothing short of a royal scandal could replace the gossip. And although the royals were quite willing to make a byword of themselves, lately they had been rather circumspect.

---

If this little snippet intrigued you, you can find more info, links to more excerpts, and purchasing links on my website HERE. Thanx for stopping by!

♥Happy reading, writing, and blogging!!♥

There’s a jukebox in my head. It’s currently playing

♫♪ Nickelback ~ Figured You Out

~Snippet Saturday~ Betrayal

How about a completely random bit of a snippet today? I was in the tedious process of formatting Betrayal for print (finally!) and the opening of chapter twelve caught my eye. So here you are, my lovelies. Enjoy this little taste of Adam and Bri’s tale. ☺

Though Bri doesn’t actually star in this portion, she is the subject of Adam and Connor’s conversation.

---

Adam had successfully pushed a certain flame-haired, green-eyed countess firmly from his mind. He had succeeded so well, in fact, that he nearly dropped his coffee one morning several months later when he glanced at the social column of the London Gazette.

“Bloody hell,” he muttered, much to the amusement of Lord Connor Northwicke who had stopped over that morning.

“Bad news?”

“Depends on who you are, I suppose,” his friend replied cryptically.

Connor reached for the paper and soon saw what had his friend so pensive. “Oh, Lord,” he muttered.

“Exactly,” Adam said almost to himself. “I tried to tell myself that she would be well. She was with her family and surely she had exaggerated their treatment of her. Now I wonder.”

“As do I,” Connor murmured. “I had heard, of course, Steyne himself spouting off some rubbish about being engaged to her, but I just thought he was in his cups.”

Adam concurred. “I still felt like calling the bounder out,” he growled.

“Fortunate thing for you that you resisted,” Connor replied dryly. “You’d look no end the fool now if you had given in to your impulse.”

Adam did nothing more than grunt in reply.

---

This book is available everywhere e-books are sold and the paperback will be available again very soon. More excerpts and store links can be found on my website HERE. Thank you for stopping by! ☺

♥Happy reading, writing, and blogging!!♥

There’s a jukebox in my head. It’s currently playing

♫♪ Apocalyptica ~ I Don't Care

~Snippet Saturday~ The Devil She Knows

I shared a tidbit of The Devil She Knows several weeks ago, back when I was still calling it Surrender. How about another? Ooo, and there’s a cover now, too! 

For those of you who don’t know, The Devil She Knows is a short story, just under 10,000 words, that will be released with the compiled edition of Death Becomes Her. It’s the story of Sadie Miller and James Melbourne. Will they get their happy ending?

---

Chapter Two

Spain 1812

James Melbourne led a charmed life. Through misstep after misstep he’d emerged on top, unharmed. With a bit of charm and his handsome face he could talk his way out of any situation. Nothing stood in the way of what he wanted.

But war was not something one could charm. James had suffered right along with the ugliest, most crass creature, an injury to his leg and the resultant fever ending his bout of good fortune. Though, in all honesty, having escaped death was probably as lucky as one could get.

As he lay senseless, the fever taking over his body again, he longed for home, longed to see the family he’d left behind. He’d never been a sentimental type, but fighting for one’s life had a way of turning one into a simpering milksop.

And, simpering milksop that he was, he missed home. He missed England’s dreary rain and London’s suffocating fog. He missed his overbearing, sanctimonious brother David, and David’s equally judgmental wife.

Then there was Sadie. Beautiful Sadie, low-class and foul-mouthed, damning him one moment and pleasuring him like a courtesan the next, the woman he loved and couldn’t have.

He’d had to leave England, but there were some who didn’t see it that way. Sadie Miller probably despised him and he could hardly blame her. But marriage was out of the question. James would make a terrible husband and Sadie should have a husband worthy of her loyalty.

---

This story is being formatted along with Death Becomes Her, and should be released by mid-October. Thank you for stopping by! ☺

♥Happy reading, writing, and blogging!!♥

There’s a jukebox in my head. It’s currently playing

♫♪ Escala ~ Adagio for Strings 

~Snippet Saturday~ Heartless

It’s time for another snippet from one of my books. Which work shall it be today? How about my bestseller, Heartless? It’s been a while since I shared an excerpt from that. ☺

---

A conversation between Derringer and Levi, taken from the end of chapter 19....

Derringer’s eyes narrowed. “Secrets with my wife, Vi? I’m surprised at you.”

“Don’t take that tone with me, Hart,” replied his friend indifferently. “I have no secrets with her that I am not about to tell you.”

The duke glared at him. The admission that he did, in fact, have secrets with his Merri made him want to tear Levi’s heart out—even if the man was willing to share them with him.

“I have decided to ask Adam and Bri to visit and I discussed it with your wife. She is willing to allow it.”

“And since Merri is master here, that is all the permission you need,” retorted the duke. “You’ve told me, now you can get out.”

“You are a bloody irritating patient, Hart,” Greville told him with fond contempt. “You need help finding the bas… um, villain responsible for this.” He gestured toward the duke’s bandaged shoulder and ribs. “You do not seem to be progressing well in that.”

“And how the devil can I when my time is spent searching for a cousin who has spent his time evading me and getting married to save a fortune that was mine in the first place? I haven’t exactly had the time to search for someone wanting to kill me. Besides, don’t you think society would rejoice to be rid of me?”

“Self-pity, Hart? Shocking.”

“It is not self-pity, dammit! It is reality. I am not beloved in society, Vi. Everyone knows that. To a man they would love to see me dead. My father was not popular and King George himself hated my grandfather. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was the king that ordered my grandfather’s death. Would you?”

“The walls have ears,” Greville warned.

Derringer snorted. “So let them listen. I care not.”

---

I hope you enjoyed that little taste. If you’d like to grab the whole story, you can find the e-book on Amazon (US & UK), B&N, iTunes, Kobo, ‘txtr, and Smashwords, as well as subscription services such as Scribd and Oyster. Thanx for stopping by! 

♥Happy reading, writing, and blogging!!♥

There’s a jukebox in my head. It’s currently playing

♫♪ Imagine Dragons ~ Hear Me

~Snippet Saturday~ Surrender

Hello, my lovelies! How about a snippet from something not yet published? ;)

The following is from Surrender, a short story that will be released with the compiled edition of my serial Regency Death Becomes Her. Enjoy this little taste! ♥ 

---

Taken from the rough copy of chapter one...

Chapter One

London, 1812 

Sadie Miller did not take life for granted. As the daughter of a resurrectionist, and having herself been a thief of the dead, she knew just how fleeting life was, and knew without doubt that any given moment could be her last.

Thus it was with prayers trembling on her lips that she screwed up her courage, her strength, and her will, centering all of it to her lower extremities, pushing forth the life she’d carried inside her for the past seven months. Exhausted, she fell back on the bed, panting, chest heaving with the force of her exertions. The room lingered in silence for several moments, then the midwife’s concerned grunt burst through Sadie’s consciousness.

She forced her tired body up onto her elbows, trying to see around her own legs to the women who’d helped her labor. “What? My baby?”

Her eldest sister, Melly, frowned over at her. Leaving the midwife to her task, she approached Sadie’s side. “The child is so small and he does not breathe. He may yet, but—”

Sadie nearly came off the bed in her desperation to reach her child. “No! He will live! Let him live!”

---

Watch for the complete (and edited) version to come out in August. Thanx for stopping by!

♥Happy reading, writing, and blogging!!♥

There’s a jukebox in my head. It’s currently playing

♫♪ Alicia Keys ~ Caged Bird

~Snippet Saturday~ Loyalty

Hello again, my lovelies! It’s Saturday and you know what that means. Another snippet from one of my books. ☺ (My apologies for missing last Saturday.)

I’ve chosen “Loyalty” today, the first story in the Forgotten, and other Heartless tales anthology. Enjoy! ♥ 

---

(From chapter four, a scene between Michaella and her sister, Leandra, with an appearance by the Duke of Derringer.)

Lady Michaella had changed over the years. Where once she’d had nothing but soft, kind words and ladylike manners, she now exhibited the occasional bout of cynicism and rudeness, her interaction with a certain gentleman topping any other moment.

“I suppose I shall leave you now,” Michaella said after several moments of companionable silence.

“Must you? I haven’t seen you for ages.”

“I have things I must do before my wedding. There is but a fortnight before I become Mrs. Wainwright, you know.”

“You can meet him before you promise to love and obey him, Kaylee,” Leandra gently reminded her. “I think it would be for the best. I take no issue with you asking for an arranged marriage but to marry him sight unseen? Is that wise?”

“Your concern does you credit, Merri, but it is misplaced,” Michaella assured her. “I am content waiting for the vows to see his face.” She set her bonnet on her head and tied the ribbons, then reached for her gloves. “I trust his countenance is pleasing?”

“Oh my, yes,” Leandra breathed, an almost dreamy quality transforming her plump features.

Michaella laughed. “Oh, Merri, my dear, are you smitten with my betrothed? What does your duke think of that?”

“He hates it,” the man in question muttered as he strode purposefully back into the room. Rifling through some papers on his desk, he added, “He would run your betrothed through if the blighter hadn’t agreed to marry you.”

“What have I to do with it?” Michaella couldn’t help asking.

The duke shot her an annoyed look, but refrained from commenting.

“Don’t speak of yourself as though you are not in the room, dear,” Leandra remonstrated. “It is hardly Rhys’ fault that he is so pleasing to look upon and employs pretty manners too.”

“If not his fault, then whose?” Derringer countered.

Leandra moved to her husband’s side and laid a gentle hand on his arm. Smiling, she gazed up at him. “My love, you like Rhys or you would not have approached him about marrying Michaella. Refrain from any more of this false anger.”

He growled but kissed the top of her head. “Next time he calls, you are not to see him. Pleasing countenance indeed. Bloody hell.”

“Language, my love.”

“You’d like to hear more?”

“I will leave you to battle this one without me,” Michaella inserted before the duke could make good on his threat. “Thank you for the tea. I will be sure to call often in the coming weeks.” She took her leave after a parting embrace from her sister and a surprising, affectionate squeeze from the duke. The man was a puzzle.

---

I hope you enjoyed this snippet. If you’d like to read the rest of the story, as well as the other two stories in this anthology, check out Forgotten’s page on my website HERE for buying links. If you’d like to get it for 50% off the list price, I recommend grabbing a copy from Smashwords.* Thank you for stopping by!!

*Limited time offer for Smashwords’ Summer/Winter Sale. Coupon good through July 31, 2014.

♥Happy reading, writing, and blogging!!♥

There’s a jukebox in my head. It’s currently playing

♫♪ Sarah McLachlan ~ Angel 

~Snippet Saturday~ Death Becomes Her

The finale for Death Becomes Her has been published in InD'tale Magazine's big summer issue. I hope it lives up to everyone's expectations. ☺ 

This officially ends my "employment" with InD'tale. I will be taking a break from serial romance for the magazine. The next serial will be done by Rachel Rossano and believe me, y'all are in for a treat! ♥

I've loved working with InD'tale and I won't say I'll never write for them again. But I do need to concentrate on some other things right now. ☺

In light of this, I've decided to post an excerpt from the final installment of Death Becomes Her. If you haven't read the story yet, you can go through the magazine archives* and start from the very beginning.

Without further ado, here is today's snippet. Enjoy! ♥

---

Taken from the opening of Part 11: Escaping the Dead...

The Miller sisters silently packed their things to leave. They chose to go with Melly, even Ashlin who stood to gain so much more by staying. The doctor insisted they take all the clothes and things he’d provided for them, having no use for them himself. Melly was grateful, as it was one less thing to worry about when they were trying to make new lives for themselves, but the weight she carried deep inside would not be lessened with distance.

As they set off, Melly did not want to return to their tiny, dilapidated hovel near the graveyard, though there were things they needed to gather there before they could move from the city forever. The girls trundled along behind her, thick shoes on their feet and heavy, warm cloaks keeping the biting winter chill from their bodies.

“Melly,” she heard Ashlin whisper at her side, “I’m sorry David turned us out.”

Melly heard tears trembling on the words and she felt her chest constrict. “You could have stayed, love,” she murmured, careful to keep her voice low. “Doctor Melbourne would continue your education. You could be a doctor yourself someday.” They both knew how unlikely that was, but at David’s side, Ashlin would at least be allowed to practice the art she loved so well.

“I could not let you leave alone,” Ashlin retorted.

Melly laughed, a hint of actual mirth in the sound. “Hardly alone, love. Do you think the others would have stayed as well?”

Read the rest in the June/July 2014 issue of InD'tale Magazine. 

---

I hope you enjoyed this little excerpt. Thank you for stopping by! 

*You must be registered to access the magazine archives. Registration is free. 

♥Happy reading, writing, and blogging!!♥

There’s a jukebox in my head. It’s currently playing

♫♪ Tech N9ne ~ Fragile 

~Snippet Saturday~ Deception

It’s Saturday and you know what that means. It’s time for another snippet from one of my works. ☺ 

I’ve chosen Deception this time, a scene that makes me chuckle every time I read it. I hope you enjoy it, even though my lovely Derringer is a bit...rude...in this excerpt. LOL 

---

Taken from the beginning of Chapter Eight...

As Raven left, the Duke of Derringer arrived.

The actress nodded pleasantly to the tall peer, not even hesitating in her trek to the park gates. Derringer didn’t spare her more than a cursory glance from atop his horse as they passed each other.

He was well aware of her identity. Indeed, what kind of underhanded rogue would he be if he was unaware of the best actress since Sarah Siddons? Everyone knew of her.

Apparently, Aurora was cultivating an association with the woman with little regard for her own reputation. Smirking, Derringer acknowledged that he’d already gone a long way in ruining that anyway.

The duke was cynical enough to realize Raven’s interest in Aurora Glendenning could not be entirely innocent. If his spies were to be believed—and Derringer trusted them as much as he trusted any low-class street ruffian paid to spy on his betters—Miss Raven Emerson was not as sane as she portrayed herself. Rumor said she’d taken her dismissal very ill indeed.

He’d keep an eye on the hauntingly lovely Raven Emerson. One never knew what a woman scorned was capable of.

Reining in next to Aurora’s perch on a park bench, he offered a mocking smile. Instead of scowling or simply walking away, Aurora smiled back. Derringer found himself a trifle startled.

The Duke of Derringer was never startled.

“Your grace,” she murmured, her very expression revealing how uncomfortable she knew she’d made him.

“How are you enjoying this lovely weather?”

He slid from Satan’s back. Dropping the reins, he told the horse to go away.

“Did you just tell your mount to go away?”

Derringer shrugged and lowered his lanky form onto the bench beside her. “He is not being very cooperative today. He needs some time to himself.”

“Oh, of course,” she said, her tone so disbelieving that Derringer felt actual mirth.

“How are you faring since Almack’s?”

“I am faring quite well, my lord. I am surprised you care to inquire, considering any discomforts I experience were caused by you.”

He shrugged. “You broke the rules, Rory.”

“What rules?”

He turned to meet her gaze, marveling at the color of her eyes, wondering how he was going to broach the subject he needed to without finding himself on the other end of Levi’s dueling pistol.

Unknowingly adopting the same attitude Aurora had just minutes before with Raven, he opted for blunt truth.

“You realize I know far more than just his name, do you not?”

---

I hope you enjoyed that little taste. Additional excerpts can be found on another blog of mine, and you can find the blurb and a little more info about this book on my website (including purchasing links). Thank you for stopping by! ♥

♥Happy reading, writing, and blogging!!♥

There’s a jukebox in my head. It’s currently playing

♫♪ Aimee Blackschleger (FFXIII-2) ~ Unseen Intruder - Aggressive Mix - 

~Snippet Saturday~ Redemption

I almost forgot about today’s post. I woke up with a smile on my face and a song in my head (see below), and it hit me just as I opened my eyes: “Oh crap. It’s Saturday. I have a full day planned and I totally forgot to schedule a snippet.” So here I am and I’ve chosen a snippet from one of my older books. Enjoy! ♥ 

---

(Redemption, from chapter six...)

Jenny wished she possessed a tiny bit of her mother’s poise. She had always loved her mother and wanted to be her when she grew up. Now, seeing the disappointment slowly unfurl in her parent’s beautiful blue eyes, she wished she were anywhere but there.

She cast her eyes to her twin, questioning her. Gwen’s smile was strained and after a moment, faded completely.

“We are concerned for you, my love,” the duchess said softly. She took her daughter’s hands in a comforting clasp, squeezing gently. “You have been spending much time at the Prestwich’s residence.”

“Gwen has visited too,” Jenny offered, confused.

Her grace nodded. “Yes, dear, I know. What concerns me is your association with Mr. Darius Prestwich.”

Jenny didn’t say a word. She just looked at her mother, waiting.

Lady Denbigh sighed. With a little tug, she pulled her child over to the bed and sat down. Gwen joined them.

“If I ask you about your feelings for Mr. Prestwich, will you be honest, I wonder?”

Since it appeared to be a rhetorical question, Jenny said nothing.

“I am your mother, Genevieve, and I love you. I know you have very strong feelings for this young man and I’m not sure you understand exactly what it is about him that worries your brother.”

“Con spends too much time with his nose in other people’s affairs,” Jenny retorted bitterly.

“Perhaps,” her mother allowed magnanimously. “But I think he has reason to be concerned, Jenny.”

Jenny realized her mother would not leave it be until she’d revealed the cause of all the worry. So, with a heartfelt, bone-weary sigh, she invited, “Tell me what he’s done, Mama.”

---

Thank you for stopping by. If you liked what you read, you can read another excerpt on my site HERE, or get the e-book from Amazon (US or UK), B&N, Apple, Smashwords, or Kobo. Have a lovely day! 

♥Happy reading, writing, and blogging!!♥

There’s a jukebox in my head. It’s currently playing

♫♪ Five Finger Death Punch ~ Far From Home

~Snippet Saturday~ Honor

You may have noticed I changed the meme title just a bit. Don’t know why I didn’t think of it before, considering Regency Wednesday has the day second. So Saturday Snippets has become Snippet Saturday. Hope that’s not too disappointing for anyone. ☺ 

Now that that’s out of the way, on to today’s snippet! ♥ 

I’ve chosen one of my favorite works this time. This one is my baby, the one and only book I had to write. This one wouldn’t leave me alone, wouldn’t let me rest. The first draft was completed from beginning to end within two months. Readying it for reader consumption took years. 

Without further ado, a snippet from Honor. Enjoy!

---

(Taken from chapter three...)

Tears gathered in her eyes. Her father would beat her for her defiance. Sniffling, she accepted the handkerchief held out to her and spoke, the words tumbling out in a rush of suppressed panic. “A few months ago, my father informed me that he arranged a m-marriage for me. That is why I ran away. I just can’t do it!” The dam ruptured and she burst into tears.

Connor put his arms around her and held her against him. She stiffened at first but her muscles slowly eased and she buried her face in his chest. Sobs wracked her small frame and tears soaked his gold waistcoat. He removed her mobcap and released the severe knot of hair at her nape. He smoothed his hand over the shining tresses in a soothing manner until she quieted, her heartbreaking sobs becoming mere whimpers.

“Are you sure you can’t marry your father’s choice?”

Verena stiffened and drew away from him, disappointed that he would even suggest such a thing.

“Do you happen to know my father, my lord? Any man who enjoys my father’s good opinion is already beyond redemption.”

“Surely he can’t be that bad,” Connor insisted.

“There is none worse than Mr. Winters, I assure you,” she said in a frightened little voice that trembled slightly.

“Percival Winters?”

Verena bobbed her head in acknowledgment.

Lord Connor’s face and tone contained all the horror Verena could have wished, but she could take little comfort in that fact. Percival Winters may have enjoyed the title of gentleman in Society but nothing could be further from the truth. He was a cad, a cheat, and a scoundrel. His money was all that kept him accepted throughout the ton.

“Marry me instead.”

---

I hope you enjoyed that little taste of Honor. For more info on the book (as well as another excerpt) you can visit my site HERE. If this is enough for you, you can grab an e-copy of this book from Amazon (US or UK), B&N, Apple, Smashwords, or Kobo.

Thank you for stopping by! ☺

♥Happy reading, writing, and blogging!!♥

There’s a jukebox in my head. It’s currently playing

♫♪ PTX ~ Show You How To Love  

~Saturday Snippets~ Intrigue

I completely FORGOT to post a new Saturday Snippet yesterday! :o (In my defense, I wasn’t home Friday or Saturday.) I’ll post it now, and make sure I have next week’s scheduled ahead of time. 

That brings me to which snippet to share. That’s often a hard decision for me. That said, I’ll select a random portion of...Intrigue. This portion is taken from the middle of chapter seven. Enjoy! ♥

---

A trim little figure of equestrienne superiority erupted into the house. She twirled her shako hat on one finger, her smile of utter delight encompassing all those assembled in the great entry hall.

This was Gideon’s sister, Malvina realized. The way she carried herself would have been indication enough but the rippling scars covering the young lady’s cheek confirmed her identity.

Malvina was intrigued to note the disappearance of the charming smile as the young lady’s eyes lit upon the earl. Indeed, it was as though the light in her had been extinguished. They were suddenly faced with the epitome of a well-bred English lady.

“Hello, Holt. I hope your journey was without mishap?”

Her voice carried a distant note that was not lost upon Malvina and her son. Lady Brackney gave the earl a questioning look that he ignored and she had to pinch Wolf before he said something embarrassing, like mentioning the young girl’s scars.

“Our journey was uneventful, was it not, my dear?” he said in reply to his sister’s question. His brown eyes settled on Malvina, awaiting her agreement.

“Very pleasant,” she murmured.

“Sammy, love, this is my betrothed, Lady Malvina Brackney, and this is her son, Sir Beowulf. My sister, Lady Samantha de Witt.”

Samantha curtsied politely, smiling at his companions in an unselfconscious way that Malvina found curious.

“Where is Mother?” Gideon asked.

Samantha looked up at him. “She has sequestered herself in her apartments, Giddy.”

Malvina’s lips quirked. What an oddly disarming pet name, she thought. It didn’t suit the earl in the least.

---

Read InD’tale Magazine’s 4½-star review of this RONÉ Award Finalist. The e-book is available at Amazon (US & UK), B&N, Apple, Smashwords, and Kobo.

♥Happy reading, writing, and blogging!!♥

There's a jukebox in my head. It's currently playing

♫♪ Sarah McLachlan ~ The Path of Thorns  

~Saturday Snippets~ Introducing Saturday Snippets: The 11th Commandment

The last two Fridays I've posted excerpts from my newest release, Forgotten, and other Heartless tales. That got me thinking. I'm a huge fan of alliteration. Not sure why, I just am. (Yes, I know, Regency Wednesday doesn't qualify, but that choice was due to Almack's Assemblies being held on Wednesday nights. Kind of a huge Regency thing, you know?) 

I digress. 

This thought in mind, and remembering that I'd once participated in Sweet Saturday Samples, I wanted to go back to sharing snippets of my writing, past and present. Thus, Saturday Snippets. I will start today with a shorter snippet of one of my available works. Next week...well, we'll see what I come up with then. ☺

Without further ado, here is a portion of The 11th Commandment, the serial Regency romance I wrote for InD'tale Magazine. Enjoy! 

---

Part II

The Will

“S-Simon?”

Simon Delacourt's heart leapt into his throat. Lady Katherine, Duchess of Jarvis, wife of the late Duke of Jarvis, once again stood in the same room with him, only a few paces away. Her ebony hair gleamed, caught up at her nape in a ruthless knot. The sight conjured the memory of all those silken strands loosened from their confinement, sliding over his hands and falling over their naked flesh.

The bittersweet recollection sent a thrill coursing his spine even as shame pooled in his middle. Jarvis had been his friend, confidante, closest companion for many years. But while Jarvis was his friend, Katherine was his curse, the devil's own daughter sent to tempt him. He'd wanted her forever with a desire that made all other women—whores and ladies alike—pale in comparison. It was no wonder he'd stumbled so weakly into her arms at the mere crook of a finger.

That shame leapt quickly into anger, anger at her, anger at himself, and anger at Jarvis. They were all to blame, he knew it and Jarvis knew it. He was pretty sure Katherine, with her wide astonished eyes, had no idea just how much Jarvis was to blame.

Her astonishment at Simon's presence at the reading of her husband's will, however, was out of proportion to the situation. It was apparent she'd forgotten his relationship to the late duke, forgotten they were cousins.

He would have said something wholly inappropriate, anger overcoming sense, but a snicker beside him—courtesy of the new Duke of Jarvis—brought him back to the present. Offering the slightest of bows, he murmured, “Lady Jarvis,” and jabbed an elbow into the new duke's ribs. That young man's gasp returned sense to the room.

---

I hope you enjoyed this snippet. If you'd like to read the rest of the story, you can subscribe to InD'tale Magazine (it's free) and go back through the magazine archive starting with the July/August 2012 issue, or you can get the compiled edition from Amazon (US & UK), B&N, Apple, Smashwords, or Kobo for only 99¢. Thank you for stopping by!

Watch for another snippet next Saturday. ☺

♥Happy reading, writing, and blogging!!♥

There's a jukebox in my head. It's currently playing

♫♪ Escala ~ Requiem for a Tower 

Another Forgotten Excerpt

I promised another excerpt, this time from Introductions, the final story in my Heartless Regency trilogy, Forgotten, and other Heartless tales. I’ve snipped a portion for your reading pleasure. Enjoy! ♥

---

Introductions:

A Heartless Conclusion

England 1824

“Lord and Lady Gabriel St. Clair!”

Michaella’s head whipped up at the majordomo’s stentorian announcement. “Gabe?” slipped from her lips just before those very lips were ruthlessly pressed against another pair of lips.

“My love,” Rhys mused between kisses to her neck and face, “calling out...another man’s name...whilst making love to...your husband...is very bad form.” He renewed his assault on her lips, giving her no opportunity to respond, if a coherent response was something she could even manage at the moment. His hands pulled her close, fingers splayed across her back. “Very...bad...form.”

Summoning an inhuman amount of control, Michaella pulled away, far enough to regard her husband’s smiling countenance. “Seducing one’s wife”—she placed a hand over his mouth as he leaned in to continue said seduction—“in an alcove...in the middle of the day...across from the drawing room...no less...is most improper.”

“Your speech would have been far more effective had you kissed me with each pause, my love,” Rhys mused, allowing her just a touch more distance, though he didn’t actually release her.

She smiled. “Perhaps, but how much of it would you have remembered after?”

He twined his fingers with hers, staring down at the linked appendages. “This is the first moment I’ve had alone with you in days.” He bestowed his most earnest expression on her, adding just a touch of pathetic entreaty.

She scowled at his emotional appeal, or tried to. “Stealing into an alcove is your way to remedy that?” She wanted to ask him why he didn’t simply enter her bedchamber on any of the past few nights. She wanted to ask him why he chose to sleep in his own chamber, for that matter. But good breeding would not allow her to ask such an indelicate question.

Instead, she allowed him to seduce her in a most inappropriate place, where any one of their guests might happen upon them, causing quite the countryside scandal. And as she pondered the possible ramifications, his hand slid down her shoulder, passing ever so lightly over her breast and on down to curl around her corseted ribs. Her breath caught as she vividly remembered the feel of his hands on her skin instead of hampered by several layers of sensible silk and whalebone.

And no guests constantly underfoot.

“Darling, your every waking moment since we left London has been filled with planning and family and servants,” Rhys patiently explained, trailing kisses over her cheeks and neck. Michaella’s heart kicked up a beat, her fingers clenching in the rough cloth of Rhys’ jacket. “I saw a moment and took advantage.”

And what he meant by that was he saw her in the foyer, greeting a newly arrived guest, and spirited her into the curtained alcove. Concerned that something had gone horribly wrong with one of the male guests at this, her very first house party, she’d followed with nothing more than a truncated “Please excuse—” directed at the new arrivals.

She could barely contain her shock when, instead of speaking, her very proper and gentlemanly husband pulled her into his arms and kissed her like a starving man. Too shocked to protest and—admittedly—pleasantly surprised, he’d managed to distract her quite well for several minutes.

Until Huxley’s voice broke through the sensual haze, intoning a name she’d not heard in months, the name of a man she’d not seen in years. How was it possible that he chose to attend her house party?

---

If you missed last week’s excerpt of Forgotten, you can find it HERE. An excerpt from Loyalty can be found on my website HERE.

Like what you read? Grab the full book from Amazon (US & UK), B&N, Apple, or Smashwords.

♥Happy reading, writing, and blogging!!♥

There's a jukebox in my head. It's currently playing

♫♪ P!NK ~ There You Go 

A Forgotten Excerpt

It’s been a while since I’ve posted a random excerpt from one of my books. As Forgotten, and other Heartless tales is my newest release, it makes sense to give that one the spotlight today. :) 

There is already an excerpt from Loyalty, the first story in this trio, on my website. This time, how about an excerpt from Forgotten, the story for which the trilogy is named? Here’s the first page of Forgotten. Enjoy! ♥

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Forgotten

His heart belonged to his past...

Chapter One

France 1824

Hélène tossed the rag onto the bar, her gaze sliding, as always, down the shining expanse to linger on the man standing at the other end. He laughed with a regular patron, white teeth flashing in his sun-darkened face. He didn’t glance her way, but as she watched, his brow furrowed as it always did when he tried to remember something from his past.

Nearly four years ago she’d fished him out of the sea. He remembered nothing of who he was or how he’d come to be there, but ships sank all the time. His accent proclaimed his English roots and his air of superiority hinted at a life amongst the elite. Whether he was nobility or just an upper servant aping his betters was something she couldn’t quite decide.

With no hint of his identity and the face of a fallen angel, Hélène could think of no better name than Gabriel. Recalling the look on his face the first time she’d called him that, she knew she’d hit upon something. Recognition, a bit of horror, and a dash of humor darkened his clear blue eyes until they appeared nearly black in his gaunt features. How she’d managed to land on the very name he could lay claim to, or at least one that triggered a memory, was a mystery to her.

She suspected he’d fought in the war that ended nearly a decade past. His absent arm seemed to prove as much, and the way he watched everything, missing so little, was like that of a well-trained soldier, always watching for the sabre aimed at his back.

Pain lurched in Hélène’s chest, the ache of a person who cannot bring peace to a loved one. Gabriel’s memories were resurfacing but he would not speak of them. And with no desire to really force them from him, she allowed him his secrecy. Her ignorance of his past should have allowed her to be quite happy but she couldn’t stop thinking he might have a family somewhere, waiting, grieving. She would certainly grieve his loss were she to find herself suddenly without him.

Retrieving her rag and stowing it under the bar, she reached for the bucket at her feet and exited through the back door of the tavern.

---

And there you have it! I hope you enjoyed that little tidbit of Forgotten. Next week I’ll share a bit of Introductions. If you’re already intrigued enough to add this book to your collection, you can grab the e-book from Amazon (US & UK), B&N, Apple, or Smashwords.

Have a lovely weekend!

♥Happy reading, writing, and blogging!!♥

There's a jukebox in my head. It's currently playing

♫♪ Hinder ~ Without You 

~Sweet Saturday Sample~ Michaella's Match

Sorry I'm a bit late posting this. I've scoured my recent work to find an excerpt I thought would entertain my readers and the one I've picked is from a short story titled Michaella's Match. 

This story is closely connected to my novel Heartless, taking place a few years after that story's conclusion. Lady Michaella Harcourt is the star of this short, the sister of the heroine from Heartless. Some of you may remember her as the sweet, meek, legitimate daughter of the Earl of Harwood. She developed feelings for Gabriel St. Clair but fate (aka The Evil Author) had other plans. 

(If this story was longer and wasn't destined to be part of an anthology of Regency shorts, it would be titled Melancholy, In keeping with my one-word titles for this "series," just so you know.) 

Without further ado, here is part of the opening scene of Michaella's Match. Enjoy! ♥

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The Season
London 1824

The dancers swirled by, dresses billowing out with each swift turn of the waltz. Ladies smiled, content with their partners, satisfied they were pleasing their parents with their actions. Gentlemen smirked, pleased with their conquests, satisfied they held the prize of the Season. The vibrant gowns of the duennas and widows mingled with the muted tones of the débutantes, creating a shimmering rainbow in the candlelight, accented with sparkling gems.

Lady Michaella Harcourt stood off to the side, blessedly alone for the nonce. She couldn’t endure one more moment of fake smiles and condescension. She watched the dancers, bitterness tugging at her heart. She witnessed one young girl fall in love with the man who held her, his own eyes so focused on the girl in his arms that Michaella knew the rest of the world ceased to exist for them.

Tears stung the back of Michaella’s eyes. She knew that feeling, remembered the all-consuming joy to be had with a gentlemen who returned one’s regard. The press of a hand, stolen glances, and the assurance that he would speak one day, making his feelings known to all, kept one holding on. And if one found oneself alone with one’s love, for just a moment, a stolen kiss, a sweet, all-consuming embrace might be all one had to hold onto, years later.

The crack in her heart deepened, sending a shaft of pain through her body. She stumbled back, disappearing behind the shrubbery that lined the grand ballroom. Her shaking legs threatened to send her to the floor.

How could the pain remain so fresh after so many years? She’d found a man she loved, one who’d adored her, made her feel safe and secure. She may not have been allowed to marry him, spend her life with him, but she’d still had much more than most young ladies.

Years later, her pain should be nonexistent, or at least manageable. Yet she could no longer see her sister, her beloved sister, the one with whom she’d never had secrets. As time passed the pain did not lessen, as she was told it would. It only increased, bringing envy and bitterness with it.

She envied her sister’s happiness. Leandra was married to the worst man in England, yet her happiness was visible for all to see. Her duke treated everyone with contempt, but for Leandra he was a different man. He loved her and her alone. He’d changed for her. He continued to change for her.

And it was that very man who’d arranged a marriage for Michaella, the sister he’d gained through marriage. He’d found a man he approved of to be her husband. The arrangements, the details, and the final agreement were all carried out through letters, hidden from Michaella’s mother. The countess would not look kindly upon the duke for interfering.

Good manners demanded Michaella at least call on the duke, on her sister, assure them both of her good health and continued love for them. It was no fault of theirs that the one man she truly loved was gone.

A tear escaped. Brushing it angrily away, Michaella straightened. It was enough. She could no longer wallow in her misery. She had to move on, and her betrothal was just the thing. Perhaps babies would help her leave the past fully behind, allow her to grow, maybe even find the happiness she’d so briefly enjoyed with Gabriel.

Just the thought of him sent the pain coalescing through her. How could life be so unfair?

“Steady, my lady,” a voice whispered close to her ear, making her jump. “You would not want the tabbies catching sight of you in such a state.”

©2013 Laura J Miller. All Rights Reserved.

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Thank you for taking the time to read my excerpt! For more Sweet Saturday Samples, please click HERE. 

♥Happy reading, writing, and blogging!!♥

There's a jukebox in my head. It's currently playing

♫♪ Joelle (FFXIII-2) ~ Village and Void

~Sweet Saturday Sample~ Intrigue

It is Saturday and that means it’s time for a Sweet Sample from one of my books. It’s been several months since I’ve had opportunity to do so, but I mean to get back into the habit. 

Enough of that. Let’s get to the sample. ☺ 

This is taken from Chapter Four of my newest Regency release, Intrigue. The heroine (Malvina) is engaged to a man she barely knows (Gideon), has a teenage son who is a wee bit unbalanced (Wolf), and is being blackmailed by a scoundrel (...we don't know his name at this point). Enjoy! ♥

---

About a week after Wolf’s homecoming, Malvina received an unexpected, yet expected, visitor.

The weather was still balmy at the peak of the day. Malvina had taken to walking about unescorted in the woods near the house. She used the time to think and as her problems had increased of late, she had much to occupy her mind.

An insect buzzed close to her ear and she waved it away. As her arm came down, she was grabbed from behind. A hand closed over her mouth, stifling her cry of alarm and cutting off her air. Her captor dragged her backwards, into the trees, until they were hidden from the view of any casual passersby.

She struggled against the arm, desperate to escape as her air slowly dwindled, black edging her vision. Then a voice whispered close to her ear, “If you don’t scream, my lady, I will release you.”

After a brief nod she was released. She stumbled and nearly fell to the ground but her companion reached out and steadied her with a hand under her elbow.

“Where have you been?” she snapped, her eyes probing the shadows in an attempt to make out his features. “I began to think you had decided to leave me out of your plotting.”

“Hoping, more like,” scoffed the man. “Unfortunately for you, I still have need of you. I will contact you soon about your next assignment.”

“Very well,” she answered, knowing she had no other choice. What this man held over her head was enough to make her do just about anything he could think to request.

The man glanced around the wooded area with a distracted look on his face. A patch of sunlight lit his face and he stepped out of it, squinting up through the leaves overhead. His brow crinkled.

In that moment of brightness, Malvina caught ordinary features, handsome yet nothing out of the common way, dark brown hair peeking out from beneath his hat. Then he was hidden in shadow again.

“I hear you have a man staying with you. Care to explain that?” His eyes swiveled back to hers, sliding over her face and down to her bosom. He paused there, eyes narrowing. She could only assume he stared at the pendant she’d taken to wearing, the pretty little gift bestowed on her by the very man he wanted to discuss.

Malvina felt an overwhelming urge to kick him in the shin and run away. A childish desire, to be sure, but one she couldn’t help but feel. “I am engaged. You may wish me well.”

“Indeed?” he replied, his brows raised slightly. “And will he be a problem for you? I would hate to have to remove him from the scene because he put his nose where it doesn’t belong.”

“He will not be a problem,” lied Malvina. She schooled her expression into one of annoyance, trying to cover her desperate hope that Gideon would prove to be just that. But at the same time, she feared for him.

“And who is the lucky man? All I can uncover is a vague description and his abject laziness.”

“Does it matter?”

“It does if you want him to survive the night.”

She studied him for signs of an empty threat. She was used to such, having lived with a man who was quite fond of empty threats. Finding nothing but dark promise, she capitulated. “He is Gideon Mallory,” she told him, giving him the name her betrothed had given the headmaster at Wolf’s school.

A look of sheer amazement crossed the man’s face. He snorted a laugh that contained hints of genuine amusement. “Did you say Gideon Mallory?”

“Do you know him?” she asked, unable to hide her surprise.

“The question is, my dear lady, do you?”

---

This book is currently available on Amazon HERE. 

Thank you so much for stopping by and taking the time to read my excerpt! Please take a moment and check out some other Sweet Saturday Samples by clicking HERE. 

♥Happy reading, writing, and blogging!!♥

There's a jukebox in my head. It's currently playing
♫♪ LotR (Return of the King) Soundtrack ~ The Return of the King

~Sweet Saturday Sample~ Gertrude's Grace

Gertrude's Grace is part of an anthology of Regency short stories that I have planned for publication this year. The following excerpt is taken from the rough draft of the opening scene. Enjoy!

---

“Omph!”

Lady Gertrude Shiveley's backside connected with the floor. Her pink muslin skirts flew up, revealing a pair of plump legs in pale pink stockings.

Masculine chuckles and feminine giggles followed on the heels of her ignominious downfall. Gertrude winced, the fall itself causing little damage but her pride bruised beyond repair.

And just when she thought she couldn't possibly feel worse, she glanced toward the drawing room door. The newest arrivals stared at her, faces frozen in shock. Amongst them was Eric, Duke of Chatterton. His sister Lady Tilly stood beside him, her gloved fingers over her lips while her eyes danced with silent laughter. Gertrude wanted to crawl under the sofa and die.

As Lady Gertrude sat on the floor trying to muster the courage to rise and face her guests, Lord Chatterton set aside his hat, gloves, and walking stick, and approached. He silently held out a hand to the fallen young lady.

Gertrude gazed up into the angelic countenance above her. He was so handsome, she mused, her mind on his pleasing features rather than his offer of assistance. His eyes were the same grass green as her own, clear and fringed with thick, dark lashes. He was beauty personified, a Greek Adonis, the type of gentleman who gave Lady Gertrude Shiveley wide berth for fear of her legendary clumsiness.

Except.... he wasn't avoiding her, as he reminded her with a little shake of his proffered hand.

---

Thank you for stopping by to read this snippet of a work-in-progress. Please take a moment to check out the other Sweet Saturday offerings: http://sweetsatsample.wordpress.com/.

♥Happy reading, writing, and blogging!!♥

There's a jukebox in my head. It's currently playing

♫♪ FFXIII-2 ~ Heart of Chaos