Sarah's Review of The Kiss before Midnight by Sophie Pembroke

What They Say:

Heading home to Liverpool for Christmas, Molly Mackenzie isn’t just looking forward to the mulled wine and mince pies – she’s got high hopes for who she’ll find under the mistletoe this year!

Unable to forget the delicious near miss with her brother’s best friend, Jake, last New Year’s Eve, Molly’s got a new resolution at the top of her list: seduce Jake and get this crazy chemistry out the way before it has serious repercussions on the rest of the Mackenzie family.

Only Molly has underestimated the magic of the holiday season… The more stolen moments in the snow that she shares with Jake, the more determined she is to make it a whole lot more than just a kiss before midnight.

It wouldn’t be Christmas without the festive warmth of a heart-meltingly romantic novella from Sophie Pembroke!

What Sarah Say's

It might be a bit early and I apologies, but this was read as part of the Netgalley Challenge.  This was a brilliant festive read.  I thoroughly enjoyed it from the moment I started it and despite it not been remotely like Christmas outside I forgot it wasn’t the festive season.  It was beautifully written and had me gripped from the moment I started it.  I read the first couple of chapters on my lunch break and could not stop thinking about it until I was able to read it again when I got home. 

The characters were so likeable and easy to connect with.  I could just imagine exactly the relationship Molly and Jake had; it was like I was actually there experiencing the tension and secret knowing looks with them.  I loved the family theme and how true to life it was.  I wasn’t sure how it would work out whether the family links would really come between them and they would achieve the goals they set themselves well Molly at least…..don’t worry I won’t spoil it you will have to read it and find out for yourself.  If you don’t read it you will definitely be missing out on a wonderful festive read, well perhaps when it gets closer to the big season if you aren’t into reading them early.

As well as the romantic thread it was really heart warming to read about a family Christmas celebrations and traditions that are a bit like my own.  It was lovely to think about my own festivities and has got me excited about these years’ festivities already.

I don’t want to just go on repeating myself about the same things over and over but it was a heart-warming festive read that I couldn’t put down and I highly recommend it to anyone that loves a Christmassy read.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it is the first of this author I have read but I will definitely be reading more.

5 out of 5 stars

Sarah

About The Author

I’ve been dreaming, reading and writing romance for years, ever since I stayed up all night devouring Harlequin Mills and Boon novels as part of my English degree, and promptly gave up any pretext of enjoying tragic stories. After all, what’s the point of a book without a happy ending?

Sophie Pembroke has been writing romance for years, ever since she stayed up all night reading Mills and Boon novels as part of her English degree at Lancaster University. She loves to set her contemporary romance stories in the places she has lived - from the wilds of the Welsh mountains, to the gentile humour of the English country village, or the heat and tension of a London summer. She also has a tendency to make her characters kiss in castles. 

Currently, she makes her home in Hertfordshire, with her husband and daughter. She writes love stories in her little spare room office, while drinking too much tea and eating homemade cakes. Or, when things are looking very bad for her heroes and heroines, white wine and dark chocolate.

Sophie keeps a blog at www.SophiePembroke.com, which should be about romance and writing, but is usually about cake and castles instead. 

Sarah's Review of The Dress by Kate Kerrigan

What They Say:

Lily Fitzpatrick loves vintage clothes - made all the more precious because they were once owned and loved by another woman. Thousands follow her vintage fashion blog and her daily Instagram feed. But this passion for the beautiful clothes of the past is about to have unforeseen consequences, when Lily stumbles upon the story of a 1950s New York beauty, who was not only everything Lily longs to be, but also shares Lily's surname.

Joy Fitzpatrick was a legend. But what was the famous dress which she once commissioned - said to be so original that nothing in couture would ever match it again? What happened to it - and why did Joy suddenly disappear from New York high society?

Kate Kerrigan's enthralling novel interweaves the dramatic story of Joy, the beautiful but tortured socialite and that of Lily - determined to uncover the truth and, if possible, bring back to life the legendary dress itself.

What Sarah Say's

Firstly thank you to Head of Zeus Publications for sending me a copy to review.

This was a beautiful story.  I thoroughly enjoyed it and couldn’t put it down.  It wasn’t what quite I expected but was so much better than I could ever have imagined.  It kept me hooked until the very end.

I wasn’t sure how I would find the flipping from present day to the 1950’s and thought it might be difficult to follow but I was wrong.  It flowed perfectly between the two eras.  I was never confused by what was going on with the characters, what had happened or anything I knew exactly who was who and what was going on.  The story was easy to follow and the characters were so easy to connect with.  I felt a strong connection to Lily from the start and felt like I was personally affected by everything that goes on in her life.  I was truly on the emotional rollercoaster that she is taken on.  I could picture everything so vividly and was completely drawn into Lily’s story and the fashion world it flips between.  I even found myself not hating the characters that were probably supposed to be not liked but feeling sorry for them.  Kate managed to create such wonderful people that you couldn’t help but feel and believe in them.

It had a mix of romance, fashion and unexpectedly more serious themes like alcoholism.  I wouldn’t have put all these together and thought they would work but it does.  The story isn’t predictable and I didn’t even want to guess what would happen.  I hoped in parts but I just wanted to enjoy the read and there were a couple of twists that I didn’t expect.  It was a story that honestly blew me away and I am sad I have finished reading it.

Kate is an amazing author who has managed to combine all the above with such perfection and keeps you captivated until the very end.  This was definitely one of my favourite books of this year so far. 

5 out of 5 stars

Sarah

Review

'Mesmerising. Just beautiful' Cecelia Ahern. 'Glamorous, gripping and moving. I just loved it' Marian Keyes. 'Women's fiction at its finest. The writing is flawless, flows nicely and has a perfect pace ... For anyone who has gazed longingly at the pages of Vogue, drooled over the costumes in period dramas or wondered what rich socialites in Manhattan really did all day, this is for you. A fusion of fashion and feeling' Bleachhouse Library.

About the Author

Kate Kerrigan lives in County Mayo, Eire, with her husband and children. Her novels include Recipes for a Perfect Marriage, shortlisted for the 2006 Romantic Novel of the Year Award and Ellis Island, which was a TV Book Club Summer Read.

Weak at the Knees by Elaine Spires

What They Say:

Estelle is out and about making her Valentine's Day floral deliveries. What she discovers as she delivers armfuls of flowers is a real eye-opener ...

What I Say:

I would like to thank author Elaine Spires for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This short story centers on Estelle and her delivery of flowers to various woman for Valentine’s day.  A great short read with a twist and again Elaine doesn’t disappoint.

As this is on 35 pages long it really is quick read.  The tag line is that with every delivery the mysterious person adds the note of 'Weak at the Knees'.

5 out of 5 stars

About The Author

Elaine Spires is a diverse novelist as well as an award-winning playwright and actress.

Extensive travelling and a background in education and tourism perfected Elaine's keen eye for the quirky characteristics of people, captivating the humorous observations she now affectionately shares with the readers of her novels.

She wrote her first book What's Eating Me in 2010. It was originally a play, a one-woman show performed as a monologue with a child actor - Elena-Beth Carter playing Eileen as a child in the background and Elaine performed it on the London and Edinburgh fringes. She loved the character of loved Eileen so much that she decided to expand the story into a book.

Her second novel was Singles' Holiday, set on her beloved Antigua... the Caribbean at its most luscious, its most beautiful... silver sand, cobalt sky, warm, turquoise sea... and a bunch of complete strangers who only have one thing in common: they're single!

And her third novel Sweet Lady, again set in Antigua, will amaze you with a massive twist which goes to show that nothing is as it seems!

When Elaine is not writing her ideas into her next book or play, she enjoys going to the theatre, visiting the cinema, eating out with her friends and she also loves to read! Elaine spends her time between her homes in Hadleigh, Essex and Five Islands, Antigua (W.I.).
Author Links

You can learn more about Elaine at her website  

www.elainespires.co.ukwww.facebook.com/elaine.spires

www.twitter.com/elainespires 

Holiday Reads 2 by Elaine Spires

What They Say:

More quirky stories with holiday connections for reading on the plane, on the beach or by the pool, your back garden on a sunny afternoon or curled up on the sofa if it's raining.

What I Say:

I would like to thank Kim Nash and author Elaine Spires for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Last year I read Elaine’s holiday reads book and when she announced she was a releasing another I couldn’t wait to read it.

Absolutely loved this, perfect holiday reads. Each story is totally different in its own way, perfect light read for a summer by the pool or in a back garden.

As with all of Elaine’s books you are taken on a roller coaster ride along with each character.

5 out of 5 stars

About The Author

Elaine Spires is a diverse novelist as well as an award-winning playwright and actress.

Extensive travelling and a background in education and tourism perfected Elaine's keen eye for the quirky characteristics of people, captivating the humorous observations she now affectionately shares with the readers of her novels.
She wrote her first book What's Eating Me in 2010. It was originally a play, a one-woman show performed as a monologue with a child actor - Elena-Beth Carter playing Eileen as a child in the background and Elaine performed it on the London and Edinburgh fringes. She loved the character of loved Eileen so much that she decided to expand the story into a book.

Her second novel was Singles' Holiday, set on her beloved Antigua... the Caribbean at its most luscious, its most beautiful... silver sand, cobalt sky, warm, turquoise sea... and a bunch of complete strangers who only have one thing in common: they're single!

And her third novel Sweet Lady, again set in Antigua, will amaze you with a massive twist which goes to show that nothing is as it seems!

When Elaine is not writing her ideas into her next book or play, she enjoys going to the theatre, visiting the cinema, eating out with her friends and she also loves to read! Elaine spends her time between her homes in Hadleigh, Essex and Five Islands, Antigua (W.I.).
Author Links

You can learn more about Elaine at her website  

www.elainespires.co.ukwww.facebook.com/elaine.spires

www.twitter.com/elainespires 

Jo's Review of Under the Stars by Linn B Halton

What They Say:

Katherine Dale’s life is in a state of chaos. 

She has just been made redundant from her job as an accountant and she finds herself with no career, no direction in life and no relationship to fall back on. 

To make matters worse, the one thing that she could always depend on – genius astrological readings from her idol, Mark Ainsley-Thomas – is even beginning to fail her. 

At a crossroads in her life and starting a career as a full-time writer, Katherine cannot believe that the readings from the world-renowned astrologist are failing to guide her through this tumultuous time. 

She sends an email to Mark’s webpage, venting her frustration at the recent unhelpful readings. 

Little does Katherine know that Mark’s busy publicity schedule and his overbearing agent are taking over his life and that he has hired an assistant astrologist, James, to take over the readings. 

James, returning to astrology after a failed business career and disastrous marriage, is also at a vulnerable stage in his life and reacts angrily when he receives Katherine’s emails criticising his work. 

Their heated email exchange reveals the frustrations in both their lives but the reappearance of Mark Ainsley-Thomas helps to smooth this friction over, and Katherine and James begin a tentative friendship which soon blossoms into something much more. 

Katherine, James and Mark realise just how small the world is when their complicated lives become forever entangled. 

Amidst the chaos of their lives, including a cat named No. 4, a local writing group, a difficult ex, an old war veteran named Jake, a potential book deal and a last-minute trip to LA, will there ever be a happy ever after for Katherine and James…? 

'Under The Stars' is a page-turning story of new love and new beginnings. 

'A memorable story'. - Robert Foster, best-selling author of 'The Lunar Code'. 

What I Say:

I would like to thank author Linn Halton for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Katherine's life has been turned upside she never expected to be made redundant as she was so good at her job, the one constant in her life is Mark Ainsley Thomas readings they are always so close to home.

The book is written from Katherine, Mark and James POV and it is intriguing to read it this way and unusual.

As with all of Linn's book's this is a wonderful uplifting read and once I had started I found that I couldn’t put it down and didn’t want it to end.  I loved the email exchanges and hese at times made me laugh out loud.

I loved James and I really felt sorry for Mark as the pressure were beginning to tell and what was why he had turned to James to write his reviews.

As with all of Linn's books, this is really gorgeous read.  I could go into so much detail, but I wouldn't want to spoil anyone's pleasure in reading this.  I loved the astrology theme through the book and it begs a question are our lives ruled by the stars?

5 out of 5 stars

About The Author

Bristol-born Linn B Halton lives in the small village of Lydbrook, which nestles on the edge of the Forest of Dean, in the UK. She resides there with her husband and feline with 'catitude'- Mr Tiggs.

Linn began writing in March 2009 and her debut novel was published in February 2011. In a recent interview Linn was asked about genres:

"From a very young age I knew romantic fiction was always going to be my genre. I am, and will always be, madly in love with love! Whether that's love of life, a partner, or the things I'm passionate about.

My stories are about love, life and real relationships - but romance is always the one thing that holds each story together. Often there's a light, psychic touch and I never dreamed I would write drawing upon my personal psychic experiences. But as my interest and understanding in the subject has grown, it is now such a part of my life that it finds its way into my fictional tales. However, what is heartening is that most of my experiences have been uplifting and it's wonderful to know loved ones are around me always. I hope it will make readers stop and wonder 'What if?'

The result is that I get a lot of mail from readers who have had similar experiences and some are sharing theirs for the first time with me. I always feel that's something rather special and for which I'm very grateful."

Love, life and beyond... but it's ALWAYS about the romance!

Linn is published by HarperImpulse and Sapphire Star Publishing.

Linn is the managing editor of Loveahappyending Lifestyle emagazine.

Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent digital publisher. For more information on our titles please sign up to our newsletter at www.endeavourpress.com. Each week you will receive updates on free and discounted ebooks. Follow us on Twitter: @EndeavourPress and on Facebook via http://on.fb.me/1HweQV7. We are always interested in hearing from our readers. Endeavour Press believes that the future is now.

Sarah's Review of Saving Grapes by J T Lundy

What They Say:

Thirty-two-year-old Jason Barnes recently lost his job, and his heart. Now, thanks to a meddling ex-wife and a golf cart fiasco, he has just thirty days to pay a $60,000 fine or go to jail.

Jason was hoping his Aunt Clara would come to his rescue, but she unexpectedly dies, gifting her liquid assets to charity. She does, however, will Jason a picturesque French vineyard--and it's worth millions. But there's a catch! If Jason goes to jail, the vineyard will transfer to his unscrupulous stepbrother.

To raise the cash he needs, Jason travels to France with his knucklehead of a best friend to sell the vineyard. Cashing in will not be so simple, though. Formidable nuns farm the vineyard, and he needs their blessing to sell. To persuade the good sisters, Jason attempts a madcap series of dubious schemes, and while doing so falls for what he thinks is the perfect French woman. Amidst this melee of wine, women, nuns, and villains, Jason must unearth his true values in order to save more than just his soul.

Infused with J.T. Lundy's deliciously skewed sense of humor, and full of flawed but irresistible characters, Saving Grapes is a rollicking, good-hearted Wodehousian comedy that speaks to the hapless romantic in all of us.

What Sarah Says:

This was a bit slow to start with but turned into quite a lovely story.  It was sweet and once I got into quite an easy read.

I struggled to stay with this story originally but then decided I really wanted to find out what happened to Jason after his court case didn’t quite turn out the way he hoped or I thought it would.  It became a bit of an underdog story and I found myself really routing for Jason to get his life together.

I did connect with Jason on some level as I wanted to give him a shake and tell him to man up and sort himself out.  I liked the friendship he had with his best friend and found the story to be sweet and a reality that some people live in.  Not everyone wants the fairytale ending with big dreams but just something to call their own, someone who loves them and realise who their real friends are. 

There were also a couple of twists towards the end that I didn’t see coming and was pleasantly surprised by the outcome.  Despite the slow start I’m glad I gave it a chance and finished it.  It is an enjoyable, sweet story that I think lots of others will enjoy and possibly make them want to drink wine while they are at it so I would advise you to stock up on supplies before you start!

4 out of 5 stars

Sarah

Special Post Commemorating the Battle of Waterloo - The Lost Love of a Soldier by Jane Lark

To commemorate the two hundred anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo the publisher HarperCollins has reduced the price of The Lost Love of a Soldier to ninety nine cents for the entire month of June.

Title: The Lost Love of a Soldier (Marlow Intrigues #4)

Author: Jane Lark

Genre: Historical Romance 18+ Regency Period

Publication Date: July 17, 2014

Publisher: HarperImpulse an imprint of HarperCollins

Synopsis

Young, naïve and innocent, Lady Ellen Pembroke falls for a young army officer. Paul has such an easy enchanting smile and his blue eyes glow, vibrancy and warmth emanating from him. She is in love. Captain Paul Harding, finds his attention captured by the beautiful young daughter of the Duke of Pembroke at a house party in the summer. Finding Ellen is like finding treasure on a battle torn field. His sanity clings to her; something beautiful to remind him that all in the world is not ugly. She’s someone to fight for and someone to survive for when he is called to arms in the battle of Waterloo…

The Lost Love of a Soldier Excerpt

“Ellen?”

Paul whispered her name into the night as he heard the rustle of frost bound leaves on the ground. His breath rose in a mist into the cold winter air. He was on the Duke of Pembroke’s land. He’d not dared encourage her to take a horse, so he’d come close enough that she might walk from the house and find him.

He waited at the end of an avenue of yews, out of sight of the house, in a place she could easily see him. His horse whickered, sensing something, or someone. “Ellen?” he whispered again.

Still no answer.

He stayed quiet. Listening. Wondering if she’d been caught as she left the house. He hoped not. If she’d been caught her father would give her no freedom. Short of leading a military assault on Pembroke’s home, he would not be able to get her out then.

The horse shook its head, rattling its bit, and snorted steamy breath into the cold air. The chill of the winter night seeped through his clothes. There would be a hard frost. He hoped she’d dressed in something warm.

He’d have to buy more clothes for her before they sailed. She would need garments to keep her warm in the sea breezes she’d face on their journey to America.

There was another sound.

“Ellen?”

“Paul?”

How did this woman manage to make his heart beat so erratically whenever he saw her? He could run into battle and not be so affected.

She looked even more beautiful in the dark. Ethereal.

A band of silver light reached through the scudding clouds and caught her face.

He let go of the horse’s bridle and instinctively moved forward. He’d never held her. In the summer there had been no moments alone, she’d been strictly chaperoned and even when she’d come to meet him she’d brought the groom and her sister. When they’d met a fortnight ago, she’d still brought a groom. For the first time they were alone. “Ellen.” He stepped forward and embraced her. In answer her arm came about his waist. It was the most precious feeling of his life. He would always remember this day. She was slender and delicate in his arms.

She slipped free, but he caught her nape and pulled her mouth to his, gently pressing his lips against hers. It was her first kiss, he knew; he could tell by the way her body stiffened when he‘d pulled her close. He let her go, a tenderness he’d never known before catching in his chest.

“Come.” He took the leather bag she carried. “Will you ride before me, or would you rather sit behind my saddle and grip my waist?”

“Would it be easier if I ride behind you?” Her voice ran with uncertainty. She was giving up everything to come with him.

“Do what feels comfortable for you, Ellen.”

She nodded, not looking into his eyes. “I would prefer to ride pillion.”

“Then you shall.” He warmed his voice, hoping to ease her discomfort.

Turning to the horse he slipped one foot in the stirrup, then pulled himself up. “Did you have any difficulty leaving the house?”

“No, the servants’ hall was quiet, and the grooms had all retired.”

He rested her bag across his thighs, then held a hand out to her. “Set your foot on mine and take my hand. I’ll pull you up.” He watched her lift the skirt of her dark habit and then the weight of her small foot pressed on his, as her gloved fingers gripped his. She was light, but the grip of her hand and the pressure of her foot made that something clasp tight in his chest, and the emotion stayed clenched as her fingers embraced his waist over his greatcoat.

He shifted in the saddle, his groin tightening too. A few more days. Just days. He had been waiting months. As he turned the horse, Ellen’s cheek pressed against his shoulder.

“Did you tell anyone you were leaving? Your sister? Or your maid?”

“No, I did not want them to have to face Papa knowing the truth. He would be able to see they’d lied, and then who knows what he might do.” Paul urged the mare into a trot as Ellen continued. “He made me spend the day on my knees reading the Commandments because I refused to marry the Duke of Argyle.”

“Today?” He wished to look back at her but he could not.

Her father had been diabolical to Paul, sneering as though he was nothing when he’d done the decent thing and offered for her. He could not imagine the way Pembroke treated the girls.

He had to get Ellen to Gretna before her father caught them, so she never had to come back and face his retribution.

Goodreads

Purchase Links

About the Author

Jane is a writer of authentic, passionate and emotional Historical and New Adult Romance, and a Kindle top 25 bestselling author. She began her first historical novel at sixteen, but a life full of adversity derailed her as she lives with the restrictions of Ankylosing Spondylitis. When she finally completed a novel it was because she was determined not to reach forty still saying, I want to write. Now Jane is writing a Regency series and contemporary, new adult, stories and she is thrilled to be giving her characters life in others' imaginations at last. You might think that Jane was inspired to write by Jane Austen, especially as she lives near Bath in the United Kingdom, but you would be wrong. Jane's favourite author is Anya Seton, and the book which drew her into the bliss of falling into historical imagination was 'Katherine' a story crafted from reality. Jane has drawn on this inspiration to discover other real-life love stories, reading memoirs and letters to capture elements of the past, and she uses them to create more realistic plots. 'Basically I love history and I am sucker for a love story. I love the feeling of falling in love; it's wonderful being able to do it time and time again in fiction.' Jane is also a Chartered Member of the Institute of Personnel and Development in the United Kingdom, and uses this specialist understanding of people to bring her characters to life.

Connect with the Author: Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Website

Cover Reveal - A Cottage in The Country by Linn B Halton

What They Say:

What do you do when your best friend has an affair with the man to whom you've been married for twenty-five years? The father of your two children and the person you trusted with your heart? Not to mention the best years of your life ...

Well, you pack your bags, grab half of the equity in the house you've both lovingly restored and run away to an idyllic little cottage in the country.

I suppose not having the cottage surveyed was the first mistake—buying with your heart, and not your head, isn't the wisest move. The second was moving in six days before Christmas, the day the heavens decided to open and the rain just kept on coming.

Maddie Brooks grits her teeth and hires the highly recommended man who can, ex-soldier, Lewis Hart. As he rips out the very shabby and decidedly not-so-chic kitchen, reality sets in. Not only is he the most abrupt person she's ever met, but the man is a Neanderthal!

As the flood waters rise, and the village is cut off, everything that could possibly go wrong, does. How bad can it get, Maddie asks herself? Well, that was before she found herself living with no central heating and no kitchen, and the man who can, as an unexpected house guest.

Hitting the big five-o two days before Christmas is the final straw. No presents, family, or friends—just Lewis Hart, who can’t leave because the flood has now cut off his exit. How on earth is she going to get through this and put her life back together?

Can Maddie Brooks become that ‘fifty-and-fabulous’ woman of her dreams?

What defines YOU? Wife, mother, grandmother, colleague – or is there another person buried deep within, who is struggling to be heard?

Buy link (Amazon.co.uk & .com) http://hyperurl.co/ACottageInTheCountry

The Jealous Love of a Scoundrel, as part of Magical Weddings: 15 Enchanting Romances boxset

Title: The Jealous Love of a Scoundrel

Author: Jane Lark

Genre: Historical Romance

Publication Date: June 16, 2015

Publisher: IndieWrites, Inc.

Goodreads

Buy the Book Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iTunes | Kobo | Google Play

How do you fight a calling that comes from your soul?

Lillian is in love with her charming protector. He brings her gifts and gives himself to her at night, but she knows nothing of his days; all she knows is that with Peter visiting her she is happier than she has ever been. The way he touches her and treats her is so different from other men.

Emily is excited, hopeful and expectant, waiting on the moment that everything seems to be leading towards. Lord Peter Brooke has courted her for a year; she is awaiting his proposal, certain it will come very soon, and everything he does indicates that it will.

Peter is torn; his soul is seeking one thing, but his mind wants another, and what about his heart? Where does his heart lie?

Jane Lark’s The Jealous Love of a Scoundrel

Magical Weddings: 15 Enchanting Romances

15 Romances by USA Today and National Bestselling Authors

If you love ghosts, witches, time travel--anything paranormal--military romance, historical romance, or romantic comedy, don't miss this engaging boxed set!

Join the Facebook Release Party 

Jane's Inspiration

Like all of my historical books, the inspiration for The Jealous Love of a Scoundrel came from a true story. It was Emma Hart’s rise from an actress who formed classical poses, and sat for artists, to become Lady Hamilton, which inspired Lillian’s and Peter’s story.

To discover all the true stories behind my historical books and find out more about the Marlow Intrigues Series visit my blog https://janelark.wordpress.com . And to see all the inspirations for Peter's story go to my Pinterest page

Excerpts from The Jealous Love of a Scoundrel

Peter and Lillian 

Her room was full of flowers. The three largest bouquets had come from him. She was sitting before her table and mirror, brushing out her hair. She put the brush down and stood when she saw him, smiling broadly, then she looked at Harry and Mark.

“I have brought my friends to meet you. This is Mark Harper.”

She curtsied, but Mark swept about Peter and caught up her hand, lifting her out of the curtsy as he pressed a lingering kiss on the back of her hand. The force of a punch, similar to the one Drew had once thrown at him, hit Peter in the face. Now he knew how Drew had felt. Seeing Mark hold her hand twisted nausea in his stomach.

Peter stripped off his gloves and put them on the side, by her make-up, and took off his hat too.

He was staying then…

Of course he was; nothing would pull him away now that he was in the room with her.

“And Mr Harry Webster,” Peter completed.

Harry stepped about Peter’s other side and as Lillian curtsied again, Mark passed over her hand. Harry barely held it, merely stared at her in a way that measured her up.

They had shared women for years, like whores were no different than sharing wine. But now Peter’s gaze hovered on her hand in Harry’s and jealousy bit into his chest.

Why the hell is this cutting me?

Harry let her hand go.

Lillian looked at Peter, at last, and she moved forward, but instead of taking the hand he held out, she gripped his shoulders and lifted to her toes, then kissed his cheek in a gentle blessing. “Hello, Peter. I did not know you were coming tonight.”

He gripped her chin and pressed a quick kiss on her red lips. “I could not stay away. I am not supposed to be here.” It was true. He had to face up to the truth tomorrow; he could not keep delaying what he should do.

Peter and Emily 

Peter swallowed as the butler walked away. The staff were used to him calling; they were not used to him asking for Emily’s father, they would know, as Smithfield would, what he wanted to say.

Of course Drew had never done this; he’d stolen his bloody bride away and set the world spinning behind him. Peter had been forced to do his courting with the strictest supervision to avoid any risk of him playing the same game. But then why would he? He was eminently suited to Emily, she was untitled, and she may come with a reasonable dowry but Peter had a pile of his own money; he did not need hers. Drew had been fortune hunting.

“Lord Brooke…” Smithfield appeared from the dining room where Emily was probably eating. He smiled profusely.

Of course he did; he was gaining a title for his daughter and a wealthy son-in-law. For a man who had worked his way up in society it was a coup.

“Mr Smithfield.” Peter lifted off his hat and swallowed again.

The man raised a hand to lead the way to the small room which served as a gentleman’s retiring room at night and his office in the day.

Peter swallowed. His palms were sticky with sweat. The butler had not returned to take his hat and so he gripped it before him, awkwardly.

He cleared his throat as Smithfield looked at him expectantly.

He must say the words. He wished for this. “I have come to ask for Emily’s hand in marriage, if you will agree to the match, sir?”

Smithfield’s lips parted in an even wider approving smile. “You need hardly ask. You have been calling here for so long I do not doubt your constancy at all.”

Constancy. The word pierced through Peter’s chest, and he coughed again as his throat dried further. Images of Lillian lying in the bed back at the Bristol Hotel, played through his mind.

“….I do not think we need to discuss financial things. Emily has her dowry, but obviously you are well set up.”

One hand let go of his hat, closed then opened as Peter took a breath. This is what I want. “I have your permission to speak with Emily then?”

“You do indeed, Lord Brooke.”

Smithfield stepped forward and gripped Peter’s hand with both of his. “Congratulations.”

“Emily has not said yes yet.”

“She will, Lord Brooke.”

Other books by Jane Lark

The Marlow Intrigues Series ~ Historical Romance

The Lost Love of a Soldier

Special pricing in June for The Lost Love of a Soldier .99 Cents to commemorate the Battle of Waterloo

The Illicit Love of a Courtesan

Capturing the Earl’s Love (Free Novella)

The Passionate Love of a Rake

The Desperate Love of a Lord (Free Novella)

The Scandalous Love of a Duke

The Dangerous Love of a Rogue

The Secret Love of a Gentleman

The Starting Out Series ~ New Adult Romance

I Found You

Just You

I Need You

I Still Love You (Free Short Story)

I’m Keeping You (out in 2015)

About the Author

Jane is a Kindle bestselling author and a writer of authentic, passionate and emotional Historical and New Adult romances, and she’s a sucker for a love story. Her first successful novel was The Illicit Love of a Courtesan. “I love the feeling of falling in love and it’s wonderful to be able to do it time and time again in fiction.” She loves writing intense relationships and she is thrilled to be giving her characters life in others’ imaginations.

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