The second book in this urban fantasy series is just as excellent as the first. I love the main characters’ growth, getting to know Peter’s parents better, and welcoming back Leslie (even if it’s a broken version of her. I have high hopes for her). One of the best features of this series is the humor (sarcasm, I guess I should call it) with which the main character–our reluctant wizard, Peter–tells his story. Once again I listened to it on audiobook and the narrator didn’t disappoint. Definitely reading the next in the series. Highly recommend.
Mrs. Hancock beamed as Alicia reached her side, put an arm around Alicia, and brought her into their circle. “Miss Alicia Palmer, allow me to introduce Lord Amesbury.”
Even more devastating up close, Lord Amesbury turned to her. His piercing blue eyes threatened the strength in her knees. Though taller than most ladies, Alicia still had to look up to meet his gaze. No other color existed in those eyes; no green or gray, only deep, dark blue, like the fathomless depths of the ocean.
All the other men she had met lately, namely those her uncle insisted she consider for a husband, had taken careful note of her figure. But this gentleman only looked into her eyes. Very deeply.
Lord Amesbury inclined his head. “Miss Palmer.” His resonant, bass voice touched her very soul.
Alicia met his frank gaze and a sensation she did not quite understand stirred within her until breathing became a conscious effort. Mrs. Hancock discreetly coughed, and Alicia realized she’d been locked in eye contact with the Viscount much longer than appropriate.
Unable to pull her eyes away, Alicia sank into a curtsey. “My lord.”
No longer merely polite, his smile broadened, warmed, transforming an already handsome face into a perfectly stunning visage. Sensuality radiated off him, not in a manner that left her feeling threatened, but in a way that left her breathless for more. More of what, she did not know. But she wanted to find out.
“Miss Palmer,” Lord Amesbury said, “May I have the next dance?”
Alicia blinked. She looked back at Elizabeth who smiled encouragingly. Mrs. Hancock also smiled and nodded, but a touch of disappointment tainted her approval, reminding Alicia the dear lady had hoped her own daughter would attract the attention of the very eligible Lord Amesbury. That he’d singled out Alicia seemed a dream.
She squelched all hope that she might hold his interest. Surely only politeness motivated him to dance with the plainest girl first. He’d soon turn his attention to the beautiful ladies.
Finding her voice, Alicia replied, “I would be delighted, my lord.”
As the final notes of the current dance ended and the next began, Lord Amesbury offered his arm. She took it, an unfamiliar quiver beginning in her stomach. The art of dancing, she found as the set began, had not abandoned her as completely as her wits. The handsome viscount danced with athletic grace, his attention focused upon her. The warmth of his hand seeped through their kidskin gloves. He held her gently, firmly.
A playful glint touched his sapphire eyes. “I must warn you. Now that we’ve danced, my aunt will take it upon herself to ask you your opinion of me. She will most certainly interrogate me regarding you.”
She met those probing eyes and her mouth curved. “Oh? Has your aunt become your self-proclaimed matchmaker?”
A wry smile touched his lips. “Of course. I’m thirty and not yet married. She feels it her duty to ensure I produce an heir before I’m too old. Despite my efforts to delay that obligation, she persists.”
Alicia nodded, her smile deepening at his indelicate statement. “That is a dilemma.”
“Since you and I have only just met, it will be difficult to offer a fair assessment of your character. And if I say anything positive about you, she’ll plan the wedding.” His smile brightened, lighting up his stunning face.
Alicia missed her step. Even while dancing with the very handsome Duke of Suttenberg two Seasons ago, such a keen attraction for a man had never overcome her as it did tonight. Yet she was nearly twenty, for heaven’s sake, not a missish schoolgirl!
“Your aunt is a strong woman and a kind lady, my lord. I am sure you can reason with her.”
“I suppose she possesses a good heart deep, deep down inside, but be truthful; she’s sharp-tongued and outspoken.”
She laughed and then clapped her hand over her mouth. “My lord! She might hear you.”
He chuckled. “Fear not. We needle each other as frequently as possible. I say worse things to her face. I enjoy watching her squirm and plot a counter- attack.”
That reminded her of the playful banter she shared with her cousin Robert. “I don’t recall her ever mentioning you, my lord.”
His smile turned self-deprecating. “I’m one of those relations no one mentions.”
Ozzy Page has it all—fame, fans, and a fortune too massive to spend. As keyboard player for renowned rock group Licks of Leather, he’s on top of the charts—and the world. But living his dream cost him the only woman he ever loved. His secret fling with Mia Harris was consuming and intense—and crushing when she used him to springboard her career. Seven years after their devastating breakup, watching her rise up the charts—on her new rock star lover’s back—has nearly destroyed his heart all over again.
Mia Harris didn’t curl up and die when Ozzy Page chose his career over their love. Like her namesake, she rose from the ashes and reinvented herself as Phoenix, the sultry-voiced siren taking the male-dominated rock scene by storm. But when her personal life goes to hell, their mutual agent blindsides Mia with the news that she and Ozzy will be touring together for six long, close-quarter months.
Will they finally learn to understand and forgive each other…or will their unforgettable longing end in flames?
ABOUT JENNA
USA Today Bestselling author Jenna Jacob paints a canvas of passion, romance, and humor as her alpha men and the feisty women who love them unravel their souls, heal their scars, and find a happy-ever-after kind of love. Heart-tugging, captivating, and steamy, her words will leave you breathless and craving more.
A mom of four grown children, Jenna, her husband Sean and their furry babies reside in Kansas. Though she spent over thirty years in accounting, Jenna isn’t your typical bean counter. She’s brassy, sassy, and loves to laugh, but is humbly thrilled to be living her dream as a full-time author. When she’s not slamming coffee while pounding out emotional stories, you can find her reading, listening to music, cooking, camping, or enjoying the open road on the back of a Harley.
Hello and welcome back to my First Kiss Friday blog! Today I have my dear friend Cerise DeLand who will share an excerpt from her novel Lie Down With A Lyon that releases April 30th. I just love all the books in the Lyon’s Den Connected World and we know you’ll love Cerise’s next contribution. And that cover! So swoon worthy. Happy reading, my lovelies, and enjoy!
Excerpt:
He stepped around her, his height and breadth a barrier between her and the wind. He lifted her chin. His tormented gaze deepened to a river of regret as the gathering clouds blocked out the sun. Catching her wrists, he pressed the palms of her hands to the flat of his chest. Beneath her flesh, his own pounded. “If I could, I would marry one woman.”
She could not bear to ask if that lady was her. Oh, but she could hope. “What deters you?”
“She and I are star-crossed.”
“Can that chasm not be bridged?”
He brought her hands up to his lips, and the journey they took began with the press of his lips to one wrist, then the other. “No,” he rasped. “She is not mine to have.”
“How…how do you know?”
He opened one palm and licked the skin. She trembled at his ardor.
“She wants, she deserves, more than I can give her.”
“Sometimes,” she ventured, caught between desire and propriety, “love can grant more to a relationship than circumstances provide.” She had no knowledge of that, no understanding. She had heard it whispered among her childhood friends in Crawford’s school, or read of it in books that were in essence fairytales for adults.
He hooded his eyes as he bent and nipped the pad of one thumb, then the other. His lips stirred fresh, hot hunger in her blood.
She threw back her head, her eyes squeezed shut. “Please stop.”
He circled her waist with both arms and pulled her against him. His lips in her hair, he whispered, “I can’t.”
’Twas then she threw all caution to the windy afternoon, reached up, and caught his cheeks. Sliding up against the bulwark of his fabulous body, she put her lips to his.
No man had she ever kissed. She knew not how, exactly. But in that moment, instinct was her guide and she took his lips, parted from him, and took them again. He groaned and crushed his mouth on hers. Heaven, at once, appeared before her.
He was fierce in his claim. Ravenous. His arms were iron, his lips a brand, his tongue a fierce probe she met with a cry of delight. He’d said he was not married. He was gentle, persuasive—an animal who took and gave. He’d said he could not marry because the one he desired was so different. But in the command of his kiss, the claim of his tongue, the groan from his throat, he declared how he wanted her.
She believed him. His fierce possession of her. His words.
And she let him have her. All of her. Her lips, her teeth, her heart. How could he not want to claim her? She wanted all of him!
He broke their kiss.
She gasped for air and marveled at the look on his face.
He was enchanted—torn and furious. He cupped her shoulders. His voice a rasp, he said, “I must go.”
Dazed, she let him steady her on her feet. Insulted, heartbroken, she fought for sanity. He would leave her? After this? Was he a fool?
Lie Down With A Lyon: Lyon’s Den Connected World By Cerise Deland Releases April 30th Preorder for $0.99
He loved her from the moment he saw her… but she was his enemy’s daughter.
Dáire O’Neill never expected to fall in love—especially not with the daughter of the man who ruined his family. But one chance encounter with Blanche changes everything. Her kindness, her laughter, her strength… He’s utterly smitten.
Yet, bound by honor and pride, Dáire refuses to court her. Their friendship is the most he can allow himself.
Blanche Lyon has worked tirelessly to distance herself from her father’s sordid legacy. With a thriving business and a spotless reputation, she dreams of a future filled with stability—and maybe even love. When the man she secretly hoped would offer for her stays silent, she turns to Mrs. Dove-Lyon to find a husband.
But Blanche’s father has other plans—and the man he’s chosen will ruin everything she’s built.
Dáire knows he can’t have Blanche… but he also can’t let her be sacrificed to a future she doesn’t deserve. To save her, he must break his own heart—and perhaps hers.
💔 He’ll never possess her, but he’ll set her free from everything she despises. Even him.
Cerise DeLand loves to write about dashing heroes and the sassy women they adore.
But you knew that!
Did you know that she’s known for her poetic elegance and accuracy of detail?
That she’s an award-winning author of more than 50 novels and was first published in 1991 by Kensington, then Pocket Book, later by St. Martin’s Press and independent presses? That her books have been monthly selections of the Doubleday Book Club and the Mystery Guild? Right. And she’s won awards. Lots of them. Need details? WREite to her. She’ll send you the list!
To research, she’s dived into the oldest texts and dustiest library shelves. She also travels abroad, trusty notebook and pen in hand, to visit the chateaux and country homes she loves to people with her own imaginary characters.
And at home every day? She cooks. Never dusts. Goes swimming or pumps iron once a week and tries (desperately) to grow vegetables in her arid backyard in south Texas! She’s valiant. And dedicated.
TROPES: MC, Enemies to lovers, Found Family, Overprotective Alpha, Shifter, Paranormal, Romance
Siam hasn’t had the easiest of lives, but compared to her brother Snow, she’s lived like a princess. She will do anything she can to protect him, including sacrificing herself if necessary. When she discovers her mate is the enemy of her brother, she may have to decide who is more important: her family or her love.
Fang is balancing on a very dangerous line, and his own secrets could be his undoing. He has to protect Siam, but he isn’t sure how to do that without possibly sacrificing himself. War is coming, and Fang will need to pick a side.
Danger is lurking around every corner, declaring war against the Dark Leopards MC. Will Siam and Fang fight against each other or embrace their destiny to become mates? Who will be left standing in the end.
PREORDER TODAY FOR 99 CENTS!
(price will increase after release)
“Siam, are you listening to me?” Robert Willis, the person my parents kept pushing at me, asked.
“Huh?” I’d been caught daydreaming or whatever again. The guy was the most boring human in the known universe. Brown hair, brown eyes, tan skin, dressed in a white button-up shirt, khaki Dockers, and brown shoes. Thinking about it, I doubted he owned anything that wasn’t brown, white, black, or blue. Such a plethora of choices. Bleh! “I apologize, Robert. I have a Spanish test tomorrow and was trying to recall what to review.”
“If you need help with Spanish, I can tutor you.”
Smiling coyly, I patted his chest. “I’m okay. Tests just make me nervous.” It was well known that I was a straight-A student and had the highest grade out of all the Spanish classes in our school. I was fluent in Russian, Spanish, German, Italian, and French—a fact I kept to myself because I wasn’t sure about the reaction I would get. I walked a very tight line in my new life, and I didn’t want to tip the scales. I had to bide my time and strike when I was ready. Not a moment sooner, and I could not allow anyone to interfere.
“Are you sure? I wouldn’t mind helping you. It would allow me to review as well.” Ah, there it was. It wasn’t that he wanted to assist me, but he needed my help. I shouldn’t have been surprised; everyone had an angle, and humans seemed to play them more than shifters.
“Oh, well, if you think it would help you too, then sure. You can come over, and we can study after we are done here.” I had been forced to go shopping with him to pick out his tux and my dress for homecoming. Yay me!
So far, I had found fault with every dress. Too tight. Too loose. Too much sparkle. Not enough sparkle. Too many flowers. I detested flower prints, and of course, Robert picked out that particular dress. He was convinced that he would not be able to pick out his tux until I picked my dress. I wasn’t sure how that worked since he could just get basic black, but who was I to judge his fashion choices. Not like he truly cared about fashion or clothes, which brought me back to why couldn’t he just get a basic black tux?
I was at the point when I was about to just pick the one that bothered me the least when I smelled it. Something sweet and alluring. It wasn’t my brother Dimitri, but it was something else, something more. Mate! My animal called out to me. Mate? I was only sixteen. But it had to be. The smell drew me in.
SNOW
As a young boy, abandoned by my parents and ripped apart from my twin sister, I learned early on that the world was full of evil and hate. I survived by living between the light and darkness, using my shifter abilities to stay alive…until one mistake should have cost me my life. Instead, it became my salvation and gave me a family and band of brothers who had my back no matter what. The Dark Leopards MC was not a gang to be trifled with, and many gave us a wide birth, and as the Sergeant At Arms, I ensured that’s the way it stayed. But someone was trying to encroach on our territory and begin a war.
I suspect the woman I saved, the woman whom I discover is my mate, is tied to it all somehow. I just have to figure out the puzzle before it’s too late.
VERITY
I was only trying to help a friend. The last thing I ever thought is that my friend would try to kidnap me, but thankfully someone or something saved me. Rushing to meet my roommate, Siam, I got another shock when the gang responsible for my brother’s death are her friends. I didn’t care if her brother had mesmerizing eyes or if I had a hard time not thinking about him. He was the enemy!
But even as my enemy, he may be my only chance to stay alive and learn the truth. And if Snow is the one protecting me in and out of bed, I wouldn’t complain too much.
Maria Vickers is a bestselling and award-winning author who currently resides in St. Louis, MO with her pug, Hunny. She has always had a passion for writing and after she became disabled in 2010, she decided to use writing as her escape. She believes that life is about what you make of it, you have to live it to the fullest no matter the circumstances.
Getting sick changed her life forever, but it also opened doors for her that she thought would always be out of reach.
It’s time for a special Sapphic Book Bingo category! This square of the bingo card shines a light on new sapphic authors or sapphic authors who you might not be familiar with.
Authors who are just starting out are often struggling to get any attention for their books, so every year, I try to give them a little extra visibility by featuring them in their own category.
For the purposes of this reading challenge, “new author” is defined as someone who has published no more than two full-length novels (I’m not counting shorter works).
For this category, you can also read a book by an author who has published more than two novels but is new to you. Check out last year’s new sapphic authors post for a list of 200+ authors who, according to the readers in my Facebook group, are underappreciated and deserve more attention.
100 new sapphic authors
Below, you’ll find a list of 100 new sapphic authors:
What book will you be reading for the “new sapphic authors” category? Are there other authors that are a good fit for this category? Let us know in the comments!
La Belle Assemblée, June 1811 “Parisian Ball Dress” Copyright Candice Hern, used with permission
Readers report that one of the many reasons they love to read historical romances is the beautiful clothing and hairstyles characters wear. Even though modern-day readers are usually happy to wear comfy jeans or shorts, a soft t-shirt, and hair in a ponytail, we love wearing vicariously through characters those beautiful silk or muslin gowns and our long, thick hair swept up into an elegant chignon.
At first glance, the Regency Era allows little room for veering off conventional norms for ladies of the upper classes who wanted to be fashionable, or at least, whose mothers wanted them to be fashionable to attract eligible bachelors “in want of a wife,” as Jane Austen put it.
It turns out, despite definite trends in hairstyles, for individual taste created some wiggle-room in styles. As I searched for images, finding daytime hairstyles proved difficult because most daywear fashion prints show head coverings such as mobcaps, bonnets, and hats. Therefore, many of the images here are for evening wear.
Journal des Dames et des Modes, Paris, January 15, 1812. “Coeffure en Cheveux. Robe de Cachemire” Copyright Candice Hern, used with permission
Spanning the Regency Era, 1811 to 1820, are the findings of my research.
Trends
Parting and Forehead Exposure
Throughout the Regency period, there is a consistent trend of parting the hair to display the forehead. For example, many styles describe hair as “divided on the forehead” or “parted on the forehead” or even “so as to display the forehead and eyebrows.”
Ackermann’s Repository of Arts, February 1817 “Evening Dresses” copyright Candice Hern, used with permission
Curls and Ringlets
Curls and ringlets are prominent features in many of the descriptions. Hairstyles often include “full curls,” “wave curls,” “loose curls,” or “ringlets” on the sides and front of the hair, and “A few ringlets to hang from the crown of the head to the throat but not suffered to fall into the neck.” (Ackermann’s May 1820) and “with round curls on each side of the face and a few long.” (Cunnington)
In 1813 and 1816, appear the wording “a single hanging ringlet hanging down the back” and “For the ball hair is twisted up behind and dressed in full curls in the front with a bandeau.” (Cunnington)
High and Low Hair
The contrast between high and low hairstyles is a recurring theme. High hairstyles, such as those with “a high tuft” or “brought up very high,” contrast with styles where the hair is “dressed very low” or “brought low at the sides.” Today, we use the words bun or chignon for what they called a “tuft.”
Front hair and “hind hair’ appears throughout the descriptions. For example, “The hair, which is much part on the forehead, is dress very little with the sides, and the hind hair brought to a very moderate height. (Ackermann’s Repository, Evening dress February 1817)
Ackermann’s Repository of Arts, June 1816 “Bridal Dress” copyright Candice Hern, used with permission
Ornaments and Headpieces
Various accessories such “bandeau,” “barrel comb,” “pearl comb,” “garland of roses,” “aigrette,” “diadem head-dress,” and “wreath” commonly appear. These accessories enhance and embellish hairstyles, especially for evening wear.
Ostrich feathers frequently adorned headpieces for evening wear and especially when appearing at court.
Volume and Fullness
Many hairstyles feature a significant amount of volume, with descriptions including “full curls,” “full ringlets,” and “full bows” at both the front and back of the head. Bows are voluminous curls arranged with pins or accessories to form a bow shape.
Ackermann’s Repository of Arts September 1816 “Half Dress” Copyright Candice Hern, used with permission
Hair Length
Many styles require long or medium length hair, considering the amount of full curls or ringlets in the descriptions. By 1814, “hair is fast gaining an ascendancy over the short, and is now worn very low in the neck behind.” (Cunnington)
Though popular for a time during the Georgian Era, mention of short hair appears in only one Regency Fashion plate that I found: “hair cropped, and dressed in very full curls in the neck, and very full on the forehead.” (Ackermann’s September 1816).
Inspired by other Countries
Late Georgian and early Regency hairstyle descriptions are “in the Grecian Style,” or “Hair a la Grecque,” or “Roman.”
Toward the latter end of the Regency, more French styles appear. I find that curious, since England had been at war with France, or rather French troops under Napoleon’s regime, for years. However, the English nobility still viewed everything French, including wine, spoken language, clothing, and hair, as fashionable.
Unique Descriptions
Braiding and Wreaths
Ackermann’s Repository of Arts, January 1811 “Evening Dresses” copyright Candice Hern
Elements include “braiding the hair in a circle” or ” dividing in front of the forehead with a full plait.” (Photo Evening Dresses January 1811)
(1816) or using “wreaths of lilac” (June 1815) which add a distinctive decorative element. Another unique feature is the “bouquet of full-blown roses” (November 1819) which is a specific and visually striking adornment.
High Tufts and Low Styles
The juxtaposition of very high and very low hairstyles, such as the “high tuft” in January 1817 versus “very low at the sides” in various descriptions, shows an interesting range of styles within the same period.
Variation by Event
British Lady’s Magazine, July 1817 “Evening Dress” Copyright Candice Hern, used with permission
The differentiation of hairstyles for specific events, such as the “court dress” (1820) with ostrich feathers, “ball gown,” and the “private concert costume” (1819) with a bouquet, highlights how hairstyles were tailored for different occasions.
Innovative Use of Materials
The use of accessories including “ostrich feathers” and “pearl bandeau” in court dresses, or “jeweled combs” and “French roses” shows some of the many varied materials and accessories that created distinct looks.
Indoor Morning Dress March 1812 Copyright Candice Hern, used with permission
Sources
Candice Hern.com My sincerest gratitude for providing me all the images from her personal collection of fashion plates for this blog post.
English Women’s Clothing in the 19th Century by C Willett Cunnington
Ross Walker, drummer for iconic rock group Licks of Leather, is adored by millions…but distances himself from everyone. How else can he atone for his unforgivable past? With another tour starting, Ross’s manager hires Harmony Sharp to pose as his devoted girlfriend in order to rehab his bad-boy image. But Ross’s attraction to the innocent backwoods beauty is instant, electric—and dangerous. The longer he’s with her, the more he aches to drag her beneath him. If he can’t keep her at arm’s length, he fears he’ll destroy them both.
Harmony Sharp is a budding self-help vlogger. From her ecovillage high in the Kentucky hills, she teaches the joys of inner peace through self-enlightenment. When her home is threatened, Harmony agrees to spend six months on tour with Licks of Leather as Ross’s “girlfriend,” but her real mission is to heal his damaged soul. She’s determined to achieve her goal, even if it means risking her heart. But will her love be enough to save him?
USA Today Bestselling author Jenna Jacob paints a canvas of passion, romance, and humor as her alpha men and the feisty women who love them unravel their souls, heal their scars, and find a happy-ever-after kind of love. Heart-tugging, captivating, and steamy, her words will leave you breathless and craving more.
A mom of four grown children, Jenna, her husband Sean and their furry babies reside in Kansas. Though she spent over thirty years in accounting, Jenna isn’t your typical bean counter. She’s brassy, sassy, and loves to laugh, but is humbly thrilled to be living her dream as a full-time author. When she’s not slamming coffee while pounding out emotional stories, you can find her reading, listening to music, cooking, camping, or enjoying the open road on the back of a Harley.
Welcome to my First Kiss Friday bog. We’re thrilled you can join us today. Today’s guest is Deb Marlowe who a first kiss scene between Niall Kier and Kara Levett, the two main characters in her Kier and Levett Mystery Series—Victorian Mysteries with a Slow Burn Romance. Deb is also offering a giveaway so be sure to read all the way to the end. Leave a comment to be in the running and enjoy this excerpt. Happy reading, my lovelies, and good luck!
Excerpt:
When they pulled up before the house, Niall craned to look out, but there was no sign of Turner or any of the other servants. The hour must be late indeed. Gently, he reached out to wake Kara.
She came awake slowly. Turning her head, her eyes opened. She caught sight of him and gave a sleepy, contented smile.
It made his heart twist painfully.
The bond of their friendship ran deep. How much better might it be, if he were he free to take it further? What might it be like, to open his eyes every morning to that smile? To know the day ahead—all the days ahead—would be full of her wit and laughter and talent and beauty?
He longed to find out. And his urge to follow that thread was growing as strong as the worries that prevented it.
He climbed down and turned to assist her. The bracing night air prodded her awake, although she gave a great yawn that left him smiling.
She squeezed his hand. The carriage moved on, heading for the stables. They stood alone in the dark, with the sky full of the sparkling beauty of a multitude of stars and his heart full of conflicting emotions.
“Thank you, Niall.”
It was thanks offered for more than his help out of the carriage. He heard the breadth of her meaning in her tone.
He smiled in answer, returned the squeeze and let her go.
With a sigh, she began to move toward the house. He watched her for a moment, before turning toward his forge and the loft above.
The sound of her footsteps in the gravel stopped.
“Niall?”
He turned around. She faced him, her hair coming down a little on one side and wafting in the night breeze. He drank in the beauty of her. She was a mad combination of exuberance, stubborn determination, extraordinary vision and the lovely sweetness of her soul. It almost hurt to look at her.
And suddenly, she was moving. Lifting her skirts and racing toward him. As she drew closer, she let go and reached out—and leapt into his arms.
He caught her. Staggered back a step. And her lips were on his and he was lost.
Her fingers were in his hair. Her legs wrapped around his waist. He braced one hand across her back to hold her close and the other beneath the curve of her bottom, to keep her, high and hot and pressed against him, with her mouth locked to his.
She’d gone soft and pliant. Need sprang to heated life in his chest and he felt the answering sensation in her. Together, their longings rose and combined, whirling between them, spiraling higher and fueling the fervent, dangerous beauty of their kiss.
She was inexperienced. He showed her subtly, delicately, how it was done. An enthusiastic pupil, she let him coax her mouth open. Their embrace deepened, transforming this encounter into something more demanding and desperate. Something that fought and railed against the cold knowledge of its fleeting nature.
She moaned, a low sound of aching want, and he clutched her closer still, wishing he could pull her right inside, so that this might never end.
But end, it did. She pulled away and looked down at him, her face filled with sorrow. Slowly, he let her drop, felt the forbidden slide of her down the front of him. But he could not let go, not yet. He bent his head so that their lips hovered close.
“I wanted to know,” she whispered. “When you are long gone and I am lying awake, making myself miserable with what might have been, I want to know exactly what I will be missing.” She ducked her head, pressing against his chest and gripping him tightly for a moment, before looking back up, her expression gone stern. “Perhaps I wanted you to know, too.”
She whirled, then, and was gone, running for the house.
Links:
The Kier and Levett Mysteries take place in Victorian London. Miss Kara Levett is an artist and creator of automatons and case clocks. Niall Kier is a forge artist from the Highlands with secrets in his past. Follow them to Victorian London as they explore art, science, their own romance . . . and murder.
USA Today Bestselling Author Deb Marlowe grew up with her nose in a book. Luckily, she’d read enough romances to recognize the hero she met at a college Halloween party—even though he wore a tuxedo t-shirt instead of breeches and boots. They married, settled in North Carolina and raised two handsome, funny, and genuinely intelligent boys.
A Golden Heart winner and Rita Nominee, Deb writes Victorian Mysteries, Regency Romance and Regency Fantasy Romance. A proud geek, history buff, and story addict, she loves to talk with readers! Find her discussing books, movies, TV, recipes and Men in Boots on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky and Pinterest.
Deb will give away an autographed copy of A Killer in the Crystal Palace and some fun Kier and Levett swag. Just comment and tell us: If you could be a professional artist, what kind of art would you create?
Giveaway open through the weekend. Winner chosen on Monday!
The Rivers of London series hasn’t disappointed me yet. Its mixture of mystery, magic, and humor, perfectly balanced, is just up my alley. It even has hints of romance here and there. What else can a reader ask for? In book 3, I was very happy to find that Lesley is back as a fully-functional partner and friend as well as a magician-in-training under the very British, very old-fashioned tutelage of Nightingale. I have high hopes for her full-recovery at some point down the line in the series. Their adventure down in the maze of London sewers and subway tunnels is both thrilling and hilarious. A hugely successful feature of this series is the so-called supporting and guest cast. In this particular installment Zach, the Fae-halfling and the God-fearing but rule-breaking FBI agent are great additions. I have the next book already purchased and I highly recommend this series for anyone who loves a good urban fantasy. As a footnote, the narrator continues to do an amazing job and adding yet another layer of humor and magic to this fabulous story.
Moon Over Soho by Ben Aaronovitch
