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  • First Kiss Friday with Aurrora St. James & a Giveaway! – Sherry Ewing

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    Welcome to my First Kiss Friday blog! Let’s welcome today’s guest, Aurrora St. James who has an excerpt from her contribution The Earl’s Haunted Heart in the boxset A Wraith at Midnight. Aurrora is also offering a giveaway today so be sure to read all the way to the end to enter! Happy reading and good luck, my lovelies!

    Excerpt:

    The ballroom was larger and grander than Lady Levinson’s, with its tall windows and gilded columns, though somehow sad in its disuse. Next, Ambrose showed her the library lined with bookshelves, with plush chairs and sofas to read upon.

    “Did you live here as a child?” Eve asked. They’d been speaking only of books until now. Nothing personal, and she very much wanted to know Lord Stamford.

    He hesitated. “No. In fact, I hadn’t been here at all until I inherited the title. This was once the family seat, but it hadn’t been used in some time.”

    “Did it fall into disrepair?”

    “No. There were tragedies here. After that, my family chose to never return.”

    Eve thought about the man in the attic. Something had happened to the woman he loved. Something tragic. “Why did you choose to live here?”

    “I had no choice,” he murmured.

    She turned to him. His dark blue eyes appeared haunted, then the emotion was gone. Buried behind a stony expression.

    “Tell me about yourself, Eve. You’ve yet to share even your last name.”

    “Eve Langley,” she replied softly.

    He tilted his head. “I believe there is a Baron Langley. Your father?”

    She nodded.

    “Yet you fled unattended into a snowstorm. Is your father unkind?”

    “Not precisely.”

    Lord Stamford stepped closer. His eyes glittered down at her. “Abusive?”

    “No. He…” She crossed her arms over her stomach, unable to meet his eyes. “He has drawn up a marriage contract for me with a man older than himself, who intends to use me for an heir, then lock me away somewhere so that I do not embarrass his family.”

    “You are free to decline the arrangement though. That is your right,” he growled.

    “My father said he’d force me to agree to the match if I refused. I feared he would, so I fled.”

    He tipped her chin up, studying her face. “You’re afraid of him.”

    Her throat grew tight. “I’m afraid of being locked away, forgotten, until I die. Like my grandmama,”

    Pain etched his features, and the earl closed his eyes. When he opened them, he asked, “Where had you intended to go?”

    “There is a church that shelters women near here.”

    He was silent.

    Fear bubbled up her throat. Eve gripped his shirt. “Please, Lord Stamford. Please don’t make me return. I’ll leave once the storm is over, only please don’t send me back.”

    One of his warm hands covered hers and the other stroked her jaw with gentle fingers. “You may call me Ambrose.” His thumb traced her lower lip.

    Butterflies took flight in her stomach at his tender touch and the sound of his husky voice. She’d never felt this way around a man. No one had ever evoked the flutter of her heart or the warmth in her chest.

    “I’ll not send you back, Eve. It is enough that one of us is imprisoned for life. A beauty as bright as yours should shine for all the world to see.”

    Then he lowered his head and kissed her.

    Eve melted under his tender kiss, lost in the feel of his lips against hers. It was her first kiss, and it was more wondrous than she’d ever imagined.

    Ambrose moved his lips gently over hers, as he pulled her close to his chest.

    When he lifted his head, he traced her lower lip one last time with his thumb, regret already flashing through his eyes. He stepped away.

    “Forgive me, Eve.”

    Before she could protest, he strode out the library door, leaving her quite alone.

    A Wraith at Midnight Anthology Info: 

    When spooky manors and or ghostly specters call, this stunning collection of haunted Historical Romance novellas is sure to answer, leaving you breathless with ethereal, romantic tales…

    A derelict old castle? A spectral lady wandering the forests? These tales will give you a chill, a thrill, and have you reading them over and over. From the moors of Devon to the ballrooms of Regency London, and far north into the Scottish Highlands, these stories will bring you wistful dreams of legendary and haunting romance.

    Contains 11 all new short stories by bestselling Regency romance authors.

    Blurb: 

    The Earl’s Haunted Heart by Aurrora St. James

    Her secret can save his sanity, but revealing it will destroy her future…

    An innocent woman fleeing an arranged marriage is stranded in a snowstorm at an imposing manor with a reclusive earl who is brooding, mysterious, and far too attractive. He’s also going mad. She should fear him, but as the snow continues to fall, his loneliness makes her ache for him, and his every touch sets her on fire. To claim his heart, she must break the curse bound to his bloodline. But in doing so, she’ll be forced to reveal her own secret and risk being sent back to the man she’s running from.

    Note to readers: The Earl’s Haunted Heart is near the end of the anthology. Don’t miss it! 

    Link: https://geni.us/ASJ-Wraith

    Author Bio:

    Aurrora St. James writes passionate heroes, sizzling heat, and unforgettable romance. Whether it’s in time travel, magic, action, or shapeshifters, she loves to write about heroes with deep wounds fighting to be the heroic man his woman needs and women finding the strength within to face anything that comes her way. You’ll always get a touching love story, an HEA, and a bit of humor. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, making her own journals, and drinking coffee. But really, what’s better than coming up with the magic of a happily ever after?

    Social Media Links:

    Website:  http://www.aurrorastjames.com

    Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/AurroraStJamesAuthor/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aurrorastjames/

    Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/ladyaurrora/

    Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/aurrora-st-james

    Giveaway Opportunity!

    Aurrora is offering a giveaway where the winner can choose one of the books from her website: https://www.aurrorastjames.com/books. To be in the running, just answer this: What’s your favorite trope? That’s it! Aurrora will pick a winner on Sunday. Good luck, fabulous Readers!



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  • First Kiss Friday with Enchanted by the Lyon! – Sherry Ewing

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    Hello, my lovelies, and welcome to my First Kiss Friday blog! I’m always excited to share with you my latest releases and this one was a long time to wait. Today I have an excerpt from my next Lyon’s Den novel, Enchanted by the Lyon that releases on October 1st. We finally have Cassandra Vaughn as the heroine after she made certain her lady friends were all settled. I hope you enjoy this first kiss scene and happy reading!

    Excerpt:

    She had no time to think when Lucius took hold of her hand bringing her fingertips to his lips. After a quick kiss, he tucked her now quaking limb into his elbow and began escorting through the crowded room. Her feet flew in an attempt to keep up with his longer stride until he noticed she was all but running to keep up with his pace. He slowed, pulled her through an arched

    doorway, through a narrow hallway meant for the servants, and into the first empty room he came to. Peering inside, he swiftly pulled her forward before closing the door behind them. There wasn’t much to this room. A small couch, a table, and several boxes sacked against the wall told her this was used as a storeroom. She was completely alone with this man, and she had to admit she didn’t mind one bit!

    “My lord—”

    He took both of her cheeks into the palms of his hands. “Lucius,” he urged softly. “Say my name, Cassandra.”

    He pulled her into his embrace and Cassandra swore her heart all but beat right out of her chest in excitement. Still holding onto her face with one hand, he rubbed one thumb across her cheek as he silently implored her to say his given name.

    Cassandra finally gave in to his demand. “Lucius…” His name lingered on her lips, making her slide her tongue across the seam. It was almost like she could taste his kiss upon her mouth and she stood on the tips of her toes reaching for what she knew he offered.

    His head dipped downward until his mouth was but inches from her own. And still, he only continued to stare into her face. Green eyes to green eyes and she was certain hers shone with all the longing she felt for this man.

    Cassandra at last realized that he was waiting for her to continue this moment that was being shared between them. She could easily step back. Nothing held her from doing so since Lucius only lightly held her now. He would not take what she didn’t offer willingly, and she had to commend him for making sure she consented to their first kiss. She needed to remember she wanted a marriage and he might only want her as his next mistress. The reasonable part of her head told her not to give in to temptation that would surely be like a drug. Once tasted, there would be no going back.

    But to hell with reason! Instead of listening to the small voice screaming inside her head, she stepped closer before she wound her arms around his neck and pressed her body intimately into his muscular one. It was probably a huge mistake on her part when she heard a sound come from him that proved to her that Lucius had barely been holding on to whatever self-control existed within him. But when she went to place a small chaste peck on those sensuous lips, her world suddenly spun out of control.

    His arms swept around her as he pulled her close and his mouth took possession of her own. There was nothing gentle about this kiss and it certainly wasn’t anything like the quick one she had just given him. No. This kiss was filled with a passion Cassandra didn’t even know could exist as all the longing for Lucius Ford came bubbling up and overflowing from the depths of her soul.

    A low moan of pleasure left her as she followed this man’s lead while he kissed her senseless. How many times had she dreamed of his kisses? How many nights had she laid awake wishing she could be in his arms? He certainly didn’t disappoint the fantasies she had held dear inside her head. Her heart was beating so fast she swore everyone at the Lyon’s Den would be able to hear what this man was doing to her. And still, he continued to kiss her as though he was starving, and she was the only person who could satisfy his hunger.

    Enchanted by the Lyon: Lyon’s Den Connected World
    By Sherry Ewing
    Releases October 1, 2025
    Preorder for $0.99

    She’s fallen in love and wants marriage, something he’s unwilling to give.

    Lucius Ford, Earl of Blackthorn is content in his bachelor lifestyle, though the only lady to catch his attention this Season is looking for marriage. This lady of the Wicked Widow’s Club intrigues him.

    Mrs. Cassandra Vaughn was widowed at a young age. After years of hardship, she seeks more than a superficial relationship. But the man who has enchanted her only wants her in his bed.

    Who will change whose mind is still in question when Lucius loses a bet at the Lyon’s Den. To pay his debt, he must right a wrong done to none other than Cassandra Vaughn. Amidst societal expectations and personal histories, their lives entangle, challenging their beliefs about love and relationships.

    When past enemies endanger her life, Lucius will risk everything to protect her.

    Tropes you’ll love:

    ✔️ Widow Heroine

    ✔️ Rake / Bachelor Hero

    ✔️ Marriage vs. Affair Conflict

    ✔️ The Wicked Widow’s Club

    ✔️ The Lyon’s Den Connection

    ✔️ Debt of Honor

    ✔️ Protective Hero

    ✔️ Opposites in Desire

    ✔️ Second Chances at Love

    Read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited or purchase a copy at these buy links:

    Amazon US | Amazon AU | Amazon BR | Amazon CA | Amazon DE | Amazon ES | Amazon FR | Amazon IN | Amazon IT | Amazon JP | Amazon MX | Amazon NL | Amazon UK

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  • Happy Release Day to Enchanted by the Lyon! – Sherry Ewing

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    You know this author is one happy lady when she can introduce a new book baby into the world! Thank you to all the wonderful readers who have purchased a copy of Enchanted by the Lyon that released today. You can blame me for your next book hangover you have the next morning! And thank you all for your continued support. It means the world to me!

    She’s fallen in love and wants marriage, something he’s unwilling to give.

    Lucius Ford, Earl of Blackthorn is content in his bachelor lifestyle, though the only lady to catch his attention this Season is looking for marriage. This lady of the Wicked Widow’s Club intrigues him.

    Mrs. Cassandra Vaughn was widowed at a young age. After years of hardship, she seeks more than a superficial relationship. But the man who has enchanted her only wants her in his bed.

    Who will change whose mind is still in question when Lucius loses a bet at the Lyon’s Den. To pay his debt, he must right a wrong done to none other than Cassandra Vaughn. Amidst societal expectations and personal histories, their lives entangle, challenging their beliefs about love and relationships.

    When past enemies endanger her life, Lucius will risk everything to protect her.

    Tropes you’ll love:

    ✔️ Widow Heroine

    ✔️ Rake / Bachelor Hero

    ✔️ Marriage vs. Affair Conflict

    ✔️ The Wicked Widow’s Club

    ✔️ The Lyon’s Den Connection

    ✔️ Debt of Honor

    ✔️ Protective Hero

    ✔️ Opposites in Desire

    ✔️ Second Chances at Love

    Read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited or purchase a copy here at these Amazon links:

    Buy Links:

    Amazon US | Amazon AU | Amazon BR | Amazon CA | Amazon DE | Amazon ES | Amazon FR | Amazon IN | Amazon IT | Amazon JP | Amazon MX | Amazon NL | Amazon UK

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  • First Kiss Friday with Sherry Ewing – Sherry Ewing

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    Welcome to my First Kiss Friday blog! With the last of my wicked widows having her happily ever after in the release of Enchanted by the Lyon next week, I thought I’d bring this around full circle to remind you of the first kiss scene from To Claim A Lyon’s Heart. I loved writing my first book for the Lyon’s Den Connected World including creating all brand new hero’s for you to fall in love with. I hope you enjoy this first kiss scene between Vincent and Moriah. Happy reading, my lovelies!

    Excerpt:

    “Would you care to come in for a night cap?” Moriah asked while she ran her fingers over the sleeve of his coat.

    Vincent took her hand, bringing it up to his lips. He was afraid to answer yes, knowing where the night might end up. They were only just now beginning to right the wrong that had been done to Moriah’s reputation. He would hate for all that they had accomplished to unravel because he couldn’t keep his hands to himself.

    “I’m not certain that is wise, my dear,” he whispered, but when she bent forward and placed her lips upon his own, a part of him sprang to life and he could do little to calm the beast within him.

    “It’s just one drink,” she murmured while reaching for the handle of the door. “You wouldn’t want to disappoint a lady now, would you?”

    A chuckle left Vincent as though his mind had been made up for him. “Never!”

    “Then please come in, my lord. I promise I won’t bite,” she said, laughing.

    Challenge accepted, considering he never saw this playful side of Moriah, and Vincent followed her into her townhouse. She dismissed her butler Barlowe after bidding him a good night. Her swaying hips caused Vincent to follow Moriah’s every move as she made her way into her library. A fire in the hearth warmed the room lined with bookshelves, and a writing desk stood off to one side. Near the fire was a comfortable-looking settee, but Moriah made her way to a sideboard where several crystal decanters awaited her pleasure…and his.

    “Brandy? Port? Or maybe whiskey? What is your preference, Vincent?” she asked as she picked up one of the bottles and waved it in the air.

    You, he thought, but for the life of him he couldn’t voice the word aloud. One would think the way his heart was beating a rapid staccato in his chest that this was the first time he had been alone with a beautiful woman. He was hardly fresh out of the schoolroom and his friends would laugh if they knew one of London’s renowned rakes was having a hard time remembering to be a gentleman.

    “Whatever you are having is fine, Moriah,” he said, taking a seat near the fire.

    “Brandy it is,” she said, pouring two draughts into glasses.

    She gracefully slid onto the seat next to him and handed him his glass. “Cheers,” she said, clinking her glass with his before taking a sip. She set the glass down and took his hands. “I wanted some privacy between us so I could express my thanks for all you have done on my behalf. Without your help, I’d still be sitting here alone in this house with a tarnished reputation instead of being on the brink of being accepted again. How can I ever thank you?”

    “There is nothing to thank me for, Moriah. I would do it all over again to ensure your happiness. But we are not done until we have your grandfather’s blessing. I must admit he will be hard to convince, but I am determined it shall be done.”

    “You’ve done more for me than any other I have known,” she stated, once more running her fingers up the lapel of his jacket, “and you’ve asked nothing in return. Are you certain you are real and not just a figment of my imagination?”

    “Your companionship has been more than I could hope for. Certainly, you must know I have come to care for you, Moriah.” Tears glistened in her eyes and Vincent brushed her cheek to wipe one that fell.

    “Vincent…I care for you, too.”

    The words rushing from her lips were like the sweetest sonnet and, before he could rethink his actions, Vincent bent over to claim her mouth in a searing kiss. Her arms wrapped around his neck and his mouth took possession of hers. The kiss was as if they had been starved for one another their entire lives and perhaps, in Vincent’s case, this was true. He had never wanted a woman in his life as much as he wanted Moriah. Not for just a night of pleasure but as his wife for all time.

    A moan left her lips and Vincent continued his exploration of this beautiful lady. Their tongues danced together in a common accord and he had to wonder how Moriah suddenly ended up in his lap. That she would feel comfortable with him to stay there told him much, but reason took over before they went too far. He took hold of her hands when she began tugging at his cravat.

    To Claim A Lyon’s Heart
    By Sherry Ewing

    A gambler’s bet. A widow’s burden. Will one game of chance change their lives?

    Vincent St. John, Marquis of Saxton, knows full well his duties to the duchy. His responsibilities have been drilled into him since his birth. He has no chance of finding a bride who will see him for who he truly is; they only see the title, not the man. A bet with Mrs. Dove-Lyon, the Black Widow of Whitehall, is just a diversion. Losing may win him everything.

    Mrs. Moriah Henshaw has known her fair share of despair. The death of her parents and later her husband left her destitute with no option but to become a man’s mistress. Years later, her tarnished reputation outweighs her excellent birth, and keeps her from being accepted back into society. When her friend pays an outrageous sum to Mrs. Dove-Lyon to find Moriah a husband, Moriah cannot believe she will win anything.

    When Vincent meets Moriah, he becomes determined to return her to her rightful place in society. But one accident after another threatens Moriah’s life, and neither of them will win in the game of love unless he can find out who is out to harm her.

    Read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited or purchase a copy here:

    Amazon US | Amazon AU | Amazon BR | Amazon CA | Amazon DE | Amazon ES | Amazon FR | Amazon IN | Amazon IT | Amazon JP | Amazon MX | Amazon NL | Amazon UK

    Learn all about the men of my contribution to the Lyon’s Den Connected World in the above tab or here: https://sherryewing.com/regency-books/

    And don’t forget that Enchanted by the Lyon releases on October 1sr. You can still purchase it for $0.99 so grab a copy soon before the price goes up!

    Buy links or read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited:

    Buy Links:

    Amazon US | Amazon AU | Amazon BR | Amazon CA | Amazon DE | Amazon ES | Amazon FR | Amazon IN | Amazon IT | Amazon JP | Amazon MX | Amazon NL | Amazon UK

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  • Through Water and Stone GIVEAWAY!

    Through Water and Stone GIVEAWAY!

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    Through Water and Stone: A Zion National Park Novel by Karen Barnett

    Through Water and Stone has officially splashed into the world, and I’m celebrating with a book giveaway! Since Amazon’s taking its sweet time shipping copies, this is your chance to snag one early—and without the wait. Who’s ready to dive in?

    To enter, fill out the form below. It will ask you to subscribe to my newsletter, COMPASS. Are you a new subscriber? You’ll need to hop over to my subscription page first, and then come back to fill out the entry form. Already a subscriber? No problem—just enter the email address where you receive the newsletter.

    📚 Don’t miss out—your early copy could be on the way soon!

    The giveaway closes on October 2, 2025, at 12 pm Pacific Time.

    What’s COMPASS?

    COMPASS is my monthly newsletter where I share behind-the-scenes peeks at my writing life, stories from our national park adventures, encouragement for your own faith journey, and the first scoop on new books and giveaways. Think of it as a little dose of inspiration and adventure delivered straight to your inbox.

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  • First Kiss Friday with Jude Knight – Sherry Ewing

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    Welcome to my First Kiss Friday blog. Any day I can have my friend Jude Knight showcase another one of her new releases is a great day. Today, Jude has an excerpt that is close to a first kiss scene from her novel The Secret Word that releases tomorrow, September 6th. Wishing Jude success on her latest book baby! Happy reading, my lovelies, and take it away Jude!

    When I went looking for a first kiss scene, I couldn’t find one! Clem remembers how wonderful his kisses have been when she is fretting about their wedding night, so I must assume Chris managed to separate her from her chaperone for long enough to give her a taste of things to come, but I don’t put that on the page.

    Here, though, is the start of their wedding night. Since things get rather specific very quickly, and this is a family-friendly blog, I’ve only covered the beginning.

    Excerpt:

    It was only a short drive to the house they had rented.  Chris was mindful that what was to come was new to Clem. Thanks to the efforts of Aunt Fern, their embraces so far had been nearly chaste—certainly far more chaste than Chris would have preferred.

    Even so, he could control the urge to leap on her as soon as the carriage door was shut.  He would have to, for he would not want to frighten her, nor did he want her to be embarrassed in front of her new servants when they arrived at their new house looking as if he had tumbled her in the carriage. 

    Instead, he took the seat beside her, took her gloved hand in his, and lost himself in thinking about the bedding to come. Not for the first time, he wondered what she had been told. 

    She was curious, he knew that. And she listened to the servants, so she knew a little. Had anyone thought to explain the details? Was she frightened? She didn’t appear nervous, though. Was she glaring at him?

    “Is something wrong, my love?”

    Clem blushed. “I was just thinking…”

    She broke off, and Chris made what he hoped was an encouraging sound.

    “Martha said you would want to kiss me as soon as we were alone, and—” her blush deepened— “other things.”

    “Other things?” Chris was intrigued to know exactly what the knowledgeable maid may have disclosed.

    “You know, Chris. Embraces and such.” She leaned closer to him and hushed her voice, as if afraid that the driver might hear. “Touching me with your hands. In… places. She said men like it?” Clem sounded uncertain.

    “This man likes it,” Chris assured her. “Very much, when it is my hands and your body. And I hope you will like touching me, too. I did not want to start something in the carriage that would leave you rumpled and uncomfortable when you arrived at our house, for if I once start, beloved, I am not certain how much control I will have. I want you. Very much.”

    “Oh.” Clem thought about that. “I’m not sure exactly what ‘want’ means, but…Will I like it, Chris?”

    “You will like it very much,” he assured her. He would make certain of that. “In fact, you can tell me what you like most about it, and I will do more of that, and if there happens to be anything you don’t like, tell me, and I won’t do it. But not here in the carriage. Not for your first time.”

    “Oh,” she said, her face clearing by the moment, and her second, “Oh,” sounded much more cheerful. “Not until this evening, then.”

    “Here we are,” Chris commented, as they drew up at their own front steps. This evening? He could wait until this evening if she insisted, but he hoped she didn’t.

    By the time he had helped her from the carriage, the front door was open and the servants were lined up in the little entry hall, ready to greet their new employers.

    Clem went down the line, greeting the cook-housekeeper, the parlor maid, the kitchen maid, the footman (who was going to provide any valet services that Chris needed), and the boot boy, and presenting them all to their new master. She had met them all when she interviewed them for their positions, and from what Chris could see, she had done well. 

    Martha was there, too. Chris greeted her. He’d be keeping an eye on this one. When Clem had said she planned to keep the maid, Chris had questioned her choice. “What if her loyalties are still with your father?” he asked.

    “That could be true of anyone we employ,” Clem said. “Since she and I made our bargain, she has been an excellent maid—loyal, as far as I know, and competent. She knows how I like things done. I’d like to keep her, Chris.”

    She was Clem’s maid, so it was over to her. And Clem was right, of course. Any of the servants could be reporting to Wright, to Billy O’Hara, even to Chris’s grandfather. Time would tell, Chris supposed. He’d be careful not to leave anything that should be confidential where one of the servants could see it.

    Meanwhile, he had a wife to kiss, and “embraces and stuff.” She had seemed disappointed that he had not started in the carriage, and he hated disappointing his wife.

    Clem was dismissing the staff. How did one ask a lady if they were open to the idea of moving the consummation from the evening program to the afternoon? Especially since Martha and the footman had not left with the rest.

    “Clem, would you like Martha to help you into something more comfortable?” he asked.

    “I am quite com… Oh. Now? You mean this afternoon?” Fortunately for Chris, she sounded more intrigued than scandalized. 

    “Yes, why not?” Please, Clem. Please.

    Martha gave him an approving nod, and Clem smiled. “Yes. Martha, come along,” she said. “Give me half an hour, Chris.”

    “Half an hour,” he agreed, with an internal sigh. He used the time to order a tray of tea from the kitchen to be sent up immediately, and another with food and more tea in three hours. 

    Then he went up to the bed chamber they had agreed would be his dressing room—they planned to sleep in the same bed. He stripped out of his wedding finery, washed thoroughly, and put on a banyan—one that he’d bought only that week, since the robe he’d had for the past ten years was not fit for other people to see. 

    Ready, ready, more than ready he knocked on the door to their shared bed chamber and

    The Secret Word
    By Jude Knight

    When Christopher Satterthwaite rescues Clementine Wright from would-be kidnappers, he is offered an opportunity he can’t refuse. Clem’s father, a wealthy coal magnate, has been looking for a husband for his only child. Someone with aristocratic bloodlines and no family—someone who can give him the blue-blooded heir he craves, without the interference of noble relatives.

    Chris figures he and Clem can work together to keep Wright from controlling their every move. As their partnership develops, they fall in love. Wright doesn’t stand a chance against them. Or does he? 

    And what about the other men who are showing an interest in the child who is soon on the way? Chris’s reprobate grandfather is hanging around like a bad smell, and clearly has a scheme in mind. Chris’s more respectable relatives have not disowned him after all, and are eager to shower the as-yet unborn child with every advantage—because they regret not helping Chris as a child? Or for purposes of their own?

    And then there is Ramping Billy O’Hara, the most sinister of them all, and Chris’s patron. 

    Some are villains. Some are on the side of the couple and their child. Only time will tell which is which. 

    Buy Link or read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FM8R25VP

    Meet Jude

    Jude always wanted to be a novelist. She started in her teens, but life kept getting in the way. Years passed, and with them dozens of unfinished manuscripts. The fear grew. What if she tried, failed, and lost the dream forever? The years since 2014 have brought 17 novels, 16 novella, 6 volumes of short stories, a number of awards, and hundreds of positive reviews. The dream is alive.

    Website and blog: http://judeknightauthor.com/

    Subscribe to newsletter: http://judeknightauthor.com/newsletter/

    Jude’s bookstore: https://judeknight.selz.com/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JudeKnightAuthor/

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/JudeKnightBooks

    Pinterest: https://nz.pinterest.com/jknight1033/

    Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jude-knight



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  • First Kiss Friday with Alina K. Field – Sherry Ewing

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    Hello, lovely readers, and welcome to my First Kiss Friday blog. I’m happy to have my friend and returning author Alina K. Field who has an excerpt from her upcoming novel Her Impeccable Scoundrel. We hope you enjoy this first kiss scene. Happy reading!

    Excerpt:

    “It smells delightful in here.”

    Blythe jumped and dropped the spoon she’d been holding. Graeme was not supposed to return until the morning.

    She bent to find the spoon in the shadows and saw his buckskin clad legs as he reached for the dropped utensil. He picked it up first, and when she took it from him their hands touched, sending her heart into a gallop.

    His gaze swept over her, his eyes widening at her deshabille.

    “Apologies for startling you.” He glanced at the table where the first batch of pasties were cooling. “Those look delicious. Oughtn’t you to be in bed?”

    She waved the spoon. “There are dishes in that cabinet over there. Help yourself and then take yourself off to bed. I can sleep in the carriage tomorrow, but you’ll need your rest if you’re planning to ride all the way to London.”

    She turned back to her task, picked up an apple and her knife, and heard the clatter of a plate and a bench drawing back.

    “May I sit?” he asked. “This reminds me of the time I visited you here. Mrs. Davies insisted we have cakes where she was working and could keep an eye on us.”

    Graeme had been one of the younger lads coming around every once in a while. She’d had her eye on another lad—until of course, Archie. How different might her life have been if she’d made a life with one of the boys she’d grown up with.

    Wiping her hands on her apron, she went to draw a mug of ale and plopped it down in front of him.

    “Thank you.” His hand shot out and took hers. “A countess who can cook. I had no idea.”

    She pulled away and went back to her dough, her thoughts all a jumble. In the shadowy kitchen he looked like the young man who’d visited her, so young then, and now, so very virile as he devoured the pasty with gusto.

    “It is not a criticism,” he said. “I think it is admirable that you can make something so delicious. In point of fact, I’m very hungry. I was too busy at Risley Manor to have much of a dinner. Stockwell and I put our heads together to arrange the post riders and horses. Lady Hermione and your maid and my valet will be here before dawn.”

    “And Mr. Jarrow?”

    “Yes, him as well.”

    A shiver went down her spine. Graeme had spoken those words directly into her ear, the warmth of his breath tickling her.

    “Can I help you?” he whispered.

    Her hand slipped, the knife pricked her finger, and she dropped it.

    He took her hand and produced a handkerchief, pressing it against the wound and bending to examine the spot of blood.

    “It’s nothing.” She tried to tug her hand away.

    “You’re right,” he said. “It’s nothing. But I’ll hold this to it a bit longer, and then maybe you’ll let me slice the apples. Are we making apple pie? Wasn’t it apple pie that Mrs. Davies served us that day?”

    “We are making nothing. You are going to get some rest. And it was rhubarb pie she served.”

    “Ah,” he said on a long sigh. “You remember that day in as much detail as I do.” He touched her waist and turned her to face him. “Blythe,” he said, leaning closer. “Blythe.”

    His lips touching hers, he pulled her close until her breasts pressed against his broad chest, their hearts beating together. A soft nibble, a gentle press, and then he angled his head and took the kiss deeper, bending her back against the counter. Heat flared and spread through her, wings of desire fluttering inside her. The kiss was gentle and seductive and then firmly inviting, his mouth opening and coaxing, and she shook off his handkerchief and threaded her fingers through the hair at the back of his head.

    She wanted to fly away on that kiss, to submerge herself in sheer pleasure; the sheer pleasure of kissing a man who, if she was honest, she’d been wanting to kiss since he’d walked into the drawing room four days ago. Or had it been five days?

    Cool air touched her shoulder and she looked down. He’d loosened her apron and robe and was touching her breast through the cotton of her nightgown, gently, each stroke sparking rivers of molten desire straight to her nether regions.

    She leaned back and covered her gasps with one hand and pressed the other flat against his chest. She must stop him.

    But maybe not yet. It had been so long, so very, very long since she’d felt anything like desire.

    Her Impeccable Scoundrel, by Alina K. Field
    Book 44 in the Wicked Widows League multi-author series
    Release day November 18, 2025

    Blythe Blatchfield, widowed Countess of Chilcombe, has emerged from her year of mourning still battling the dark legacy of her husband, who left a new will disinheriting her and a reputation in shambles. Vowing to fight this injustice, she has launched a campaign to restore her place in society and claim the inheritance that should be hers from the man whose interference years earlier led to her unhappy marriage, the new Earl of Chilcombe.

    Called back to England to take up his late cousin’s title, diplomat Graeme Blatchfield is eager to see his late cousin’s widow and learn for himself whether the rumors about the woman he once held a childish infatuation for are true. Having plunged into marriage with the last earl—Graeme’s fault for revealing their tryst—she’s been tainted by her husband’s decadence. Rumors swirl in the men’s clubs about the new widow. Rumors that may or may not be true. Forced by matters of the estate to spend time together, he soon discovers the vulnerable and lonely woman underneath the society mask. Can he get her to forgive him—and more?  

    Universal preorder link:  https://books2read.com/HerImpeccableScoundrel

    Author Bio and links:

    USA Today bestselling author Alina K. Field earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and German literature but prefers the happier world of romance fiction. Her roots are in the Midwestern U.S., but after six very, very, very cold years in Chicago, she moved to Southern California where she shares a midcentury home with a golden-eyed terrier and a feisty chihuahua and only occasionally misses snow. 

    Social Media Links:

    Website: https://alinakfield.com/

    Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Alina-K.-Field/e/B00DZHWOKY

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alinakfield

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlinaKField

    BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alina-k-field

    Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7173518.Alina_K_Field

    Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/alinakf/



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  • Zion National Park – Too Crowded?

    Zion National Park – Too Crowded?

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    Image of the red rock cliffs at Zion National Park with the title "Finding Solitude in a Crowded Zion National Park"

    When people hear how much I loved hiking in Zion National Park, the first thing they often say is, “Wasn’t it crowded?” And yes—Zion is one of the busiest parks in the system. But when my husband and I went in mid-November of 2023, we discovered something delightful: solitude is still possible in this stunning canyon if you know when and where to look.

    The weather that week was absolutely lovely—cool enough for hiking, warm enough that we never needed winter jackets. Because it was late in the season, the park felt less congested than the summer months I’ve always heard about. We were even able to find last-minute cancellations in the campground and located a parking spot for our van right near the main visitor center. Shuttle buses had only short lines, and it felt like we had stumbled onto Zion’s quieter side.

    When Crowds Thin Out

    Author Karen Barnett hikes through the Virgin River with a stout walking stick and waders.

    One of the gifts of traveling in November is that the main trails aren’t nearly as packed. My husband entered the lottery for the popular Angels Landing hike and managed to snag a coveted permit. Heights make my knees weak, so I happily waved him off, content to spend those hours digging into book research at the museum and wandering the quiet grounds of the lodge imagining adventures for the characters from my soon-to-release novel, Through Water and Stone.

    On another morning, we both set out for The Narrows, where the Virgin River becomes your trail. There were just enough people at the trailhead to give us confidence we were in the right place, but once we waded upstream, long stretches of silence enveloped us. At times it felt like we were the only two souls in the canyon. (We rented dry bibs and waterproof boots to protect us from the chilly water. Don’t forget to check on current conditions before setting out. Be safe!)

    Trails that Breathe

    The trails weren’t empty, but even the busier ones felt manageable. The Emerald Pools trail held clusters of hikers, but nothing overwhelming—it was easy to pause for photos (like the one in the header!), let groups pass, and even spot a scurrying lizard or two.

    On our last evening, I ventured out on the Watchman Trail, which starts right near the visitor center. As the sun set and painted the cliffs in amber light, only three other couples passed me. That feeling of near-solitude while standing in the heart of one of America’s busiest national parks was priceless.

    Quiet Meals and Open Spaces

    Even meals were a surprise. We splurged on a couple of dinners out in nearby Springdale, and the food was excellent. We also met for lunch at Zion Lodge after Steve finished Angels Landing. We braced ourselves for a long wait, only to find plenty of open tables. After eating mostly campground meals and granola bars, having someone else cook was a delight.

    What I Learned

    If you’re hoping to find solitude in Zion, here’s what worked for us:

    • Visit in the off-season (late fall, winter, or early spring). The park still shines, and the crowds are far lighter. During some of those months, you can even drive your own vehicle along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive instead of relying on the shuttle system. The schedule varies, so check Zion’s website for current information.
    • Stay flexible. I checked the campground reservation site, Recreation.gov, every morning for weeks on end and was rewarded for my persistence. We moved our trip a couple of days in order to take advantage of someone else’s cancellation—four nights in a single campsite that offered both water and electricity? You can bet that we grabbed it!
    • Vary your timing. Evening hikes and early mornings often brought us the most peace.
    • Seek balance. Yes, we braved a few popular trails, but we also lingered in quiet corners—both gave us a fuller picture of Zion’s character.

    That week in November showed me that solitude isn’t lost at Zion—it just hides in different hours, quieter trails, and off-season months. And when you stumble upon it, the hush of the canyon walls feels even more sacred.

    If Zion is on your list, don’t let the fear of crowds hold you back. With a little planning and a touch of flexibility, you just might find yourself standing in stillness, listening to the river sing beneath towering red cliffs—all on your own’ll find what you’re looking for.

    I hope you don’t just search for empty trails. Search for the presence that fills them. In Zion’s silence, beneath cliffs etched by time, you may find more than beauty. You may find the deep rest that only God can give.

    View of Zion Canyon: red rock cliffs rising from valley floor with sage and a wooden fence.

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  • Enchanted by the Lyon! – Sherry Ewing

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    I’m so thrilled to be able to share this gorgeous cover with you and to let you know that Enchanted by the Lyon is now available for preorder (or read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited). Read on to learn more about my story in the Lyon’s Den Connected World!

    Enchanted by the Lyon: Lyon’s Den Connected World
    By Sherry Ewing

    She’s fallen in love and wants marriage, something he’s unwilling to give.

    Lucius Ford, Earl of Blackthorn is content in his bachelor lifestyle, though the only lady to catch his attention this Season is looking for marriage. This lady of the Wicked Widow’s Club intrigues him.

    Mrs. Cassandra Vaughn was widowed at a young age. After years of hardship, she seeks more than a superficial relationship. But the man who has enchanted her only wants her in his bed.

    Who will change whose mind is still in question when Lucius loses a bet at the Lyon’s Den. To pay his debt, he must right a wrong done to none other than Cassandra Vaughn. Amidst societal expectations and personal histories, their lives entangle, challenging their beliefs about love and relationships.When past enemies endanger her life, Lucius will risk everything to protect her.

    Tropes you’ll love:

    ✔️ Widow Heroine
    ✔️ Rake / Bachelor Hero
    ✔️ Marriage vs. Affair Conflict
    ✔️ The Wicked Widow’s Club
    ✔️ The Lyon’s Den Connection
    ✔️ Debt of Honor
    ✔️ Protective Hero
    ✔️ Opposites in Desire
    ✔️ Second Chances at Love

    Buy Links or Read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited:

    Amazon US | Amazon AU |  Amazon BR |  Amazon CA |  Amazon DE |  Amazon ES |  Amazon IN | Amazon IT |  Amazon JP |  Amazon MX |  Amazon NL |  Amazon UK

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  • First Kiss Friday with Christina Phillips – Sherry Ewing

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    Thanks for joining me for another First Kiss Friday. Today’s guest is Christina Phillips who has an excerpt for you from her novel Deceived by the Highlander. Isn’t this cover just gorgeous? We hope you enjoy this first kiss scene and happy reading, my lovelies!

    Excerpt:

    Alasdair waited in the courtyard while Freyja said her farewells to her grandfather. Clyde, the warrior she’d spoken of earlier, eyed him from the door to the stronghold, his face an impassive mask. He was a great hulk of a man, and it was clear no one would attack Freyja with such an intimidating guard.

    It was a relief, although he wasn’t sure why. She had said herself, she was safe on the Isles, but that had more to do with her status as a MacDonald of Sgur rather than the inhabitants being more law-abiding than those from the mainland. Still, at least she had a man to navigate the boat between the Isles, and that was something.

    Finally, she emerged with her dog, as always, at her heels, and he strode over to her. “I’ll accompany ye to the boat.”

    She fell into step beside him, and after shooting him a dark glare, Clyde marched ahead of them.

    “When ye leave Rum, do feel free to visit us on yer way back to the mainland.” She smiled at him, and he once again had the overwhelming need to kiss those irresistible lips. Except this time, unlike when they’d been on the beach, they weren’t alone, and he was certain Clyde would relish breaking his nose for taking such a liberty.

    To hell with it. He threaded his fingers through hers, and she gave a soft gasp but didn’t pull away. Who knew the gentle caress of a palm against his could be so arousing?

    But then, this was Freyja, and it seemed anything she did had the power to fire his blood.

    “I’ll be sure to take ye up on yer kind offer,” he promised. One way or another, he was determined to make her his bride, whatever happened here on Rum with her grandfather. Because if he was sure of one thing, it was that the earl would claim Kilvenie by whatever means he could. And Alasdair intended to support him, even if it entailed wedding Freyja while her grandfather was still alive.

    They reached the sheltered cove, where her boat had been pulled up onto the sand beside a rocky outcrop. The sea was calm and Eigg, with its dramatic ridge that towered over the Isle, looked deceptively close.

    As Clyde dragged the boat to the water, as though it weighed no more than a satchel of feathers, Alasdair grasped Freyja’s free hand and swung her around to face him.

    “I mean it,” he said. “Watch out for me, Lady Freyja.”

    She gave a silent laugh, but her fingers tightened around his. “I shan’t be standing on the beach waiting for ye, Alasdair, if that’s what ye’re meaning. But make yer way to Sgur Castle, and I’ll see ye soon enough.”

    “Ye may count on it.” Before he could think better of it, he brushed her lips in a fleeting kiss, and her elusive scent of roses and rain tormented him. Lust roared through him, and it was hell to pull back, but somehow he managed it. For an eternal moment her blue gaze ensnared him, as the erratic thud of his heart blotted out the sound of the gulls’ crying overhead. He dragged in a harsh breath, forcing himself back to reality while he still could. “And now the promise is sealed with a kiss.”

    DECEIVED BY THE HIGHLANDER
    By Christina Phillips

    His mission: To wed Freyja MacDonald – by any means possible

    Alasdair Campbell, unacknowledged bastard son of the late earl, is driven by two things: Loyalty to his half-brother, the current earl, and a burning ambition to rise through the ranks of Clan Campbell. He’ll do whatever it takes to leave his tortured past behind him, and to climb closer to his coveted barony. If that means seducing a woman he’s never met into marriage so the earl can claim her land in the Western Isles, it’s a small price to pay.

    And then he meets her, and his world is turned upside down…

    He’s the most honorable man she’s ever met

    Freyja MacDonald isn’t easily swayed by a handsome face or honeyed tongue, but Alasdair Campbell fairly sweeps her off her feet with his down-to-earth charm. What’s more, he respects her work as a healer, something she knows to her cost not all men do.

    Straight-talking and practical, she appreciates how Alasdair understands her commitment for the unvarnished truth rather than pretty lies, and their stolen kisses have her imagining a future together. Not that it’s possible, for she is bound to her land through an ancient prophecy of her foremothers and Alasdair must soon return to his grand castle in the Highlands. Yet she can’t deny the longing to be with him wherever that might be.

    But the truth never stays buried forever…

    Amazon US  /  Amazon UK  /  Amazon Canada  /  Amazon Australia

    About the Author:

    Christina grew up in England and spent her childhood visiting ruined castles and Roman remains and daydreaming about Medieval princesses and gallant knights. When she wasn’t lost in the past, she was searching for magical worlds in the backs of wardrobes and watching old Hammer Horrors from the safety of behind the sofa. She now lives in sunny Western Australia with her high school sweetheart and their two cats who are convinced the universe revolves around their needs. They are not wrong.

    SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christinaphillips.author/

    Website https://christinaphillips.com/

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