Please help me welcome today’s guest, Alanna Lucas, and the moments that changed her life…
- Getting my driver’s license. I love to drive! I’ve even done a lap on the Nurburgring in Germany!
- Studying Art History in Paris, France in my sophomore year at college. After that semester I decided I wanted to go to grad school. Ten years (and one child) later, I graduated with a Master’s in Art History.
- Marrying my husband 17 years ago. He has been so supportive through all the ups and downs of my career and has always encouraged me.
- Buying my first house (which was built in 1929). I had to become quite proficient at minor electrical and plumbing.I was evenable to install a Fleck water softener in my plumbing this year.
- The birth of my daughter. Motherhood has been an interesting and incredible journey!
- The birth of my son- the most caring little man!
- Deciding to homeschool both my kids. We have a little “school room” with several desks and a bunch of books. It isn’t for everyone, but we have had a lot fun (and some challenges) along the way.
- Going to my first writer’s conference and discovering how little I really knew about the industry. I still feel quite green at times 😉
- Winning Boroughs Publishing Group’s ‘What’s in a Name’ contest. The winning novella was Face to Face, the first book in the In His Arms series. I have written eight books for Boroughs.
- Being on the California Dreamin’ 2017 conference committee. I am working with some amazing and talented ladies. The support and friendship within the committee makes all the hours that go into planning this event so worthwhile.
Blurb:
Believing he is cursed, Tristram, Lord Trevena, the Earl of Longstone, agrees to do just one favor for a friend, to dance with the man’s sister, but the beautiful and headstrong Isabel Albryght will settle for no less than claiming his lonely heart.
A PROPHECY FORETOLD
Raised by her doting older brother, Isabel Albryght grew up cosseted and protected. She enjoyed her life in the country, her books, and her freedom. Then her brother married. Within months Isabel’s best friend married. It seemed it was time for Isabel to marry, too. Socially awkward and a bit too keen for most of the ton, Isabel proceeded to have the most horrible season on record…until she was approached by Tristram, the Earl of Longstone.
Two dances. That was all Tristram could offer anyone when considering his family curse, which had taken all he loved in the last ten years, so his promise to the beautiful Miss Albryght’s brother was simply that. The ton would soon see she was a desirable partner, her awkwardness would fade and other young swains would beat feet to her doorstep. But then he held her in his arms, and the delightful Isabel became his beating heart. Headstrong and full of passion, she believed she might waltz them away from Death. She alone could tempt him to try.
Excerpt:
The temperature in the room rose by several degrees—it was positively sweltering. Isabel did not know how much longer she could tolerate standing in the midst of hell, surrounded by a mixture of unidentifiable odors and loud boisterous laughter. She thought her head would explode.
Closing her tired eyes, she brought her gloved hand to her temple. Isabel could feel her body sway, but was unable to stop the motion. She could not even gather her wits about her to stamp down, or even beg, the feelings to cooperate. Isabel could sense another mishap was forthcoming, which further added to her distress. And she had been doing so well.
A gentle hand came to her elbow. “Allow me to accompany you onto the balcony for some fresh air, Miss Albryght.” Lord Trevena’s voice broke through the haze. His tone was soft and full of concern.
Isabel opened her eyes; they felt thick and heavy, and still out of focus. Tristram somehow managed to maneuver her through the crush without bumping into anyone. The moment they reached the unoccupied balcony, the cool evening breeze cleared the haziness Isabel had been fighting in her head.
They strolled to the edge of the balcony, partly hidden within the shadows, and clear of any curious gossipmongers. The garden beyond was concealed in darkness, but the lingering scent of blooming roses wafted through the air. Tristram released his gentle hold on her arm. The absence of his hand made her heart lurch, wanting more.
Isabel turned to face him. Even in the dim light, his clear blue eyes sparkled like stars in the night. She struggled to find the words, but when they finally came, they would not stop.
“Thank you for coming to my aid. I am quite recovered now. The room was quite warm and the noise…”
“Isabel,” Tristram said in a deep husky tone. Her name on his lips sent a jolt of excitement through her body.
Taking a step closer, he brought his hand to her face, his gloved thumb dancing intimately across her cheek. Her heart pounded against her ribs, practically stealing her breath.
“Lord Trevena.” His name exited her lips in a breathy gasp.
He bent his head and whispered his name across her cheek. “Tristram.”
Isabel could not imagine anything more sensual than this moment. She lifted her chin, and their cheeks brushed. His lips were so close, but still too far away. His warm breath teased her senses. Closing her eyes, she waited for his kiss.
***I’m giving away an e-copy of Waltzing with the Earl. For a chance to win, please share a moment that changed your life.
Click HERE for the ‘Waltzing with the Earl’ Amazon Buy Page
Author Biography
Alanna Lucas grew up in Southern California, but always dreamed of distant lands and bygone eras. From an early age she took interest in art, history, and travel, and enjoys incorporating those diversions into her writing. However, she believes that true love is the greatest source of inspiration and is always an adventure.
Alanna makes her home in California where she spends her time writing historical romances, dreaming of her next travel destination, spending time with family, and staying up too late indulging in her favorite past time, reading.
Social Media Links
https://www.facebook.com/alannalucas27
https://twitter.com/alannalucas27
The day my daughter temporarily stopped breathing. The beginning of a long road.
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I understand the long journey of having a child with health issues. I hope your journey has a happy ending 🙂
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I’m very familiar with the life changing journey that comes from having a child with health issues. I hope your journey has a happy ending 🙂
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Thank you for hosting me today!
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Studying art history in Paris! What a dream. And I didn’t realize you’d done eight books. That’s fantastic. May you write many more!!
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Thank you!
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I would have to say the moment that changed my life was marrying my husband. So many momentous occasions have resulted from that one, wonderful, choice (we celebrate 25 years this summer)
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Now I realize how important visiting the Met in NYC was, Alanna. That trip to New York was definitely a life changer for me. To get to see the city, and meet SO many wonderful romance writers. One of the best things I’ve ever done for myself. Best of luck with Waltzing With the Earl!
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I love going to museums! New York was a great experience!
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That’s a wonderfully romantic scene! Looking forward to reading this one, Alanna!
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Thanks for stopping by! I hope you enjoy it!
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25 years- Congratulations!
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Taking a job at the local library was my moment that “changed my life”. It was less money that I had been making, and less than we needed to meet the budget. But I’d been laid off twice and currently was in a job I hated, so I did it. The job eventually led to my becoming a writer and I’m still working there after almost 26 years.
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Plus, you were surrounded by books- how awesome is that!
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Exactly. Books and the people who love them, so great environment for a writer. Plus I order all the adult fiction, which is really fun and interesting.
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I didn’t know you home school too! It’s fantastic, isn’t it? I mean, a lot tougher than I thought too, but so much fun! Yay! and I love this book of yours!
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Homeschooling is great fun! Thank you!
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Absolutely loved Waltzing With The Earl! I have all of your books, and I am always on the lookout for more. Thanks for all the pleasure you have given me! GOD bless you and your family! Have a Joyful Day!
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Thank you so much Carol! You made my day 🙂
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Congratulations Donna Wandro, you won an ecopy of Waltzing with the Earl! Thank you to everyone who commented!
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I will warn you. This is one of those sobering moments. My daughter just posted on Facebook and reminded me of the moment that changed my life – and hers. Her father committed suicide when she was only seven. While watching the pilot of ‘Heartbeat’ tonight they had a young man blithely kill himself the same way- gunshot. It just makes me sick to think how the television shows these violent acts without so much as a warning to the viewers. And the second point is – this show is shown to teenagers – a age group that is tremendously influenced by media. Where is the conscience? My daughter thinks about her father every day of her life- how his loss impacts her. To sum it up- that moment – that loss – affected my life in ways I never imagined in the days that followed. Never take life for granted.
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