Tag Archives: Regency

January 1, 2018 · 12:32 pm

Liz Tyner: Ten Quotes That Focus My Writing World ~ Redeeming the Roguish Rake

I’m pleased to share a post from my good friend, Liz Tyner, who always has something informative and entertaining to share… plus, she’s a fantastic writer!!

 

Ten Quotes That Focus My Writing World

The profession of book writing makes horse racing seem like a solid, stable business.  John Steinbeck. When I realized that many authors from the past had day jobs, or were supported by someone else, or had an inheritance, I felt so much better. And when I realize I’ve chosen, in a surprise way, to be a professional gambler of sorts, it helps with the day job.

People ask you for criticism but they only want praise. W. Somerset Maugham.  It’s very true, but constructive criticism helps us grow as writers, and I believe the ability to listen and evaluate feedback is important. I still have to work, however, to keep from taking criticism personally.

The first sentence sells your novel, the last sentence sells the next one. Mickey Spillane. Most likely, I will spend the rest of my life hoping for a perfect first sentence and never entirely satisfied with the endings.

Try to leave out the parts that most people tend to skip: Elmore Leonard. Editing is so important.

The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter. It’s the difference between lightning and lightning bug. Mark Twain  When I’m having trouble finding the right word and I care, then I remember it matters.

It’s only a book. Tim Hallinan  When I get stuck on trying to find the right word and I give up. It’s only a book and if I don’t finish it, no one will be able to read it, ever. So the other 69,999 words are more important than one I can’t find.

You eat an elephant one bite at a time. Anne Lamont may have said this about writing, and it’s an old joke, but when I think about my book that isn’t written yet, and know I plan to submit it, and I need a pep talk, this type of quote resonates so that I’ll get busy and write one word at a time.

I don’t like green eggs and ham. Dr. Seuss He wrote a book using only fifty words. And he wrote it about green eggs.  It tells me to push myself, challenge myself and if I believe in a topic, then I should write about it.

You can do it. The Waterboy movie For some reason that imprinted in my brain. And when a deadline approaches, sadly I can hear the “You can do it all night long…” but it’s not true.

Royalties.  I don’t remember who said it first to me. But it does roll off the tongue and makes the Steinbeck quote a little more palatable.

BLURB:

Beaten and left for dead, Foxworthy falls in love with the vicar’s daughter who saved him, and it’s a perfect relationship until he regains his ability to speak.

EXCERPT:

Foxworthy wanted to kiss Rebecca, but he could not.

He could not let his face near hers. No woman should be touched by such ugliness. He reached out and rested his fingertips against her cheeks. Then he traced her perfect nose. Even her jawline was perfect.

He’d thought nothing fascinating about her face, but now he looked closer. In her plainness, she had a simple beauty. The wisps of hair framing her face enhanced the softness of her skin. Such a contrast to the rough hands—the work she did made the woman more delicate.

He grasped her shoulders and her eyes opened. She’d taken pity on a beaten man and helped her neighbors with whatever they needed. He could see purity. An unaware angel.

He must kiss her. He must.

“Kissed?” he asked.

She shook her head.

“Never?”

Her head wobbled a no. Eyes begged him.

“Later.”

His right hand rested against her throat. Her pulse hammered. She swallowed.

“Promise?” she asked.

He traced the fullness of her lips and without words made a promise to both of them.

 

BUY LINK:

https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/9781488086533_redeeming-the-roguish-rake.html

BIO:

Liz Tyner has had seven books published by Harlequin, a division of Harper Collins. In her spare time, she walks her rural acreage trying to select the perfect tree to place her trail camera.

 http://www.liztyner.com/

https://www.facebook.com/search/posts/?q=liz%20tyner%20-%20author

https://twitter.com/LizTyner1

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September 4, 2017 · 8:28 am

Ten Things I Learned On My Writing Journey by Liz Tyner ~ #Giveaway & The Wallflower Duchess

Please help me welcome my friend, Liz Tyner. I LOVE this girl so much!! She’s talented and sweet and funny and smart. What’s not to love? She has some excellent advice for us today. PLUS, she’s giving away a prize!! One lucky commenter will receive a copy of her book,  Wallflower Duchess and a Swag Surprise Gift from RWA17.

https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/9780373629053_the-wallflower-duchess.html

Ten Things I Learned On My Writing Journey

  1. A novel is a series of mini stories. Little scenes, one leading to the next.
  2. Each scene should move the story forward. You can test that quickly by summarizing, in one sentence, what happened in the scene. Those sentences, read in order, are a novel’s plot.
  3. Something in the scene should make it real or individual. For instance, a character takes a bite of an orange and grabs a napkin.
  4. A scene should have a “sense” included besides visual, such as the taste of the orange, the feel of the juice sticking on the face or the sound of a napkin box falling to the floor.
  5. Usually, the minor characters shouldn’t pull attention from the main characters or plot, but background is very important to create reality for the reader. Try to point out a bit of individuality in each background character and each scene. A chipped tooth on a smile. Straightening a picture of the leaning tower of Pisa.
  6. Boredom is bad. Imagine how many times you walk by pictures on the wall in your home, and no matter how much you liked them at first, you ignore them. Put new art up, and it’s fresh for a while, but then you start ignoring it again. Push yourself to put freshness throughout each book.
  7. No matter how stunningly wonderful your story is, it’s not going to appeal to most people because most people only read one book on average per year. They prefer other things. You’re writing for a select group of people, and one in particular—yourself.
  8. If you want people to read your book, plan to market. With millions of books to choose from, a reader who would like to read your story simply cannot find you without help. Marketing creates a road map to the location of your book. A chance to tell someone who is searching for that style of story where they can locate it.
  9. Don’t compare yourself to people quickly volunteering information about sales and income. People “spin” their writing lives. Most multi-published authors are a “bestselling author” or “prize winning author” in some form or another.
  10. The paperwork on a writing business is a pain, and grows as the business grows. You’re going to have expenses. If you’re serious about writing, you’ll have income taxes to pay. Plus the social security tax is around 15%. Add an agent, and a good rule of thumb is to halve your royalties by 50%. In other words, an agented author with a major publisher will most likely only net about half an advance.
  11. (Bonus) Writing is hard, but most important journeys are And copyrights are scheduled to last about 70 years longer than the life of the author. Which feels good. Now—imagine how many free books those authors starting 100 years from now will have to contend with…

Wow…fabulous, Liz!! Very helpful info. I’m definitely going to keep this handy. Thank you so much for joining me today!

BIO:

I’ve had six novels published, which in today’s writing world, is a small number. But I’ve had editions published in ten countries and my author copies arrive with the Harper Collins imprint on the box. My last novel, The Wallflower Duchess, hit a bestseller list. (See point number 9. Immediately.)

http://www.liztyner.com/

 

Excerpts:

“Capt’n. There’s yer mermaid.”

–First sentence in A Captain and a Rogue.

“I don’t eat hearts,” Bellona inserted, directing a look straight into the vile man. “Only brains. You are safe.”

–Forbidden to Duke

“My husband confessed to me that he’d only married me because his parents hated me so much—and that they’d been right.”

—The Notorious Countess

An unmarked grave would not fulfill her dreams.

—The Runaway Governess

“The two of you are not to fight. Brothers must be kind to their sister.”

“I am. She likes hitting me with the doll and I like calling her names.”

—Safe in the Earl’s Arms

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May 15, 2017 · 5:00 am

Author Interview with Miguelina Perez ~ New Release: The Vicar’s Deadly Sin

 

Today’s guest, Miguelina Perez, is sharing an interesting interview and her compelling new release. She’s a Yankees fan, but we won’t hold that against her. 😉  

 

Welcome, Miguelina…

Please tell us a little about yourself, where are you from?

I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York to Puerto Rican parents. I currently live in Gaithersburg, MD. I live with my rescue, a beagle mix―more like a hound mix named Molly.

Where did you get the idea for The Vicar’s Deadly Sin?

A friend I worked with and I pretended we were living during Jane Austen’s time. We would email each other a story line that began as friends living in the coast of England and from there we were becoming involved in a mystery. The rest became the Vicar’s Deadly Sin.

Why did you choose this genre?

I love Jane Austen and Nancy Drew. So, I thought about two friends during the Regency period who fancied themselves the first female detectives. But because of society back then they have a hard time proving that they have what it takes.

Was there anything unusual, any anecdote about this book, the characters, title, process, etc. you’d like to share?

I have readers tell me they get angry with Margaret, one of my main heroines. I love that. Margaret is difficult, but once you get to know her you understand her plight.

What is the most difficult thing about writing a book?

Realizing that it takes time, effort and hard work. You can’t just give up, especially if you feel it is your calling.

What was the most difficult thing about this one in particular?

Well, I think research…even though I can’t call it a historical romance, I did stay true to the period and any historical people I mention in the book.

Are there any tricks, habits or superstitions you have when creating a story?

No, I mean I know people that do have one or more, but, I don’t. I believe in writing, writing, research and then writing some more until the book is finished. Then there is another phase of the writing which is edit, edit and then edit.

What book have you read that you wish you had written?

Great question and a hard one…Montana Sky by Nora Roberts.

Do you have another occupation, other than writer? If so, what is it and do you like it?

I am a Sr. Committee Management Specialist at the National Institutes of Health. I love my job. It took ten years to get it and now that I am there I am learning all sorts of things that goes with the position.

Do you collect anything?

I used to collect Barbies. Now I collect only the Hollywood editions.

What do you want readers to come away with after they read The Vicar’s Deadly Sin?

I want them to come away for appreciation of the work that went into it, the joy they got from ready about Margaret and Jane’s escapades and finally that they loved the book.

What genre have you never written that you’d like to write?

I have several stories that range in sub-genres. For example, I have one that is a science fiction, horror, and crime thriller. All of these fall in the genre of Romance.

If you were stranded on a deserted island and you could have 3 (inanimate) objects, what would they be?

Phone, laptop, and millions of books. I know I may not have electricity, so that is where the books come in handy.

Is there one subject you would never write about? What is it?

I don’t like non-fiction. I rather create worlds beyond one’s own imagination.

What do you want your tombstone to say?

She strived and while she was not financially success she lived life as she wanted to.

If you could be a character in any of your books, who would you be?

I would be Margaret in the Vicar’s Deadly Sin.

Have you written any other books that are not published?

I am currently working in the sequel to VDS called Angel’s Lust. It has nothing to do with sexual lust. But the lust for ageless beauty. As a matter of fact, I hope to get that one out by July.

If you could spend time with a character from your book, whom would it be? And what would you do during that day? (PG-13 please 🙂

Latham. He is my Mr Darcy in this book. I would spend the entire day with him: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Talk about our interests. Get to know him better.

What is the toughest criticism given to you as an author?

Typos. As a newbie with little to no budget you depend on book clubs, beta readers, and other author friends to read your manuscript in the hopes of catching typos and grammatical errors. But, it happens where they do tend to slip by.

What has been the best compliment?

The best compliment for me has been when a reader has questions about the characters and they tell me if they related to them or not.

Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination?

From my imagination.

What do your friends and family think of your writing?

They think it is amazing and can’t figure out how I did it…create a whole world.

Who is the most famous person you have ever met?

I’ve been to Nora Roberts house several times for a picnic she gives each year to volunteers of the Washington Romance Writers. In pictures she uses for her books, she looks larger than life, but when you meet her she is humble and gracious.

How did you come up with the title?

I wanted something based on one of the deadly sins, so I chose greed and needed someone to die. Someone who needed money. So I thought a vicar would be such person.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp? 

Yes, especially for women…don’t let anyone keep you from your dreams.

How much of the book is realistic? 

I tried to make it realistic in that I stuck with the way society treated women in 1815 England. I also mention things about the Prince Regent that were accurate as well as Napoleon’s defeat in the hands of Wellington.

How did your interest in writing originate? 

Since a kid I would make up stories not realizing that these stories were really talking to me to be written.

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work? 

My favorite is Jane Austen. I love the way her stories make fun of society while bringing the reader romance.

Your favorite…

Movie: Pride and Prejudice

Music: Classical

Place you’ve visited: Toronto, Texas, Los Angeles, Florida

Place you’d like to visit: England

TV show from childhood: I Dream of Jeannie

TV show from adulthood: Grimm

Food: Chinese

Sports team: Yankees

Which do you prefer: Board games/card games or television? Television. Television gets me into trouble for I tend to watch more than I should, keeping me away from writing.

 

Thank you so much for joining me! I’m with you on the television watching. I love it! But, I am able to edit while watching, so I still try to be productive. 😀 Please tell us about your latest release….

 

Blurb:

A Touch of Romance…A Touch of Regency…A Touch of Murder…

Lady Jane Bartholomew and Miss Margaret Renard have been friends since the age of twelve. Together they share their dreams, hopes and a love for reading. However, it is their wild imagination and a penchant for solving mysteries that will test their abilities when the Vicar of Dover is found murdered.

The young ladies are joined by two gentlemen, also eager to find the murderer in order to prove to the ladies that detecting is a man’s job, though the gentlemen find their beauty, wit, and pride more troublesome than solving a murder.

 

Bio:

Ms. Miguelina Perez is a writer, and jewelry artist. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of the District of Columbia. As a jewelry artist one of her lariats was showcased in the San Antonio Express-News. She has won several awards including a critical Writing award for an essay on the gender roles of Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn and Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women.

Ms. Perez is the coordinator of the Lady Jane’s Salon Silver Spring’s – A satellite of Lady Jane’s NYC, the Silver Spring reading salon is devoted to celebrating romance fiction. LJSSS is proud to host debut authors to bestsellers of romance fiction, covering the full spectrum of the diverse and ever-evolving romance genre from traditional historical and contemporary romances to novels that cross over to science fiction, futuristic, fantasy, paranormal, and GLBT to name but a few.

Currently, Ms. Perez is working the sequel to the Vicar’s Deadly Sin, “Angel’s Lust” from her Seven Deadly Sins series and “A Hero of Her Own” a contemporary romance thriller, about a serial killer terrorizing New York. Ms. Perez is a member of the Romance Writers of America and two of its chapters: Washington Romance Writers and Maryland Romance Writers . As newsletter editor for WRW, she contributes articles about writing and author interviews.

Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Ms. Perez resides in Gaithersburg, Maryland and can be reached at: miguelinaperez@miguelinaperezauthor.com. You can also follow Ms. Perez via twitter at: @MPerezAuthor.

Contact links: Email: miguelinaperez@miguelinaperezauthor.com – Twitter: @mperezauthor – Website: miguelinaperezauthor.com

 

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April 2, 2017 · 9:13 am

Liz Tyner Author Interview & New Release: The Wallflower Duchess

Please help me welcome a dear author friend from my Oklahoma Romance Writers group and a mega talented writer, Liz Tyner…

 

So glad to have you here, Liz. Where did you get the idea for The Wallflower Duchess?

I’d written about the duke in The Notorious Countess and made him irritatingly perfect. I wanted to write a story about a man who felt pressured to be correct. People agreed with him because of who he was, and not necessarily because he was right all the time, so he knew no one would tell him when he was wrong.

What is the most difficult thing with writing this particular book?

I wanted both characters to be introverted and controlled. I based the hero’s personality on Tommy Lee Jones, and I kept looking at the dialog and thinking, “Tommy Lee Jones wouldn’t say that.” That was a learning experience for me in characterization. About halfway through the book I decided to just let the characters talk to each other. Tommy Lee Jones had to get another role.

Are there any tricks or habits you use when creating a story?

I have tried almost every writing inspirational trick I’ve ever heard of. A timer. Listening to motivational tapes. Writing at the library. Mostly, a word count calendar keeps me on track.

What do you dislike that most people wouldn’t understand?

Telling the plot of one of my novels. The only way to experience a book is to read it.

What do you want your readers to come away with after they read The Wallflower Duchess?

Besides the romance, I hope the readers like the sisters’ relationship and the handkerchiefs. The scenes with the windows and the characters using handkerchiefs as signals were my favorites to write.

You mentioned the scenes you enjoyed writing. Is that why you write?

Writing is a part of me. I can give you all sorts of reasons of things that happened in my past that led me to want to write. But what I really believe is that it’s a part of my being much like the color of my eyes or hair. It just is.

What do you want your readers to take away from your books?

A diversion from life. A moment in another world. Perhaps a bit of whimsy or humor added in their day.

And, one final question. If you were to wake up and find yourself in heaven, what is the first thing you’d like read in the newcomers orientation manual?

We don’t have allergies here. Or alarm clocks. But we have maid service and a thermostat dial that lets you control the seasons.

Great interview…I know what you mean about writing being a part of you. So true! Please tell us about your book. 

 

Excerpt:

Edge had botched the first proposal terribly. But he wasn’t going to botch the first kiss.

He moved Lily slightly, turning her so he could savor every second and give her a feeling she would cherish.

‘This is how it starts,’ she said, whispering, shaking her head, turning away. ‘It’s not safe.’

‘One kiss,’ he said, knowing it was likely the biggest lie of his life.

‘No.’

But she didn’t push away. She didn’t move to her feet—she just sat, and leaned closer against him.

‘Half a dozen, then.’ He didn’t smile, again letting her hair brush his face. ‘Twenty. And that’s my final offer.’

 

Buy links:

http://www.harlequin.com/storeitem.html?iid=69871

https://www.amazon.com/Wallflower-Duchess-Harlequin-Historical-ebook/dp/B01LZFO0QB/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1490462970&sr=8-2&keywords=liz+tyner

Bio:

Liz Tyner first became published when she sent four lines of her high school assignment to a national magazine to use as a filler. Her articles and photos have appeared in numerous trade and regional publications, but her heart lies in writing romance. The Wallflower Duchess is her sixth book to be published by Harlequin, a division of Harper Collins. Coincidentally Harper Collins began as a small shop in 1817—the same time frame as her novels are set.

 

Find out more about Liz at:

Blog: http://www.liztyner.com/

Facebook:     https://www.facebook.com/liztyner2

Twitter:   https://twitter.com/LizTyner1

Pinterest:   https://www.pinterest.com/liztyner1/

 

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March 11, 2017 · 9:45 am

For the Love of the Viscount ~ Callie Hutton

My friend Callie Hutton has a new release…check it out below. And, be sure to join her for her Facebook Release Party on March 21st where she’s giving away a Kindle Fire: https://www.facebook.com/events/210722956076083/ 

Find her books here: http://calliehutton.com/book/for-the-love-of-the-viscount/

 

Blurb:

Bluestocking Lady Elise Smith is a very content spinster. She holds intellectual gatherings and attends poetry readings, mind-improving lectures, and art shows. She runs her father’s household with quiet and determine efficiency, which is why she is absolutely stunned when Papa informs his three daughters that until Lady Elise is happily settled with—gasp—a husband, he will not consider offers for his two younger daughters.

Lord Simon St. George has happily watched one friend after another become leg-shackled, taking pride in the fact that his title is secured by a brother and nephew, so there is no reason to seek a wife for himself. When he sees a woman previously unknown to him at a ball, who seems to be hiding from the rest of the attendees, he is intrigued enough to introduce himself.

Simon sees a lovely, intelligent woman to pass the time with, Elise sees a man who can help her thwart her father by pretending they are courting. But even the best plans can go awry…

Excerpt:

“I do not want a husband. Ever. From what I’ve seen, they direct their wives’ lives, still maintain their own freedom, and a woman must bear it all with a smile.”

“So I take it your plan is to confuse and cripple every dance partner you have so no one will offer for you?” He grinned, unable to help how easy it was to do so in her company.

She tapped her finger on her chin. “That would be a good idea, but no.” She glanced sideways at him, a devilish smile on her lovely face. “What I have decided is to spend my time at balls hiding behind potted plants, and taking a number of breaks in the ladies’ retiring room.”

“No. It won’t work.”

She eyed him with raised eyebrows. “Why not?”

He touched her cheek. So soft. “You are too beautiful to hide behind anything.”

Lady Elise stilled, and then a slight blush rose from her neckline to her hairline. Had no one ever told her of her arresting appeal? Did she not have a mirror in her bedchamber? No woman who looked like her could avoid men. In fact, were she to dress in ashes and sackcloth, he doubted she would go unnoticed.

“Thank you for your kind words, my lord. But that is still my plan.” She shrugged. “I have no other.”

“Please call me Simon. ‘Tis my given name and my friends use it.” He took her hand in his. “I hope we can be friends.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Only friends.”

Friends it would have to be. Although he’d felt a pull toward this woman from the time he’d first laid eyes on her, he also was not interested in marriage.  One did not have any other type of relationship with a gently reared woman, except friendship. “Yes. Agreed. You see I have been dodging the marriage minded mamas of the ton for a few years, myself. I know how to hold their darling daughters at arm’s length. I could give you some tips, and be your cohort in crime, as it were.”

“Why would you do that?”

“Because I love a challenge, and keeping away the hordes of men who will descend upon you is a true test of my abilities.” He gave her wink.

 

 

Bio:

Callie Hutton, the USA Today bestselling author of The Elusive Wife writes both Regency and western historical romance, with “historic elements and sensory details” (The Romance Reviews). Callie lives in Oklahoma with several rescue dogs and her top cheerleader husband of many years. Her family also includes her daughter, son, and daughter-in-law. And twin grandsons “The Twinadoes.”

Callie loves to hear from readers. Contact her directly at calliehutton11@gmail.com or find her online at www.calliehutton.com. Sign up for her newsletter to receive information on new releases, appearances, contests and exclusive subscriber content. Visit her on Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads.

Callie Hutton has written over twenty-five books, both western historical and Regency. See a complete list of her books: www.calliehutton.com  

 

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March 21, 2016 · 10:02 am

Ten Moments that Changed My Life by Alanna Lucas – PLUS a New Release – Waltzing with the Earl & a Giveaway!

Please help me welcome today’s guest, Alanna Lucas, and the moments that changed her life…

10 moments new_MTE1MTUwNTQ0MTg

 

  1. Getting my driver’s license. I love to drive! I’ve even done a lap on the Nurburgring in Germany!
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. The birth of my daughter. Motherhood has been an interesting and incredible journey!
  6. The birth of my son- the most caring little man!
  7. 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.
  8. Going to my first writer’s conference and discovering how little I really knew about the industry. I still feel quite green at times 😉
  9. 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.
  10. 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.

AlannaLucasImageMay26

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

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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

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