Thursday 29 October 2015

Latest News, #Free, Reviews. Teasers and Buylinks Innocence


Wow, I feel I should be taking a bow, or patting myself on the back, I should go out and celebrate,  do something totally amazing, due to loving what I do, this week has been awesome, made me smile and yes there were moments I didn't want the feeling to go. After sending the last two months trying to decide what to do with my books after my publisher closed their doors, I hummed for quite sometime and have taken the self-publishing route and delighted I have too.

So lets kick the weekend of with a fine glass of bubbly....


 
 
Let's celebrate so what should I do?
 

Now for me conducting my new website, I have received many e-mail and compliments about how eye-catching, liking the graphics, the scrolls, the music, my news, it's all great and I for one am one happy author

The link to website and Innocence please do take a look.

Now my other great news this week

First review of the week

Found on Goodreads and Amazon

5.0 out of 5 starsExcellent portrayal of life with meaningful lessons for us all.
on October 18, 2015
 
OMG! The first page began with a scary drama then settled into page after page with sad thoughts about the past. After a few chapters, BAM! the mother of all bombs ignited and literally everyone was crying. And the surprising revelations don't end there. Over and over Kacey and Calvin torment themselves with thoughts of guilt, regret and agonized over "What if..." This plot is an intensive snapshot of real life. We make the best decision we can at the moment with all the understanding, facts and maturity we have. But on down the road, as we grow in understanding, knowledge and maturity, we tend to look back and second guess ourselves. Hindsight has 20/20 vision. The lesson in life is to accept what was....understand and forgive our decisions and actions...and move forward, accepting what is, learning from our so called"mistakes". Excellent portrayal of life with meaningful lessons for us all. Five Stars.
 
 
 
 
 
Second review 5 *
 
Amazon
 
Innocence innocence series by Gill holly j 18 Oct. 2015

Format:Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase

Excellent read didn't want it to end,cant wait for the 2nd book to be published hope it won't be to long,I have read all her books so far and they are all just as good as the 1st one. Well done.
 
 

 
 

Monday 26 October 2015

Author Spotlight #Newrelease M. S. Spencer 'Dear Philomena'

Todays special guest is M. S. Spencer sharing her latest release, excerpt and buylinks, hope you enjoy. Many thanks for joining us. 
 
Thank you so much, Holly, for giving me the chance to introduce your readers to my new release, Dear Philomena: Love, Lust & Murder on Chincoteague Island.

Chincoteague is one of a pair of barrier islands off the coast of Virginia.  Its eastern sister, Assateague, is the actual home of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and of the ponies made famous in Marguerite Henry’s children’s books (remember Misty of Chincoteague?).

Chincoteague has a long, colorful history. First settled possibly by freed slaves in the seventeenth century, it was noted for its antipathy to the heavy hand of government. It was the only town in Virginia to support the Union in the Civil War. Given a glorious cornucopia of waterfowl and deer, many locals were disinclined to follow the strict regulations on hunting and fishing. Thus, when Dagne is shot at on the refuge, citizens, rangers and even the police were less than concerned.  As you’ll find out in Dear Philomena, they were wrong.

 
 
Blurb:

Dagne Lonegan, aka Dear Philomena, advice columnist, hoped that spending a year on the Eastern Shore island of  Chincoteague would extinguish any feelings she had left for Jack Andrews, erstwhile lover and long-time jerk.  It’s just her luck that in her first week on the island she’s entangled in a murder.  Only she doesn’t know it.  Unfortunately, the murderer doesn’t know she doesn’t know.  Strange and dangerous things begin happening to her, disrupting her new romance with Aidan Ellis, the handsome manager of the National Wildlife Refuge.  As if that weren’t enough, Jack arrives to take charge of the murder investigation.


Will Dagne stick with the tall, cool glass of a Ranger or risk falling back into the arms of the man who broke her heart?

 


I Heart Book Publishing, October 12, 2015

eBook, 72,000 words, Print 209 pp
Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romantic Suspense, Mystery Romance

M/F, 3 flames

Excerpt (G): The Sniper

 

The afternoon sun beat down. Before long, perspiration dripped unpleasantly down her back and her neck began to burn. She reached a curve in the loop where a service road angled off. The cool shade of the evergreen alley beckoned, and she opened the gate and went through. Gravel popped beneath her sneakers and yellow-rumped warblers skipped from branch to branch, moving just ahead of her. She swung along, loving the feel of stretching her muscles, thinking of nothing.

At the end of the pines, the landscape opened out. Ponds choked with cordgrass lay on either side of the road, flanked by dunes on her right and scrub forest on her left. Ducks crowded the shallow water—mergansers, American wigeons, gadwalls. She stopped to watch a pair of diminutive black and white buffleheads putter around at the water’s edge. A cloud passed overhead, blotting out the sun. When it moved on, the light had changed to the desperate gold of a late afternoon teetering on the threshold of twilight. Time to go.

As she stood in the path, not yet willing to give up her afternoon off, she heard a loud crack. Woodpecker? Another bang rent the air, but this time the noise sounded much closer. Oh my God, that’s a rifle. Someone’s hunting out here! A surge of impractical outrage washed over Dagne. How dare they? This is a refuge for God’s sake! Nonetheless, prudence suggested she turn back.

She began with a walk, but some primitive instinct told her to accelerate. Directly over her head something zinged and a chunk of bark plopped at her feet. Her trot turned into a canter. Another shot hit the road, spraying pebbles into the air. They can’t be shooting at me. Can they? What should I do? Duck? Throw myself on the ground? Run into the trees? Instead, like some hapless cartoon character racing down the tracks ahead of the train, she ran straight down the road. By the time she reached the loop, her lungs were clawing for air. Stabbing pains scraped her chest and side. She’d heard no more shots, and after a few minutes’ rest, walked as fast as she could back to the parking lot, slowing every few steps to take a quick check of her surroundings.

She jumped into the car, locked the doors, and roared out onto the park road. At the Chamber of Commerce circle she slowed down, which gave her time to notice that the gas gauge read empty. She pulled into Ivan’s service station, Ivan II. She’d met the owner—a Belarusan native who had defected in the fifties—when he fixed a flat tire for her some years before. Despite his penchant for naming every store he owned after himself, she knew him to be a warm and generous man. He stopped polishing his vintage Morgan and came over. “Dagne, you’re shaking like a leaf! What’s wrong?”

It came pouring out. “Ivan, someone shot at me!”

Instead of reacting with shock, he chuckled, and wiped his hands on a towel. “Well, Milaya—I mean—my dear. It is hunting season. What were you doing—flitting around, doe-like?”

“No! I was on the wildlife loop!”

Hmm. Last I checked hunting is illegal on the refuge. Now poaching…”

“It’s not funny, Ivan. I heard three—no, four—shots! Someone was trying to kill me.”

“Now, now, Dagne, calm down. Tell me, where on the loop did this happen?”

She took a deep breath. “Well, I’d actually gone up the service road—as far as the Farm Fields impoundment. You know, beyond the pine woods?”

He nodded. “That explains it.” He removed the gasoline cap and inserted the nozzle. “I think they allow hunting up there on certain days. Did you see a sign?”

“No.”

“Well, check at the visitor’s center. If it’s not an authorized hunting day, you most likely ran into a poacher. The ranger should be informed.”

Dagne wasn’t about to go back to the refuge alone, but another idea had  insinuated itself while Ivan talked. She paid, headed down to Main Street, and parked next to Lance’s car behind the decoy shop. As she passed it, the sun glinted on something in the rear seat. She peered in. A rifle. The back door opened. “Dagne? What are you doing here?”

Did his voice sound odd? Did she hear a hint of menace in his tone? Lance sidled up to her. “Everything okay?”

“Sure…sure.” Should she run? No, that would be absurd. This is Lance after all.

Lance looked into his car and back at her. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost, Dagne. Does the itty bitty gun scare you? I haven’t had a chance to tell you—Dwayne Oates is giving me shooting lessons.” He struck what he evidently thought was a manly pose. “You don’t think the hairy-chested outdoorsy image suits me?”

The laugh bubbled up before she could stop it. “No, Lance, I’m sorry,” she spluttered. Then the thought of her recent adventure sobered her. “Lance, someone shot at me. On the refuge.”

Today? Are you all right? Did you see them? Where? Oh…on the loop?” His concern certainly seemed genuine. He stopped. “No wonder you looked so frightened when you saw the rifle.”

She could only nod mutely.

Lance took her arm and led her into the store. He sat her down and bustled around making coffee. When she had the mug in her hand, he leaned against the counter, arms crossed. “Okay, tell me everything. But first, have you been to the police?”

“No, not yet. I wanted to talk to you first.”

“Why? Oh, in case I’d seen anyone on my way out. Hmm. I’ll think about it, but I don’t think so. At least no one passed me coming into the refuge, but the perpetrator could’ve come from anywhere, you know—even by boat. Look, Dagne, I think you should tell the police. No, no, don’t argue. I’ll go with you.”

“Okay.” It comforted her to have someone else take charge, even if he didn’t exactly fit the superhero model.

They walked across to the police station. Sergeant Akers stood at the desk. “Hey, Miss Lonegan. Mr. Forrester.” The sergeant eyed him with some trepidation. Lance winked at Dagne and whispered, “Wait’ll he gets a load of the new huntin’ and fishin’ me.”

Dagne ignored him. “Sergeant, is Detective Andrews here?”

“No, Miss. He’s up in Salisbury. Can I help?”

Dagne stifled the urge to keep her news for Jack. Anyway, Lance wouldn’t let her. “Sergeant, Dagne’s been shot at.”

What?

Lance nudged her. “Tell him. You have to make a report, even if the detective isn’t here to take it.”

The policeman pulled out a form and a pen. “Okay, give me the details.”

Dagne described the incident. He wrote it all down carefully, then put the clipboard down. “The shots could’ve come from off the refuge.”

“That’s what Ivan thought.”

“Or we could have ourselves a poacher. Duck season’s started and hunting is permitted up the service road a couple of days a week. He probably thought he could get away with it. He wouldn’t expect anyone to be walking up at that end of the refuge this time of year.”

Dagne caught Lance nodding in agreement. Sigh. No sense in beating a dead horse. “If you think so. What happens now?”

“Oh, we’ll let the Fish and Wildlife folks know. It’s their jurisdiction.”

Buy Links:

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dear-philomena-ms-spencer/1122797778

Createspace: https://www.createspace.com/5795202

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/584372


 

 

About the Author:

Although M. S. Spencer has lived or traveled in five continents, the last thirty years have been spent mostly in Washington, D.C. as a librarian, Congressional staff assistant, speechwriter, editor, birdwatcher, kayaker, policy wonk, non-profit director and parent. She has two fabulous grown children and a perfect granddaughter, and currently divides her time between the Gulf coast of Florida and a tiny village in Maine.

 
Contact  M. S. Spencer here:








Author Pages:

I Heart Book Publishing:




Amazon Author Page:
http://www.amazon.com/M.S.-Spencer/e/B002ZOEUC8/

Thursday 15 October 2015

Author Spotlight, The White Lily by Susanne Matthews

Today I have the fabulous Susanne Matthews dropping by for a coffee and cake, she's sharing with us her latest release, this suspense sounds great!

 

 

 

Back Cover Blurb


Title: The White Lily


Author:  Susanne Matthews


The Harvester is out there … watching, waiting, biding his time.

FBI cult specialist Lilith Munroe lives in dread that one day the man who tortured her when a case went bad will find her again. So leaving her sanctuary in Quantico to join the Harvester Task Force in Boston is her version of hell. But the Harvester is kidnapping babies, and Lilith’s profiling skills may mean the difference between life and death for the most innocent in society.

Australian millionaire and former member of the New Horizon commune Jacob Andrews returns to the United States searching for his sister. Instead of the happy reunion he expects, he discovers she is dead and his twin brother may be responsible. He agrees to lend his law enforcement skills to help find his former cult leader before the man can implement his plan to kill millions.

Now uneasy partners, Jacob and Lilith must learn to trust each other even as they fight their growing attraction. But when Lilith’s greatest fears materialize, will Jacob be able to set aside his anger and save the woman he loves?

 
Sensuality Level: Sensual

Excerpt
 
“For God’s sake, Halliday, slow down. My legs aren’t as long as yours. Where’s the fire?” Lilith said as she headed down the stairs. “And why the hell couldn’t we take the elevator?” Since Rob was a good foot taller than she was, she was running to keep up, and with the four-inch heels she’d chosen to wear this morning, she was apt to fall and kill herself.

So this is why they call it breakneck speed.

“And please don’t call me Lily. I prefer Lilith or Munroe.”

He slowed slightly. “Sorry, Lilith. I’ll try to remember that. As for the elevator, it would be awkward considering my behavior toward Mr. Andrews this morning,” he said, and she could see the embarrassed flush on his face.

“It’s okay. He isn’t going to press charges. He’s actually been quite nice about the whole thing. So, where are we off to in such a rush?”

“We’ve got a multiple homicide on Lawrence. Tom left early—it’s his wife’s birthday. His daughter has been planning this surprise party for weeks. The murder falls under Boston PD jurisdiction, but since the rule of two applies, Trevor said I could take you with me—as an observer, so keep your hands to yourself. That being said, if you have any profiling thoughts while you’re there, feel free to share.”

Standard operational procedure dictated that two people handle any calls that came in. This was for their protection as well as for that of the victims. Her father, a career cop, had drilled that concept into her. His partner had chosen not to wait for him and had walked in alone on a domestic. The man had gone out in a body bag.

“Besides, I figured you’d want to come along. You’re still trying to make sense of the Richardson case. The 9-1-1 caller was almost incoherent, but she did mention that there’s a child or children missing. I want you to focus on similarities between those crime scene photos you memorized and this one.”

“Will do, but you do realize I’ve never actually been to an active crime scene, don’t you?” she asked, hoping her nervousness didn’t show.

“I figured as much, but you’ve got to lose your cherry sometime. You’re a field agent now, and that means you visit the crime scenes yourself. Just remember, if you’re going to vomit, try not to contaminate anything.”

Great. Just great.

“If Trevor’s hunch about the Richardson girl’s paternity doesn’t pan out and there are kids missing here, we could be looking at a child trafficking ring,” Rob said, “and that will make this an FBI case—your case, since you’ll be the agent on record.”

“Are any of the Colchester children living in the Boston area?”

“I don’t think so, but Child Protective Services is as closemouthed as the US Marshals and the Witness Protection Program.”

“So, what you’re saying is that we don’t really know those kids are safe. We’re just taking their word for it. What if Savannah is related to James Colchester?”

“Then Jacob Andrews has a missing niece on his hands, and we have a hell of a mess on ours. I glanced at the Richardson file. I don’t doubt the Prophet will want his children—I dream of him showing up on our doorstep at least once a week—but I don’t think the Richardson kid is one of them. Trevor’s reaching. That crime scene doesn’t fit with anything we know about the members of New Horizon and the way they do things.”

Lilith scowled. She’d been doing a lot of digging, especially into Faith Volt, the child her computer software said was a 97 percent match for Savannah Richardson. According to what little she’d been able to get out of CPS, and Rob wasn’t exaggerating when he described them, the child was living in Michigan with her grandparents, but it hadn’t been a happy reunion. The Volts, deeply religious people, had been reluctant to take their granddaughter because of the circumstances of her birth. What if, after they’d gotten her home, they’d decided they couldn’t handle it? What if they’d given her to someone else? It sounded cold-blooded, but after what she’d heard as Jacob described his youth, the child would be better off with someone who could love her.

Not wanting Rob or Trevor to realize how anal and obsessive she could be, Lilith had spent the last couple of nights at home searching for a connection between the Richardsons and the Volts. The only thing the two families seemed to have in common was religion, but considering 23 percent of the American population was Roman Catholic, that didn’t count for much.

Loose ends, unanswerable questions. She hated it when things didn’t come together, something that happened too often with cases like these. Like her niece’s.

Trying to maintain her balance on the metal stairs, Lilith grasped the railing for all she was worth. Jacob Andrews had had a hell of an experience at the hands of his uncle, but the guy was a jerk. How dare he presume she didn’t have the right to judge him? She’d been to hell and back, too. There was no excuse for leaving that child there, abandoning the poor thing. With his money, he could have searched for her long before this. Eloise could be alive and well on his fruit farms in Australia, but he’d wiped her from his mind eighteen years ago, as easily as he’d changed his name. She wouldn’t abandon Rose, Kelly Kirk, or Savannah Richardson. She’d keep looking for them the rest of her life if that’s what it took.


About the author:

Susanne Matthews was born and raised in Cornwall, Ontario, Canada. She’s always been an avid reader of all types of books, but with a penchant for happily ever after romances. In her imagination, she travelled to foreign lands, past and present, and soared into the future. A retired educator, Susanne spends her time writing and creating adventures for her readers. She loves the ins and outs of romance, and the complex journey it takes to get from the first word to the last period of a novel. As she writes, her characters take on a life of their own, and she shares their fears and agonies on the road to self-discovery and love.

 

Follow Susanne on her:  Website    Blog    Facebook page    Twitter @jandsmatt

 

Amazon author page    and    Goodreads author page

Thursday 8 October 2015

Cover Reveal! My Perfect Gift by E.J. Shortall




Cover Reveal

My Perfect Gift: A Christmas Novella
by
E.J. Shortall








Release date: November 6th, 2015


Synopsis


Christmas isn’t the same anymore for Lara Hollywell, not since she lost her greatest gift of all, her fiancé. Now, she spends her holidays with family remembering Christmases past and contemplating a life without love, a life where only dreams and fantasies keep her company.

Blake Snowden is tired of being seen as nothing more than the man with deep pockets and a handsome face. He wants romantic walks, snuggling by the fireplace and kisses under the mistletoe. And he wants it all with his beautiful Head of Marketing, Lara.


When Blake rigs the company’s annual secret Santa draw to get Lara’s name, will they both discover more than the perfect gift in their stockings on Christmas morning?








Preorder Links














Meet the author


EJ Shortall was born and raised in London, England where she currently still lives with her teenage son.

Having worked in education for the better part of 12 years, EJ decided a change was needed and, following a moment of inspiration, she decided to put pen to paper and start writing her first novel, Silver Lining. Not content with just the one, she continued with book two and hopes to write many more.

She has always enjoyed reading, but found it was mostly just a holiday extravagance. Then she discovered a certain worldwide best seller, and that was it she was hooked. Reading quickly became an obsession and she couldn’t devour books fast enough. The books on her shelves and reading device range from sweet, Young Adult romances, to smouldering erotic encounters.

Aside from reading and writing, EJ also enjoys amateur photography, cake decorating and dabbling in graphic design.

“I am on one amazing roller coaster ride at the moment, meeting new and wonderful people, discovering new music gems to integrate into my stories, and learning so many new skills. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me.”

If you would like to join E.J. on her journey, please follow or contact her. She would love to hear from you!




 


Monday 5 October 2015

Author Spotlight and Review 'Shadowed By Sin' by Layna Pimental



I am so excited to have Layna Pimental stopping by with 'Shadowed By Sin' this Gothic Historical novella set in England.
 
If you are searching for a great read, then may I personally suggest this book, it has everything you can imagine 
 

 
'Shadowed By Sin'

 
Well deserved 5* Review

I am going to start this review with stating how much I enjoyed this novella ‘Shadowed by Sin’, it had been hooked on each and every page, fast paced, great descriptions of the characters, setting and powerful storyline.
This novella a Gothic Historical set in England. I am fortunate enough to live in England and with the amount of stately homes and halls that remain Layna did well to captivate, even the language.
The story, wow, there was everything found in this book, secrets, romance, danger, murder, lies, scandal, emotions, suspense, and twists you don’t even see coming. I will confess I adored the main character Lord St. John, Ben he had me swoon! Lord St. John and his fiancée are invited to travel to a Hawthorne Hall for a masques ball. Only at the destination isn’t all what it appears to be, walls talk, secret creepy passageways, the family are evil, deviant, guests dying and an old mystery unearthed. Will Lord St. John and Estelle make it out the manor alive? Well I’m not saying, it’s a MUST read and trust me you will enjoy every page!

Layna is a fabulous writer and I look forward to reading further works from her.
 

From ARe bestselling author Layna Pimentel comes a brand new suspenseful historical romance.

Novella – 83 pages

Historical Romantic Suspense/Gothic Romance

ISBN: 978-1-62210-245-7

 

Warning: This book is intended for a mature audience only, and contains frank language and adult situations.

 

Reviews:

The twists, diabolical turns and disturbing descriptions had me hooked and wanting more! I couldn't put it down! ~ Goodreads review

 

Filled with emotional turmoil, danger, suspense, mystery, deceit, lies, scandal, murder and romance. What an awesome blend of romance with suspense, family turmoil and secrets. Not for the faint of heart… ~ My Book Addiction and More

 

Where I can usually figure out the intrigue element in most mysteries, I wasn’t exactly left guessing who the bad guy was, but I was pleasantly surprised to find out he had an accomplice! ~ Award winning author Nichole Severn



Blurb:

Every man has a price...

As Lord Benedict St. John and his fiancée prepare to marry, his family is blackmailed by a former acquaintance. Hoping to set things straight, he accepts an invitation to dine at the Blackmailer’s family estate.

 But how many should die...

Estelle agrees to accompany Benedict, but nothing prepares her for the mysteries and bodies she stumbles across during her time at Hawthorne Hall.

 Before the shocking truth is exposed?

Hawthorne Hall holds many secrets, but will Estelle and Benedict escape to see the day their union is blessed, or will they succumb to an untimely end?

 Purchase:

 Amazon (CA) (US) (UK) | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Liquid Silver | ARe

 

Excerpt 1:

Benedict St. John glared ice-cold daggers at his father. The marquess paced behind his desk, muttering oaths and, within his meaty grip, he held a crumpled piece of paper. Benedict didn’t know what had the patriarch so vexed, however, whatever it was, had to have been infuriating enough to radiate contempt. To have pulled him away from making arrangements for his and Estelle’s wedding had to have been of great importance.

Exhaling, Benedict took a seat by the fireplace, but not before reaching for the brandy his father left out on the sideboard. He swirled the amber liquid and inhaled the sweet scent of the indulgence; the liquor his father preferred to drink when something went awry.

“Dare I ask what has you in such a state, Father?”

“I’m not sure if you want to be privy to such information. It’s a bloody scandal. Your mother is going to be surly when she finds out. Not to mention how the rest of our family will be dragged through the mud. No, it is crucial we put a stop to this madness.”

Benedict winced, knowing all too well his mother would only give her scathing disapproval if the situation were related to their finances. They had led a comfortable lifestyle up until now and, while taking up a smaller residence wouldn’t bother him that much, his mother would certainly object. He imagined his mother’s words spewing and sputtering, society this, and society that. They would be ruined, and she would be too embarrassed to face society. She would insist that they leave town, and God would only know to where.

In fact, while he maintained a small income and the inheritance he received from his grandfather, the time had arrived for him to consider moving into his own residence. Something he should have done some time ago, but his resolve in ensuring him and Estelle had enough income without relying heavily on his parents had weighed on him greatly.

With his nuptials to Lady Estelle Humphrey pending, he really should have established their family residence by now. He had no excuse to not have it completed already. Their wedding being more than a month away certainly didn’t leave him more time to piss about and squander time he didn’t have.

“Father, come and sit down with me. I am certain we can discern how much trouble the family is in. If there is an opportunity to consolidate properties—”

The earl guffawed at the suggestion. “My dear boy; let me ascertain that none of the servants are nearby and I will confide in you. What I have to say impacts on everyone and I want to make sure this information stays between you and me.”

Benedict raised a brow at his father’s comment. What on earth, could the man be hiding?

 

Excerpt 2:

“Pardon the intrusion, my lords. This just arrived for Master Benedict.”

The butler passed him an envelope with the identical wax seal from the note his father received earlier. Only this time, the letter was decorated with intricate designs.

“Thank you, Horace.”

“What is it? Who is it from?” his father asked quizzically.

“I don’t know, Father. I’ll have a look at it later. I’m rather late for a few appointments now. I will check in on you later this afternoon. Do tell Mother I will be asking Estelle to join us for dinner tonight.”

His father groaned yet again. While his parents approved of his desire to marry, they simply did not care for his selection of a wife. The aristocratic snobs that they were, they had expected him to marry an equal, or a lady that came with an extremely large dowry. Estelle was Baron Humphrey’s daughter, and while her dowry wasn’t that of an earl’s or viscount’s daughter, her purse strings and entitlements didn’t bother him in the least.

From the moment he saw her for the first time at the market, he’d been smitten with the petite and exotic beauty. He’d lifted her from the muddy street, and as her deep dark eyes settled on his, she’d bewitched him. Mind, it took several weeks for him to dissuade another potential suitor, not that the lad stood a chance. Estelle was one catch he would never give up, and now he had to find the perfect home for them, but where? She lived in town with her father and widowed aunt in a modest townhouse during the season, and after that, they resided in a country home with a full set of staff and several tenants to oversee. All of which he could match with his inheritance; but for Estelle everything had to be perfect. She deserved nothing but the world, and if he could give it to her, he would.

“Horace,” Benedict called out, reaching for his hat. “See that my carriage is ready post haste. I have to go to town and begin looking at properties.”

“Yes, my lord. Right away.” The butler disappeared around the corner, leaving Benedict alone in the foyer.

He desperately wanted to open the envelope but refused to do it so close to home. He didn’t want his father to worry, nor did he want the servants to speculate on what was the matter. He’d open the blasted thing and read it in the privacy of his carriage.

Darkness shrouded the street, as if evil lurked for its first victim of the day. He stepped in, and gave his driver directions to Mayfair. A quick scout of the area would give him an idea of where there might be some opportunities. His future countess deserved the best. After scouring some neighborhoods, he’d collect his lovely bride and return home for dinner.

A few minutes into the drive, he pulled out the letter and opened it.

 

Lord Benedict St. John,

You are formally invited to Hawthorne Hall as a guest of Lord George Cuthbert. Celebrations are expected to last a week, and we hope that you will stay for the duration. Several festivities, including a masque, will be held in honor of George’s return from the continent. We hope you will attend, and look forward to being introduced to your lovely bride-to-be.

Regards,

Lady Cuthbert, Countess of Hawthorne.

 

Nothing made sense. Why would Lord Cuthbert send a letter blackmailing his father, and then invite him and Estelle to attend a party at Hawthorne Hall? It had to be a ruse of sorts, but then again, he could use this as an opportunity to dig more into the situation with his father. Yet, was it wise to introduce Estelle to this particular crowd of society, especially when there were other sinister things being plotted? If anything happened to Estelle while she was in his protection, he would never forgive himself. Nevertheless, if he told her about his plan and what was happening, she might be willing to aid him in freeing his father from the devil’s clutches.
 
 

 
Biography:
Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Layna discovered her love of reading at an early age. She’s a bestselling author at All Romance eBooks, and multi-published author of historical, paranormal and contemporary erotic romances. When she isn’t devouring salacious romance novels or writing, she enjoys losing herself in researching ancient history and mythology, weaponry, and hiking. She lives in Northern Ontario, with her husband and two daughters.
 
For updates on her upcoming releases, or to leave her a comment, you can find at:
 
 
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