BESTSELLING AND AWARD WINNING AUTHOR OF WESTERN ROMANCE!
Caroline Clemmons writes historical and contemporary genre fiction. Historical romances, contemporary romantic suspense, mysteries, and paranormals are among her current works. Learn more about her at https//www.carolineclemmons.com
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. K. S. David will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
From the author of A PROMISE KEPT and EVERY SINGLE WISH, comes an exhilarating romantic suspense for the holidays.
As Center City and its quirky residents get ready to ring in the holiday with merriment and good cheer, Calista Tate is forced to make a terrible decision? Does she stay and fight for the life she's created or - does she run away? One man could be her angel - her saving grace. And, the promise of love may be strong enough to make her hold her ground. The wrong decision could put them both at risk.
Calista Singletary decided it was finally safe to settle down. She opened a small bakery, has a new home and life is good. That is until she gets arrested for killing her elderly neighbor. It doesn’t help that she chased the old man out of her house with a rolling pin two days earlier. The same rolling pin is found under his bruised and bloody body. Calista thinks some trickery is underfoot. Good thing her sexy attorney, Marc Collins, thinks he can get the charges dropped.
But Calista knows that when the authorities start digging, they’re going to uncover her true identity. That’s when the real horrors will begin. She usually stays packed and ready to blow town at the first sign of trouble - assuming a new name, a new look, a new story. But she’s growing close to Marc and just once, she wants to feel normal. Will the cost be too high?
Three years earlier, the man Calista loved sucked her into a world of indescribable horror. She’s the only one who can testify to the atrocities he committed by Thomas Langston. She stole three million dollars of his money and maimed him the day she left. In return, Thomas made her a promise. He would always love her. He would never stop looking for her. And the next time he saw Calista - he was going to kill her.
Read an Excerpt:
"He walked in on me in the bathroom!"
I had been taking a well-deserved bath. After a sixteen-hour day in my bakery, my hands felt like rubber, my ankles were throbbing, and my back felt like I'd been beaten with a baseball bat. The break would feel like a week-long vacation, and I intended to take advantage by sleeping in, eating junk, watching a little football and reading a good book. A hot, steamy bath had been on my too-do list all day. Love ballads filled the halls of my house, and I planned to polish off a bottle of Chablis.
“Way to go, Fred."
I rolled my eyes to the night sky annoyed. Fred's encouragement came from another neighbor who shared the center of our cul-de-sac with a man who'd been a thorn since the day I moved in. I didn't know his name - didn't care either, but I knew his taste in music, women and the brand of beer he preferred. Loud music boomed from his backyard nightly. He wore aged denim and a t-shirt so old the letters had started to peel. A soiled black bandana was pulled low over his brow and tattoos covered visible skin - except his hands, his neck and his face. I could always tell when he was coming or going because the motor in his Harley made my windows shake. I squinted up at the man. Streetlights barely illuminated his face and his bandana made it impossible for me to get a good look at him, but he had a firm jaw and full lips. Catching my examination, he winked. I sneered at him. I didn't do grimy and I didn't do assholes - at least, not anymore.
About the Author:
K. S. David lives in the Mid-Atlantic with her husband, their three children and a menagerie of pets. New storylines are constantly running through her head. She keeps notebooks tucked in pockets of the car, the nightstand and makes voice recordings just about all day long. She's addicted to true life mysteries and crime shows, both of which marry well with a great romance. Some of her favorite things are long walks, reading in bed, baking and of course, writing her next novel.
Abigail Nash leads a lonely existence. Her mother died giving birth to her, her father’s business dealings took him away more often than not, and her ailing great-aunt, unable to provide much in the way of companionship, was a lack-luster guardian at best. So when her dear friends offered to launch her into London society, it appeared Abby’s life was taking a turn for the better, with suitors and social engagements aplenty. When she marries a proclaimed darling of the ton, it seems she will at last settle into the life of her dreams.
But appearances aren’t always what they seem, and dreams often become disappointments.
Just months into her marriage, Abby finds herself widowed, penniless, increasing, and determined to never hope again. But when her late husband’s brother, the Earl of Brigston, attempts to thaw the numbness surrounding her heart, Abby must decide if she has it in her to risk another chance at happiness, knowing the odds are not in her favor.
When Brigston entered the kitchen, Abby’s back was partially to him, so she didn’t immediately see him. Her brow was furrowed in concentration as she whipped something in a bowl. She paused to lift the spoon, only to frown at the white liquid dripping from it.
“Are you certain this will thicken into a cream?” she asked.
A flash of irritation crossed Monsieur Roch's face until he spotted Morgan and seemed to think better of it. He managed a patient tone in his accented French. “It takes time, my lady.”
Morgan stifled a chuckle as Abby examined another spoonful of the liquid. “I’ve been whipping it for several minutes, but it doesn’t seem even a little thicker to me. Have I forgotten to add something?”
“No,” said the cook in clipped tones.
Morgan stepped forward and leaned in close. “If your arm is tired—”
Abby jumped, and what liquid remained on the spoon splattered across Morgan’s face. She spun around, her eyes growing wide with horror when she saw what she’d done.
He wiped a dab from his nose and tasted it. “A little more sugar, perhaps?”
“Brigston! I’m so dreadfully sorry.” She dropped the spoon into the bowl and grabbed a rag from a nearby wash basin, dabbing it across his face.
“Not that rag!” cried the cook. “It was only just used to mop the floors.”
Abby dropped it as though it had burned her, and Morgan tried not to cringe at the thought of filthy water coating his face.
Monsieur Roch retrieved a clean rag and held it out to him, appearing apologetic. He flicked another irritated glance at Abby before returning to his work.
As Morgan wiped the cream from his face, he wondered what Abby would do or say next. Offer another fumbled apology? Make her excuses and flee? Pretend the incident never happened and return to her labors? He never knew what to expect from her.
Her face scarlet, she cleared her throat and lifted her adorably determined chin. “You are most welcome, my lord.”
He raised a brow. “For what, my lady?”
“I have heard that cream does wonders for one’s complexion, and it seems the rumors are correct. Your skin appears much . . . creamier.”
Praise for My Brother's Bride
I found this book to be completely unexpected. I have read all the historical novels by this author and they have all been fun and delightful reads and even though this book had those elements as well, it was definitely more emotional than I was expecting... I loved Abby’s quiet strength and Morgan’s protectiveness. These two were great together. ~Melanie
My to-read list is long but Rachael is one author I always bump to the top and put all other books on hold for. She never disappoints so it's no surprise that this is another top-notch offering from Rachael. I loved these characters and cheered for them as they overcame obstacles and circumstances that tried to keep them apart. My Brother's Bride is an awesome and needed addition to the clean romance genre. So many authors pump out books so fast that often I find the quality of their work is lacking. Since I read for entertainment I'm able to forgive a lot and typically just overlook the shortcomings that are prevalent with so many books in this genre. Thankfully that is not the case with Rachael's books. I'm grateful for the time she takes to ensure she offers her readers quality books with original storylines that won't disappoint. ~ Kathy
Giveaway Details
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 12/16/18
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
Don't miss the Rafflecopter giveaway at the and of this post!
Christmas in Smithville
The Hometown Series Book 4
by
Kirsten Fullmer
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Even though Gloria is determined to change her reputation, most of the
women in town still think she’s a tramp. Sure, she may have dressed
a little flashy and dated pretty much every single guy in town, but
that’s the past. Now that she wants to make a fresh start, will
Smithville give her a second chance?
Ned has heard all the gossip, but being the Sheriff’s Deputy, he sees all the kind things Gloria does behind the scenes for the folks of Smithville. It looks like the upcoming Christmas Pageant will offer him the opportunity to spend time with her, but can he overcome a frustrating stutter and talk to her, face to face?
Your favorite characters from the Hometown Series bring craziness, love,
and Smithville Christmas style, to a whole new romance about
overcoming your past and sharing your deepest secrets. Fall in love
and be swept away with the Christmas Eve celebration of your dreams.
Excerpt from Christmas in Smithville
“Then I just had to wr—wrap the baby up and hand her to her mother,” Ned said as he dropped his paint roller in the bucket of hot water.
Gloria stared at him, her eyes wide in fascination. “I can’t believe you delivered a baby by the side of the road. I don’t think I could have—”
“Sure you could,” he said with a shrug. “When the time comes and work needs doing, folks like us st—step up.”
Unsure, she scoffed. “Well, baking a casserole is one thing, but—”
Ned reached out to take her paint roller. “Yeah, okay, the baby was kind of a big deal,” he conceded,
“Usually, I just end up learning w—way more about people than I want to know.”
“I understand that.” Gloria nodded. “Given my past, I know—” She stopped, realizing what she was saying. “Of course, I’ve forgotten all about those guys...” She faltered, her words fading away and her cheeks burning red under her freckles.
Ned’s laughter rang out into the workshop. “Oh, I’m sure you don’t know which guys in town burp at the table, who is connected at the hip to their momma, or who snores—” The words chopped off and it was his turn to blush. “I… I d—didn’t mean… I—I w—wasn’t…” His stutter always got much worse when he was upset. Frustrated, he stopped talking and turned back to the water bucket.
“Don’t be embarrassed,” Gloria said, feeling bad for him. “It’s true though, especially with your job. What do you do when you meet someone on the street, and you know intimate details about their personal life?” She waited, but he just pumped the paint rollers up and down in the water, so she tried again. “I’m asking for advice, honest. Do they train you on this stuff at the police academy?”
He shrugged, then straightened and shoved one hand in the front pocket of his jeans. “Well we have to t—take ethics classes, but…” he looked up, making eye contact, “no, they don’t tell you that stuff. You just h—have to act like you weren’t at their house two n—nights ago with the fire chief, helping them get their hand unstuck from the k—kitchen drain they were trying to fix.”
Her eyes widened, and she chuckled in surprise. “Who? No, no don’t tell me.”
He shook his head; his hand raised to stop her. “I wouldn’t,” he said, but his eyes were bright with humor. “It’s a th—thing you have to learn to do I guess. I know you’re g—good at it, I’ve seen you in action.”
She shrugged modestly. “Oh, well, I just try to put myself in their place.”
They were both quiet for a minute, contemplating all the dirt they’d collectively compiled on the people of Smithville.
“Yeah, ” she continued with a sparkle in her eye. “Because if I were a great big guy, I wouldn’t want everyone to know that I scream like a little girl when I see a spider.”
Ned’s eyebrows rose, and a big grin spread across his face. “Now I have to wonder…”
“It will go with me to the grave,” she assured him, looking solemn. But she couldn’t help it and broke into laughter. “Oh my gosh, it was the funniest thing. I thought he was going to run away, but he kept screaming for me to ‘get it’. Of course, I was far too busy laughing and taking video.”
He chuckled, enjoying the way her eyes shone when she was happy. Her laughter was like music, and her cheeks turned rosy with happiness. His own heart swelled, catching him off guard. “You’re a mean one, aren’t you,” he teased.
“Me?” she asked, with her hand on her chest. “No, no, I finally took pity on him and smashed the bug.”
“Well that’s good,” he said, wishing he could make her laugh like that all the time.
“Anyway…” she trailed off, “I better get moving. I have a ton of sewing to do.”
“I wish I could help you with th—that,” he said, collecting the butcher paper he’d spread for them to paint. “But I have no idea how to even thread a needle.”
Her head tilted to one side. “I doubt that.”
“Okay, okay,” he relented, crumpling the paper to stuff it in the trashcan. “I can thread a n—needle, but choir robes and sh—shepherd costumes are way beyond my scope.”
She waved him off. “Oh, these are pretty simple. I figure they’re for one night and no one will really see them up close.”
“True.”
“Except…”
He waited for her to continue, watching her think, wishing he could hear what was on her mind.
“Well, it’s just,” She chuckled. “Practically every family in town has someone in this thing, so I guess in reality, everyone will see them up close.”
“Right?” he laughed. “I wonder sometimes, who is going to watch this thing.”
“Me too!” she agreed. “We may need to set up a bus service to bring folks from Uniontown.”
He rubbed his chin. “Not a bad idea.”
She chuckled, reveling in the shared moment, then turned away, looking for her purse. “Well, I’d better get going.”
“Thanks for the help,” he said, wishing he knew how to make her stay. “ Do you have to go?”
The question froze Gloria in her tracks. Normally at this point, if a gorgeous man was being funny and sweet and she liked him, she’d stay and talk. And not only that, she amended, she’d sign up for more. But things were different now. She was different. She wasn’t doing any of this to get a man, and, truth be told, she wouldn’t know what to do with one at this point anyway. She wanted to prove to the women in town she didn’t need to flirt, and that she could do a job and do it well, without attracting male attention. She frowned. That wasn’t going so well evidently. Was she attracted to Ned?
Turning back toward the shop, she regarded him carefully. He had a swipe of red paint across one cheek, but that only made him more approachable. The man was a knock out no matter how you looked at him. The paint spear made him cute. Shocked by her appraisal, her eyebrows lifted. When was the last time she’d thought a grown man was cute? Especially one with a physique like the deputy.
He grew uncomfortable under her stare, and she realized she was being rude. “I really do have to go,” her words said, but the rest of her said, “I want to stay.” He was easy to talk to and friendly. He didn’t judge her. He was nice. It came to her then; she had a friend in Ned. They had some things in common, and they could have a laugh together. Given her situation, a friend was something she needed. Gaging her words carefully, she hoped she could make him understand how much she appreciated him. “I really do have to go, but this has been… this has been great.”
He looked so disappointed that she nearly relented, but she knew it was for the best. This pageant was not the time or place to be looking for a new boyfriend. And she was sure she didn’t want to ruin the budding friendship they’d forged. This was new territory, and she had to move carefully and use her head.
“I have to go.” She turned toward the door, then, with her hand on the door handle, she stopped and looked over her shoulder. “But I’ll see you tomorrow night at practice, right?”
For a minute she thought he wasn’t going to respond, but finally he nodded, and an easy grin lit his face. “Sure.”
All she could manage was a quick nod, and then she ducked out the door before she could change her mind.
Kirsten Fullmer grew up in the Western US and graduated from high school in
1984. She married soon thereafter and quickly built a family.
With three young children and number four on the way, she returned to
college in 1992. Her career as a draftsman included many settings
ranging from a steel fabrication shops to prestigious engineering
firms. Balancing family life with the workplace forced her to
become the queen of multitasking. In 2001, bored with the cubical
life, she moved on to teach drafting in technical college, then to
opening her own consulting firm teaching 3D engineering software. Due
to health problems, Kirsten retired in 2012 to travel with her
husband for his job. She now works writing romance novels and enjoys
spoiling her three grandchildren. Since 2017 Kirsten has lived and
worked full time in a 40' travel trailer with her husband and her
little dog Bingo.
The author has a Rafflecopter giveaway at the end of this post!
Starla's Christmas Conundrum
by
Carol E. Keen
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Clean Romance
In the greatest conflict of her life, can she figure out who to trust?
Starla Devaroux is at the peak of her music career. Life as a popular
Christian music artist is good. This Christmas she finds herself at
the crossroads of several life-altering choices. It's quite a
conundrum; the path she takes this time will not only define her
future but alter the lives of others as well.
Readers' Reviews
"The main characters were very likable, I could really put myself in
Starla's shoes."
"It was charming and romantic, and I want to marry Mason, lol."
Enjoy an excerpt:
“My name is Mason. I’m sorry to stare, but you’re interesting to watch, and for some reason, you seem so very familiar. That sounded horribly cheesy, but it’s the truth.”
“I appreciate your honesty and candor. I fear I have a familiar face for certain reasons that shall remain nameless for now. I will share my first name, though. It’s Starla.”
The blonde haired, dark-eyed man stood up and came over to her table. He reached out to shake her hand, and then, to her shock, kissed the top of her hand.
“The pleasure is definitely mine in getting to meet you. Do you mind if I sit here?” He was already sinking into the seat, so there was no time to object. Mason placed his iced tea and newspaper on the table and settled in.
Well, I’d go back to reading, but I can’t concentrate with him sitting here. Starla sipped her tea and glanced at Mason again. He was reading his paper without an obvious care in the world, other than his foot tapping to the various seasonal songs that were playing. What should I do now? Right about then, he peaked at her over his paper. Great, now I’ve really done it.
His eyes sparkled and dropping the paper, he smiled. “It’s nice to have someone to sit with. I’m sure you’ve noticed.” Mason inclined his head towards the rest of the cafe and out the windows beyond. It was teeming with couples. Couples holding hands, couples sitting close with their heads together giggling and smiling, walking and holding hands, laughing, and overall, appearing happily in love.
“Um, I see what you mean. I think I’ve been so involved in my work for so long that I hadn’t fully realized…” Starla left her sentence unfinished.
“Quite right. I know that feeling well. My work has kept me very occupied and then there seems to have been somewhat of a timing issue in my life. I hope you don’t mind if we look like we aren’t alone for a little while?” Mason had a questioning look on his face.
“No, it’s actually, well, a bit nice.” Starla smiled a shy smile, her dimples showing just a little. Just then, one of her Christmas songs came over the radio. One of the classical ones, not one she’d written.
Mason listened briefly, then his eyes widened. “Ah. You’re that Starla. That’s your voice on this song, isn’t it?”
“Oh my, guilty as charged. Yes, that’s me.” Starla held her breath. What would his next reaction bring?
“Then, we have more in common than I’d anticipated. It might help if I shared my last name, now that I have discovered yours. Mason Dixxon.” Mason winked.
“Ah! Are you the Mason Dixxon that I think you are? Are you the lead singer with the British accent I so adore, from the Christian rock band, ‘The Edge’?”
“Yep, hopefully, the one and only.” Mason chuckled.
Carol E. Keen enjoys fresh coffee, hot tea, and a good book. She was
published for several years in FAMA magazine (Freshwater And Marine
Aquarium) as a contributing editor. She published her first book on
CD, called Simply Seahorses.
She is the author of The Beauty Series and The Corandira Station, to name a few of her works. She currently resides in the South with her husband and family and spends her time writing, reading, working in photography, and being with her much loved critters.
A Rafflecopter giveaway is at the end of this post!
This title is also on sale for 99 cents!
All proceeds go to help Melissa Lee in her battle with cancer.
For Melissa: An Anthology
Presented
by Wild Dreams Publishing
Genre:
Multi Genre
With stories by:
Bella Emy
Shaan Ranae
Jeremy Simons
Rosie Chapel
Veronique Poirier
Sarah Stein
Kristen Collins
Jenee Robinson
Niki Livingston
Bey Tolentino
Melisa Lyons
Lori Hoopengardner
Sonya Jesus
Cam Johns
Justina Luther
Sheri Branson Chapman
Davina Purnell
K.A. Morse
Melanie Rodriguez
Aim Ruivivar
An anthology dedicated to Melissa Lee, bringing together stories of
strong independent women by some of today's favorite authors of the
indie community. When Melissa was diagnosed with cancer it shook our house to the core.
Within a matter of days we started asking how can we help. The answer
create an anthology dedicated to the strong woman that is our
Melissa. Each story has a set of rules. one the main character is
named Melissa. And her character must be strong. After that each
story comes from the hearts of our authors. This book is forever
dedicated to the teacher that touches the lives of the children that
she meets. The authors whose lives have now been touched with
her soft touch and strong will. And for the member of our family who
we wish only the very best.
*All proceeds will be benefitting Melissa Lee during this difficult time.
Our hearts & prayers are with her.
~*
A special thanks to YM Zachery for her endless dedication
Melissa's Menagerie by Lori Hoopengardner
After the death of her parents, Melissa was
on her own to carry on her family's secret. She was lonely, scared
and busy. That is until she found some people she could trust.
Friendships and more just seemed to happen.
The Rainbow Truck by Jeremy Simons
On the backroads of Louisiana, the unthinkable
happened to Melissa. A truck tried to run her off the road. She could
have let it go, but she was too proud for that. Besides, its color
intrigued her. Oh yeah, and the blood on the tailgate.
She and Scott followed it to a secluded camp where their fortunes were
forever sealed. She had to fight. She had to stand on her own two
feet. She had to...survive.
But could it be that easy? Find out in The Rainbow Truck.
Unbound Wonder by Niki Livingston
Melissa’s past doesn’t define her and she
refuses to allow her teenage trauma to hold her down. Believing in
herself when no one else did, she became an instant fame in the music
industry. And with the public eye on her, it wasn’t a surprise when
she attracted a male admirer who didn’t have her best interest at
heart. Another man who only craved to control and own her.
Now she must face her fears, both known and unknown, in order to gain the
strength to battle the seemingly never-ending storm threatening her
very existence. Rising to face her foes is only the beginning to
taking back her power.
Lovelight
by B. Tolentino
Blind but never felt unwanted, Melissa Chaplin lives peacefully in New
Hampshire with her mother. Wanting to make progress in her life, she
decides to take a step forward by applying for a part-time job only
to be rejected as soon as she receives the phone call she was so
excited about. Suddenly, the bruising pain of frustration of being
visually impaired envelopes her, causing her to take a huge leap of
faith by agreeing to be a patient to a doctor from Germany she meets
for the first time.
Running from Ghosts by Cam Johns
Not telling the whole truth is the same as lying. It turns out,
withholding secrets is more dangerous than being honest with the one
you love. At least that’s what Melissa has come to realize. Now
being forced to face her deceptions head on as the ghosts of her past
come back to haunt her - threatening the life she has finally built -
Melissa has to find a way to confront her dishonesty without losing
the love of her life.
Onus
by Sonya Jesus
Oliver: In onus memoria. I had it engraved on his
tombstone so that when I went to visit, I could remember Ben died
because I failed to protect him. In my onus, I let guilt corrode
through any attempt at happiness. I let the blame overwhelm me
because I deserved to be punished... He died because I wasn't watching.
Melissa by Davina Purnell
Oliver's been coming to group sessions for a year and half now. I wish I could
say he's slowly getting better, but he's shown no progress and it
worries me. I don't know how to break through to him or if he even
wants me to, but I care about him too much not to try.
Till Death by Bella Emy
Happily Ever After.
That's what Mel thought she had found the day she met Brad.
Now, married for years with their two children, Austin and
Brayden, Mel fears for their life. The man she once knew who had been
so loving, supporting and caring has turned into a drunk, alcoholic,
abusive husband and father, stopping at nothing to get his point across.
Will Mel be able to overcome her dread of living huddled up in a corner, fearing for her life and that of her sons, or will Brad place his hands on her one last and final time?
Witch’s Heart by Melanie Rodriguez
Melissa is a sophomore at the prestigious Circe
Academy, a school that grooms only the finest of witches and
warlocks. She finds herself an outcast to most of her peers and
professors due to her half-human side. Wanting nothing more than to
be a fully-fledged witch, she enlists the help of the wily and
sarcastic spirit fox, Vic, who too has his own agenda. In order to
retrieve the lost half of magic that she needs to accomplish her
goal, Melissa must locate the human the old ritual demands she needs
and must steal their “heart.” When she realizes who that human
is, Melissa finds herself in a bind: does she complete her goal and
fulfill her pact with Vic or does she let the special human go and
continue to live her outcast life without the respect she deserves?
Choices Made by Justina Luther
At the age of 26 I, Melissa Leighton, thought I had my priorities right.
I worked hard, kept my eye on my goals, and loved my mom and twin
sister with all my heart. I broke my back to make us all proud and be
the first in my family to become a doctor. The funny thing about life
is, every choice we make changes something and the choices I made
threatened to change everything.
My Shadow by Sheri Chapman
Melissa is drawn to wrong side of the law. For now, she contents her intrigue
by pitting herself against the police. Through her own vices, she
must figure out crimes before they can. Not only does it inspire her
writing career, but it also gives her life an exciting edge. However,
Melissa is being watched. The innovative woman must determine if her
life in endanger before it’s too late…
From the Ashes by Sarah Stein
How far would you go to survive?
Melissa was the perfect child. She
never complained, did amazing in school and made her parents happy.
Or so she thought. Everything changed when she was told to pack her
bags, and leave with a man she’s never met. But all is not what it
seems as she has to fight not to lose herself in his custody.
Left jilted at the altar by his bride, Rory MacLeod, the Duke of Skye and
chief of the MacLeod clan finds himself becoming the subject of unsavory gossip.
Marriage to a respectable young lady of impeccable breeding is the only way
Rory can hope to silence the gossips.
Licking his wounds, he returns to London for the upcoming session of
Parliament and Season. He brings with him his sister Lily. It will be
her first season and one which Rory intends to find a bride of his
own. He doesn't have to look far.
Victoria, the Duke of Hargrove's daughter, catches more than his eye the
moment he meets her. She is everything his duchess needs to be. She
is smart, beautiful and devoted to Rory. Not even his darkest secret can sway her.
The bliss of married life is ripped apart by betrayal of the worst kind.
His sister is kidnapped and forced into a marriage with only one
purpose. Money. Even worse is who is behind it all.
With his own reputation and that of his family and clan at stake, Rory
must carefully negotiate his sister's return without the world
finding out about his secret. Not only could it bring shame to
everyone he holds dear, it would mean his ruination and worse.
Enjoy an excerpt:
Rory turned his stallion in the direction of the cottage. "Come, this way. There is someone I want you to meet."
"Oh? Who is it?"
"My grandmother."
"Your grandmother?"
"Aye. My father's mother. When my grandfather died many years ago, my father built a cottage for her. At her request of course. She didn't want to reside inside the castle walls. I suppose you could say she wanted her freedom. So my father built the cottage, and she's lived here as long as I can remember."
"But why?"
"I don't know. She's content living out here, and it's not as brutal as it may sound. A few of the women come visit her every day. My brothers and I try and visit her as much as possible."
"Meaning rarely."
"Ow, you wound me, lass. I try my best. She'll be happy to see I've married and am happy. Seanmhair will love you, and she'd love to tell you the history about Castle MacLeod."
"How far is she?"
"About a mile."
Rory led her along the lakeside path. Before long, he could see smoke lazily dancing its way in the air. They were close.
A cottage finally came into view. The small structure sat in a small clearing, the loch to one side and the forest on the other. He didn't see anyone around, but knowing his grandmother as he did, he knew she'd be close by if she wasn't inside. On a day like today, she'd be outside taking advantage of the beautiful weather.
He dismounted his horse and walked toward Victoria's mare. He helped her down. As he was about to tie the animals off, the door to the cottage swung open.
His grandmother appeared. Despite her advanced years, she walked without assistance. Even if she did need help, Rory doubted she'd allow anyone to help. Typical MacLeod trait.
"It's true. You've taken a wife."
"Yes, ma'am. How did you know?" Rory asked as he leaned down to kiss her on the cheek.
"Donnan told me when he came to tell me of his and Rose's babe. Said you found a beautiful bride in England, and he was right. She's quite bonny, Rory."
He smiled. "Seanmhair, this is my wife, Victoria."
"'Tis very nice to meet you, Victoria," she said, extending a hand to his wife.
"It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Come, let's sit down and talk for a bit." She pointed to a group of chairs nearby. "'Tis too nice a day to be inside. Might as well enjoy the sun while it's out. I spend far too many days inside because of the rain and cold."
As they were sitting down, Rory's grandmother offered them some cider. He watched as the old woman disappeared back into her cottage.
"Why does she choose to stay here? Was she banished from the castle?"
"Nay, she wasn't banished. It was her choice. I think she thought she'd be in the way, which is far from true. My father respected her request and had this place built."
"But she was a duchess."
"Aye, but she's happier here. You'll see."
His grandmother reappeared carrying a tray with a pitcher and three glasses. Rory immediately got on his feet to assist her.
"I don't need you fussing over me. I can still manage a tray and anything else I choose."
As she poured the cider, she looked at Rory. "I understand there's a magnificent stag wandering the grounds. I believe he's the same one we saw last year."
"He is. I haven't been hunting much. No time."
"It's more of a sport these days. You have men to do that for you."
He smiled. "Aye, that's true, but I still like the thrill of a hunting party and the chase."
"You and your brothers ought to take Will and a group of men and try and bag him."
"Hunting a stag is not Will's idea of a way to pass a day."
She nodded and pointed a gnarled finger at him. "You're still his chief and brother-in-law. If you tell him, he'll have to go. Besides, it'd do him some good."
"You should do it, Rory. You haven't done anything except work and worry about your sister for weeks," Victoria said. She picked up her glass and took a sip. From the look on her face, Rory knew she hadn't expected hardened cider.
"You should listen to her, Rory. You used to love to hunt and fish. Until you became duke and chief."
"I know, I know. You're right. I'll speak with Mac. See if we can't get a hunting party put together."
"How is Lily?" his grandmother asked.
"Right now? She's broken, and quite unhappy."
"The man has shown his true colors, I understand, and they’re not those of the sweet young man who used to visit with me whenever he came to visit Castle MacLeod."
"I didn't know him until now, but he makes my skin crawl. I hate it for Lily," Victoria said quietly.
"The best you can do for her now is support and love her."
As the fourth MacLeod son, Donnan MacLeod does not have to take on the
responsibilities his older siblings do. He is free to keep his
business private. As a privateer he sails the channel looking for
smugglers. Very elite smugglers.
It's not until he returns to Skye for his mother's birthday when Donnan
begins to lose control of his life. And it's all because of a woman,
the one woman he's loved since childhood. The woman he desires above
all others - that is should he ever think of taking a wife.
Rosalind, strong willed and opinionated far more than most, she is determined
to find out what it is Donnan is hiding. Never before had they kept
things from each other, but Rosalind is convinced he's keeping
something huge from her.
Everything changes in the blink of an eye.
Stowing away in the back of Donnan's coach, Rosalind changes their lives
forever. The adventure begins...
I've always been a creative individual. Writing is just a facet of that creativity...
My careers in public relations in and around the entertainment industry, photography, editing, artist management, modeling and special event planning all elevated my passion for writing, not to mention gave me a treasure trove for story lines.
I write women's fiction; contemporary romance (as Jamie Salisbury) and historical romance (as JR Salisbury) which is ever evolving. I am fortunate enough that writing (and marketing of said product(s)) is my full-time job, although I always have one or two other projects going at the same time.
I now live in a suburb of Atlanta. Some of my other interests include photography, equestrianism, reading, and of course, travel.
I sincerely hope my writing will entertain, enlighten, and inspire others to pick up the pen and pursue their own dreams. I love to be contacted by readers, writers, and history buffs.