I am playing host today on my blog. Nine historical romance authors have come together to release this fantastic box set. Check out the authors and their stories. Scroll down for an exert of RITA-nominated
historical romance author Samantha Grace's, Resisting Romeo. Happy reading!
Once upon a time nine historical romance authors created a fairy tale inspired Regency world… Resisting Romeo by Samantha Grace
There was much excitement yesterday at the Clarendon Hotel when a French actress interrupted a tête-à-tête between two of London’s most eligible bachelors and quietly exchanged words with them. Mr. Russell Hawke was quick to escort her from the premises, making witnesses wish they had remembered to bring their ear trumpets to tea.
Enchanted by the Earl by Amanda Mariel
Lowly seamstress Rose Woodcourt shocked society by capturing Hunter Thorne the Earl of Aubry’s heart after he banished her personal wolf.
Wish Upon A Kiss by Meara Platt
Young ladies from the best families are clamoring to become May Princesses now that Winifred Kingsley, a young lady of little consequence, caught the eye -and captured the heart - of Ardaric, fourth Duke of Blantyre when he spotted her dancing about a maypole in her shockingly scanty costume.
A Duke Worth His Salt by Allison Merritt
Lady Eleanor Mortin managed to snag the reclusive Duke of Greenebuck, who is not only writing fairy tale endings for his novels these days, but also living one with his new bride.
Masquerading as a Miss by Ari Thatcher
Just weeks after he was reported as drowned in that shipwreck, Lord Spalding appeared with a mysterious young woman who claimed to not know who her relations were. I daresay she has none and is eager to secure a match with Spalding, who as you know will one day inherit the earldom.
Searching for my Rogue by Dawn Brower
Upstart American, Alys Dewitt snared the Duke of Weston, one of England's most sought after bachelors proving love is descending us all into madness.
The Enchanted Cave by Sue London
Irish lass Maeve O’Malley landed a blow to the hearts of innumerable smitten girls when she tangled Mr. Galen Mornay into knots of the nuptial variety.
Taming Beauty by Lynne Barron
Not only did the scandalous Lilith Aberdeen manage to bring the beastliest of barons up to scratch, but she did so only days before Lord Malleville was to marry her sister.
Stealing a Lady's Heart by Tammy Andresen
Lady Charlotte Beaumont, first cousin to the Prince Regent, was seen gallivanting through Scotland with four eligible bachelors and no chaperone. This shocking lack of decorum is not the first from the lady but most certainly the worst. One simply must wonder if nuptials are soon to follow. Join us on a Regency adventure of love and romance in the limited edition box set Once Upon A Regency: Timeless Tales And Fables! Set includes 9 never told before stories.
Resisting Romeo by Samantha Grace
French actress and aspiring playwright Claudine Bellerose
recently closed the curtains on a bad romance and has returned to center stage
at a small London playhouse where she is about to premiere her first production.
Enter Russell Hawke, the new owner of the Drayton Theatre, to deliver
disturbing news. If Claudine’s play doesn’t turn a profit, he’ll have no choice
except to close the theatre. To further complicate matters, her leading man
just suffered an accident and can’t perform. Russell is confident he is capable
of stepping in to star opposite the lovely Claudine, but she quickly realizes
his horrible acting is threatening to turn her romantic play into a farce. Her
only option is to tutor him in his role, and hope she can resist the charms of
this handsome Romeo.
Excerpt
The women took turns showing her how to
punch, block, and evade capture if a man leapt out of the shadows.
“Miss Darlington was a splendid teacher,”
Rachel said, “but I don’t see how a woman is supposed to flip a man to the
ground if he attacks from behind. Won’t he be too heavy?”
Claudine smiled, recalling she had asked
a similar question of Regina. “You don’t actually lift him. You throw off his
balance. Size can work in your favor. The bigger the man, the harder it will be
for him to catch himself, especially if he doesn’t have use of his hands. Let
me show you.”
She waved for Anastasia to come forward
for a demonstration. Claudine chose her, because she was nearly twice Claudine’s
height. Anastasia often stood in for one of the male parts in shows simply
because she was tall. A bit of make-up, padding, and a hat could hide her
beauty well enough to make it somewhat believable, if she didn’t have many
lines.
“I want you to grab me from behind,”
Claudine said. Anastasia’s blond eyebrows shot up on her forehead. “I promise
not to take you to the ground. I only want to show everyone the steps again.”
“Would you like an actual man for the
demonstration?” Mr. Hawke called from the floor.
A delicious shiver ran through her at the
thought of him touching her. “That isn’t necessary, sir. Ana will work well
enough for our purpose.”
“I wouldn’t mind,” the actress said.
Rachel raised her hand as if Claudine had
asked to take a count. “I would like to see Mr. Hawke stand in. I would feel
more confident if I can see it is possible with a real man.”
The others agreed.
He was already climbing the stage stairs,
and she couldn’t think of a valid excuse to refuse his assistance. Her body
tingled in places she really wished it wouldn’t, as his long legs carried him
across the stage with a stride that was deliberate, yet unhurried. When he
stopped in front of her, a broad smile spread across his face and revealed a
dimple in his left cheek. “I am at your service.”
“You may take my place,” Anastasia said
and rejoined the group.
Mr. Hawke claimed Anastasia’s spot on
stage. “Did I hear correctly that I am to grab you from behind, Miss
Bellerose?”
“Yes, Mr. Hawke,” she said, adding in
French, “and you better not enjoy it.”
He laughed. “I promise to despise every
moment.”
She flinched, having forgotten he could
understand her.
“I told you I studied French,” he said.
“I also know German, Portuguese, and Spanish. Can you speak with an American
accent? I barely understand a word they say. That would be a safe bet if you
want to insult me without me becoming the wiser.”
He winked and the other women giggled.
“I wasn’t insulting you,” she said for
the benefit of her fellow actresses. If Mr. Hawke closed the theatre after all,
she didn’t want to be blamed.
“No, you didn’t, Miss Bellerose. I simply
was offering you options in case you want to abuse me in the future.”
She wrinkled her nose at him. “Merci.”
She only knew French and English, and a
few German words Tilde had taught her. Growing up, her father had always spoken
French to her. He’d never stopped missing his native land, but as he’d often
reminded himself, there was nothing left for them in France. Claudine was an
infant when her father fled their home with her. When she was old enough to
understand, Papa told her about the unrest in France and the rumor that he was
to be called before the Tribunal. He said Maximilien Robespierre used the trials as an excuse
to execute his political opposition, and Papa had been vocal in his
commendation of the violence.
She and her father had arrived safely in
England, but a distant cousin turned them away. Papa had always said he left
everything behind except his most precious treasure. Sometimes he would pretend
he couldn’t remember what it was and ask her to guess. She knew he was teasing
about having forgotten, because at night, he would tuck her in bed and whisper,
“Mon trésor.” Claudine had always felt fortunate that he
loved her as he did.
She took a cleansing breath to bring
herself back to the present, and turned away from Mr. Hawke. “Whenever you are
ready, I want you to pretend to attack me.”
It must be instinct--or perhaps boys were
taught how to grab a woman as part of their education--but it seemed all men
tried to hook a woman around the neck when he meant her harm. Mr. Hawke was the
exception. He draped his arm across her body, cradling her against his firm
chest. His gentleness caught her by surprise, and instead of trying to break
free of his hold, she closed her eyes and sank against him.
“If you promise not to hurt me,” he
whispered in her ear, “you may take me to the ground.”
Sacre bleu. He smelled magnificent, like
a cozy wood fire on a cold night blended with a hint of spice. She swallowed
hard and nodded. “W-when a man grabs you, try to get your hand between his arm
and your neck, so you have a little room to breathe.” She demonstrated as she
walked through the steps. “Now hug his arm to your chest and duck low, throwing
your shoulder forward and thrusting out your leg.”
Mr. Hawke pitched forward, tripping over
her leg, and landed on the stage with a thunderous bang. She gasped as he
winced.
“Mr. Hawke!” Rachel rushed to kneel at
his side. “Are you hurt?” She glared at Claudine. “Look what you did. What were
you thinking?”
Claudine was frozen, unable to speak or
move. He peered up at her. She braced herself for the insults and derogatory
names that were sure to come. Any moment she expected Mr. Hawke to rail at
her--to shout insults and call her names.
He laughed.
RITA-nominated
historical romance author, Samantha Grace, discovered the appeal of a great
love story at the age of four, thanks to Disney’s “Robin Hood”. She didn’t care
that Robin Hood and Maid Marian were cartoon animals. It was her first
happily-ever-after experience, and she didn’t want the warm fuzzies to end. Now
that Samantha is grown, she enjoys creating her own happy-endings for
characters that spring from her imagination. Publisher’s Weekly
describes her stories as “fresh and romantic” with subtle humor and charm.
Samantha describes romance writing as the best job ever. Part-time medical
social worker, moonlighting author, and Pilates nut, she enjoys a happy and
hectic life with her real life hero and two kids in the Midwest.
Links:
Samantha Grace Author Website http://samanthagraceauthor.com
Newsletter http://samanthagraceauthor.com/contact.html
Where can I buy this fabulous BOX SET?
Pre-order now for only .99 cents:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1kUnFkx
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/once-upon-a-regency/id1063566786?mt=11
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/once-upon-a-regency
B&N: http://goo.gl/S295aT
Thank you so much for hosting Once Upon A Regency!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for hosting us, Mary! This is such a great group of authors to work with, and I'm excited to share our stories with everyone. :)
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure. Good luck with the rest of the tour! xx
ReplyDelete