July 2016
On Sale: July 1, 2016
Featuring: Lady Katherine Ashton; Earl of Wynbrook
400 pages ISBN: 1492605492 EAN: 9781492605492 Kindle: B01BX1PILA Paperback / e-Book Add to Wish List
Thank you for inviting me to Fresh Fiction today. I am excited to announce the
release of IF THE EARL ONLY
KNEW, which features some of my favorite characters. Determined to avoid
society as much as possible, Lady Kate has returned to London after leaving six
years ago. Part of her departure, and certainly the haste with which she left,
can be blamed on a certain John Arlington, the Earl of Wynbrook, for it was he
who kissed her in a moment of trial. She had hoped to elude him when she
returned but of course that didn’t work and she finds herself alone with him in
the study.
Here is an exclusive excerpt from IF THE EARL ONLY KNEW of
Kate and Wynbrook discussing the kiss—and Wynbrook trying to convince her to do
it again—properly this time!
Wynbrook cleared his throat and motioned for her to sit in a chair beside the
waning embers of the fire. He took the chair opposite her and Kate waited in
silence.
“The last time you left was so sudden, I did not have the chance to say
good-bye. This time, I wanted to be able to express my gratitude for your
service to my family.”
Kate gave him a short nod. “Duly noted.” She knew this was not the reason he had
wished to see here alone.
“I was surprised to hear you are leaving so soon,” commented Wynbrook.
“Our business is concluded. Our investors paid. There is no reason to trespass
on your hospitality any further.” She attempted to keep her face neutral.
Wynbrook gave her a quick nod. “Then there is only one more thing to discuss.”
He cleared his throat. “The kiss.”
Kate was so surprised, she gaped at him. “Whatever do you mean?”
“The night before you left six years ago—”
“Was terribly difficult for you,” said Kate, attempting to change the subject.
“You had suffered a grievous loss. I am sure your recollections of that time are
hazy at best.” She was giving him a way out. Take it.
“No, it will not do,” said Wynbrook after a moment’s pause. “I must beg your
forgiveness for such inexcusable behavior.”
“Nonsense. You were sick with grief. If anyone took advantage, it was me,” said
Kate.
“Do not be absurd. My behavior that night was unconscionable. As a gentleman, I
cannot abide it.”
“But you have already told me you are no gentleman.”
John gave her a slow smile. “Very true. If anyone had seen my behavior, an offer
of marriage would have been expected.”
“But no one did see it.”
“You could have told your brother. I would not have denied it. In truth, I do
not know many young ladies who would not have confessed what happened, knowing
the outcome would be a wedding.”
“If you think I would trap you or any man into marriage, you are very much
mistaken.”
“Yes. You are unique in that.” He gazed at her with frank admiration in his
eyes, bringing to the fore all the difficult emotions she had worked so
diligently to repress.
“I have no desire for a proposal.” Was she telling him or reminding herself?
“I do not blame you for holding me in low regard. The only thing worse than
kissing you when you were under the protection of my own house was to do the
thing badly. I fear my kiss was poorly executed, and for that, I apologize.”
“It was not… That is to say…I would not have said it was poorly done,” she faltered.
“So you liked the kiss?” He sounded sincere, but his eyes blazed with mischief.
“You are incorrigible. If you would excuse me.” Kate stood. It was past time to
make her escape.
John stood as well. “Forgive me, please. It is not my intention to cause
discomfort, truly. Is there anything I can do to make amends?”
They stood in silence staring at each other. This was her last chance to have
any interaction with the man who haunted her dreams and she could think of
nothing to say. “You say the kiss was a poor one?” Had she said that out loud?
“One of my worst.”
It seemed a shame that if one kiss would haunt her dreams forever that it not
even be his best. If she was to cling to one memory of a kiss for the rest of
her lonely, celibate life, should she not at least taste what the man could
truly offer?
“I am willing to attempt the process again, and you can judge whether or not my
performance is improved.” He was so somber and matter-of-fact, she almost missed
the fact that he had offered to kiss her again.
That will not be necessary. Those were the words she should say, but
somehow they were stuck in her throat. Kiss me! was what she wanted to
say, but she held that in check as well.
“In truth, I should beg your indulgence to give you a corrective kiss,” he
suggested slyly.
“A corrective kiss?”
“Yes, one to correct the memory of the poor one I gave earlier.”
“You are asking to repeat the kiss?”
“Yes.” John smiled in a manner Kate bet few women could resist. “As a favor to
me.” He stepped forward. “Lady Kate, may I give you a proper kiss?”
Giveaway
First kisses in fiction can be delightful and worth dreaming about. What is
your favorite first kiss in a romance? Two winners will get a copy of IF THE EARL ONLY KNEW.
The chase is on in award-winning author Amanda Forester’s
brand-new Regency romance series!
A sizzling scandal just waiting to happen…
Orphaned at a young age, Lady Katherine Ashton and her brother have spent most
of their lives on the high seas, seeking to restore their family fortune through
somewhat dubious means. After that kind of adventure, Kate knows she won’t ever
be accepted as a proper society lady.
To the annoyingly clever, temptingly handsome, and altogether troublesome Earl
of Wynbrook, society ladies are a dead bore. Kate, on the other hand, is
scandalous, alluring, and altogether fascinating. And Kate can’t decide which
she relishes more, the thrill of chasing fearsome pirates, or having Wynbrook
chase after her…
Romance Historical
[Sourcebooks Casablanca, On Sale: July 1, 2016,
Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9781492605492 / eISBN: 9781492605508]
Amanda Forester holds a PhD in psychology and worked many
years in academia before discovering that writing historical romance was way
more fun. A Publishers Weekly Top Ten author, her books have been given starred
reviews from Booklist, Publishers Weekly, and a Top Pick from RT Book Reviews.
Whether in the rugged Highlands of medieval Scotland or the decadent ballrooms
of Regency England, her novels offer fast-paced adventures filled with wit,
intrigue, and romance. You can visit her at www.amandaforester.com.
Oh boy... I like the kisses that come unexpectedly! (Colleen Conklin 11:36am July 6, 2016)
I am looking forward to reading this, I love her books, thanks for the review. Penney (Penney Wilfort 11:39am July 6, 2016)
One of my favorite first kisses was Anthony and Edwina's in Julia Quinn's THE VISCOUNT WHO LOVED ME. It was fun and sweet because they didn't think they even liked each other. (Cheryl Castings 11:54am July 6, 2016)
An impulsive and wonderful kiss. (Sharon Berger 12:06pm July 6, 2016)
A totally unexpected kiss initiated by the heroine is pretty cool. Why should the hero get all the fun. (Earlene Gillespie 12:45pm July 6, 2016)
Can't wait to read! (JoAnn White 1:21pm July 6, 2016)
Sweet but with a hint of heat. (Beth Tilley 2:44pm July 6, 2016)
Unknow..this isn't in a book but I love when my husband just gives me a kiss on impulsive and says I love you Honey! That beats them all!!!! (Bonnie Capuano 7:58pm July 6, 2016)
The romance that has been building and then finally the kiss happens. (Melissa Basnight 11:52pm July 6, 2016)
What a charming flirtation of an excerpt. (G. Bisbjerg 11:03am July 7, 2016)
I like when the couple doesn't realize they're attracted and happen to kiss for some reason, such as under the mistletoe. (Janie McGaugh 2:04pm July 7, 2016)
Oh this sounds so good. I'm very curious how it will turn out. (Annatasia Meehleder 10:32pm July 7, 2016)
I have been reading romance novels so long that I don't remember reading about the characters first kisses. I am sure there were some great ones in all the books I've read. (Jackie Wisherd 1:34am July 8, 2016)
I like it when they both are fighting the attraction for each other for a long time and then they are all alone and finally they can't hold back any longer and then the fireworks start going off . I'd love to read this book it sounds like it will be a 'one nighter '. Thanks for this chance to win . (Joan Thrasher 12:07pm July 8, 2016)
It seems like I remember the first time for sex with the characters than their first kiss . I guess I would have to say in GONE WITH THE WIND when Rhett tells Scarlet that she needs to be kissed often and by someone who knows how- and then he kisses her. wow (Joy Isley 1:15pm July 8, 2016)
I look forward to reading this book as it sounds delicious! (Sharon Shearouse 1:51pm July 8, 2016)
My favorite fight kiss moment is when both character are angry and arguing with each other. Love it when the guy kissed the girl as the only way to shut her up. (Kai Wong 1:54am July 9, 2016)
A fave first kiss book momemt is when the couple FINALLY get to it and felt the "connection" in that first kiss. (Ela Raymundo 2:50am July 9, 2016)
There is no way I could come up with a favorite in a book because there have been so many. But, I do remember the movie, "A Summer Place" and that first kiss was so wonderful. I remember turning to mush. Yes, I have just dated myself here! :-) (Connie Fischer 11:18am July 9, 2016)
Secrets of a Summer Night by Lisa Kleypas. Simon kisses Annabelle, whom he just met, in a dark theater. (Sharlene Wegner 12:54pm July 10, 2016)
I like the tender ones that come on a bit unexpectedly, but continue a bit on the passionate side. (Peggy Roberson 7:23am July 10, 2016)
Not one in particular but the one's where they sneak up on him and later realise that they hadn't intended to do that. (Nancy Luebke 4:52pm July 10, 2016)
I love it when a kiss comes after laughing together (Diane Sallans 9:50pm July 11, 2016)
I love the first kisses that come on unexpectedly! (Lily Shah 10:25am July 12, 2016)
I do not have a favorite moment. It depends upon the situation as to the type of kiss. (Anna Speed 12:20pm July 12, 2016)
I love reading about the romance that leads to that wonderful kiss. Can't wait to read this book!! (Bonnie Capuano 9:45pm July 12, 2016)
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