Friday 29 March 2019

Temporary Bride by Arabella Sheen - Excerpt 1



Temporary Bride
  
Arabella Sheen



Max Jordan is one of America’s most powerful, leading corporate lawyers. He is also the major stockholder and head of the billion-dollar corporation - Jordan Diamond Empire.
Max must marry soon to keep the business safe and the company secure from a takeover.
Returning to England in search of the only woman he knows and trusts to help him in his moment of need - he tracks Amy down and asks her to marry him.

Amy Denver wants nothing to do with Max Jordan...and she certainly wants nothing to do with his marriage proposal. Five painful years have passed since Max disappeared from her life and a lot has happened to her in between. Amy has a secret she’d rather he didn’t discover. Her secret is Jake...their son. Once again Amy finds herself surrendering to Max and his demands as he whisks her and Jake off to Waterfront, his private, secluded home in the Hamptons.

    

Chapter 1


Dawn was breaking on the horizon of the London skyline as Max Jordan, head and company director of Jordan Diamond Empire, flew into Heathrow airport in his private jet.
It had been a long, arduous North Atlantic flight but Max had spent his hours in the air lucratively. During the flight, he had been fighting a mid-air battle using his laptop and he had won a diamond laser contract for his company worth billions of dollars. All that remained to be done was for him to fly to Japan and finalise the deal with a face-to-face handshake and a signature on the dotted line.
Looking at Max, no one would guess he hadn’t slept in nearly twenty-four hours. Having had a quick shower on the plane and changed into one of his many handmade suits, he looked as fleshly groomed and as sleek as he had hours earlier when he’d boarded the luxury jet in New York.
Tall, tanned and dynamic, Max could be described as sex on legs.
Ploughing his way through the VIP lounge to the waiting limousine outside, all eyes turned in his direction. Chic, stylishly-beautiful women followed him with desire in their eyes, while waiting businessmen revealed a flash of envy as he passed. But Max was oblivious to all their stares. He was a man on a mission and time was of the essence.
The door to the limousine was being held open in readiness for him and, without ceremony, Max sped passed the onlookers and climbed into the back seat. Pulling away from the airport the chauffeur looked in the driving mirror and asked, “Where to Mr Jordan? Your hotel or the office?”
“Office please,” Max replied. He then proceeded to indulge in a luxury he never normally found time for…he sat back and let himself experience the ride.
The laptop and briefcase he had brought along with him lay unnoticed and forgotten on the seat beside him and, as he sat back looking out of the window watching familiar landmarks go by, he felt a pang of nostalgia for the old times.
After five years of absence from the city, he was once more back in London and vivid memories of happier times came flooding back. It had been a carefree period in his life when he could do exactly as he wished. Now things were different. He had responsibilities.
Max still called the shots and had ultimate power and control of the business, but in some things, his hands were bound and tied.
Often he felt the weight of his obligations heavy on his shoulders, and that was one of the reasons he was here today in London.
He was here to perform a duty…his duty.
He needed a wife and he knew what he had to do.
Max had returned to England to find and marry Amy Denver.

Disclaimer, Copyrights and Publishing
Any names or characters have no existence outside the imagination of the
 author or are used fictitiously and actual events are purely coincidental.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, copied,
stored in a retrieval system known or hereinafter invented, without
 written permission of the publisher.

Copyright © 2013 by – Arabella Sheen
Published by priceplacebooks
All rights reserved.
ISBN 978-0-9575698-0-5


Welcome to Contemporary Author - Michelle F. Adams

I’m delighted to welcome Michelle F. Adams to my blog.



Hello Michelle, It was great to connect through our romance publisher, Beachwalk Press - where a wide range of quality ebooks in a variety of subgenres, all with ratings of  "sensual" or "higher" heat levels, are offered.
You've recently entered the mystical world of ebooks and publishing and we're all eager to get to know a little bit more about you and your writing. Here are a few questions which will hopefully give your readers an insight into some of the things that matter to you.

Arabella: How did you find your agent or publisher and what are their good points?
Michelle: I went through a few rejections from other publishers so I took a year off to revise and edit my book before submitting again. I found Beachwalk Press listed as the publisher of an author I frequently read and decided to send them my book and voilà, here we are. This is my debut novel so as an author working for the first time with a publisher, I believe their best point is that they keep you in the loop all the time. This continuous communication is vital for me to feel comfortable with the whole process and I find Pamela very co-operative, encouraging and mindful of this fact.

Arabella: Currently, what is your most favourite T.V. programme, and why?
Michelle: Well, I’m not much of a T.V watcher, but one of my favorite series is Monk. I know it’s not at all recent, in fact, I think it first came out in 2002 but I love the concept of a genius detective struggling with OCD and yet being brave enough to face the world each day. It also has subtle comedy so it’s good for me when I need to relax and unwind.

Arabella: Who or what inspired you to write your latest release, Bound to Him.
Michelle: Bound to Him is my debut novella and I started writing it because I was very disheartened with the man-whores and cheaters who had begun to dominate the romance genre. I wanted to read a book with a hero who was completely devoted to his heroine and would never stray so I thought, instead of complaining and crying, why not write my own happily-ever-after?


Arabella: When writing a novel, how do you work? Are you a plotter or pantser?
Michelle: I would say I’m a little bit of both. I have an outline in my head about the general storyline of a romance and the major characteristics of the hero and heroine and then write down scenes as they come to me, sometimes even developing new scenes while I’m writing.

Arabella: If the person of your dreams, (husband/wife/partner/or superstar), were to take you out for the night, where would they take you and what would you do?
Michelle: I would love for a future husband to take me for a walk in the park, then just sit on the bench, holding hands. Oh, and if he brings a romance book in his Kindle from one of my favorite authors and reads it to me in his deep, rumbly voice, I might fall in love all over again.

Arabella: A slice of Chocolate Cake, a piece of Fruit, or Burger and Fries?
Michelle: A whole 2-pound chocolate cake, please!


Arabella: When writing a book or chapter, which is most important to you: plot, character, or setting?
Michelle: I think it is very important for me to justify my character’s personality so when I’m writing scenes, I always think about what my character would say or how he/she would react in a particular situation, then write accordingly.

Arabella: What about your future plans? Any books or series in the making?
Michelle: Bound to Him is the first book in a series called Alphamen in Suits. The other two books will be about the hero’s sister falling for the head-of-security and the heroine’s best friend chasing his personal assistant.

Thank you for joining me on Arabella's Blog and Chit-Chat, Michelle. I hope the man of your dreams and your happy-ever-after are found sometime soon.
Oh...and good luck with your debut contemporary erotic novel, Bound to Him. Keep the words flowing. Your readers are waiting for the next in the series.

All the best and happy-ever-after writing,
Arabella Sheen
arabellasheen.co.uk


About Michelle F. Adams
My happiest memories involve a comfortable chair, soft morning light and a book in my hand. I’ve always identified myself as a reader who loves to write. Reading romance and erotica helps me escape to a world filled with love, passion and happily-ever-after. With my stories, I hope to provide people with a haven they can have a brief respite in when life gets too hard. My heroes will always be possessive and completely devoted to their heroines. No cheating, love-triangles, OW-OM scenes, man-whores or players. If you want to read safe, sweet and short stories then dive into my world and believe in the power of love.

If you like my books or just want to chat, drop me a line at: michelle01adams@gmail.com
For information on book releases and upcoming books, visit my:
Facebook Page at: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleAdamsMA


Bound to Him (Alphamen in Suits # 1)

Book Blurb:

He will bind her to him…in marriage.

James Marshall never takes no for an answer. He is feared for his cunning wit and ruthless drive in the business world. From the first moment he lays eyes on Clarissa, he knows he will stop at nothing to have her…every part of her.

Clarissa Moreland knows her father’s dire situation, and she resolves to do whatever is necessary to save their family’s company. But she doesn’t expect the solution to be a man who looks at her with raw desire and naked yearning. Now her only option is to agree to be his, and he intends to keep her forever.

Content Warning: contains strong language and sexual content

Buy links:
Beachwalk Press Website: http://beachwalkpress.com/bound-to-him/

Wednesday 20 March 2019

Welcome to Historical Suspense Author - June Davies

I’m delighted to welcome June Davies to my blog.



Hello June,
When asked for your genre(s), you answered you’re a: Historical romantic suspense and family sagas author. Wow! That’s quite a mouthful. But I must say it offers a wide range of interests and genres to choose from. Such a diverse field also makes for riveting and spellbinding reading.
Here are a few questions which will hopefully give your readers an insight into some of the things that matter to you.


Arabella: How did you find your agent or publisher and what are their good points?
June:   My roots are in the dim, distant, old-fashioned world of typewriters and paper books! You typed your manuscript, packed it up into a large brown envelope, together with covering letter and s.a.e,, posted it – and hoped your story landed upon the desk of a publisher, agent or editor who found something worthwhile in your work!
Past and present, that’s pretty much how publishers, editors and I have come together. (communication is usually via email these days!) As for good points, our working together as a team to create the best story possible is paramount.

Arabella: Which do you prefer to wear: beach shorts and top, a long evening skirt and blouse, pyjamas and slippers?
June:   From those options, pj’s and slippers! But usually, I’d plump for comfortable shoes, walking trousers – with lots of pockets! – sweatshirt, and a big floppy hat!
  

(Blue suits you, June.) 💗😊

 Arabella: What inspired you to write your latest release, The Apothecary’s Daughter?
June:   That’s a tricky one, Arabella . . . Haworth, the hill-top Pennine village where the Brontë sisters lived and wrote, draws me in again and again whenever I’m walking in West Yorkshire.
Across the main street from the parsonage are the double-fronted premises of Haworth’s 19th century druggist. We’re told Branwell obtained his supplies of laudanum here, and here it was the sisters made purchases of soap, goods and remedies, saving the wrapping paper to write stories upon.
Although while writing The Apothecary’s Daughter, the Haworth druggist’s establishment wasn’t consciously in my thoughts, looking back, surely in some corner of my imagination it may have been an inspiration for Keziah Sephton’s family apothecary? 


Arabella: Are there any organisations, writing or reader groups, you belong to? And, how do they support or help you in creating such wonderful, inspirational novels?
June:   I’m a member of the RNA and the Society of Authors, and belong to From Story Idea to Reader, a closed Facebook group welcoming writers, whether they be experienced or just getting started.
Writing is a solitary occupation. Belonging to groups and organisations offers companionship; together with the sharing of mutual interests, information, experience; of practical, legal and general advice - together with the invaluable encouragement, help and support of fellow writers.

Arabella: A slice of Chocolate Cake, a piece of Fruit, or Burger and Fries?
June:   Fruit, every time!


Arabella: When writing a book or chapter, which is most important to you: plot, character, or setting?
June: I’d have to choose Character, but really it’s always a combination of all three.

Arabella: How do you research your novels and characters?
June: I love libraries!

Arabella: What advice would you give to someone who is starting out on their writing journey?
June:  Write every day! Even if it’s only a few lines or jotting down an idea – Just write!
Many thanks for inviting me onto your Blog and Chit-Chat, Arabella – I’ve thoroughly enjoyed chatting with you and your readers!


June, Thank you for joining me on Arabella’s Blog and Chit-Chat.
Your latest murder suspense sounds full of adventure and mystery, and I’m sure your readers can’t wait to discover if there’s to be true romance in Keziah’s life.
Best wishes and lots of happy-ever-after writing.

Arabella Sheen


About June Davies
June Davies was born in an old house overlooking the Lancashire coastline, and the seashore finds its way into many of her stories.
Sometimes, as in The Dog Star, the sea is a powerful force driving the inhabitants of 19th Century Monks Quay, while in other tales like In Destiny's Wake, it has a gentler presence, yet still influences the characters and their lives.
History has intrigued her since schooldays, and when as a mature student she read History at University of Liverpool, she says it was like being given a passport to travel through time!
June Davies writes historical romantic and family suspense, serials, short stories and stories for children --- She still lives within walking distance of the seashore.


June’s Social Media Links:




The Apothecary’s Daughter – Blurb - (released Jan 2019, Endeavour Media)
A wintry Yorkshire hill town in the 1800s; the arrival of a mysterious stranger from South Carolina, the disappearance of a precious family keepsake, an old tale about a hidden hoard of medieval treasure - and cold-blooded murder . . .

It’s been a long, harsh winter in the prosperous market town of Barrowby, where Keziah Sephton is busier than ever. As well as caring for three generations of her family in their tall, narrow home behind the apothecary, Keziah is coping alone with the responsibilities of running the apothecary while her father is tending fever victims at the local almshouse. She has neither thought nor time for romance.

Meanwhile, hardworking George Cunliffe has loved Keziah since they were youngsters. He’s torn between admiring Keziah’s selfless devotion to her family and impatience for them to spend more time together. When gallant Benedict Clay arrives at the apothecary claiming to be blood-kin, George is immediately suspicious of the soft-spoken Southern gentleman’s motives – and intensely jealous of his attentiveness towards Keziah.

However, the American is warmly welcomed by the Sephtons, gradually drawn into the very heart of the family – and into Keziah’s heart, also. But after her grandmother’s precious Book of Hours disappears, Keziah is tormented by treacherous doubts. Confronted by the dreadful consequences of greed and bitter resentment, Keziah is swiftly enmeshed in a shocking spiral of deception, betrayal, ruthless ambition – and cold-blooded murder.


Buy link:



Wednesday 13 March 2019

Welcome to Contemporary Author - Julie Ryan

I’m delighted to welcome Julie Ryan to my blog.




Hello Julie,
It was great to connect with you through the Romantic Novelists’ Association. Over the years, I’ve found the RNA to be a wonderful group in which to meet lots of fellow authors and affiliate members, all of whom are eager to share exciting news about books.
Here are a few questions which will hopefully give your readers an insight into some of the things that matter to you.

Arabella: How did you get your first novel published?
Julie: I actually self-published my first novel, Jenna’s Journey, without submitting it to a publisher. This was for two reasons; I was terrified of rejection and thought if a few people liked it, it would give me confidence and secondly, I was impatient and didn’t want to wait maybe two years for my book to see the light of day, if at all. In the end, I did submit to a publisher and it came out as an e-book and paperback, which gave me a huge thrill. Sadly, the publisher closed their doors and it was back to self-publishing, having learnt an awful lot along the way.

Arabella: A slice of Chocolate Cake, a piece of Fruit, or Burger and Fries?
Julie: If you knew me, it would be chocolate cake all the way!!!

Arabella: In your latest release, Finding Rose, who is your favourite character and why?
Julie: In ‘Finding Rose’, part of the book is set during WW1 as we see the horrors through the eyes of Matthew, who signed up as a 17 year old. His story was inspired by my grandfather and I think of it as a tribute to him. It reminds us of the huge debt we owe to all those young people. Sadly he died when I was six so I never got to talk to him about his experiences.



Arabella: What inspires you to write in your genre?
Julie: I love reading contemporary romance, historical fiction and mystery/crime so my books are a combination of all those genres. It makes my books different but also hard to market.

Arabella: When writing a book or chapter, which is most important to you: plot, character, or setting?
Julie: For the Greek Island mysteries, the setting played a huge part and is just as important as the characters or plot. For me everything else evolves from the setting.

Arabella: Which do you prefer to wear: slippers, stilettos, pumps, or boots?
Julie: Slippers – but I do have standards and change if I go out.


Arabella: When writing a novel, how do you work? Are you a plotter or pantser?
Julie: A bit of both really. I start with a very rough plot and a couple of characters but by the “end” the finished product usually bears little resemblance to the original idea. I admire people who can plot out their book in every chapter but it’s not how I work. I quite like the idea that my book evolves as I write and I really have no idea how it’s going to end.

Arabella: What about your future plans? Any books or series in the making?
Julie: I’m currently writing a play for our local amateur dramatic society to perform. Then it’s onwards with a new series set in Greece.


Julie, Thank you for joining me on Arabella’s Blog and Chit-Chat. It’s good to know you think ahead and change your footwear when going out…
And your new mystery series set in Greece sounds exciting. I can’t wait to read about sandy beaches, a bronzed hero, and the Greek's national drink…ouzo!

Arabella Sheen
About Julie Ryan

Julie Ryan’s roots are in a small mining village in South Yorkshire. After a degree in French Language and Literature, wanderlust kicked in and she lived and worked in France, Poland, Thailand and Greece. Her spirit enriched, her imagination fired, Julie started a series of mystery romances; thrillers set in the Greek Isles. She has also written a Christmas rom-com and her latest work, Finding Rose, is a contemporary novel with a strong historical element.

A prolific and well-known book review blogger, Julie does her writing and reviewing from rural Gloucestershire, where she lives with her husband, son and rescue cat. She manages to write a book a year although without their help, she would probably write more quickly. She is a book addict and will soon need either a bigger house for her collection or a new husband!

When not writing or reading or eating chocolate, she can be found treading the boards in the local amateur dramatic society – Oh yes she can!

Julie’s Social Media Links are:



Finding Rose  - Blurb

When three sisters, Ginny, Sally and Molly are brought together at their father’s hospital bed, they are forced to confront not only the prospect of a future without him but also the secrets of the past that have kept them apart.

Their father, Eddie Matthews, drugged up on morphine, seems to be rambling but could he, in fact, be reliving previous lives as a Tudor monk and as a soldier on the Front in WW1? Struggling to speak he reveals that he has a secret and urges his daughters to ‘Find Rose’. Can the sisters put aside their differences to fulfil his last wish?


Buy link:
Finding Rose Buy the book here





Saturday 2 March 2019

Westbury - A Sweet Regency Romance is OUT NOW!!


I'm delighted to say:

Westbury - A Regency Romance - Ballrooms, Cotillions and Almack's…   is OUT NOW!!



Delve into the Regency era and enjoy the adventures of Miss Georgina Morton and her friends...

Westbury 

                                                                                 Click here for more...

Can Miss Georgina Morton surrender her independence and accept the Duke’s love?

Miss Georgina Morton, at the age of four-and-twenty, with a modest annual income of four hundred pounds, believes she has no need of a husband and can manage quite nicely without one. Yet within a matter of weeks, she’s betrothed to Giles Glentworth, the Sixth Duke of Westbury, and bound for Regency London.

Set in rural Wiltshire and elegant, fast-paced London...a runaway ward, a shooting at midnight, and a visit to fashionable Almack’s, are only a few of the adventures Georgina enjoys while falling for the Corinthian charms of the Duke.

Buy Links:
                                            ...and other reputable ebook retailers.

Excerpt:  
Westbury  - Ballrooms, Cotillions and Almack's…
     
Some years ago, Georgina’s parents had hired a house in Claremont Square for the London Season. They had taken her to London with the intention of presenting her to society so that she might find a suitable man to make a match with and marry. Georgina had done all the things a debutante should do. She’d gone to balls, danced the night away, and she’d made lots of new friends.
It was whilst paying a morning visit to one of her friends―Clarissa Davenport―that Georgina first encountered “Cousin Giles.” He had been known as the Marquis of Glentworth, and her encounter with him was anything but pleasant.
At the time, Georgina hadn’t known who the Marquis of Glentworth was, and it was only later in the season when someone pointed him out as being none other than the next Duke of Westbury, that she discovered his true identity.
Having called upon Clarissa to indulge in a delightful tête-à-tête about a ball they attended the night before, Georgina left her friend’s house and was making her way back to Claremont Square on foot when the Marquis of Glentworth almost knocked her down with his phaeton.
He was considered London’s most eligible bachelor and thought of by the ladies of the ton as the undisputed dandy of the Season. But that didn’t matter to Georgina. All she remembered about the Marquis was that he was the most arrogant, high-handed man she’d ever met, and he’d behaved atrociously toward her.
Whether he’d seen her crossing the road or whether she’d stepped off the curb too quickly was irrelevant. It was the fact that he’d chosen to give her a dressing down in public that riled her.
There was no doubt the Marquis veered his horses away to the side of the road with great skill. And his competence in avoiding an accident was excellent. But she felt there was no need for him to have shouted her down in such an ungentlemanly fashion in front of passers-by. He’d been completely and utterly discourteous.
His displeasure with her was apparent, and people at the roadside, witnessing their altercation, had been thoroughly entertained by her discomfort. For her it was an excruciatingly painful and embarrassing event. And she’d been disconcertingly mortified.
“You there,” the Marquis had called out. “Where are you bound in such a hurry? I assume you know you have crossed the road with unseeming recklessness?”
The Marquis was a fine figure of a man. Handsome enough, with a crop of thick, raven-black hair swept back from his brow in the style known as a Brutus. His features, although not rugged, were strong and compelling. And his penetrating eyes, by startling contrast, were of a cool steely grey that was mesmerising. But his good looks and manly attractiveness did not sway her from the fact that his gentleman-like behaviour wasn’t up to scratch or that he was shouting, giving her a dressing down in public.
Flustered and on the point of apologising for her hasty action, Georgina remained silent. When she heard his angry words and the tone of voice in which he spoke, she pointedly ignored his outburst and concentrated solely on straightening her lopsided bonnet. But when his horses moved, restlessly shaking their manes for attention, her bonnet, which had by now fallen from her head and dangled by its ribbons down her back, was completely forgotten.
Drawing near to where the high-perch phaeton stood, and with total disregard for her safety, she’d gone to the front of the carriage, taken the horses’ bridles in her gloved hands, and tried to calm them. Stroking their forelocks, she’d spoken soothing words before fixing a steely glare of disdain upon their owner.
Never before had she been more thankful for all the hours she’d spent in her bedchamber as a young girl, standing in front of the mirror, practising and perfecting the art of delivering the harshest of stares imaginable. Any lesser man than the Marquis would have baulked at her glower, but her unflinching look seemed not to affect him.
“Had you been more attentive, sir, there would have been no need for you to have pulled so harshly on these reins. You might have ruined their sensitive mouths.”
“Let me tell you, young Miss, no one has ever dared question me on the treatment of my horses before. You are the first person to do so.”
Georgina was surprised by the incensed and irate reaction of the Marquis. She’d ruffled his feathers.
“Really? You astonish me, sir. Perhaps someone ought to have done so before.”
He adjusted his grip on the reins. “I pride myself on giving my thoroughbreds only the finest. Nothing is of more importance to me than my horses’ wellbeing. They always have the best of everything. The best stables, the best grooms, the best fodder, and I never leave them standing outside in the cold waiting on my pleasure. Never. How dare you say I might have ruined their mouths?”
Bravely ignoring his outburst, Georgina began gingerly inspecting the horses, searching for any damage that might have been caused. There was none. But that was of no account.
Although the Marquis had skilfully handled his animals as any Corinthian, it was of no consequence to her. Her hackles were raised, and she was on the warpath. Given half the chance, she was ready to accuse him of anything and everything because of the way he made her feel and because of the telling off he’d given her.
“Had I not been vigilant, madam, my greys could have floored you, and the world would be minus your beauty.”
Georgina thought she detected a hint of tightly control sarcasm about this man, but giving him the benefit of the doubt, she decided she might be wrong. There was such an air of condemnation about him that she doubted he would ever have the inclination or the ability to stoop so low in order that he might indulge himself in something as meaningless and trivial as cynicism.
“I’m realistic enough to know I’m not a beauty, sir. I agree I may have momentarily lost my wits when crossing this road and that I might have been quite inconsiderate to these magnificent horses, but I’m not so stupid as to believe you when you call me a beauty.” Georgina tilted her head proudly in the air. “I must inform you that on more than one occasion I’ve been told my looks are passable, but a beauty I’m not. And never shall be.”
Giles had regarded her with a measuring look and then he’d laughed in disbelief. “Never before have I paid a woman a compliment and had it thrown back at me. I’m intrigued to know what kind of modest, self-effacing woman I’m talking to.”
“I’m not self-effacing, sir. I’m only truthful.”
“Then if you tell me you are not a beauty and inform me that my judgement is to be questioned, I must insist on having a closer look―for my eyes must be deceiving me. Come, step up into the carriage and allow me to inspect you.”
Giles drew off his gloves and tossed them onto the seat beside him. He reached down a hand to help her up, but with a shake of her head, she refused.
“Sir, I will not,” she said, affronted. “And you cannot make me.”
“Don’t fly into high fidgets. If you will not come to me then I shall have to come to you.”

Buy Links:
                                         ...and other reputable ebook retailers.


Forbidden Stowaway - Arabella Sheen - EXCERPT 2

   Chapter One - Excerpt 2 Olivia was taken to the back of the tavern, where the landlady pulled aside a dark velvet curtain to reveal a ro...