The Lady and Her Quill is the first novel in best-selling author Ruth A. Casie’s new regency romance series, The Ladies of Sommer by the Sea. Published by Dragonblade, this title is available in Kindle Unlimited and sold for 99 cents. Grab a cuppa and enjoy an excerpt and be sure to enter the giveaway before grabbing your copy!
The Lady and Her Quill
Publication date : November 16, 2021
Her mind kept telling her to stop loving him, but her heart couldn’t let him go.
Welcome to book 1 in the fabulous new series, The Ladies of Sommer by the Sea from USA Today Bestselling author Ruth A. Casie!
Renowned author Lady Alicia Hartley has lost her muse after a bad review. She blames it all on the author JC Melrose. A chance encounter with a handsome, witty Justin Caulfield has her heart racing, and her muse seemingly back. Is he her savior or her worst nightmare?
He didn’t see the turbulent ocean. He was too busy dealing with a different tempest.
The recently retired Captain Justin Caulfield is facing his own demons. As gifted author JC Melrose, his stories honor men who died at the hand of one man. His only focus is to avenge their deaths, that is, until he meets and falls in love with Lady Alicia.
The two authors take on a writing challenge based on a story of stolen gold taken from the newspaper headlines all to determine the better writer. While researching the story, Lady Alicia is captured by the thieves’ ringleader. Can Lady Alicia turn this mystery into an award-winning story? Can Justin save his real-life heroine?
Can they both overcome their own challenges for a happily ever after?
Series
Read an Excerpt
Alicia reached into her reticule and removed a folded letter and handed it to Mrs. Bainbridge.
“Mr. Caulfield and I had agreed my next book would be published in February, but we hadn’t finalized the contract. When I got to his office, I saw the review. I was disappointed of course, but when he suggested not publishing my story until the summer, I became upset.”
Mrs. Bainbridge lifted the quizzing glass that was tied to a ribbon that dangled down the front of her bodice and read the letter while Alicia opened her portmanteau and took out a package.
“This is wonderful news.” She handed the message back to Alicia.
“William Lane is the biggest publisher in London if not England. I had offered my books to him before I went to Mr. Caulfield, he said perhaps a smaller shop would be more appropriate for my work and suggested Caulfield Publishing. Isaac Caulfield is a good man, but he maintains tight control over all aspects of my work. I’ve told him several times I want to be involved. He pats me on the head, tells me not to worry about anything, and sends me on my way. My stories sell well. I planned to ask that we change the contract. I will pay the production costs. He can do the distribution and I would give him a commission based on sales. William Lane will never consider me now, not after reading the review.”
Alicia stared unblinking at her friend. She was at a loss for words as Mrs. Bainbridge helped her on with her pelisse.
“What makes you imagine Mr. Lane will be different? Be careful what you wish for. A larger company may have more constraints. Now, off with you. And I enjoyed your story. The review was one person’s opinion.”
“You’re right,” Alicia said as she jostled her portmanteau and the package of books.
“Would it be easier to leave the books in your luggage? The streets ice up in this weather.”
“I’m going a short distance and prefer not opening my luggage in the library. I’ll manage.”
A quick embrace from Mrs. Bainbridge and she was ready to face the weather.
She left the seminary and hadn’t gone far before she cursed herself for going at all. The street had turned to mud and ice, and the wind hadn’t stopped. Carrying the portmanteau and package of books proved to be a more difficult feat than she first imagined.
She crossed the lane and hurried down North Wickham to the library ahead. A dray stood in front of the building on the one area that wasn’t muddy. She maneuvered her way around the cart to avoid the large puddles in front and behind it.
As she reached the door her feet began to slip on a patch of ice. She juggled the package trying to keep it from falling into the mud. She saved the books but with the next step her foot slid out from under her. Her hands full she had no way to stop her fall.
A strong hand grabbed her elbow.
“I’ve got you,” he murmured in her ear.
She caught her balance and looked up into gray eyes that were strikingly familiar, but she had no idea why.
About the Author
RUTH A. CASIE is a USA Today bestselling author of historical swashbuckling action-adventures and contemporary romance with enough action to keep you turning pages. Her stories feature strong women and the men who deserve them, endearing flaws and all. She lives in New Jersey with her hero, three empty bedrooms and a growing number of incomplete counted cross-stitch projects. Before she found her voice, she was a speech therapist (pun intended), client liaison for a corrugated manufacturer, and vice president at an international bank where she was a product/marketing manager, but her favorite job is the one she’s doing now-writing romance. She hopes her stories become your favorite adventures.
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Giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveawayGiveaway Haven by Jessica Jayne @JessicaJayne13 @CaffeinatedPR
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A week to think, a lifetime to love.
When a young attorney arrives on the Big Island with the goal of moving past her broken engagement and predictable life, a brooding but sexy man is not what she expected but is exactly what she needs.
Mia wants to move beyond the years of her life wasted in pleasing everyone else, except herself. She travels to Hawaii, where she can be alone–where she knows no one and no one knows her. But instead of the solitude she craves, she meets a handsome stranger with the uncanny ability to see the person she wants to be.
Love is for other people, or so Kekoa thinks. The Hawaiian surfer is no stranger to heartbreak or sacrifice. He’s all but given up on his dreams, resigned to live the life his deceased father had planned for him. And then, a curvy and dark-haired bundle of sunshine rents a room in his family’s inn and everything changes.
Maybe love isn’t too much to hope for after all….
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Excerpt
Climbing out of the shower, Mia felt refreshed. It had been a great first day minus the awkward start, but she didn’t want to erase the run-in with Kekoa or the way his simple presence had made her feel alive.
Phina had been thrilled to whip her up a quick ham sandwich with a malasada on the side. Mia might pack on a few pounds if the Hawaiian doughnut became a regular treat with every meal.
After lunch, she lounged around by the swimming pool, dipping into the crisp water and draping her arms over the edge of the infinity pool, taking in the view. She’d even snuck in a twenty-minute nap before hitting her shower.
She had ten minutes before she had to meet for her massage. Slipping on a black running skirt and a pink tank top with shelf bra, she slid her feet into her flip-flops and pulled her hair into a ponytail. Then she meandered through the Inn and down the pathway toward the gazebo.
When she reached the square wooden gazebo partially extended over the hillside with stilts, she peered between the cream drapes hanging from ceiling to floor on three sides, creating privacy from any passersby. An open side provided a broader view of the beach below. It was breathtaking. The sound of the waves lapping the shore put her in an even more relaxing mood. The massage table, swathed in cream sheets, sat in the middle of the space.
“Excuse me,” a deep, raspy, somewhat familiar voice interrupted her intake of the space she’d be calling home for the next hour.
Mia startled, whirling around and inhaling sharply. Him! Her eyes widened in astonishment and her mouth fell open.
All six feet plus inches of hot, brooding surfer stood before her looking like the mountain she wanted to climb. He tied his dark hair up in a man-bun, wisps fluttering in the gentle breeze. With his hair out of his face, his prominent cheekbones, strong jawline, and rounded chin were more visible. He’d shaven since that morning as his cheeks and jaw were smooth. She itched to touch him, her fingers twitching at her sides. His scarred eyebrow quirked, and his mouth twisted as if ready to say something, but the sight of her prevented him from doing so.
“I-I’m waiting for my massage therapist,” she squeaked out. Her belly fluttered with sensation at being this close to him again. “I-I have an appointment at three-thirty.” She had done nothing wrong. Why was she so intimidated by him?
For crying out loud, she argued before judges and negotiated the terms of a client’s contract or presented to a board of directors explaining the contract she’d drafted for the company. A menacing, yet extremely hot surfer should be easily handled.
“I should have figured.” He blew out a breath and his gaze flicked upward to the heavens.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Mia quipped, raising her chin and gaining some confidence.
“I’m your massage therapist.” He belted out a boisterous laugh.
“What? No.” She shook her head in complete denial and waved her hands emphatically.
Undressing and lying on the massage table in nothing but a sheet before this man had her heart slamming against her chest. She considered his large, powerful hands that would rub oil into her skin while working out the tension in her muscles. A tingling sensation stirred between her legs and arousal rushed through her.
“There must be some mistake.” Her mouth went dry, and she shuffled a few steps backward, hitting the step of the gazebo and falling on her bottom.
About the Author
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Cover Reveal – A Fast Woman by Laralyn Doran @CaffeinatedPR
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Today I am delighted to share the cover of Laralyn Doran’s debut novel and the first novel in the Driven Women Series. This steamy contemporary features a feisty female NASCAR driver and sexy former Indy driver. This “enemies to lovers” romance will have your motor revving.
A Fast Woman
CJ Lomax
People called me a fast woman—not because I slept around—because I broke men’s hearts on the racetrack when I beat them. While climbing up stock car’s highest level of racing, I learned three truths: Adrenaline was my drug of choice, wearing a pair of heels was a form of torture, and I didn’t have time for distractions—especially from men.
I had one goal—a Cup Series contract—and it was within my reach.
Until Grady McBane cut me off—sending me, and my dreams, into a tailspin.
His damn smile, his charm, his talent… his touch. Damn hormones overrode my focus.
Grady McBane
The moment the beautiful, spitfire CJ Lomax tripped into my arms, it felt right.
Then Karma stepped in and laughed—Redeeming my reputation meant ruining her dream.
Even though I needed the contract to salvage my career, I found myself chasing her instead of racing her.
Her focus, her sass, her grit…her passion. I wanted it—I want her.
How could we cross the finish line without wrecking each other’s hearts?
Strap in…. it’s one hell of a ride.
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About the Author
Laralyn Doran is a multi-award winning writer of fun, contemporary romance and dark, urban fantasy romance. Her latest manuscript, “A Fast Woman” is an “enemies-to-lovers” racing romance, set to release in the fall of 2020 and will be the first in the “Driven Women” series. In 2019, “A Fast Woman” was awarded The Writer Award, given by the Land of Enchantment Romance Authors (LERA). Laralyn is a proud special needs mom, and an autism and dyslexia awareness advocate.She lives in Maryland and is a member of Romance Writers of America, Central Pennsylvania Romance Writers, Washington Romance Writers, and other affiliate chapters, where she met some amazing and supportive authors who have had the patience of saints and given her more than one kick in the backside.
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a Rafflecopter giveaway- You can see my Giveaways HERE.
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- If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
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- Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
- I am an Amazon affiliate/product images are linked.
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Giveaway – Arrogant Bastard by Jennifer Dawson @CaffeinatedPR @JenDawsonAuthor
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Today I am excited to share an excerpt and giveaway to celebrate the release of ARROGANT BASTARD by Jennifer Dawson. This is the second standalone novel in the Bastard series and shares Cat and Caden’s romance. Enjoy and be sure to download your copy!
Arrogant Bastard
I’m Cat McKay, and I’m in desperate need of a man.
My farm manager deserted me six weeks before our grand opening that will help put my family’s business on the map. Now I need to find a replacement, because I’m not about to be the reason we fail. Unfortunately, Caden Landry— whose arrogance, evasions and good looks rub me the wrong way—is my only option on a list of zero candidates.
So, as much as it pains me to admit it, I need him to step in and save the day. Yeah, I hate it too.
I’m Caden Landry, and I have a self-destructive streak a mile wide.
One thing is clear, I need to stay the hell away from my new boss, Cat McKay. Not an easy task, considering she’s the kind of woman I find irresistible. But I’m tired of running, tired of living paycheck to paycheck with nothing but a flatbed to my name. I’m determined this time I’m going to get my life together.
So, I’m not about to screw a golden opportunity because I can’t keep my hands off the woman in charge. This time, self-preservation will prevail.
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Read an Excerpt
I point to the empty seat at the end of the counter. “Did you not hear me say I want to be alone.”
“I did.” He points to the shot glass. “You gonna let me do a shot all by myself?”
“You would have been doing it all by yourself if I wasn’t here.”
“But you are here,” he points out, oh so helpfully.
I contemplate irrationally throwing the tequila in his face but that seems a bit too dramatic and wouldn’t really work in my favor. Not only does it show my cards, but it wastes perfectly good alcohol.
Doesn’t mean I can’t work out a deal.
I tilt my head. “If I do a shot with you will you leave me alone?”
“Probably not.” He grins.
I think he intends it to be all good-natured and disarming, but it doesn’t come across like that at all.
Heat kicks up low in my belly. I shake my head. “You know, I kinda hate you.”
“Oh, I know you do.” He laughs, and it hardens my nipples under the thin cotton of my tank top.
“I find you annoying.” I straighten my spine, feeling all justified. Which is probably the liquor. But isn’t that the point in drinking? To justify your actions while you’re in the headspace to not give a shit about the consequences.
“You don’t say.” He drinks his beer before placing it on the bar and shifting toward me. “What else?”
“You’re infuriating.”
“Not the first time I’ve heard that.”
I wrinkle my nose. “You think you know everything.”
“Not everything, but most things.”
I’m on a roll now and it feels good to let loose of the reins a little, I’ve been strung too tight for too long. I need to snap a little to find some balance. “I hate how everyone likes you.”
He flashes that smile at me. “That is frustrating.”
I roll my eyes at him. “Oh my god, stop it.”
“I’m just listening to your list of grievances.”
“Well, stop it.”
He picks up his glass and tilts it in my direction. “About that shot.”
Bastard Series
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Giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveawayGiveaway – Carolina Beach by Cecy Robson @cecyrobson @CaffeinatedPR
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I’ve got great news. If you haven’t already discovered Cecy Robson’s Carolina Beach series you can now download the complete set. All three novels – Inseverable, Eternal, and Infinite–are together in one steamy eBook bundle. Check out the series fans love and enter to win as we celebrate its release.
Praise for the Books
“This is, hands down, one of my favorite books of 2016 thus far… INSEVERABLE, the first book in the upcoming Carolina Beach series, is FUNNY, like really funny. Heartfelt and sweet and goofy and just plain amazing.” —Top Pick, The Romance Reviews
“Eternal is a heartfelt and beautiful love story of two wounded hearts who find each other when and where they least expect it.” —USA Today, HEA
“[Infinite] hit all the feels and when I say all, I mean All. Of. Them. in one form or another and it made it very difficult to put the book down…So, if you love second chance romances then this is a must read!” —Books-n- Wine
Read an Excerpt from Inseverable
“I know parties aren’t exactly your thing,” I say. “But I hope you had fun.”
Okay. Not exactly the right words I think I need. But they’re true enough.
He watches me, falling back into deadpan silence I hoped was far behind us. Ordinarily, I’d make an obnoxious comment to stir a grin or maybe even a chuckle. But it doesn’t seem right at this moment. So instead of tapping into my playful side, I search my heart, hoping it will speak better than my mind.
I take a step forward, keeping my voice light. “You know, I was hoping you’d kiss me tonight, especially after you sang me that beautiful song.” I clasp my hands in front of me, feeling suddenly shy. “Am
I crazy for thinking you might?”
“No. Not at all,” his deep voice rumbles.
I raise my head slowly, shock hitching my breath. Callahan edges back and opens the door. Instead of climbing in, he stretches his long body across the seats, slipping back out with a spray of gorgeous wildflowers.
“You brought these for me?” I ask, barely able to get the words out.
“No.” The corners of his mouth lift. “They’re for Sean seeing how I make his panties wet.”
I start to laugh, but it doesn’t last, because the way Callahan is looking at me is very different from the way he was looking at me seconds before. This expression is the perfect blend of sweetness and ardor, just as it was when he sang to me.
He doesn’t know that the song he chose is among my all-time favorites. Nor does he realize how his deep soothing voice and the gesture affected me. I want to tell him, but I’m not sure how to express something that touched me so deeply simply with words, especially now that the sadness he stows deep inside of him, finds its way to the surface.
I take a risk, and ask him what
I’ve wanted to know since I first saw him. “Are you okay?”
When he doesn’t answer, I’m not sure he will. Yet when he does, I feel it like a pull, drawing me closer.
“Not always,” he admits quietly.
I purse my lips, struggling to stay strong for him. “Do you hurt?” I ask.
His stare travels down as I inch to his side, close enough that the leaves from my flowers sweep against his chest. “Sometimes,” he answers.
I tilt my chin and meet his face.
“Are you lonely?”
He lifts his head slowly, pitching me with such an intense stare, it holds me in place. “Not when I’m with you,” he whispers.
He moves forward, sliding his right hand behind the curve of my neck to cup the base of my skull. His other hand winds carefully around my waist. As I try to remember how to move, he skims my jaw with his thumb and lowers his mouth to meet mine.
At first his lips scarcely touch, trailing over me so softly I can barely sense the contact. The care he uses is sweet, subtle, but carries enough fire to warm all the right places and make me crave more. Yet what he’s doing feels so right, and so pure, I don’t force it, allowing him to lead us.
My lips follow his, brushing lightly, teasing gently, fitting perfectly. It’s only when his tongue probes forward and the tip flickers over mine that everything changes.
And dear God, there’s nothing pure or tender about what happens next.
Callahan devours me, fueling a frenzy within me and inciting me to ravish him just as hard in return. I moan and whimper, my heart racing hard enough to fill my ears with its beat. This isn’t a kiss. Oh, hell no. This is our tongues having sex!
He grunts, whirling me around and pressing my back against the truck door. My legs fasten around his waist as he hoists me onto his hips and deepens our kiss.
“Trin?”
Something hard presses against my belly.
“Trin?”
My lids flutter when he slips his tongue inside my ear.
“Trin?”
My hands yank up his shirt, traveling upward to smooth over his hard chest and graciously erect nipples. But when my teeth find his neck, and he swears, I just about rip his clothes off.
“Trin? You out here?”
Callahan breaks our contact and lowers me to my feet, stepping on my abandoned flowers as Sean appears with Mason.
“Trin?” Sean calls out, yet again.
I stomp forward and throw my hands out. “What? Tell me what is so important you have to interrupt quality face sucking time?”
“Can we have the wine?” Sean asks, looking at Mason who’s doing his best not to crack up.
“Sean!” I yell. “Did you even have to ask? Drink the whole thing for all I care.”
“Thanks, Trin,” he answers all excited-like. “Later, Callahan.”
“Night, Callahan,” Mason says, no longer able to hold back his laughter.
I turn back to Callahan who, like me, is panting. But very unlike me he’s chuckling as he rubs his jaw.
“Sorry,” I squeak.
“It’s all right,” he tells me. But then he says the last thing I want to hear. “I should go.”
We’re not going to have sex against your truck? It’s what I think— and after that kiss no one can blame me. But contrary to popular belief, I don’t always say what I think.
“You don’t have to,” I stammer.
“It’s late,” he says.
“Oh.” Let me rephrase that, how about we have sex against your truck?
“Okay.”
He stares at me for a beat then bends to retrieve my flowers and passes them to me. The daisies are broken and the peonies have seen better days. And yet I’m so touched by the sweet gesture from a man who’s so hard and almost impossible to get to know, I find it hard to keep my voice steady. “Thank you,
Callahan. They’re lovely.”
His features soften apologetically. “They don’t look quite like they did in the store.”
“I don’t care about that. It’s the nicest thing anyone’s done for me in a long time,” I tell him truthfully. “Thank you for thinking of me.”
Again he watches me. I’m hoping he’ll change his mind and stay.
But he doesn’t.
“Goodnight, Trin,” he says quietly.
I find a way to smile despite my disappointment. “Goodnight,
Cecy Robson is an international and multi-award-winning author of over twenty-five character driven novels. A registered nurse of eighteen years, Cecy spends her free time creating magical worlds, heart-stopping romance, and young adult adventure. After receiving two RITA® nominations, the Maggie Award, the Award of Excellence, and a National Reader’s Choice Award nomination, you can still find Cecy laughing, crying, and cheering on her characters as she pens her next story.
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Giveaway – Of Flame and Fury by Cecy Robson @cecyrobson @CaffeinatedPR
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Of Flame and Fury
Grab your copy
Read an Excerpt
About the Author
More Books in the Weird Girls/Flame Urban Fantasy Series
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- Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
- I’m an Amazon affiliate/product images are linked.
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Giveaway – Havenport @CaffeinatedPR
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Welcome to Havenport, RI a fictional town not far from Newport where you’ll find romance, suspense, time travel and secrets shared by five authors in genres you love. Today they are releasing five new standalone books, come check them out and stay for a spell… A quick note from Havenport newspaper gossip, Candy Apples….Discover Your Next Read
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Giveaway Blitz for Raven Point Pack #Audiobooks by Heather Renee @hrenee_author @CaffeinatedPR
- You can see my Giveaways HERE.
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- If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
- Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.
- Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
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