Contest has ended! Lindsay Downs has chosen 3 winners! So generous! Sarah, bn100 and Cathy all won a copy of The Masked Lady and The Murder! Lucky, lucky gals! Enjoy!!
KAREN: Lord Robert Markson risks it all to give Lady Kristina a kiss she won't soon forget! Enjoy a snippet from THE MASKED LADY AND THE MURDER by Lindsay Downs. ****Giveaway-A Kindle copy of The Masked Lady and The Murder to one lucky reader! Read on for the all the details on how to enter to win.
FIRST KISS from THE MASKED LADY AND THE MURDER by Lindsay Downs
Set-up-
Earlier in the evening Lord Robert Markson was introduced to Lady Kristina Rosewood at a masked ball. Taken by her uniqueness, he knows there’s only one way to satisfy a remaining question he has about her.
To that end Lord Robert Markson, Viscount of Hampshire, risks life, limb and her reputation to discover the answer.
Now for the First Kiss-
With care she stepped forward and loosened the window latch, the fire poker held so he could see it. He should know she meant him harm if he overstepped society's boundaries any more than already he’d done, she thought.
For every step he advanced she took one in retreat— an uncomfortable feeling, but necessary. Once he was in, she brandished her weapon at him. “M’ lord… or considering where we are, wouldn’t Robert be more appropriate? What is it you wish to learn from me?” she demanded, waving the poker at him.
“This,” he whispered.
Before Kristina could react, much less cry out in alarm, he was upon her with his arms around her waist, a feeling she’d secretly fantasized about. The fireplace poker slipped from her hand as she let him draw her forward until they were pressed together as one. Through hooded lids she watched him lower his head to hers. Not questioning what would happen next, she raised herself on her toes until lips touched lips. As she felt the tip of his tongue tease her mouth she opened to allow him entry. Before she knew it she was swept away in her first real kiss.
As quickly as it had started, it ended. “Now my question has been answered. You taste as delicious as you look,” he whispered.
She started to reach for his nape when the sound of someone attempting entry brought her back to reality. She didn’t want to return as what had just happened… words couldn’t describe. All she knew it had been pure heaven.
“Robert, you must sneak out as you came for my maid returns and it would be unseemly for her to catch us like this,” she whispered.
“Yes. As much as I don’t wish to agree, you’re right,” he answered softly. In an instant he was back on the tiny terrace blowing her a kiss, then disappeared as Amanda entered.
“M’ lady, please step away from the window as we don’t know who might see you.”
When Lord Robert Markson, Viscount of Hampshire, is force to return to England to find out who murdered his father and older brother he’s in for a surprise.
It comes in the guise of Lady Kristina Rosewood, daughter to the Earl and Countess of Crossington. To many she’s quartz but to him a multifaceted diamond.
While recovering from an attempt on his life which thrust them closer together they work through emotions for each other while sorting through letters sent to his mother years ago. Slowly, they’re able to discover the one man who could have set the murders in motion. The only problem, he’s been dead for years so who could it be and more importantly why now.
Once all the evidence is compiled the answer is something neither could believe as the threat comes from within the late viscount’s house.PURCHASE A COPY OF THE BOOK AT: Amazon
Excerpt-
As she contemplated an answer, he decided it was better to charge ahead. Stepping up, he set his right hand on the small of her back only to feel a tingle course up his arm before settling in his stomach. Unsure, but knowing he needed to continue on to enjoy the feel of her in his arms, he grasped her right hand and stepped them back as one.
“M' lord, maybe you didn’t hear me earlier," Kristina said, trying to escape his gentle but firm hold. "I can’t dance.”
“That, my dear lady, is because you’ve never partnered with me. Now relax and let the music fill your mind,” he answered back, whispering the words into her ear.
Robert shifted his head so he would be able to see her expression. She looked panicked at first, but after a few steps she wore a broad, relaxed grin.
“What’s happening to me? By now I’ve trod on the gentleman’s feet several time,” she said, breathing heavily.
What is it with this woman? He thought, gazing down upon her upturned face. All she’s done since we’ve met is confuse me. Now with her breast rubbing against me, I’m at a total loss.
“M’ lady, you’re dancing and causing me no harm,” he said, sweeping her gracefully into a turn lest they tumble down the steps that led to the lawn.
He watched as she scrunched her brow. He suspected trying to marshal her thoughts. Robert was beginning to wonder if she might be as confused as he.
“But why? That, I can’t understand.”
“Robert, Kristina if I might interrupt your dance, I believe I’ve an explanation,” Donna said, settling a hand on his arm.
He brought them to a stop, then bowed to both ladies and escorted them to a nearby stone bench. Once they were settled, he leaned against the banister and waited. “Well?” he finally asked when his sister wasn’t forthcoming.
“Believe it or not, it’s very simple. Kristina, when you’re with Robert, you’re relaxed. If you hadn’t noticed, when you speak to him your stammer is gone, and while dancing you’re comfortable in his arms.”
Robert saw she was going to say something to Donna and intervened. “No, look at me when you’re talking, even if it’s to my sister.” He looked to her. “I’m sorry, but that might be the only way.”
Looking surprised, she did as he asked, keeping her focus on him. “Lady Kersey, I don’t understand. No, wait. I’ve not stammered, so what you say must be true. And with the dancing it’s the same, m’ lady?”
“Yes. Now might I suggest we return to the ball as I’m sure my dear husband must have tired of the chit he’d chased after and is now searching me out.” Donna stood, then started for the doors they’d exited through a short while ago.
****Giveaway-
On Monday, February 17, 2014 I’ll select a winner for a Kindle copy of The Masked Lady and The Murder. To enter into the drawing leave a comment along with your email address.
What does it take to be a bestselling author? Determination, skill, talent, luck or taking a risk with a venture into a totally new genre. For me it was a little of some and a lot of the others.
In 2008 when I got two books published I thought it was due to skill; little did I know it was more luck than anything. Over the next three years I wrote, submitted, got rejected. I then did what I tell everyone who asks; I wrote some more. I didn’t give up.
More on a dare than anything I tried my hand at a regency, one of the most difficult genres because of the rules, which I might add I broke almost every one. Within two days of its release the book was on a best seller list and stayed there for two months.
Turns out it is all of the aforementioned.
After two failed marriages, one from divorce while with the other died unexpectedly I decided upon retirement to move. That opportunity came in September 2012 when I migrated to Texas.
For me, as a multipublished author, it was one of the best things I’ve done to date. Now, every day I can write, creating stories to take my readers to places they can only dream about.
I’m also a member of the Published Authors Network (PAN) by the Romance Writers of America (RWA).
A wine country native, K.F. Breene moved to San Francisco for college just shy of a decade ago to pursue a lifelong interest in film. As she settled into the vibrant city, it quickly became apparent that, while she thought making and editing films was great fun, she lacked cinematic genius. For that reason, her career path quickly changed direction. Her next goal was a strange childhood interest, conjured at the dining room table while filling out a form. For some reason, her young self wanted to be an accountant. Thinking on it now, she often wonders how she had any friends. Regardless, it was the direction she finally took.
