The Soldier’s Woman
by Kelly Lyonns
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GENRE: Historical Romance - Regency
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BLURB:
It is 1810 somewhere in the chaos of
war-ravaged Napoleonic Portugal. Miss Charlotte Everslea, dedicated member of
an ancient secretive Guild and skilled paranormal artefacts hunter, has found
herself trapped behind enemy lines. Colonel Maximillian Bladewood is used to
giving orders and having them obeyed, both on and off the battlefield. But the
petite golden-haired hoyden, to whose accidental intervention he owes his life,
challenges both his authority and his sanity. Their cross-purposed journey will
reach a crossroad where one or both of them will need to compromise.
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EXCERPT:
When
Charlotte met Maxmillian
He
was still holding her, and she wasn’t quite sure what to do next. There was a
pause as she felt him lean back a little, probably trying to catch a glimpse of
her face. It was extremely silly, but despite everything she had already faced,
she couldn’t look him in the eye, couldn’t bear him seeing the red puffy proof
of her crying.
“I
wish I had a handkerchief to offer.” The deep quiet voice above her head
paused, “Sadly, mine are with my dress uniform in a supply wagon, somewhere on
the other side of this battlefield I should think.”
She
was grateful for his attempt to invoke the humour and even a little civility to
their situation.
“I
most sincerely apologise, Sir.” Heavens above, her voice came out as a wavering
snuffle. She could absolutely not look up.
He
neither moved nor answered for some long moments. She felt a little trill of
something like panic building in her chest. When he did speak, the words were
all gentleness, despite the dust roughened rasp.
“It
is of no consequence Madam. I think that we find ourselves in an unusual
situation.” He cleared his throat before adding quietly, “I have seen strong
men break down and weep after a battle. There is no shame in this.”
The
little alarm that had been building evaporated. She still stood inside his
arms. He had made no attempt to release her, but then neither had she made any
sign that she wished it. Suddenly realising she needed to do exactly that, she
stiffened in his arms and gave the barest push with her hands. Was it her
imagination, or was there a moment of hesitation before he let her go? With an
unsettling mix of relief and regret she stepped away, head averted to avoid his
gaze. She was glad there was no witness to their strange introduction. What an
impression she was making.
“Nevertheless,
I apologise for such a display.”
“Please do not berate yourself for such a
social lapse. Not here… in this Godless place.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
After earning a living as a
freelance environmental scientist, writer and editor, Kelly Lyonns has evolved
into a creative writer. She cohabitates with three cats, two children and a
husband in a house so packed with character even the termites live next door.
Burning questions about ecological sustainability and how to tie a Regency
bodice, keep her on the internet deep into the night.
She enjoys tea, meditating,
Jane Austen, solar punk, science fiction, sculpting and science. She frequently
succumbs to the need to write. She rarely succumbs to the need to vacuum.
Connect with Kelly at:
Website: http://kalyonnswrites.weebly.com/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/KellyLyonnsAuthor/
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/kellylyonns
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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE
Kelly will be awarding a digital copy of The
Soldier's Woman to 5 randomly drawn winners via rafflecopter during the tour. Use the link below to enter.
Thanks for hosting!
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