Books and Other Spells: JoMarie DeGioia

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. JoMarie will be awarding winner's choice of an eBook from Lachesis Publishing to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter at the end of this post.

Please note: This book is available for FREE everywhere it's sold -- buy links are at the bottom of this post, so grab yourself a copy!

Geoffrey Kane, Earl of Kanewood refuses to feel anything more than passion. Four years ago, his fiancée betrayed him and he has no desire to experience that again so when he meets the beautiful Rebecca Kingsley, it’s passion at first sight. And only passion.

Rebecca has led a very quiet life working for her father at a small country inn. When she meets Geoffrey she falls in love with him right away. But she’s only the daughter of a baronet and men like Geoffrey never marry country girls like her. Do they?

When Rebecca’s father tries to marry her off to a wealthy old man, Geoffrey intervenes and marries her himself. He wants her very much but he couldn’t possibly love her. Love is for fools. At least that’s what he tells himself. But a sinister enemy soon threatens to destroy all that Geoffrey holds dear, forcing him to face the truth. His marriage depends on it . . . And maybe even Rebecca’s very life.

Now enjoy an excerpt:

The Raven’s Inn was surprisingly elegant. The brick structure was trimmed with dark green, its long windows sparkling in the late afternoon sun. Rebecca Kingsley was straightening the beautifully-appointed parlor of the inn. Her father, Thomas, insisted that all the rooms look fine. His father had been a baronet, but all that was left of the family fortune, as it were, was the inn. As a younger man, he’d traveled in the social circles of the ton and claimed to know what the gentry and lesser folk alike looked for in food and lodging. Many travelers stopped at the inn, and they expected service and accommodations as fine as any in London, or so Rebecca’s father insisted.

At twenty years old, Rebecca had been working at the inn all of her life. Her mother died when Rebecca was just two, leaving no real memories. Thomas refused to speak of her and Rebecca had long since given up asking. The only thing he’d say was that she took after her mother in looks. This he always said in a gruff, affectionate manner that never failed to surprise her. She supposed she inherited her fair skin from her mother, that and her thick raven-black hair. She could never see anything of herself in Thomas.

He never really gave her much notice. She worked as hard as the servants at the inn, keeping her own room as well as half of the rest abovestairs. Mary, the chambermaid, took care of the other rooms as well as seeing to the guests’ personal needs. Rebecca served the morning and evening meals in the dining room, as well, along with Emmy. Emmy was funny and kind and a shameless flirt. She never hesitated to share her experiences with Rebecca, who couldn’t help but blush. She listened, though. Closely.

Rebecca was usually free to go about her own business after finishing her chores abovestairs. But this afternoon, she polished the candlesticks and dusted the furniture in the parlor. As usual, she wore her hair plaited in one long braid coiled at the back of her head. Her simple muslin gown was a few seasons old and well-suited to her task. She paused to gaze longingly out the window toward the stables out back. Beyond them, she could see the gently rolling hills over which she so loved to ride. If she didn’t have to see to the parlor today, she’d surely be out riding her black filly.

From her vantage point, Rebecca could see two figures walking out of the stable’s wide doors. One man was slight of stature and fell in step behind the other. The man in the lead was tall with broad shoulders and dressed in a brown coat and tan breeches. He walked with a long, easy stride. Sun glinted off hair she fancied the color of honey. He had a strong profile, and Rebecca couldn’t tear her gaze away from him. What color were his eyes?

“Fool,” she chided herself. She turned back to her work, flicking her dusting cloth in frustration.

I write Historical Romances with a touch of mystery and Contemporary Romances with a touch of home. I'm also working on a Young Adult Dystopian Fantasy/Adventure series and a hot Contemporary New Adult Romance.

I'm a member of Romance Writers of America, Space Coast Authors of Romance and From the Heart Romance Writers.

http://www.jomariedegioia.com/

https://twitter.com/JoMarieDeGioia

https://www.facebook.com/JoMarie.DeGioia.Author

BN http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/more-than-passion-jomarie-degioia/1111327290?ean=9781897562956

Kindle http://www.amazon.com/More-Passion-Dashing-Nobles-Series-ebook/dp/B0082JA4BQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1401151352&sr=8-1&keywords=more+than+passion

Kobo http://store.kobobooks.com/en-CA/ebook/more-than-passion-book-1-dashing-nobles-series

iBooks https://itunes.apple.com/ca/book/more-than-passion/id528445065?mt=11

a Rafflecopter giveaway

BLURB:

William Chesterton, the Earl of Chester, might be the perfect gentleman, but his feelings for Constance Bridgewater are anything but gentlemanly.

Constance Bridgewater, the daughter of the late Earl of Bridgewater, might be the perfect lady, but her feelings for the Earl of Chester are anything but ladylike.

They both know that if they were together, everything would be just perfect.

So what is keeping them apart?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT:

“You can’t deny the party last night was delightful, Constance.”

Constance read the extreme interest in her cousin Sarah’s countenance. Her eyes were almost wild.

“I believe I told you it was so,” Constance said.

“And what of the gentlemen there?” Sarah persisted. “Do you deny that you enjoyed dancing with them?”

Constance took a measured breath, keeping her pique from her own features. “Why ever would I deny that? I enjoyed myself immensely and fancied each gentleman who took my hand in his. There, are you satisfied?”

Sarah blew out a breath and leaned back. “You’re always satisfied.”

Diane Plymouth, their close friend, let out a sigh. “I’m not.”

Constance studied Diane, certain she had heard her incorrectly. “What do you mean, Diane?”

She waved a hand. “I’m unable to settle on a gentleman, I’m afraid. I want to marry and settle down, like our other friends have.”

Constance quelled her feelings. She so wanted that as well, but it wouldn’t do to appear as desperate as these two. It wasn’t in keeping with her image of the cool and perfect young society miss. This morning she was immensely chafed by that mantel.

“It’s a pity so many eligible men have been snatched from the marriage market.” Sarah sighed, then suddenly brightened. “There are still several left for the taking, Diane. Don’t give up hope.”

“True, but I don’t know where to set my cap,” Diane said. “I have a few men in mind, but I just can’t decide.”

Constance didn’t want to ask, she truly didn’t. Burning interest in the social swirl of the season was expected, however.

“Which gentlemen are you considering?” she asked Diane.

“Well, there are several,” Diane said, her eyes bright as she warmed to her topic. “Take Lord Kanewood’s circle.”

Sarah snorted. “Two down, two to go.”

Diane nodded. “I chose that particular group of gentlemen to demonstrate my sad state.”

“Really?” Constance said, curious despite herself. “Why those particular men?”

Sarah nodded, leaning forward. “They are such diverse gentlemen, in looks and temperament.”

“Exactly,” Diane said. “Take Lord Kanewood.”

“Yes, please,” Sarah put in.

Constance laughed. “He’s married, Sarah. And quite happily.”

Sarah grinned and nodded. “Yes, yes. Go on, Diane.”

“He’s the leader of their circle, commanding and very handsome. Yet he was caught.”

“And gone from the market.” Sarah sighed.

“Now, take Lord Leed,” Diane went on.

“Yes, please,” Sarah said again.

“Sarah,” Constance said with another laugh.

“Lord Leed,” Diane went on, her face dreamy now. “Dark and brooding and so . . .” She sighed.

“Yes,” Constance said. “Another gentleman happily married.”

“Oh, but Lord Roberts!” Diane gushed now. “He’s still available. And so charming and attentive toward me.”

“As he is toward most every lady.” Sarah pouted. “A girl can’t count on his charm to land on her alone.”

“But I’ve seen his sparkling gray eyes in my dreams,” Diane said.

Constance silently allowed that there wasn’t a more charming man of their acquaintance than Lord Roberts, not that she’d seen his particular eyes in her dreams. No. It was one particular pair of warm, brown eyes that made her body ache, in and out of her dreams. Not to mention his thick, blond hair. It looked so soft . . . she shook herself back to her boring, wakeful existence.

“Lord Roberts has gone to the country, Diane,” she said. “And will no doubt remain there for some time.”

“Yes, his father has reportedly taken ill,” Sarah said. “Pity that, though it might lead to an elevation in his station from viscount to earl.”

“Sarah!” Constance said. “How can you wish such sadness on Lord Roberts?”

“Oh, I don’t, not really,” Sarah said. “I just wish he was in town this season. He’s one of the few unattached gentlemen who draws my attention.”

“Your attention is drawn to every handsome face with a title and fortune,” Diane said. “I daresay I would take Lord Roberts with neither.”

Sarah snorted in obvious disbelief. “Be that as it may, he’s well and gone from London and we’ll have to set our caps for different gentlemen if we have any hope of marrying before this new season ends.”

The two other girls grew quiet, which unsettled Constance more than their chatter had. It was inevitable, the new course their conversation would take. She braced herself for the realization to strike the two of them.

“There is at least one who is available and quite attractive,” Diane said.

Constance’s hands fluttered in her lap and she fought to keep them still. “Which gentleman?” she asked, as if she didn’t know.

“Hmm, yes,” Sarah mused aloud. “There is always Lord Chester.”

And there it was. The mention of the very man Constance couldn’t get out of her mind. “L-Lord Chester?”

“Oh, yes, Lord Chester!” Diane cried. “He’s quite handsome and most pleasant. Though I can’t quite sketch a true picture of his character.”

Constance knew what she meant, for he was always so perfect in every social situation. Saying the right thing, dressed the right way, acting in the right manner. Aside from those blessed moments he’d held her in his arms at Leed Manor, that is.

“He has done work for Lord Kanewood. That is certain,” Sarah said. “During that business with the earl’s brother, at least.”

Diane shivered. “Horrid, that. Stealing funds and attempted murder?”

Sarah nodded, her eyes bright. “It’s rumored that Lord Chester has worked with the government, but no one can say in what capacity. He’s well-respected and his opinions count in Parliament. He’s affable and most pleasant, I’ll allow. Well-connected and wealthy, and welcome wherever he goes.”

“A perfect gentleman,” Diane concluded.

Constance could practically see the interest sparking in the girl’s mind. She wouldn’t let it smolder into flames of desire, however. Lord Chester wasn’t for Diane, or even Sarah for that matter. He was for her.

She alone had seen the dark glint of intent in those deep brown eyes of his as he stole glances at her from across the ballroom. She alone had encountered the tenseness of his firmly muscled body as he held her sedately during the dance. She alone had felt the impact of his intriguing smile, curved with heat instead of politeness as he’d nearly kissed her.

Yes, she knew there was far more to the Earl of Chester than the well-connected perfect gentleman. Far more.

And she would die before she let another lady steal him from her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

JoMarie DeGioia has been making up stories for as long as she can remember, and has spent years giving voice to the characters in her head. She’s known Mickey Mouse from the “inside,” has been a copyeditor for her town’s newspaper, and a bookseller. She writes Historical and Contemporary Romances, along with Young and New Adult Fantasy stories. She divides her time between Central Florida and New England. You can contact her at JoMarie@JoMarieDeGioia.com

Buy Link:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Dashing-Nobles-Series-ebook/dp/B00DDEH2OM

GIVEAWAY:

JoMarie will be awarding Loose Tea and chip nuts to two randomly drawn commenters during the tour.

The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: