Virtual Book Tour Dates: 5/12/14 to 5/26/14
Release Date: 5/12/14
Genres: Historical, Regency
When Lord Alec Carstairs returns from the Peninsular Wars, hailed as a hero in the midst of the London Season, only Annabelle Layton knows the sort of man that he really is, that the honor everyone praises is illusory.
They’d been close friends once, before a passionate kiss changed everything. But if she’d secretly loved him, those feelings had died one bright summer morning, when a reckless wager left Annabelle with terrifying injuries. Alec had abandoned her without a backwards glance.
Hardly the actions of a hero.
But Alec has never forgotten her, despite his vow to stay away. There is more to that long ago-day than Annabelle knows, and shocking lies have distorted the past. Can he uncover is painful truths, and still keep his distance from the stunning beauty? Can he deny his forbidden desire, even as it flares again between them, hotter than ever?
Excerpt:
Excerpt from Once Upon A Wager by Julie LeMense
Published by Crimson Romance (5/12/2014)
Impulsively,
Annabelle reached up and pressed her lips to his. Alec reared back in
surprise, but she clasped her arms around his neck, pulling him toward
her, unwilling to let go. His lips were warm. He smelled of sandalwood
still, and something spicy—shock, no doubt—but the feel of him was
glorious. His heartbeat was pounding against her chest, his hair silky
beneath her fingers. Even as he held his arms at his sides, refusing to
touch her, she pressed closer, trying to erase the distance between
them.
But
he was completely still, like a pillar of salt. His mouth was
unyielding, and she suddenly knew that he didn’t share her feelings. He
felt none of her longing. He was holding his breath, waiting for her to
be done.
Embarrassed, she slowly withdrew, easing her hands away, and then her lips.
Only
to have his arms clamp like manacles around her, pulling her flush
against him, trapping her there. She could feel the tension in his body,
everything about him tight and hard. He angled his head down, capturing
her mouth, a rush of wine-scented breath mingling with her own, making
her feel lightheaded and needy.
With
a low moan, he sucked at her lower lip until she opened her mouth, his
tongue slipping in, slick and insistent. Annabelle shuddered with the
intimacy of it, desperate to feel more of this new sensation as he
gathered her closer. He swept his hands along her waist, over the curve
of her hips, and down the swell of her backside, cupping her against
something heavy and hot. All the while, he explored her with his mouth,
as if she was something sweet and he craved the taste of her. Caught up
in her desire, she knew only that she’d never felt this way. She would
give him all of herself for the taking, if only he would ask.
But
then inexplicably, he stopped. With a muffled curse, he dropped his
arms and took several steps back. He crossed his hands behind him, as if
to keep them occupied, and watched her, his eyes hooded, his breathing
uneven.
How could he control himself so quickly? She still felt dizzy, as if she’d been drugged with laudanum.
“God above, I knew better,” he said. “I should have stayed as far away as possible.”
That cured her dizziness. Had she given him such a disgust of her, then?
“That should never have happened, Annabelle. It was wrong. Please, you need to go back inside.”
“I am sorry.” She could barely speak the words. “I suppose I’ve confirmed all of your worst assumptions.”
“I’m angry at myself, Annabelle, not at you. I took advantage.”
“If anything,” she said, watching him beneath her lashes, “I was the one who took advantage.”
“Do
you hear yourself?” His voice was sharp now, even pained. “Can you
understand why I have stayed away? You can’t tempt a man like that. I
warned you I’m not so honorable.”
“Is it such a bad thing to kiss me? I’ve wanted to kiss you as long as I can remember.”
For
several moments, he simply gazed at her, his face inscrutable. “Well,
then,” he said quietly. “We have kissed. You have indulged your
curiosity with no thought for the consequences. I don’t have that
luxury.”
He turned, vanishing into the darkness as she touched a hand to her lips, where she could still feel his kiss.
My review:
Five star
I love when a book lives up to the expectations I set! "Once Upon a Wager" by Julie Lemense did not disappoint. First, I loved the cover and I thought it fit the elegance of the heroine and the time period. Second I loved both the hero and the heroine and their perfect imperfections. Lord Alec Carstairs and
Annabelle Layton grew up as childhood friends (which I love). The whole insta-lust that takes over a romance novel doesn't play out as well, in my opinion. I loved the emotion behind both Alec and Annabelle and the feelings that they fought. They both had a lot of growing up to do and a lot of issues to resolved. I thought the writing was great and the story played out very well. I definitely recommend this sweet and well-written historical romance.
Buy Links:Annabelle Layton grew up as childhood friends (which I love). The whole insta-lust that takes over a romance novel doesn't play out as well, in my opinion. I loved the emotion behind both Alec and Annabelle and the feelings that they fought. They both had a lot of growing up to do and a lot of issues to resolved. I thought the writing was great and the story played out very well. I definitely recommend this sweet and well-written historical romance.
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
iTunes
About the Author:
Author Links:
Website http://www.onceuponawager.com/
Twitter https://twitter.com/julielemense
Giveaway:
Enter to win one of five $10 Barnes and Noble gift cards! The giveaway will run 5/12/14 to 5/26/14. These will need to be mailed so entry is restricted to the USA only, please!
Enter through Rafflecopter.
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