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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.”
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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/
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/kellylyonns
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GIVEAWAY
Kelly will be awarding a digital copy
of The Soldier's Woman to 5 randomly drawn winners via rafflecopter during the
tour.
Thanks for hosting!
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