Apr 15, 2021 | Barbara Devlin, Blog, Dirty Dozen
1. What is your must read book and why? The Green Mile by Stephen King. King is a masterful storyteller, but his real strength is his ability to create book ensembles and make you feel you’re part of the community.
2. If I visit your hometown, where am I going and what’s the best place to grab a bite? The Swiss Pastry Shoppe, hands down. Best bratwurst. Best tuna salad. Potato salad I’ve actually eaten as dessert because it’s that good. But they’re known for their black forest cake and their red velvet cake.
3. What is one thing readers would be surprised to know about you? I once held the state speed record in pursuit driving.
4. What is your guilty pleasure? I Love Lucy. I can recite the lines to every show.
5. What are you afraid of? I’m terrified of flying. I fly only first class—because I actually puked on a poor passenger once. I get on the plane and start drinking.
6. Tats or No Tats? If tats, how many and what did you choose for your first one? No tats. I don’t do needles unless necessary.
7. Binge watcher or weekly viewer? Which show(s)? Binge watcher, unless it’s Marvel. Can’t wait with Marvel. But I binge Jack Ryan.
8. If you could pick a book you’ve read and make it into a movie, which book would it be (besides yours 🙂 )? I’d love to see any of Nora’s In Death books made into movies.
9. What is the one thing you can’t live without? Coffee.
10. What’s the one career that gives you the shudders? Lion tamer.
11. If I opened up your handbag/bag/briefcase, what item would I be shocked to see? A beautiful nickel-plated Colt Python. It was my backup weapon, and it was a gift from my dad.
12. What app on your phone/ipad gets the most use? Gmail
A proud Latina, USA Today bestselling, Amazon All-Star author Barbara Devlin was born a storyteller, but it was a weeklong vacation to Bethany Beach, Delaware that forever changed her life. The little house her parents rented had a collection of books by Kathleen Woodiwiss, which exposed Barbara to the world of romance, and Shanna remains a personal favorite.
Barbara writes heartfelt historical romances that feature not so perfect heroes who may know how to seduce a woman but know nothing of marriage. And she prefers feisty but smart heroines who sometimes save the hero before they find their happily ever after.
Barbara is a disabled-in-the-line-of-duty retired police officer. She earned an MA in English and continued a course of study for a Doctorate in Literature and Rhetoric. She happily considered herself an exceedingly eccentric English professor, until success in Indie publishing lured her into writing, full-time, featuring her fictional knighthood, the Brethren of the Coast.
Currently, Barbara lives with her retired firefighter husband in the mountains of North Carolina. Connect with Barbara Devlin at BarbaraDevlin.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter, The Knightly News.
https://www.facebook.com/BarbaraDevlinAuthor/
https://twitter.com/barbara_devlin
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/barbara-devlin
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6462331.Barbara_Devlin
https://www.pinterest.com/follow/bdevlinauthor/
https://www.amazon.com/author/barbaradevlin
https://www.instagram.com/barbara.devlin/
Apr 13, 2021 | April 2021, Barbara Devlin, Blog, Exclusive Excerpt
The Accidental Duke (The Mad Matchmaking Men of Waterloo, Book 1) by Barbara Devlin, introduces us to heroes who are disabled war veterans grappling with re-entry back home and the struggle with an overwhelming impact that few have formally diagnosed. These early post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) cases affect the soldiers, families and loved ones. It’s hard to imagine a world where friends, family and strangers did not fully understand the impact the stress and strain of war had on the body. Or, the cruelty of “professionals” who thought they could cure the imperfection and get rid of the ghosts haunting those afflicted.
Every day struggles are insurmountable when no one understands the emotional toll on the returning soldiers. The painful memories emerge without warning, the impact for some can lead to life altering changes. For many, the ability to perform a simple daily task is almost impossible. Thanks to Barbara Devlin, we meet soldiers who are heroes on the battlefield, and return home to rediscover they are worthy of love if given the chance.
From the moment Anthony returns there are obstacles to overcome, overwhelmed from the pressure of family expectation and obligation unfolding. When the spare becomes the heir, all duties must be honored, including carrying on the family name and marrying. Anthony would rather be left alone, instead he will discover that despite all odds, his fiancé will be the one person whom he can rely on. If he can open up his heart to trust in Lady Arabella, her strength and courage will save him from the past and prove he is worthy of love now more than ever.
Lady Arabella is betrothed to a man she hardly knows and the urgency from family for this union is layered with deception. Assumptions that both the bride and groom will just go along with the plan and do as instructed is expected. In a world where women have no voice, Arabella will unlock hers fiercely. As with any great romance, she will uncover the real reason for Erasmus hesitancy and resistance. Will she call off the wedding or risk her life to be with him? Our heroine will prove her strength and willingness to stand up for what is right as she becomes an ally to a man who was convinced he’d never be accepted. Lady Arabella is a woman ahead of her time, one not to be challenged, and a blessing for Erasmus.
As with every Barbara Devlin book the devil is in the details, and it’s those details that keep you seated in your comfy chair from start to finish. From a delicate tryst, to bringing to light the earlier cases of cruel and sometimes inhumane treatment of PTSD, this story is captivating and full of everything you love in a historical romance. I’m looking forward to this new series, a brotherhood of war heroes where obstacles are overcome, betrayal is vindicated and friends fights for love.
All of our heroes have gone through unspeakable pain and trauma. The heroines who will give of themselves to the proud men are remarkable and worthy of your time reading these adventures. British Army Major Anthony Erasmus Hildebrand Bartlett and Lady Aarabella love story is one where innocence blossoms into a fiery passion, patience lends to new discoveries, and wisdom in uncovering the truth reveals a love like no other. A remarkable story and I am thrilled that this will make it’s way into readers e-books soon. I look forward to the next installment and hope you will too. 
This spicy read is best enjoyed with your favorite iced-beverage, a cozy chair, and maybe a fan.
I received an advance readers copy from the author for a fair and honest review.
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The Accidental Duke by Barbara Devlin releases April 14, 2021 and I have a sneak peak.
“Ah, the dessert arrives.” Papa clapped twice and stood. “Serve Lord Rockingham and Lady Arabella, first. And I will have a brandy.”
“Yes, my lord.” The butler set two glasses of syllabub and a plate of almond shortbread on the table.
“Feel free to dunk the shortbread in the syllabub.” To set an example, and put Anthony at ease, Arabella did as she bade him. “It is delicious, is it not?”
“Indeed.” When he leaned forward, she mimicked his movement. “But I prefer your sweet lips. Ah, you blush, and I adore that about you. Perhaps, now, you might tell me why your father stares at me as if I am a loose munition about to explode.”
“My lord, you seek to shock me with your bold statements, when I invited you here to show my parents that you are not mad, so please behave.” He halted mid-chew, and she gulped. “I do not mean to offend you, but should His Grace enact his dubious scheme, we may need my parents’ support. Given His Grace told my father that you are mentally unsound, I must prove otherwise. They must see for themselves that you are no different than anyone else.”
“And here I thought it was my estimable company you desired.” The frown returned, and she bit her tongue, because she did not want to hurt him. “You should have told me I was to perform, tonight. Pray, how am I to acquit myself, Lady Arabella?”
“Act natural, and do not be vexed, my lord.” She set down a piece of shortbread and reached across the table. To her relief, Anthony touched his fingers to hers. “Just be yourself, because your inclinations always do you credit, and we do this to ensure our future.”
“I can manage that, and you are wise beyond your years.” His professed confidence did not fool her for a second, given his pained countenance, and she longed to hug him. “But I submit this would be unnecessary if I still had my other arm. No one would question me. No one would view me as unfit, in any capacity. But because I am less than a man, I must be mad.”
“My lord, you must stop looking to the past, because your history is written and cannot be changed, but that does not mean that your destiny is set in stone and you are done on this earth.” Arabella chose her words carefully, because she honestly believed Anthony underestimated himself. “There is more to you than a single limb, and I would caution you not to define yourself by what you lack, because you are a better man than you realize. You need only stop looking over your shoulder and turn your eyes to the present and what looms on the horizon, to grasp the reins and charge forth.”
“You expect me to forget what I was once, because you flatter me?” His scowl indicated she angered him, when that was not her aim, so she sought to soften her response, at the first opportunity. “I am to ignore the life I enjoyed before the war?”
“My lord, you mistake me, given I suggested no such thing.” She quieted and smiled, when her father peered in her direction. For Anthony’s sake, they had to maintain the image of a normal, happy couple. “Please, I would not set myself at odds with you, when I am not the enemy. If we are to defeat His Grace, we must combine our efforts. As a partner, you should know that I would never stop fighting for you, should His Grace take you from me. Regardless of what he promises, no fortune, townhouse, or rank will sway me from my purpose, which is to defend my husband and the family we create.”
Again, he held her stare, and she could almost sense him tugging at her. Indeed, he wanted to hold her as she yearned to hold him.
“Formidable.” Narrowing his gaze, he shook his head. “You are formidable, Lady Arabella. If only we had your fortitude in France, we might have been home much sooner.”
“Do you mock me?” She was more than a little hurt at his perceived jest. “Because we are in serious trouble.”
“I thought so, when I arrived this evening, and I apologize for that.” Reaching for her, he toyed with her fingers. “But I am not so afraid, anymore. In fact, I believe we will be just fine.”
“How can you say that, when you know what His Grace intends?” Surreptitiously, she glanced at her parents, but they were diverted by their dessert. “Must confess the situation keeps me up at night, and I am consumed with your wellbeing.”
“Well, at least you are thinking of me, while you rest between the sheets.” Anthony waggled his brows. “There is that. But you need not worry, because I will speak with my father and sort out the matter.”
“How I wish I had known you, before the war.” Once again, the invisible but nonetheless potent connection drew her to him, and she studied his blue eyes, the clarity of which never failed to steal her breath. “When I am alone, I imagine such grandiose notions of you, not that you are any less a man, now, because I would argue quite the opposite. I think you brave and strong, every bit as formidable as you believe me.”
“Praise, indeed, my lady.” The mantel clock chimed the hour, and he pushed back his chair and stood. “It is late, and I should depart.”
“Must you?” She didn’t want him to leave. She wanted him with her, so she could protect him. “But you didn’t finish your syllabub, and you didn’t take a brandy with Papa.”
“I had quite enough, Lady Arabella.” To Mama and Papa, Anthony said, “Thank you, so much, for a lovely evening. Indeed, I cannot recall enjoying such a pleasurable meal and most excellent company.”
“We are honored you consented to join us.” Papa crossed the room and shook Anthony’s hand. “Your coach is parked at the curb, and I will see you to the door.”
“Oh, no, Papa.” Arabella shot to the fore. “Please, allow me to escort Lord Rockingham, given it is my duty.”
“I can deny you nothing, my dear child.” Papa chortled. “Perhaps, Lord Rockingham might accompany us to the Promenade, tomorrow.”
“What a wonderful idea.” Arabella bounced and peered at Anthony. “Say you will, my lord, else I shall be disappointed.”
“What man could resist such a request from his beautiful betrothed?” She gripped his arm, and he clucked his tongue. “Of course, I shall be too happy to escort Lady Arabella.”
“Then it is settled.” She drew Anthony into the hall. “I shall return in a moment, Papa.”
In the foyer, her fiancé glanced left and then right, before pulling her close. The kiss, hard and fast, did not appease her, and she held tight, while she made improper advances on his person. She didn’t think he would complain, given his encouragement.
When he ended the glorious tryst, she clung to him. Shaken and vulnerable, she held tight to the lapels of his coat and gasped for breath, as did he.
“You know, I am beginning to wonder why I ever objected to our marriage.” Anthony caressed her cheek with his thumb. “If I knew you could kiss like that, I should have insisted on hasty nuptials.”
*Excerpt approved by Barbara Devlin*
A proud Latina, USA Today bestselling, Amazon All-Star author Barbara Devlin was born a storyteller, but it was a weeklong vacation to Bethany Beach, Delaware that forever changed her life. The little house her parents rented had a collection of books by Kathleen Woodiwiss, which exposed Barbara to the world of romance, and Shanna remains a personal favorite.
Barbara writes heartfelt historical romances that feature not so perfect heroes who may know how to seduce a woman but know nothing of marriage. And she prefers feisty but smart heroines who sometimes save the hero before they find their happily ever after.
Barbara is a disabled-in-the-line-of-duty retired police officer. She earned an MA in English and continued a course of study for a Doctorate in Literature and Rhetoric. She happily considered herself an exceedingly eccentric English professor, until success in Indie publishing lured her into writing, full-time, featuring her fictional knighthood, the Brethren of the Coast.
Currently, Barbara lives with her retired firefighter husband in the mountains of North Carolina. Connect with Barbara Devlin at BarbaraDevlin.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter, The Knightly News.
https://www.facebook.com/BarbaraDevlinAuthor/
https://twitter.com/barbara_devlin
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/barbara-devlin
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6462331.Barbara_Devlin
https://www.pinterest.com/follow/bdevlinauthor/
https://www.amazon.com/author/barbaradevlin
https://www.instagram.com/barbara.devlin/
Apr 13, 2021 | April 2021, Barbara Devlin, Blog, Coffee With
Rae Latte: Welcome to the blog. I’ve got a Latte with Almond Coconut Milk and a drizzle of caramel in my mug. What’s in your cuppa?
Barbara Devlin: Well, I’m currently on a diabetes reversal program, so my indulgent lattes are over for a while. Now, I drink regular coffee with heavy cream. While it sounded a bit decadent at first, I’d kill for some nonfat or even low-fat milk, because the heavy cream almost overwhelms the coffee.
Rae: For readers not familiar with your work, please share a little bit about yourself and your previous work.
Barbara: I am a disabled-in-the-line-of-duty retired police officer, turned English professor, turned author. I started writing during my long recovery, based on a book I’d been reading about the Templar Knights. My Brethren of the Coast books are based on the widespread belief that the only surviving Templars were the mariners. All of the Regency books feature an epilogue with the Medieval Templar. I never planned to write their stories, but my readers decided otherwise.
Rae: During the height of the pandemic did your writing rituals change while researching and writing?
Barbara: If anything, during the pandemic, I’ve had much more time to research ideas for future series, and I’ve stumbled upon some fascinating historical personalities that I’m dying to explore for future books.
Rae: I devoured The Accidental Duke and love this band of brothers in your latest series. All of the heroes are disabled in the Battle of Waterloo and the woman who will capture their hearts are exceptional in their own rights. What inspired this series and the cast of characters we will meet?
Barbara: The Mad Matchmakers is an intensely personal series drawing on my firsthand experience with life-altering injury, permanent disability, recovery, and PTSD. I can’t begin to explain what it’s like to wake up, get dressed, eat breakfast, and go to work. Only at the end of your shift, you don’t come home. When you finally do make it home, your life as you knew it was over. I spent three years in rehab, enduring day after day of excruciating physical therapy as I watched the world go on without me. My wounded warriors face the same struggle to carve out a new life for themselves while constantly fighting the urge to look back to the past and their previous lives.
Rae: All of your books are layered with historical accuracy, and as always your books are thorough and precise. Did you face any challenges in your research regarding PTSD during this time period? What was your biggest obstacle while writing this book and the series? What hero do you connect with most?
Interestingly enough, PTSD was a widely studied condition during the Peninsular Wars. Only it was known as nostalgia or irritable heart. I read numerous articles written by Dominique Jean Larrey, primarily known as Napoleon’s personal physician. Larrey invented the first ambulance and most of our modern-day methodologies for trauma medicine. He revamped battlefield medicine, forming triage units that stabilized injured soldiers before transferring them to hospitals. But what most interested me was Larrey’s belief in treating the whole soldier. He recognized the mental toll war took on soldiers, and he wrote detailed recommendations for treatment, including a recommendation that soldiers be rotated off the line to let them rest mentally as well as physically. As for the biggest obstacle, I’d say it was my own memories. While writing this series has been cathartic, it has also been traumatic. It has forced me to relive some times I’d rather forget, and there were moments I had to step back and deal with my emotions before continuing. And I can’t say I relate to any one hero more than another, because each hero deals with various aspects I suffered during my lengthy recovery. In a sense, every one of them reflects a very intimate part of me. Of my journey on the other side of disability.
Rae: What is next on the horizon? Any teasers for future book adventures?
Barbara: Currently, I’m finishing the second book in my Mad Matchmakers of Waterloo series. I’m also developing a Regency take on Three Men and a Baby, involving a descendant of Moctezuma and Spanish royalty. My agent has had some interest, and I’ll let you know when I have any news.
Rae: Thank you so much for hanging out with me today. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series and look forward to hearing all the updates when you have them. Congratulations again on the release of The Accidental Duke, the first installment in The Mad Matchmakers Series that hits e-readers later this week. Readers be sure to check out my review and an exclusive excerpt later today.
A proud Latina, USA Today bestselling, Amazon All-Star author Barbara Devlin was born a storyteller, but it was a weeklong vacation to Bethany Beach, Delaware that forever changed her life. The little house her parents rented had a collection of books by Kathleen Woodiwiss, which exposed Barbara to the world of romance, and Shanna remains a personal favorite.
Barbara writes heartfelt historical romances that feature not so perfect heroes who may know how to seduce a woman but know nothing of marriage. And she prefers feisty but smart heroines who sometimes save the hero before they find their happily ever after.
Barbara is a disabled-in-the-line-of-duty retired police officer. She earned an MA in English and continued a course of study for a Doctorate in Literature and Rhetoric. She happily considered herself an exceedingly eccentric English professor, until success in Indie publishing lured her into writing, full-time, featuring her fictional knighthood, the Brethren of the Coast.
Currently, Barbara lives with her retired firefighter husband in the mountains of North Carolina. Connect with Barbara Devlin at BarbaraDevlin.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter, The Knightly News.
https://www.facebook.com/BarbaraDevlinAuthor/
https://twitter.com/barbara_devlin
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/barbara-devlin
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6462331.Barbara_Devlin
https://www.pinterest.com/follow/bdevlinauthor/
https://www.amazon.com/author/barbaradevlin
https://www.instagram.com/barbara.devlin/
Apr 23, 2018 | April 2018, Barbara Devlin, Blog
The Blood Reaver by Barbara Devlin is the sixth book in the Pirates of the Britannia and it’s fabulous! Get ready for the Pirates of the Coast to crossover into The Pirates of the Britannia. There is a whole lot of goodness packed in this high seas adventure. If you’re looking for a story of acceptance, defiance, and the ability to discover unconditional love one-click.
Rose Armistead is in need of safe travels home and must trust her future in a man she doesn’t know. Will the handsome stranger be of assistance or leave her stranded? The opening scene is genius and provides the reader with a glimpse of how strong Rose is, and how far she’s willing to go in order to keep those she cares for safe.
Turner Reyson is not usually concerned with damsels in distress. Yet, when he meets Rose, he’s compelled to help her. Can he control his feelings and do as promised? If so, all will be well. Ah, but where’s the fun in that ;).
Alas, with Barbara Devlin at the helm, Rose is bound to discover a side of Turner that few have seen. What happens proves why Barbara is a master storyteller and why your reading adventure is worth every penny. I especially loved the playfulness between Rose and Turner, the intimacy, and their encounter at the mess table towards the end of the story is memorable. The chemistry burned slow and hot for a pint sized treat.
If you love the Pirates of Britannia and those sexy Pirates of the Coast, you will not be disappointed. I give this story four flames of heat.
Be sure to read The Extra Shot this week for an EXCLUSIVE excerpt now!
Scorchin – Caution, may lead to unexpected need to turn on the A/C.
I received this ARC from the author for a fair and honest review. Hurry now and one-click your copy here. You’ll have it in just a short while!
Author Info:
USA Today bestselling, Amazon All-Star author Barbara Devlin was born a storyteller, but it was a weeklong vacation to Bethany Beach, Delaware that forever changed her life. The little house her parents rented had a collection of books by Kathleen Woodiwiss, which exposed Barbara to the world of romance, and Shanna remains a personal favorite.
Barbara writes heartfelt historical romances that feature not so perfect heroes who may know how to seduce a woman but know nothing of marriage. And she prefers feisty but smart heroines who sometimes save the hero before they find their happily ever after.
Barbara is a disabled-in-the-line-of-duty retired police officer, and she earned an MA in English and continued a course of study for a Doctorate in Literature and Rhetoric. She happily considered herself an exceedingly eccentric English professor, until success in Indie publishing lured her into writing, full-time, featuring her fictional knighthood, the Brethren of the Coast.
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Apr 22, 2018 | April 2018, Barbara Devlin, Blog, The Extra Shot
Welcome to The Extra Shot, a weekly Sunday post featuring EXCLUSIVE content from Authors who have books releasing in the near future.
Books I Love A Latte is a book review blog focusing primarily on the romance genre, fiction, and women’s fiction. In addition, we periodically review products to keep you organized and more productive as writers and readers.
Stay connected with Rae Latte and Books I Love A Latte for Book Reviews, Excerpts, Teasers, Coffee With (Interviews), Giveaways, Authors Dish, Book Sales, and other Tasty Tidbits.
Today you’ll find an EXCLUSIVE excerpt from The Blood Reaver by USA Today Bestselling Author Barbara Devlin to jump start your week along with a fabulous giveaway too! This is the sixth book in the Pirates of the Britannia series where the Pirates of the Coast crossover into The Pirates of the Britannia. Discover a whole lot of goodness in this new adventure.
One quick note, the pre-order price of The Blood Reaver releases is $2.99 so be sure to one-click your copy now readers, release day is April 24th!
Be sure to stop by the blog tomorrow for my review on The Blood Reaver, you don’t want to miss this exciting installment in the Pirates of the Britannia series!
Official Back Blurb:
After her father and her older brother die of an infectious fever, and an unscrupulous sea captain abandons Rose Armistead in Port Royal, Jamaica, she must find safe passage home. When she meets a handsome mariner with his own ship, in an establishment of ill repute, she pays him to carry her, her mother, and her younger brother to Charles Town. But the man she considers her savior hides a dark secret, and it may destroy her. Can Rose accept her man’s true identity and find love?
When a beautiful woman walks into the most notorious brothel in Port Royal, Turner Reyson, a cunning pirate known as the Blood Reaver, offers his assistance, because he wants her in his bunk, but he conceals the nature of his business, as he casts off. At sea, Rose displays a peculiar ability to spot prize and booty, and his suspicious crew declares her the Lady of Fortune, which places her in a perilous position, when they insist on keeping her aboard ship. Playing two sides of the same coin, Turner must win his woman or risk mutiny, which would endanger her and her family. Can the Blood Reaver save Rose?
Chapter One
March, 1680
It was not the most ideal introduction, to meet a beautiful young woman at the wrong end of a three-barrel flintlock pistol, which she stole from an unoccupied table, while the owner got his nutmegs sucked. Garbed in a fancy blue dress, with a matching ruffled contraption on her head, she did not belong in one of the most violent brothels in Port Royal. Biting her bottom lip, she adjusted the gun in her grip, belying the fact that she possessed little if any experience with weapons, and crept further into the whorehouse.
“Hello.” Her hand shook, as she took aim at the crowd, in general. “I do not wish to be rude or cause trouble, but someone stole my trunk, which was sitting in front of this fine establishment, while I asked for directions, and I would like the return of my belongings, please.”
A fiddler screeched a bawdy tune, as several cup-shots took a flyer with a rough collection of three-penny uprights, in the back. At the bar, Turner Reyson, a pirate known on the high seas as the Blood Reaver, studied the pretty bit o’ fluff, while everyone else ignored her, downed his rum, dragged his sleeve across his mouth, and navigated the tables, to get a closer look at his potential prey, given he had yet to fill his bed. Just as he drew near, she cocked the pistol, pointed toward the ceiling, closed her eyes, scrunched her face, and pulled the trigger.
The shot echoed, and she started and shrieked, as quiet fell on the bordello.
Halting in his tracks, he snickered and waited to see what she did for an encore, but if she were half as spirited between the sheets, he would be a happy man.
“I beg your pardon.” She cleared her throat, as he moved behind her, for close inspection. From beneath her bonnet, he spied sweet little brown curls at the nape of her neck, and his fingertips itched to toy with a thick lock. “I am so sorry to disturb you, but I must have my things.” She stepped forward, and Turner splayed his arms to part his fellow buccaneers. “Now, my mother and my brother wait for me, outside, and I cannot leave without recovering my property.”
“Watch out, men.” Turner chuckled, given the chit’s moxie. “I would rather set sail on a Friday, with a Jonah, than tangle with an armed, angry woman.” To hoots and hollers, he raised his hands. “Come on, swabs, humor the little lady.”
In unison, the motely crew of raiders and whores parodied his stance and howled with laughter.
“But, I am serious.” She peered over her shoulder, and he glimpsed glorious blue eyes and lush red lips he could not wait to sample. “I must recover my trunk.” She waved the pistol in the air. “Whoever took it should be ashamed, because it is wrong to steal.”
“Can you describe the item in question?” a grey-haired salt asked, in a mocking timbre.
“Yes.” The pistol fired, and she screamed, when a lantern shattered above the bar, and Red Doyle, the bartender, ducked for cover, along with everyone else. In that moment, she glanced at Turner. “Did I do that?”
“Aye.” He nodded and bit his tongue against a guffaw, as she struggled with the weight of the weapon, and he did not want her angry with him. “Be careful, before you hurt yourself or someone else.”
“Oh, dear.” With a lethal pout, which he wagered could bring the most ornery pirate to his knees, she addressed Doyle. “I hope you are all right, but I seek my trunk, which is made of camphor wood, with red painted leather, featuring floral motifs, and the initials RA on the top.”
“Lady, Skip Peterson has it, and he’s over there.” Doyle pointed to the offending party, and she marched forth, with Turner in her wake. “He’s the one in the floppy black hat.”
“Aw, come on, Doyle.” Perched atop the trunk in question, Skip pounded his fist on the table. “Finders, keepers.”
“How dare you take my things.” The fascinating creature stomped a foot. “You could at least display a modicum of contrition, because you stole my trunk, and I insist you give it back, this instant.”
“Oh?” Skip stood and rotated to face her. “Who is going to make me?” He surveyed her from top to toe, and Turner could almost read the thief’s thoughts. “You?”
“Peterson, carry the trunk outside, and put it where you found it.” Turner folded his arms. “Now.”
“I didn’t know she was with you, Reyson.” Peterson scratched his temple and shuffled his feet. Then he smacked another tar. “Here, now. Give me a hand with the lady’s trunk.”
“You swiped it.” The burley swab chuckled. “So, you may ask my arse, because it is not worth the fight.”
“Oh, all right.” With a grimace, Peterson hefted the fancy coffer. “Where do you want it?”
“Where I left it.” Despite her frippery, the wench showed courage, as she tapped her foot. “And have care with my property, as the trunk was a gift from my father.”
“My lady, I am your most humble servant.” Of course, Peterson taunted her, but she appeared oblivious. “What else do you require? Shall I wipe your—”
“Please, do not be crude, as I would conclude this most irksome business, posthaste.” At the entrance, Peterson continued outside, but she paused, set the weapon on the table, from where she claimed it, faced the crowd, and smiled. “Thank you, so much, for your cooperation. You have been very kind.”
To Turner’s disgust, a couple of buccaneers actually stood and saluted her. As she stepped into the sunlight, a cheer erupted from the brothel, and he cursed under his breath.
At the roadside, a portly woman withered beneath a frilly parasol and fanned herself, while a young lad lingered at her side, and both eyed Turner with a healthy dose of scrutiny absent in their fetching relation, to her detriment, because he presented a very real threat to her.
Without acknowledgement, Peterson dumped the chest and brushed past Turner, and he gave his attention to the skirt.
“I see you found your things.” The scamp scowled at Turner. “Who is this gentleman?”
“I am no gentleman.” Turner actually took offense to the mere suggestion, as it left a foul taste in his mouth. “And you should not insult me, when I extended my support to the lady.”
“Oh, I almost forgot about you.” She blinked. Now that hurt, because he had no trouble filling his bunk. “Clinton, mind your manners, because this gentle—nice man supported my cause, and I owe him a debt of gratitude, which we are honor-bound to discharge.”
“I have no interest in your gratitude or your honor.” At the end of his tether, Turner folded his arms, planted his feet, and wondered how long it would take him to get between her thighs. “Well, are you going to tell me your name, or am I to guess?”
“Forgive my impudence, sir, but it has been a rather taxing day, and I am a tad out of sorts.” She squared her shoulders. “I am Rose Armistead, this is my mother, Bettine Armistead, and this is my brother, Clinton Armistead. We are pleased to make your acquaintance.”
“I am not.” Clinton narrowed his stare. “And I shall be hanged before I claim otherwise.”
“Clinton.” As her cheeks shaded red, Rose compressed her lips and then met Turner’s gaze. “My apologies, as my brother has been unwell and is still recovering. To whom do I owe my thanks, good sir?”
“I am neither good nor a sir, and you would do well to remember that.” Just as he prepared to inform her of his true occupation, he reconsidered his tack, given his pirate name would inspire more fear than confidence. “I am Captain Turner Reyson.”
“A captain?” Rose clasped her hands beneath her chin and bounced on her toes. “Can it be possible that fortune smiles upon us, after our difficulties, of late? Are you by chance master of a ship, Captain Reyson?”
“Aye.” He nodded once, more than a little confused by her expression, as he revisited the niceties and the proper address she would expect from a regular seaman. “I command the Malevolent, Miss Armistead.”
“Mama, our prayers are answered.” To his surprise, Rose briefly clasped his forearm and then withdrew. “Captain Reyson, might I hire you to take us home, to Charles Town, in His Majesty’s Province of Carolina? I can pay you well.”
“I am not a transport service, Miss Armistead, though I might be persuaded.” In truth, the idea appealed to him, because a lot could happen in the close confines of his brigantine, and he needed the money, but there was another reason that swayed his position. If he sailed north, he could launch a surprise attack, given most pirates embarked from the south, on a galleon loaded with gold, bearing east from the Spanish Main. “First, I would know how you arrived in Port Royal, because you do not belong here. And if I were to deliver you home, what would you pay me?”
“Ours is a sad tale, Captain Reyson.” With her hand, she shielded her face, and he admired her flawless skin of pure ivory. “My family journeyed to Alicante, so my father could open new trade relationships for Charles Town. During our stay, he became ill with an infectious fever, which later struck my elder brother, and both perished.”
“I am sorry to hear that.” Given the vast markets exchanged in the Spanish port city, he concluded her family must possess great wealth, which further stimulated his interest. “So, what brought you here?”
“Although my father arranged return passage, we missed the departure, due to his failing condition, and I was left to secure alternative travel for myself, my mother, and my younger brother, after burying our loved ones, in Spain. On the recommendation of an acquaintance, we hired Captain Donat.” With a trembling chin, and a furrowed brow, she frowned. “After paying full fare, for three passengers, we set sail aboard the Sea Serpent. A sennight into the voyage, we discovered the captain carried human cargo, which we do not support, so he put us off in Port Royal, while he conducted business, and refused to refund any portion of our money. Thus, we are at your mercy, and I beg you to consider my request.”
“What did Donat charge to deliver you from Alicante to Charles Town?” Turner mulled the possibilities and associated cost. Since he missed his last mark, due to foul weather, he had to find something to satisfy his crew’s thirst for booty. “And what sort of accommodations do you require, because options are limited aboard the Malevolent.”
“We will take whatever you provide and be glad of it, Captain Reyson.” Rose reached for her mother’s hand. “And we paid five pounds sterling, each, for myself and for my mother, and two pounds and ten shillings for Clinton, as is the usual rate, or so I am told. However, I am unwilling to pay more than half, up front, given Captain Donat took advantage of us, so I shall remit the remainder of our fare upon our arrival in Charles Town.”
“You are a shrewd negotiator, Miss Armistead.” As much as he hated to admit it, she gained a measure of respect, because she did not cower in the face of adversity. Where most women would cry and yield to hysterics, in similar circumstances, Rose simply sought another course of action, which included the none-too-smart but audacious invasion of a whorehouse rife with cutthroats and pirates. “Allow me to suggest the Port Royal Inn, where you can take rooms for the night and enjoy a decent meal. In the morning, meet me at the docks.”
“Does that mean you will help us?” Given her smile, there was little he would not do for her, and he promised to weigh anchor in her, no doubt, uncharted territory, before the journey’s end. “You will take us home?”
Inclining his head, he winked. “Miss Armistead, you got yourself a ship.”
. 
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Authors Dish
USA Today bestselling, Amazon All-Star author Barbara Devlin was born a storyteller, but it was a weeklong vacation to Bethany Beach, Delaware that forever changed her life. The little house her parents rented had a collection of books by Kathleen Woodiwiss, which exposed Barbara to the world of romance, and Shanna remains a personal favorite.
Barbara writes heartfelt historical romances that feature not so perfect heroes who may know how to seduce a woman but know nothing of marriage. And she prefers feisty but smart heroines who sometimes save the hero before they find their happily ever after.
Barbara is a disabled-in-the-line-of-duty retired police officer, and she earned an MA in English and continued a course of study for a Doctorate in Literature and Rhetoric. She happily considered herself an exceedingly eccentric English professor, until success in Indie publishing lured her into writing, full-time, featuring her fictional knighthood, the Brethren of the Coast.
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Mar 2, 2018 | Authors Dish, Barbara Devlin, Blog, Harper Kincaid, March 2018, Rebecca Norinne
Welcome to Authors Dish where your favorite authors are sharing what they are reading. C’mon, even authors have a stash too!
In addition, if you enjoy reading their books they have suggestions for similar book adventures by other authors. It doesn’t get better than that!
Today in the cafe are USA Today Best Selling Author Barbara Devlin, Harper Kincaid, and USA Today Best Selling Author Rebecca Norinne.
Rae: Who are you reading?
Barbara Devlin: Currently on my bedside table is dog-eared copy of Marcel Proust’s Swann’s Way, specifically Part II, Swann in Love. I read Part I, Combray, and Part III, Place-Names, in grad school, but I’d never gone back and read the second part.
Harper Kincaid: My TBR list is ridiculous. An easier question is whom did I leave out? I read almost everything, in and out of romance.
Just finished Lynne Silver’s The Breeder – her new title with Carina. I don’t usually like dystopian anything, and I still really liked this one. But Lynne can write about love in a prison and it would work!
Rebecca Norinne: I can’t believe I’m admitting this, but I currently have 642 unread books on my Paperwhite. I used to read over 100 books a year, but that’s slowed down quite a bit with my current writing schedule. Still, I do love reading and try to carve out time for it whenever I can. My favorite reads from 2017 included books from Melanie Harlow, Kristen Callihan, Emma Chase, and Sierra Simone. More recently, I loved Sarina Bowen‘s Man Hands and Billionaire, and I can’t wait for Penny Reid‘s Marriage of Inconvenience. I also have a not-so-secret love of Regency romances, and I will pre-order anything Maya Rodale ever writes.
Rae: If readers are a fan of your books, who should they consider reading?
Barbara Devlin: Well, that depends on the context. If you’re asking me for recommendations based on books similar to mine, I’d say there are none, because I’m the only Barbara Devlin, and no one writes like me. My voice is my own. However, I do have some very close author friends who are like me in that they are self-assured women with a strong sense of themselves, which shines through their stories. Of course, I have to recommend anything by Kat Le Veque, because she has a unique voice and prose, which fills her medieval worlds. Then there’s Tina De Salvo, who puts so much of her soul into her wonderful Second Chance novels that you can hear that Louisiana twang as you flip the pages. Then there are the Dog Walker Mysteries by the late Judi McCoy. Judi was my longtime mentor and critique partner, and I loved her dearly. I still miss her weekly phone calls, and the last book she dedicated to me, Till Death Do Us Bark, still sits on my desk, as inspiration.
Harper Kincaid: If your a fan of Harper Kincaid consider these authors… Lucy Parker, Vi Keeland, Melanie Moreland, Penelope Ward :).
Rebecca Norinne: People who are into my sports romance series also pick up books by Sarina Bowen, Amy Andrews, Sawyer Bennett, and Sara Ney, to name a few. Since these are all authors I personally enjoy reading, I consider myself in good company. Because my non-sports books jump around a bit in subject matter, it’s a bit harder to nail down just a few recommendations, but you can’t go wrong with Lauren Blakely, K. Bromberg, Christy Pastore, and A.L. Jackson. My latest series is set in a small, fictional wine country town, so if that’s more your thing, you’re in luck!
Rae: Thank you so much authors! Let me know dear readers if you try any of these books. I’ll see you next week – same time for new authors and more fun!
** Author Bios **
Barbara Devlin: USA Today bestselling, Amazon All-Star author Barbara Devlin was born a storyteller, but it was a weeklong vacation to Bethany Beach, Delaware that forever changed her life. The little house her parents rented had a collection of books by Kathleen Woodiwiss, which exposed Barbara to the world of romance, and Shanna remains a personal favorite.
Barbara writes heartfelt historical romances that feature not so perfect heroes who may know how to seduce a woman but know nothing of marriage. And she prefers feisty but smart heroines who sometimes save the hero before they find their happily ever after.
Barbara is a disabled-in-the-line-of-duty retired police officer, and she earned an MA in English and continued a course of study for a Doctorate in Literature and Rhetoric. She happily considered herself an exceedingly eccentric English professor, until success in Indie publishing lured her into writing, full-time, featuring her fictional knighthood, the Brethren of the Coast.
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Harper Kincaid: Born in California and raised in South Florida, Harper Kincaid has moved around like a gypsy with a bounty on her head ever since. For years, she was a jill of all trades and a master of none, but is now tickled hot pink to pen stories that break and mend people’s hearts for a living. Kincaid believes seduction occurs from the neck up, which is why her characters are smart, sexy, and slightly quirky – and definitely worthy to be your next hard-core book crush.
When not writing, she adores listening to indie, lo-fi, complaint rock played on vinyl, the theater, well-informed optimism, happy endings (both kinds), and making those close to her laugh ’til they snort. She is a self-admitted change junkie, loving new experiences and places, but has now happily settled in the cutest lil’ town, Vienna, Virginia.
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Rebecca Norinne: USA TODAY bestselling author Rebecca Norinne writes steamy contemporary romance featuring strong, determined heroines and sexy, dominant heroes. If you love books filled with heart, heat, and happily-ever-afters, she’s got a story for you.
When not writing, Rebecca is watching rugby, drinking craft beer, and traveling the globe in search of inspiration for her next story. She lives in Dublin, Ireland, with her husband, but is originally from California.
You can reach Rebecca at [email protected] or at any of the social media sites listed below. You can also subscribe to her newsletter by clicking here.
